Whether you’re moving to Singapore or you’ve been living here for a while now, adjusting your beauty routine to the tropical climate is no easy feat. It can take many months to find a lightweight moisturiser that hydrates properly, or a face cleanser that can control your now oily complexion. To save you the lengthy (and costly!) trial-and-error process, we’ve compiled a guide to the top skincare products reviewed by the team, for the hot and humid weather in Singapore.
QuSome Moisture Gel Cream by b.glen, $86
“I enjoyed using this moisturiser. It feels super light on my skin, while still keeping it hydrated. Formulated with collagen and hyaluronic acid, the brand’s exclusive QuSome skin-penetrating technology is used to transport the ingredients deep into the skin. The gel formula is perfect for my dry skin and it doesn’t cause a breakout. Overall, I experienced softer and more hydrated skin. Loved it!”
– Michaela Bisset, Digital Content Executive
Bareskin Facial Elixir, $55
“I’ve been using this facial oil for a couple of months, and I’m now down to the last few drops. Made in Singapore with 100 percent organic jojoba oil, the paraben and preservative-free serum nourishes and balances the skin well. The trick is to not use more than what’s needed – three to four drops is sufficient – and you’ll find that it absorbs easily without feeling greasy.
I use it at night before I sleep, since I like to keep my base fresh and light during the day. The gentle formula is also great for my sensitive, acne-prone skin; I don’t ever break out after using this, which I’m really happy about. The affordable price is another win!”
– Anthia Chng, Editor
QuSome Moisture Rich Cream by b.glen, $103
I loved the way this cream glides on. It’s rich in texture without being heavy, and only a pea-sized amount is needed to moisturise the whole face. It boasts an age recover complex, which is a unique blend of ingredients to help firm up the skin and boost elasticity – exactly what I need at the moment. I’ve been using this in the day, but I really love how my skin feels in the morning after using it the night before. My skin seems softer and brighter, and I feel that it hydrates perfectly so that my makeup application is smoother.
– Jacqui Young, Integrated Communications Manager
Sunday Riley Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream, $95
“As part of my “iso” routine, I’ve started a new skincare regimen, using this cream every morning and evening. The cruelty-free product is described as “rich but lightweight”, but this wasn’t my personal experience. Rich, yes, but it’s not exactly lightweight. However, once I got the amount for my face just right, my skin felt replenished – like it had been fed. It took a few days to hit that sweet spot, but once I found it, I loved how it made my face feel. I’ve even received a few compliments from friends – high praise indeed for this skincare hobo!”
– Kate Marsden, Editor
Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Power Primer Supercharged Essence, $77
“This applies like an essence that treats and hydrates. I felt like my skin absorbed it easily, leaving an almost satin finish. It has no nasties like silicone, which is what I loved about it the most. The product made the drier areas of my skin look hydrated and glowy under makeup. After using it over the course of several days, my skin felt more hydrated.
The bottle is lovely, and it comes with a glass dropper. However, the primer isn’t thin enough to make the dropper easy to use. The product collects on the outside mouth of the bottle, forcing you to constantly wipe it down, so some product is wasted as a result. Also, while this is a great skincare and primer combination, it does not extend the longevity of your makeup.”
– Anaita Thakkar, Founder and Designer of Lustre Jewellery
Albion Floral Drip, $98
I recently started using this new essence by Japanese skincare brand Albion and I’m really liking it! The essence is made of a variety of medicinal herbs that have anti-ageing properties. It has a pleasant botanical scent and a light milky consistency that allows it to be absorbed into the skin quickly. Best of all, it doesn’t feel heavy on my skin after applying, which is very important in a moisturiser for humid weather, and offers just the right amount of hydration that I need.
– Lindsay Yap, Editor
Porcelain Intensive HA+ Hydrating Serum, $198
“This is my favourite serum thus far! I’ve been using it twice a day and love how it absorbs quickly into my skin, leaving no sticky feeling behind so my makeup glides on smoothly. I use it around my eyes too as I have combination skin – dry around the eyes and oily on the T-zone. I’ve also noticed that my skin doesn’t dry out as much after washing and that it stays hydrated the whole day.
Another plus point is that this product uses natural ingredients like aloe vera and cucumber extracts, as well as probiotics and vitamins to help soothe my acne-prone skin!”
– Anna Tserlingas, Head of Circulation & Marketing
Biconi Glow Facial Serum ($65)
Packed with superfood ingredients including avocado oil, argan oil and macadamia oil, this tried-and-tested, fast-absorbing serum nourishes the skin with powerful antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. Look forward to a younger looking, clearer and more dewy complexion after just two weeks of daily application in the morning and at night.
Oasis:skin Organic French Wild Lavender Mist ($18)
Wild-harvested lavender grown in the South of France is used in this organic facial mist. Besides its therapeutic fragrance, lavender also possesses excellent healing and regenerative skin properties. Use it on the go to freshen up and calm irritated skin, or as a pillow mist for a relaxing snooze.
Pixi Rose Tonic ($22)
If you’ve enjoyed the cult-favourite, best-selling Glow Tonic by Pixi Beauty, check out this rose water-based variant! Packed with naturally soothing, skin-loving ingredients like elderflower and chamomile, the alcohol-free formula is ultra-gentle on all skin types – even the most sensitive. Use it on a cotton pad in the morning and afternoon after cleansing, then follow up with a serum or moisturiser.
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