Part of the reason why we buy our beauty items — makeup and skincare included — has to be how much we love the way it looks… right?! Yes, yes, whether it works to the level of perfection you strive for is pretty important too, but we swear, beautiful #aesthetic packaging makes an average product that much more appealing. And we’re not sorry about that! Here are the beauty items we bought/picked that are, quite fittingly, love at first sight, and our (biased) thoughts on whether they worked or not:
YSL Touche Éclat Le Cushion
“YSL does aesthetics so right, you’ll have to agree, especially when it comes to their gilded lipstick cases and cult Touche Éclat pens — everything comes swathed in this luxurious gold shade that satisfies your inner magpie, while softly inviting you to pick each item up and slowly rotate it in your hand for it to catch the light. Well, that’s what I did anyway. We’ve seen YSL cushion foundations in a classic black-and-gold packaging before, but not like this! It’s gold, it’s gleaming and it’s square. That angular shape certainly sets it apart, and I’m pleased to say, so does its finish. I like how it makes my skin look radiant and dewy, while still offering enough coverage, which comes about by way of gold particles and radiant oils in the foundation formula. The coverage is sheer but buildable, while there’s also a double-textured sponge enclosed that allows me to achieve either a natural finish, or a more luminous one if I tap away with the flocked side. Definitely beauty with brains over here.” — Amelia Tan, Associate Editor
$92, available at YSL Beauté stores and counters.
Aesop Hwyl Eau de Parfum
“There isn’t a product in personal grooming Aesop can’t work its minimalistic magic on, and its latest fragrance is no exception. Just like Tacit and Marrakech, I love the amber apothecary-style glass bottle that holds the Hwyl fragrance — and yes, I’ve even kept the gorgeous box that keeps it safe. Beautiful packaging aside, I was charmed the moment I got a whiff from the nozzle alone. Notes of vetiver and frankincense lulled my senses instantly, but there’s a tinge of green in there that keeps it refreshing, most likely from the cypress and moss. Apparently, French perfumer Barnabé Fillion sought to capture the stillness of an ancient Japanese forest with this one, and since I much prefer wearing masculine fragrances, I definitely don’t mind smelling like 300-year-old Hiba trees, or, for lack of a better olfactory description, a lumberjack — which is kinda what the perfumer looks like with his lush hair and majestic beard.” — Jade Yeo, Writer
$160 for 50ml, available at Aesop signature stores and select department store counters.
Essano Rosehip Clarifying Clay Masque
“I don’t know if it’s just me, but I genuinely enjoy reading the labels of beauty products. I’ll even re-read them after buying them or before applying them (I know, I’m weird like that). Vegan, cruelty-free and a promise of no harsh chemicals — this range speaks my language. I have a few of the Essano products at home and it’s always pleasing to see them bunched together. As an all-over face treatment, I use the clay masque once a week. For the days I experience a planet-sized pimple on my face (totally over-exaggerating) and when I haven’t resisted the urge to squeeze it, I dab a small amount over the spot and leave on for 5 minutes to aid in the redness. It actually works. The deep-cleansing properties draw out the impurities leaving my skin feeling refreshed.” — Eleni Kontorigas, Media Executive
$22.95, available at Watsons stores.
Urban Decay Naked Heat Vice Lipstick in Heat
“Can I just start off by saying that this lipstick was practically made for me? It’s red, has a metallic finish, and is shaped like the shell of a bullet. I had to have it. I’m so thankful that this job allowed me to get my hands on this because it was sold out at Sephora (and still is) shortly after it’s release. I’ve always loved Urban Decay’s packaging, and have been drawn to their section at Sephora many times by the overall aesthetic alone. However, all that glitters is not gold, as they say — but this lipstick definitely does. It’s function is on par with it’s attractive appearance, and it goes on so smoothly that it almost feels like a lip balm, while delivering the pigment as promised in a beautiful metallic sweep. It’s no wonder that all three shades are sold out.” — Patrene Mathieu, Designer
Urban Decay, available at Sephora.
Too Faced Love Flush Blush in “I Will Always Love You”
“I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks that the packaging for this Too Faced blush reminds one of Polly Pocket?! I don’t think I ever owned one but I remember always playing with my cousin’s sets when I was younger. She’d bring her Polly Pockets to family gatherings and the girl cousins would gather and we’d have so much fun playing with it together while the parents were having their own conversations on boring adult stuff. Other than the fact that the packaging brings so much good memories, I really love the heart-shaped packaging because it’s just super cute and different. Plus, there’s a bunny imprint on the actual product too! Aesthetic qualities aside, the product is indeed a long-lasting blush like it claims to be. It’s easily blendable, pigmented and has golden specks too to give off a nice subtle shimmery look. Highly recommend.” — Nurasyiqin Sedik , Media Executive
$40, available at Sephora.
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