Having combination skin can be a total bitch. You can’t use anything too heavy for fear of breaking out, yet products catered for oily skin are often too drying. It’s a nightmare finding moisturizers with not only the right level of hydration but also the right texture to ensure that the complexion stay balanced all day.
Niche green beauty brand, Farmacy hails from the States and completely knocked our socks off with their Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer. Their formulas contain their signature patent-protected variant of Echinacea Purpurea, GreenEnvy™ which delivers a high concentration of the phytochemical Cichoric Acid. It is also mixed with the healing benefits of honey and a deeply hydrating triple hyaluronic acid complex. Impressive ingredients list aside, its cream-gel texture is the perfect texture, sinking into the skin quickly, while still leaving the skin plump and moisturized. We are also obsessed with the cute hexagonal jar and wooden lid, that is magnetized so that you will never lose the metal spatula it comes with. Great to use day and night, this honey-based cream laced with Cupuaçu butter beads is an absolute godsend for anyone with dehydrated, combination skin types.
Tarte’s concealers have attained a worldwide cult status, especially after the release of Shape Tape, which sadly, has yet to make its way to Singapore shores yet. Fret not because they have revamped their beloved Maracuja Creaseless Concealer (previously in a tube format) and somehow made it even better!
Besides expanding the shade range to 43 colours, with varying undertones, the concealer now comes with a convenient doe-foot applicator and a brand new look that we’re loving. Beyond that, the formula has boosted coverage and added moisture thanks to the maracuja oil. We’re absolutely obsessed with how dewy and skin-like the finish is, without sacrificing an ounce of coverage. Great for dry under eyes! Dark circles immediately disappear and miraculously, the under eyes still look fresh, hydrated and never cakey. The ultra creamy formula works well with both fingers and a brush. Did we mention zero creasing? We recommend setting it with a light dusting of powder for oily-skinned peeps, but this seamless formula has us shook!
When it comes to loose powders, it’s hard to impress us. There are so many things to consider, from the texture of the powder to the convenience of the packaging. Often times, we tend to opt for a pressed compact version just for ease of use and some basic light setting. Yet the benefits of loose powder greatly outweighs the messier method of delivery. The powder is often more finely milled and it sets makeup unlike any other. And of course, BAKING.
Enter Marc Jacobs Finish Line Perfecting Coconut Setting Powder! A product this good certainly warrants a name as long as this one. Ultra fine and buttery smooth, you won’t even feel as if you are applying anything on your face. The yellowish powder sets and mattifies your face without ever looking cakey or too dry. It wears beautifully throughout the day, keeping oils at bay while never exacerbating fine lines. Pores are also blurred for the ultimate soft-focus look. The powder is dispensed through a netting, preventing any messes and overapplication. Did we mention that it smells like a tropical destination?
Sometimes curiosity gets the better of us and we are swapping out products in our skincare routine like there’s no tomorrow. We’re constantly excited about trying new products that often times, it leads to sensitized skin and delivers a negative reaction instead. In those times, we need to go back to basics and focus less on actives, more on restoring your compromised skin to its original state.
Dermalogica’s Barrier Defense Booster is something that everyone can use in their skincare stash. This concentrated yet lightweight oil nourishes the skin, relieves dryness and reinforces barrier integrity against future irritation. It’s packed with omega fatty acids to restore the skin’s lipid barrier, making it stronger in the long run. A host of plant oils including the ultra-soothing oat kernel oil and replenishing rice bran oil balances and strengthens the skin. Add a few drops to your moisturizers or even your foundation for a dewy finish, it’s a must-have in your skincare arsenal.