First Impressions: 10 beauty launches to check out in August

SINGAPORE – In this column on the first Friday of the month, The Straits Times reviews recent beauty launches – from skincare and make-up to haircare and fragrance – worth a spot in your shopping cart.

Guerlain Rouge G lipstick, $60 for refill

The luxury brand recently relaunched its Rouge G line of lipsticks, which have cases almost more beautiful to behold than the lipstick itself.

Sold as refills and available in a satin or velvet matt finish, the new-generation formula is now 89 per cent skincare-based, and said to have an ultra-light texture for a bare-lips sensation.

I am an existing fan of the velvet version, a budge-proof matt that stays put through meals.

The new satin shade N06 is a gorgeous warm rose that glides easily over lips even without lip balm on. True to its claims, it is so featherlight that I sometimes forget I have lipstick on. Dab it on to sheer out the colour or wear it boldly to deliver rich pigment in one swipe.

But I will admit that half the reason this has become a purse staple is because of the jewel case ($56, purchased separately). In a choice of nine designs – ranging from leopard-print to diamante-encrusted – the cases pair with your lipstick refills to form a customisable precious object.

Now in gold, they have been tweaked to be lighter than the previous silver-toned versions. The best part is the little mirror hidden within each case – a true convenience for on-the-go reapplication and a godsend on days you realised you forgot to take along a compact mirror. – Amanda Chai 

Info: Available in Guerlain boutiques and counters

Mise-en-scene Salon 10 Protein Treatment for Extremely Damaged Hair, $16 for 250ml

The South Korean pharmacy brand from the Amorepacific group launched a new premium line, Salon 10 Protein Hair Care, aiming to offer salon-worthy care from the comfort of your home.

I am always on the lookout for rich conditioners that will not break the bank. Available in two variations for “Damaged” and “Extremely Damaged” hair, the Salon 10 Protein Treatment is said to contain a host of small-molecule proteins and hydrolysed collagen to deeply nourish and strengthen hair from within.

My thick, unbleached mane is hardly “extremely damaged”, but I figure extra care can’t hurt. The product comes out thick and with high viscosity – already a good first sign of its enriching prowess to come.

The scent is an aromatic mix of mandarin, ylang ylang, orange flower, peony, amber and sandalwood, and somehow also calls to mind a luxurious shampoo session at the salon, with a nostalgic twist, as promised.

It coats hair thoroughly and, when washed off, leaves my tresses sleek and smooth. This stand-in professional treatment will make a reliable option to use in between more expensive washes. – Amanda Chai 

Info: Available at Watsons stores and online, and Amorepacific Hair & Body Shop on LazMall and Shopee Mall

Chantecaille Rose de Mai Body Cream with Retinol, $248

Chantecaille recently introduced new additions to its Rose de Mai range, named after the flower (also called Rose Centifolia), which is said to be hand-harvested and steam-distilled in the south of France to deliver skin-perfecting benefits.

It is the nourishing body cream formulated with retinol that catches my attention. In recent years, Vitamin A has become a mainstream anti-ageing ingredient in facial skincare, used for exfoliation and skin cell turnover, but less so in body care. And why should your body not receive the same care as your face?

As someone guilty of neglecting my body-care routine, I like the idea that this cream works extra hard on nights I do remember to apply it. Incredibly lightweight yet substantive in feel, it is the perfect consistency for Singapore’s tropical climate.

I slather on generous amounts and the pillowy-soft cream sinks instantly into the skin, leaving no sticky residue. It also works as a soothing quick fix for blisters and dry patches.

After the first few applications (on alternate nights), the coarser skin on my legs feels noticeably smoother and baby soft – a win for someone who is not diligent with applying body lotion daily. The gentle scent of rose is a pleasant bonus. – Amanda Chai 

Info: Available at Chantecaille counters at Tangs at Tang Plaza and Takashimaya Department Store

Romi Beauty Skin Oasis Serum Mist, $22 for 30ml

When it comes to facial sprays, the perfect balance of being nourishing yet not cloying or too light can be hard to strike. Home-grown brand Romi Beauty’s latest offering has proven to be a surprising contender.

Small but mighty, it is packed with ingredients including a multi-peptide complex, meadowfoam seed oil, amino acids and collagen extract – said to help balance, hydrate, soothe and even brighten skin.

The nutrient-rich formula certainly feels richer on my skin than the average watery mist designed mainly to cool down heated skin. For this reason, I fancy it as a hands-free serum-toner hybrid after cleansing, or to refresh and “top up” the goodness over my make-up throughout the day.

Dispensing as an ultra-fine spray, it mists comfortably over the face without disrupting make-up.

And while at first I scoffed at the 30ml portion, its compact size makes it perfect to take on-the-go or pack for future travels. – Amanda Chai 

Info: Available at romibeautyclub.com

Visee Essence Lip Plumper, $17 for 5.5ml

Beauty junkies may recognise this make-up label by Japanese brand Kose for being a winner of multiple awards at Japanese beauty chain Cosme. The good news is that it landed in Singapore in July.

