Looking for a good moisturiser that’s best for this climate? The EL team reviews hydrating serums, face creams, and some of the best moisturisers in Singapore. Read on for the lowdown!
Bema Nature Up Nourishing Organic Face Mask, $37
“I have been enjoying reviewing Bema Nature Up products as they live up to their promises, which means the brand feels trustworthy. Bema is an Italian company and their products have no added nasties like parabens, preservatives or silicon. So you should definitely give them a go if you have sensitive skin.
I love how the gentle face mask has a soft, bubble-gum texture. After washing your face (I always wash twice to make sure everything is gone), I put on a thick layer and leave it for 15 minutes. It doesn’t get stiff like some masks do; it retains a soft texture – and it smells amazing! Then, I wash it off with warm water, and the result is great. My skin looks more dewy and hydrated, and even a tad brighter.
I try to do this mask three times a week as I feel my skin needs a bit of extra love, especially when I’m feeling more stressed. The formula also promises to boost collagen production with time, so it’s a great one to add to your anti-ageing regime. I will definitely continue using this as part of my skincare routine.”
– Susan Knudsen-Pickles
Porcelain Essentials HA+ Hydrating Serum, $198
“This was my first time trying out homegrown brand Porcelain and I must say that I’ll definitely be trying out the other skincare products from their range! I really loved using the HA+ Hydrating Serum, which is a lightweight, water-based serum that always leaves my face feeling so refreshed. I have sensitive skin and this did not break me out at all. There was no sticky residue and it instantly absorbed into my skin upon application.
I was surprised that it helped to lighten the dark eye circles I’ve been having thanks to the recent late nights. It has also helped to hydrate and soften my skin with daily use. I’m super impressed; this is my new holy-grail product!”
– Siti Shahirah
Sense De Belle Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser, $68
#02-02 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road
“At first I was a little sceptical as this product comes in a small, see-through pump bottle and the cream is blue in colour. But after trying it, I realise how much I’d underestimated this little product – it packs a proper punch!
The Sense De Belle in-house moisturiser does exactly what it promises – it hydrates your skin. Having two active girls, I’m always out in the sun, and I do get sunburnt sometimes. I apply this product in the morning and at night after washing my face. The texture is a cross between cream and gel, so it absorbs better and quicker. It also leaves my skin feeling bouncy and plump, and slightly erases the fine lines I have around my forehead. Basically, it’s like a big drink of water for your face, softening fine lines, firming up the complexion, and smoothing out even the roughest dry patches I have. It’s a fantastic product and I definitely recommend it. Here’s to watering your face with Sense De Belle!”
– Susan Knudsen-Pickles
Momohime Peach White Essence, $52
“I really enjoyed using this brightening essence from The Min List, an online beauty store carrying a great selection of halal, vegan, and organic skincare products. Made in Japan without any additives like alcohol and mineral oil, the award-winning essence has an inoffensive peachy scent that doesn’t linger for too long.
I love how lightweight it feels and how easily it gets absorbed when my skin is dry. It can leave a slightly tacky finish when it’s humid in the morning or if I accidentally apply too much, so I prefer using it at night. Overall, it’s a great moisturiser to have as it hydrates well without clogging my pores. I also love how it contains lots of natural ingredients like peach juice and cherry leaves extract for anti-inflammatory benefits, and hyaluronic acid for hydration. I’m hoping to see more brightening effects with consistent and prolonged use!”
– Anthia Chng
DR’s Secret Aqua Boost Serum 10, $88
“My skin is dry and sensitive. Unfortunately, some of the serums I’ve tried before burnt my skin and damaged the skin barrier. The Aqua Boost Serum 10 by local skincare brand DR’s Secret is lightweight and gentle, and my skin loves it. It contains 12 different types of hyaluronic acids, plus skin barrier restoring ingredients like lactobacillus ferment and panthenol (Provitamin B5) to calm and hydrate.
If your skin is dry like mine you might like to give it 10 minutes to sink into your skin before applying your moisturiser. It felt slightly sticky at first but once it’s fully absorbed, the serum really helped my skin to hold in moisture. My skin feels so hydrated now!”
– Karin Galley
Lierac Lift Integral Super-Activated Lift Serum Firmness Booster, $128
beautebynature.com
“I like the texture of this Lierac serum and its fresh, floral scent (there are notes of white freesia, sambac jasmine, wild berries and sandalwood). The serum is also fairly moisturising, which is important if you are trying to lift ageing skin! I have used it for about three weeks and I think my skin looks good. There’s no visible signs of lifting yet, but the texture is great so far. And my skin keeps feeling hydrated through the day.”
– Rebecca Bisset
SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier, $159
Whether you have dry, oily, combination, normal or sensitive skin (like me), this nutrient-packed serum is a great all-in-one product to have in your skincare arsenal. After all, hydration is often the key to easing some of the most common skin concerns, including acne, dryness and wrinkles.
Formulated with a high concentration of pure hyaluronic acid, plus botanical extracts of liquorice root and purple rice, the serum helps to deliver surface hydration to the skin, while making it smoother, firmer and more plump. I’m happy to report that it has not caused my acne-prone complexion to break out, even though the formula feels richer than what I’m used to. It absorbs easily into my skin, and makes it feel more plump and moisturised every morning. I’ll need to use it for a longer period of time to notice the anti-ageing benefits, but for now, it’s become a regular in my daily skincare regime!
– Anthia Chng
SkinInc Supplement Bar’s Custom Recovery Sleep Mask, $168
“The first of its kind in Singapore, this DIY package allows you to customise your overnight moisturiser to specifically target your unique skin concerns. To create my custom serum cocktail, I started with a three-minute Skin Identity Check online quiz; this quick and easy diagnostic tool helps to identify the right base (cream or gel) and two Serum Booster Shots that are best suited to my skin. These range from Age-Proof and Clarify, to Detox, Glow or Soothe and have up to 17 nutrient-rich active super ingredients like hyaluronic acid, prebiotics and niacinamide.
Once I’d received my personalised nightly skincare routine (composing of a hydro gel base and age-proof and clarifying boosters), I began using it religiously each evening. So far, the results have been promising – clear and supple skin with a noticeable reduction in imperfections and sunspots. It’s a great purchase and one I will happily continue using. My only hope is that SkinInc works to reduce the amount of waste that comes from the packaging!”
– Leanda Rathmell
Bio Essence Bio-VLift Face Lifting Cream (Extra Lift + Brightening), $59.90
“I was quite excited about this lifting cream as it is a thicker texture and looked like it would be moisturising. The local brand offers different ranges of skincare for different types of skin, and they are mostly affordable. This cream is formulated with fermented rice, and promises to clarify, reduce dullness, and enhance elasticity. Unfortunately, it was too drying for me. I think it has lightened an age spot on my cheek, but I probably wouldn’t swop that impact over hydration. ”
– Rebecca Bissett
This article first appeared in the May 2021 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
If you liked our reviews of some of the best moisturisers, face creams and hydrating serums? Check out more on our Beauty page!
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