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The NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams, with each shade named after a dream holiday destination, is firmly on our list of holy grail lip products. For just $13, you get a wonderfully pigmented matte liquid lipstick that goes on smoothly with the doe foot applicator, and smells like a vanilla dream. The shade that seems to be constantly sold out is Stockholm, a mid-toned beige pink that pretty much makes for the perfect neutral lip.

It’s not easy being a 21^st Century go-getter when compromising your complexion is on the line. After all, climbing corporate ladders should come with the ease of not having to worry about popping out to the powder room, makeup bag in tow, every hour or so. It only makes sense, then, that shu uemura has released a new and improved powder cushion to put an end to all your power-working complexion concerns.

   

Now, after hearing the beauty secrets of gorgeous actresses, including Mediacorp darling Rebecca Lim and Cate Blanchett, we feel like it’s high time we tried the miracle for ourselves — for the first time, might I add. If you’ve only heard rave reviews of SK-II and their line of Pitera products, including that Facial Treatment Essence, but never tried it, take it from this 20-something first-timer.
And what better way to put it to the test than during the most busy time of the year? The Lunar New Year festivities call for lots of roaming about while visiting houses and relatives, with selfies and #ootds as evidence, as well as stuffing our faces with yummy but not-so-healthy goodies, so really, I’ll be surprised if anything can save my skin from this mess. Thankfully, there’s a way to keep you looking your best at any time of the day — this SK-II regime’s a sure life-saver.

THE DAY BEFORE

10pm
As you know, CNY preparation, or any major prep (hint: Valentine’s Day) ideally starts the day, and weeks, before. This is where the famed SK-II Facial Treatment Essence comes in. You may have heard that it contains 90% Pitera, a miracle ingredient that allow the skin’s natural renewal cycle to work at its best. In other words, the promise is this: you get youthful, crystal-clear skin.
With all this in mind, I jumped on the chance to try it out for myself. The verdict? It really goes on surprisingly light, doesn’t feel cloying or oily, and the best part is waking up the next morning to firm, fresh skin. Not bad at all! I can see why it’s so hyped about — and this is just the start. It only gets better though; try it for a couple more days, and you do notice the difference of visibly radiant skin.
 
 
 

DURING THE DAY 

10am
Take it from Cate Blanchett – the gorgeous actress has been putting her Facial Treatment Essence in a spray bottle to use while filming, well before this on-the-go option. The SK-II Mid-Day Miracle Essence is perfect when you have to be out the entire day, as I had to be. I did a quick spritz in the morning, before stowing it in my bag for the rest of the day. What feels especially good is the fine mist — it’s refreshing and airy, so I don’t feel like I’m assaulted by droplets, and it sinks into my skin after seconds. I was pretty skeptical about sprays, after knowing how dehydrating facial water mists truly are, but was relieved to know that this comes packing in nutrients instead.
 

3pm
After a round of feasting, I noticed my skin getting oily around the T-zone, yet rather dull-looking and slightly patchy even after my best makeup attempts, which calls for a quick refresher. A light touch of loose powder and a few quick spritzes did the trick to restore a dewy complexion. Yes, it goes on after makeup!
 
 
 
 

7pm
My first thought was, what’s the difference between this SK-II Mid-Night Miracle Essence and the Mid-Day version? Well, they do contain the same ingredients and benefits, just that the night one deals with how stressed our skin gets. Now, after all the hours in the sun, sweat due to the humidity and movement from house to house, and probably the dust particles from travelling about, this is a must-have. When used, it does go on a bit heavier then the Mid-Day Essence, though with the same airy mist, but the cooling sensation makes up for that. I was definitely ready for dinner parties after this. Really, don’t even skimp on this perk-me-up at all.
 
