Skincare

Editor’s picks: 4 Skincare solutions in our beauty bag this month

21.10.2019

By Wei Yeen Loh

Editor’s picks: 4 Skincare solutions in our beauty bag this month

For your upcoming #PaydayPurchase, invest in some skincare goodies to keep your body’s largest organ taut and glowing in good health with the help of water- and oil-based moisturisers (for oily and sensitive skin), La Prairie’s latest eye serum, and an anti-pollution essence for added skin protection.

If you’re thinking of treating yourself with something a little more decadent, check out this new serum that’s packed with legendary ingredients of miraculous properties, or perhaps indulge in one of these skin-renewing facial treatments.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Eye Lift

“10,000 times. That’s how frequently, on average, we blink in a day. Which is why, over time, we experience signs of ageing and the obvious loss of elasticity around the delicate eye area. I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t take eye serums too seriously until my late 20s and seeing the difference they make, has kept me on my toes for the latest and most innovative options in the market.

“For now, Skin Caviar Eye Lift is probably as deluxe as it gets when it comes to eye serums. At the forefront of tasteful innovation, La Prairie has once again upped its game, this time, with an ultra luxurious eye serum, which comes in an elegant dual-chamber filled with its iconic caviar beads on one side, and a tourmaline-pink gel-cream emulsion in another. I like that these formulas are intentionally kept separate to maintain its purity, and only freshly blended with every pump.

“The delicate scent and texture are as delightful as it makes you feel after every application and the results, even better. Smoother skin, visibly less fine lines and reduced puffiness sound like a long shot, but from my two-week experience, not too much to ask from this miracle worker.” – Terry Saw, Editor-in-Chief

La Prairie Skin Caviar Eye Lift, RM1,710 for 20ml

Kiehl’s Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream

“Before I begin, let me answer the first question you might be thinking—yes, this is the same cream that was discontinued after its release back in 2017. The reason back then being the product was not up to its high-quality standards; though customers who already had a tub and faced no discomfort could still continue using it.

“Good news: Kiehl’s Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream is back and it’s a winner in our books. Made from 99.6 per cent naturally derived ingredients, including New Zealand Manuka honey and Korean red ginseng root extracts, the revitalising moisturiser is formulated to ‘renew skin for smoother texture and healthy radiance’. Truth! I personally love Manuka honey (be it to go with my tea or as a beauty product) and am a believer of its healing properties.

“I’ve incorporated this to my evening routine and I like how that the scent isn’t overwhelming (despite the honey and ginseng.) The texture is slightly heavy upon application, but absorbs beautifully within a few minutes and leaves no sticky residue. You only need a small amount and the unique tub makes sure of that with a very interesting dispenser—just press, hold and slide your finger across a slit to dispense.

“What I usually do after is warm the cream on the palms of my hands before gently massaging it into my skin in an upwards motion. The skin looks radiant and feels firmer instantly; and I feel less guilty sleeping in an air-conditioned room, knowing the moisturiser is working its magic: rebuilding a stronger skin barrier, moisturising and renewing my skin’s vitality. 10/10.” – Rachel Au, Editor

Kiehl’s Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream, RM 264 for 50ml

Aesop Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator

“Trying to find a moisturiser that doesn’t clog your pores or cause an inflammation to your ultra-sensitive skin—all while keeping it thoroughly moisturised all-day long is trickier than solving complex calculus. But Aesop’s new snazzy-named hydrator is making that journey less arduous with a formulation that’s tailored especially for sensitive skin users.

“First thoughts: it looks like a cream from the jar, but the water-based texture is incredibly fluid and lightweight. It sinks into the skin pretty quickly, and doesn’t feel greasy so it’s perfect for day and night. The scent is a refreshing medley of botanicals thanks to two new ingredients to Aesop: a green microalgae (Dunaliella Salina Extract) and daffodil bulbs extract to soothe irritation and redness.

“Half a day down and a grease-less T-zone in sight. While some of the dryer parts of my face needed another layer of this to really lock in the moisture, those with oily/sensitive skin type might find it adequate in keeping sebum at bay while maintaining skin’s hydration levels. A keeper if you’re on the hunt for a moisturiser that won’t break you out.” – Loh Wei Yeen, Beauty Editor

Aesop Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator, RM200 for 60ml

Sothys Detox Energie Protective Depolluting Essence

“The haze in KL may be gone for now, but one thing’s staying in my skincare routine: this little daily weapon from Sothys’ Detox Energie range that’s packed with organic elderberry, Siberian ginseng root extract and detoxifying peptides. Thing is, outdoor pollution may be a given, but did you know that indoor air can be just as polluted—if not worse?

“At first, I was a bit skeptical about the Protective Depolluting Essence—I mean, do I really need another step before/after my moisturiser? What’s the difference if I’m already slapping on serum prior, right? Well, because neither of the two acts as a shield against environmental aggressors, that’s why. As per instructions, I used this after my day cream in the morning as a protective barrier and at night, before my moisturiser to strengthen my skin’s fight against pollution.

“My initial concern of adding this step was that my skin might feel ‘heavier’ than usual but surprise, surprise, there was no difference except for an extra dose of hydration—and what’s there to complain about that? It enveloped my skin in a light, comforting veil and didn’t feel sticky at all (pro tip: use gentle tapping motions to apply). Personally, the only drawback for me is the strong floral-musky scent that lingers for quite a while; otherwise, it’s pretty much the perfect anti-pollution armour your skin can ask for.” – Joanna Pinto, Special Projects Editor

Sothys Detox Energie Protective Depolluting Essence, RM290 for 30ml

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