Truth be told, we have a love-hate relationship with Singapore’s weather — love, because yeah we don’t get all the pretty seasons but really warm sun on our skin feels kinda good, and so does not having to contend with bulky winter wear and indoor heaters, and hate because… that humidity. Eyeshadows and foundation slide off our faces and our hair never stays sleek and in place. You know our pain! That’s why we have this trusty set of products to help us tame the frizz, and keep our hair up for longer, all in the name of looking normal.
OUAI Matte Pomade, $36
“I have horrible hair which is impossible to style. But I actually manage to make it presentable with Ouai’s Matte Pomade. Even though it has a matte finish (which I like, by the way), the product somehow makes my hair look healthier… less damaged… it’s like magic. I mainly use this paste to tame down stray hair (I have a lot) or short baby hair sprouting from the top of my head, and then work it through the rest of my hair for piecey texture. I highly recommend this product because if it works for me, it’ll work for almost anyone else with short hair styles. Also, it smells nice.”
– Adele Chan, Editor-in-Chief
Toni & Guy Casual Matt Texture Dry Shampoo, $15.90, at selected Watsons stores
“I feel like I’m never satisfied with my hair, so I hardly bother with it (maybe I should?) but yes, my hair’s long, straight, and thick, plus a little damaged too thanks to the dye job, so really, what is there to love? First world problems, eh. Okay I’m glad that it’s somewhat manageable, no unruly curls to brush out, but that also means it’s lacking in texture — for that, I reach for a dry shampoo, and I like how this one doesn’t leave any strange white residue, and makes my head of hair less flat. The bad thing about humidity is that I realise my hair gets more oily at the roots as the day wears on, but a little spritz of this and suddenly, life!”
– Amelia Tan, Associate Editor
Rahua Cream Wax, $29
“At the moment, I’m trying to grow my hair out
from this, so it’s going through a fairly awkward stage that doesn’t require help from a styling product just yet. Pre-shave, however, I’d reach for Rahua’s Cream Wax to add a bit of hold and choppy definition to my pixie cut. My hair is thick and can get slightly frizzy throughout the day (thanks, sun), so the Carnauba wax in it really helps to tame my strands without weighing them down. As its name suggests, the texture feels like a waxy cream, and when the formula sets in, it leaves a nice semi-matte finish. To me, it smells pleasant, but it might take a bit of getting used to for others – apparently Rahua’s products are all infused with Palo Santo (holy wood), the brand’s signature scent.”
– Jade Yeo, Writer
Tsubaki Damage Care Hair Water (Silky), 220ml, $16.90, at Guardian stores
“I don’t bother styling my hair on a daily basis (if at all), and it’s usually the fastest step of my daily routine — just brush out the knots and I’m out of the house. However, I do occasionally get days where my locks just feel dry and uncooperative, which is where this product comes in. As with almost all of the beauty products I now love, it was an accidental (but pleasant) find. A few spritzes of this through my mane leaves it feeling softer and smelling fresh, and the scent is carried with me for a good portion of my day thereafter. Who needs expensive hair treatments when you’ve got Japanese drugstore gems like this one?” –
Patrene Mathieu, Designer
Bumble and bumble Bb.Curl Defining Creme, US$31
“The ongoing battle with humidity continues and let me tell you, the struggle is real. I’ve always had a complex relationship with my hair, being that’s it’s curly, so wearing it straight was my solution for the longest time and straight hair in this climate has been difficult to maintain. So, what to do – love and embrace my curls. After many hours, days, weeks and months of research on how to care for my curls, I’ve learnt that hydration is key. Leave in masks and sulfate/paraben free shampoo/conditioners work best. For styling, my wonder product is Bb.Curl Defining Crème by Bumble and Bumble. I use a descent amount after the shower, using my fingers to brush and distribute the product through my hair and let it air dry.”
– Eleni Kontorigas, Media Executive
L’oréal Remix Texturising Styling Paste, $13.95, at Watsons and Guardian stores
“As someone who styles his hair on a regular basis, I require a product that doesn’t mess up my daily routine. L’oréal’s Remix Texturising Styling Paste is that product for me. First of all, it doesn’t harden my hair unnaturally (personally, I find people who spam gel on their heads repulsive – hair isn’t meant to look that stiff, guys). Also, I like that I don’t need to apply much of it to keep my hair in shape for the whole day, meaning that one bottle lasts for a really long time, making it extremely value-for-money. Most importantly, it doesn’t make my hair itch, and I can’t say the same for other brands.”
– Joel Conceicao, Writer
Gatsby Moving Rubber Spiky Edge, $4.90, at Watsons and Guardian stores
“I’ve been using this particular wax from Gatsby, mainly because it’s known that it’s THE best one in the series. Mainly for guys with short, but thick hair, this wax is the go-to if you want to add a little bit of shape to your hairstyle, and keep it in place for the rest of the day. The Spiky Edge gives you a nice, and clean finish. What appeals to me the most though, is how natural your hairstyle looks afterwards, as if you barely applied any wax in the first place. And using it’s a breeze. Dab a small amount of wax on the tip of your finger, spread onto your palms, and apply evenly to your hair. This one washes off your hands so easily too. I find myself often carrying it around in my bag pack, as the casing’s shut tight, making it a really good addition to your EDCs. Don’t let the hot pink deter you. If you’re looking to style up your annoying fringe, do a center parting, or simply spike up your hair, this one’s for you.”
– Adli, Editorial Assistant
If you are more of ‘lip gloss’ instead of a ‘lippie’ kind of person, there are also two shades of Rouge Coco Gloss – True and Romance – for a little more shine.
Holograhic Lipstick – Chroma Chrome
Hardwired Eyeshadow Palette
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