Beauty Flash

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PRECIOUS FLORALS

Two new skincare potions are made with skin-rejuvenating flower extracts as the star ingredients.

lYves Saint Laurent has launched a new addition to its premium Or Rouge range. The new Or Rouge Serum ($650, from Yves Saint Laurent Beaute counters) is blended with saffron from the crocus sativus flower of Morocco's High Atlas mountains.

Saffron pistils contain antioxidants and soothing properties, and supposedly prevent the formation of dark spots and inflammation.

Made for mature skin, the serum is also lightly scented with floral-woody notes.

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lKiehl's new Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence ($68, from Kiehl's counters) is concocted from the Iris Florentina Root Extract.

Sourced from the Mediterranean, the skin-softening lotion is rich in flavonoids that keep skin healthy. It also contains lipo hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate skin; as well as moisturising sodium hyaluronate.

The essence is to be used on clean skin and before a serum.


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BEAT THE HEAT

KOSE ESPRIQUE COOL BB SPRAY UV 50

$32, from Kose counters

A lightweight, tinted spray-on sunscreen. For a flawless finish, spray it on a make-up sponge and blend onto skin.

ZA TRUE WHITE POWER BLOCK UV SPF50+ PA++++

$19.50, from selected Watsons stores

A watery sunscreen that is also waterproof and moisturising. Does not leave behind a sticky after feel.

BIORE UV AQUA RICH WATERY GEL

$18.90, from selected personal care and department stores

Made for the face and body, this is another watery sunscreen that does not feel sticky. Contains hyaluronic acid and a citrus extract to treat skin.

HADA LABO HYDRATING PERFECT GEL MOISTURIZER UV SPF50+ PA++++

$35.90, from selected personal care and department stores

An all-in-one gel moisturiser with high-protection sunscreen. Made with the brand's signature hyaluronic acid blend to quench thirsty skin, and vitamin C.

NIVEA SUN WATER SPORT SPF50 PA+++ BROAD SPECTRUM

$19.90, from selected personal care stores and supermarkets

Made for frolicking on beaches. This water-resistant formula offers broad-spectrum protection while moisturising the skin.

ETTUSAIS HERBAL UV JELLY SPF 50 PA++++

$25, from Ettusais counters

Contains chamomile and rosemary essences, spring water, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, as well as fermented royal jelly. It is also mineral oil-free, paraben-free and scented with refreshing grapefruit notes.


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NEW TO MARKET

POLAAR

Arctic explorer Daniel Kurbiel was looking for skincare products that would protect his skin from the extreme climate, when the Frenchman figured that the answer could be found in the Arctic plants.

The hardy flora can survive months without sunlight, temperatures that can go down to -45 deg C, as well as winds that blow at 220kmh.

So in 2006, Mr Kurbiel co-founded Polaar, a range of skincare products made with the extracts of Arctic flora. These include the Siberian ginseng, Arctic cotton, the Siberian olive tree and Arctic raspberry.

The brand is now available in Asia for the first time, and is stocked at Sasa stores.

Prices start from $23 for a tub of moisturising cream.

OUR PICK: The Icy Magic roll-on eye serum ($48, photo 1). The roller-ball applicator is icy cold - even when it has not been left in the refrigerator - and helps to soothe puffiness and reduce the appearance of dark eye circles.

Made with Siberian ginseng, peptides and pro-vitamin B5, the product also promises to lengthen and thicken lashes.

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ROYAL APOTHIC

Launched in 2006 by designer Sean O'Mara, the American beauty brand is popular for its perfume and home fragrances. The range also includes handcreams and bodycare products.

Mr O'Mara was inspired to start the brand after he found an old apothecary manual in an antique shop. Today, the formulas are based on some of the recipes in that 1800s manual.

Royal Apothic is available at Weekends, VivoCity B1-10. Prices start from $24.90 for a tube of hand cream.

OUR PICK: Cutting Garden EDP ($69.90, photo 2). A beautiful floral bouquet of gardenia, rose, star jasmine, lily of the valley, iris and tuberose.

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ARCONA

Based in Los Angeles, the brand was founded in 1989 by Ms Arcona Devan. It is known for its eco-friendly, preservative-free formulas which contain cold-pressed ingredients, enzymes, amino acids and antioxidants.

Its celebrity fans include actresses Katherine Heigl and Natalie Portman, singer Lisa Marie Presley and stylist Rachel Zoe.

The stars also turn to the brand's signature oxygen facials before they hit the red carpet. The facial services may not be available here, but you can now get your hands on the products at Sephora for a home treatment.

Prices start from $36 for a bottle of spot treatment.

OUR PICK: Cranberry Grommage ($60, photo 3). A scrub with a delicious berry scent, it is bottled with raspberry and cranberry enzymes to exfoliate and deep cleanse the skin.

Stay cool - or at least protected from UV rays - with these new sunscreens.

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