Visee’s full range of make-up products is dizzying, but the Essence Lip Plumper is particularly famous. Available in just two shades, it has not only snagged the title of Cosme’s top plumping lip gloss, but also a reputation as a dupe for the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil.

A bold claim I do not care to validate, but it stands on its own as a great, affordable gloss.

Do not underestimate its no-frills packaging. With one dip, the product in shade BE300 coats lips in shine that adheres snugly, forming a wet film over the lips. The slight tingling creates a fuller pout.

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalane for added moisture, it is moisturising to wear alone over bare lips as a natural pink base that hydrates for hours.

I like it best as a gloss topper or after meals to revive a worn-down lip. That is where it truly shines – literally. It makes my lips so glassy and juicy I stop to admire the mirror-like sheen in every reflective surface. – Amanda Chai 

Info: Available at Kose on Shopee Mall

Sabon Dead Sea Treasures collection, $43 to $99

Ever dreamed of a spa retreat, but could not find the time? This collection made from over 90 per cent natural ingredients and 21 natural minerals has transformed my baths into a relaxing spa ritual.

It includes the Dead Sea Mud Body Scrub ($73), packed with mineral-rich Dead Sea salts and mud, Rose Rock Pink and three organic botanical oils, and Dead Sea Body Cream to Oil ($89), enriched with olive oil and shea butter.

My personal favourite is the Dead Sea Mud Body Cleanser ($56). Its texture and black hue make it incredibly sensorial.

The woody scent of the Dead Sea range leans towards the masculine side, so I imagine men will love it even more. After all, this is as close as anyone can get to the Dead Sea without leaving his or her home. – Louisa Lim

Info: Available at Sabon stores in Raffles City, Takashimaya Department Store and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, as well as online at sabon.com.sg

Kylie Cosmetics Velvet Lip Kit, $55

Hotter than a Kardashian scandal, these lip kits from reality TV star Kylie Jenner have remained the original fan favourites since Kylie Cosmetics’ inception in 2015, and it is easy to see why.

Available in matt and velvet versions, the kit includes both a liquid lipstick and a creamy lip liner. The velvet is my personal pick, with its high colour payoff and a finish that is velvety and demi-matt. While it does not last as long as a regular matt lipstick, it still delivers the drama without drying out my lips.

The lip liner, with its ultra-creamy texture, is long-lasting, smudge-proof and pairs beautifully with all lip textures, whether you are rocking a matt, velvet or gloss finish. If you have ever wished for a fuller pout without the fillers, just follow this trick – outline just outside your lip line and, voila, instant pucker power. – Louisa Lim

Info: Available at Sephora and online at sephora.sg

La Prairie Skin Caviar The Mist, $265

This limited-edition Caviar Mist is one of the priciest facial mists on the market.

But it boasts an elevated formula with micro-oil droplets designed for easy absorption (think argan kernel oil and damask rose extract). I compare it with my usual spring water (spritzed on the other side of my face), and La Prairie leaves my skin feeling more moisturised for a longer period.

The lightweight, milky-white formula is free of fragrance. It is crafted with caviar hydroessence and caviar micro-nutrients, which is supposed to flood your face with more than 300 natural nutrients with just one spritz.

Perfect for dry summers and on long-haul flights, it is as easy on the skin as it is on the eyes, thanks to the brand’s signature cobalt-blue bottle – making it a fair splurge for those who appreciate the finer things in skincare. – Louisa Lim

Info: Available at La Prairie counters at Ion Orchard, Metro Paragon, Takashimaya Department Store and Tangs at Tang Plaza

Nodspark Wispy Twilight Lazy Lashes, $29.90

Local brand Nodspark’s Lazy Lashes are the ultimate beauty hack for those who want lash perfection with minimal fuss or damage caused by regular lash extensions. These babies come pre-glued, so you just stick them on.

Wispy Twilight is definitely one of the more dramatic styles in its everyday range, designed to give you that sultry cat-eye look for a night out partying and then sleeping in the next morning.

It takes me about 20 minutes to put them on with the help of tweezers which, by the way, are absolutely necessary for seamless application but sold separately.

These lashes last for about three days, through multiple events and sweaty workout sessions – just avoid the eye area when you are washing the face. But its lucky run ends with a trip to the steam room. Thankfully, there are enough lashes in each box for several reapplications. – Louisa Lim

Info: Available at nodspark.com

Chabaud Lait Concentre, from $92 for 30ml

This fragrance should come with a playful warning: If you are not a fan of White Rabbit candy, you might want to steer clear.

For me, however, Lait Concentre is childhood nostalgia in a bottle. The scent opens with a delicious milk note that is all creamy and comforting and wraps up with a touch of unsweetened coconut and caramel.

Instead of rocking this scent on a night out, I use it before bedtime. A few spritzes before I hit the hay and, suddenly, I am eight years old again. It is my mood booster.

It is clear Chabaud, the French perfumery house from Montpellier, is a maestro in crafting fragrances that smell good enough to eat. If you have a sweet tooth, the chocolate-inspired scent, Lait et Chocolat, is also worth a sniff. Just be ready for a few “you smell yummy” comments. – Louisa Lim

Info: Available at all Novela stores (except IMM) and online at novela.com.sg