You know that feeling of stepping into a Sasa store and being enticed by everything at once – but having absolutely no idea where to start? Well, let’s make it easier. Here are the NYLON team’s favourite beauty and skincare items – picked out from the plenty that we’ve tried – so all you’ve got to do now is go get them too.
The Face Inc Primer Mist, 3 x 15ml, $68 (now @ 20% off)
For some bizarre reason, I ended up as one of the judges on the final episode of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 5. On the day of filming, I had Ginger Lynette do my makeup (she always gets it right), and while on set, she introduced this interesting product to me. She spritzed it on one side of my face and then pressed it in slowly… a minute later there was a tingling sensation on my skin (that’s apparently the skin tightening). This depuffs the face and makes it appear instantly slimmer. I looked into the formula of this magic potion and it contains a mix of natural ingredients (soybean protein, mushroom extract, aloe extract), and some common hydrators and skincare compounds (niacinamide, allantoin). There’s nothing particularly unique about the ingredients in this mist but the combination of them somehow works.
– Adele Chan, Editor-in-Chief
GOSH Xtreme Liquid Gel Liner in Black, $21.90 (now @ 52% off)
The first time I tried the Gosh liquid eyeliner, it was because I received it in this gorgeous almost-pastel sky blue that I instantly wanted to try. At first swipe, I already knew it was great; it went on completely opaque, and wasn’t too watery to handle. Throughout the day, it didn’t flake nor smudge. Naturally, I soon moved on to the classic black for everyday use (I really use black eyeliner every day), and it hasn’t let me down. While the ultra-thin brush applicator might take a bit of skill to use, after some time you’ll get used to it. Plus, the thin tip makes drawing extremely precise lines easier.
– Tami Lai, Associate Editor
TheBalm The Manizer Sisters, $51.90 (now @ $39)
One thing I love? Convenience. Rather than be armed with pots and pans of many things, I usually don’t mind trading in some full-sized items for a quick-fix palette, and this highlighting trio is exactly what that is. The formulas are exactly the same as the original cult favourites – all of them with spectacular colour payoff and soft buttery textures, making it really easy to blend. I use Cindy-Lou Manizer, a peachy pink shade as a blush on my fair skin, and it comes out a subtle glow, plus the Mary-Lou Manizer, which I brush just on top of my cheekbones. Now, this is easily the one I’ll regularly reach for: it’s a nice champagne shimmer with flattering warm undertones that really illuminates my skin when it catches the light. As for the Betty-Lou, I find it works beautifully as eyeshadow, or layered as a bronzer. That the powders are triple-milled ensure that they disappear into my skin, so all that’s left is a healthy, gorgeous glow.
– Amelia Tan, Associate Editor
Dr. G Brightening Up Sun SPF42 PA+++, $45 (now @ 10% off)
The hunt for a mineral sunscreen that checks all the boxes can be a distressing one. For starters, one that doesn’t leave an unsightly white cast and a greasy slick would be much appreciated, but I was lucky enough to have discovered Dr. G’s Brightening Up Sun. This hydrating cream melts into the skin and dries to a natural, matte finish while it shields my complexion from the scorching sun and other environmental stressors. It’s formulated with aloe and centella extracts, elements that help to soothe my red patches and restore some much-needed hydration, while regulating sebum production. The Brightening Up Sun tones my skin ever so slightly too, probably due to the fact that there’s grapeseed oil and witch hazel in the formula. Perhaps the best part about this is its slight peachy undertone that doubles up as a brightening makeup base, so it’s perfect for days that don’t call for a full face of foundation. Consider all bases covered!
– Jade Yeo, Writer
Chosungah22 Dong Gong Minn Brow Maker, $34 (now @ 30% off)
The first thing I notice about this is its striking packaging. It resembles a fluorescent highlighter pen from your school stationery set, which is unlike any brow product I’ve ever seen before. I tried the medium blonde shade in an attempt to match my bleached blonde hair. A few strokes of the fat angled brush immediately coats the brow hairs and thickens and lengthens them, much like how mascara works on your eyelashes. The dimension and colour it adds feels natural and not overdone. The triangular felt-tip applicator at the end of the brush is just the right shape for defining the arches. It’s a quick and easy brow that doesn’t look too good to be true.
– Joanne Cheah, Designer
Cyber Colors Real Lasting Smudgeproof Gel Liner in Espresso, $23 (now any 2 @ $30)
I have never been overly fond of gel liners, due to the fact that they usually come in pots, which would entail in dipping a brush in manually to pick up the pigment. This one, however, fulfills my lazy needs by coming in a pencil form! The nib itself resembles the texture of an oil pastel rather than actual lead, which results in a smooth application. Another thing I found interesting was that the other end of the product is a blender, which helps you smudge your liner for an eyeshadow effect (despite it being ‘smudgeproof’, but I digress). True to its name, it did indeed withstand my 10-hour day, right up till I removed my makeup at home. Very handy for maintaining defined eyes in Singapore’s humid climate.
– Patrene Mathieu, Designer
Blumei Jeju Moisture Aloe Soothing Gel, $12.90 (now at 20% off)
I’ve read the many benefits of aloe vera, and of course, we commonly use it when suffering from sunburn. Not only does it soothe and replenish the skin, it also treats acne, fights ageing and lessens the appearance of stretch marks! I have tried the highly raved-about aloe vera gel from Nature’s Republic, but just as I was about to stock up on that online, I chanced upon Blumei’s Aloe Vera Gel. To be honest, it looked so similar that I thought that the brand was a little dubious. Still, I went ahead to purchase it, because how different can aloe vera gel be? While the former is a little sticky, Blumei’s isn’t and it gets absorbed quickly into the skin. Also, this has more aloe vera content, at 97%. I apply the cool gel on my calves and neck where my dry areas are and also after waxing to calm the skin. You can even create your own eye mask by soaking round cotton pads in the gel. This gel does its job — definitely an alternative to consider!
– Phyllis Guo, Editorial Assistant
All items available at Sasa Singapore stores. sasa.com.sg
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