 

AT NIGHT

11pm
After a whole day of activity, it’s finally time to get some beauty sleep, though I feel like I need some extra help in the “beauty” department. Firstly, if I feel tired, my skin probably does as well, and fatigue shows very easily over time through dull, tired-looking skin. And secondly, my makeup has been on the entire day, surely, my skin needs some room to breathe. That’s why I welcomed the Facial Treatment Mask, which is kind of like an indulgent version of the Facial Treatment Essence. I left it on for about 15 minutes, and later, found my skin immediately firmer after being doused in healthy nutrients. All it takes is one sleep to tackle the next day with the effects of a facial spa, meaning, radiant skin that feels fresh and bouncy. I’ll certainly be considering this the next time I have an important day out.

All SK-II products, available at SK-II counters. skii.com.sg
 
 

For Spring, ETUDE HOUSE’s anchor collection is the cutely-named Berry Delicious range. As the name suggests, yes, everything is berry-themed, from the colours ranging from strawberry pink to cherry purple, the sweet scent of the products, and the packaging design (those strawberry details are way too adorable).
But among all the pinks, reds and purples that dominate this collection, one particular product stands out. The Berry Delicious Color In Liquid Lips Juicy liquid lip colours has 10 shades, covering the whole spectrum from light pink to dark wine – and in the middle of it all, a curiously pastel green tube that sticks out like a sore thumb.
What’s a green lip colour doing in a berry-themed collection, then? And why would a green lip tint even exist among ETUDE HOUSE products, known for being made to achieve all sorts of aegyo?
Turns out, ETUDE HOUSE hasn’t adopted a drastic change in direction, but this little green wonder actually turns from an almost-radioactive shade in the tube, to a light purple tint on the lips that’s just right.
 

(Image: etude.co.kr)

Yes, the Berry Delicious Color In Liquid Lips Juicy in #31 is one of those shapeshifting lip colours, appearing completely different on the skin from what it looks like in the tube. The resulting cool-toned pink is incredibly flattering – one layer gets you a light wash of colour, like you’ve just been sucking on a lollipop; two layers or more create a chic bolder fuchsia. The texture is just a bit glossy, i.e. subtly shiny the way most Korean lip tints are. Who would expect that one of our favourite lip colours of the year so far would come in a green tube?
 
ETUDE HOUSE Berry Delicious Color In Liquid Lips Juicy, $17.90. Available in ETUDE HOUSE stores from 4 March. etude.sg

Four makeup ideas for your Valentine’s Day date. But really, you don’t have to have a date for 14 February to have a reason to try out these pretty looks.

 

The look: Bronzed skin
Going a bit more heavy-handed on the bronzer and highlighter can have a romantic effect, especially when paired with an intentionally-messy updo – like you just got whisked off somewhere exciting by your knight in shining armour. Sweep a peach-toned bronzer liberally on the cheekbones, and blend a cream highlighter on all the places you want to catch the light, including the inner corners of the eyes and the cupid’s bow.
Try:

MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Sculpting Duo in Pink Beige Duo, $68, Sephora; NARS Hot Sand Illuminating Multiple, $60, TANGS at Tang Plaza; Tom Ford Lip Colour Shine in SS16, $75, Tom Ford counters.
Photo: Alberta Ferretti Spring/Summer 2016, courtesy M.A.C.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The look: Tangerine lips
We’ve recommended orange lips plenty of times, but up the ante a bit by pairing it with subtly shimmery eyes and a fierce cat flick (bonus points for blue nails). The key to preventing this from looking like too much for your date is to keep the orange to a stain, instead of a full-on matte or glossy lip.

Try:

CHANEL Illusion D’Ombre in 118 Moonlight Pink, $52, CHANEL Beauty stores and counters; M.A.C Year of the Monkey Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapidblack, $35, M.A.C stores and counters; innisfree Real Fluid Rouge in Orange Coupled With Apple Trees, $20, innisfree stores.

Photo: Desigual Spring/Summer 2016, courtesy M.A.C.

 
 
 
 

The look: Glossy metallic lids
Sometimes, eyeshadow doesn’t have to be so precise. Just a few smears of a pretty metallic colour channels an easy-breezy aesthetic that’s polished at the same time. Pair this with a purple-tinged lip, and add a bit of clear gloss on top of the eyeshadow.
Try:

Moonshot Jelly Pot in P06 Bronze Champagne, $34, Sephora; CHANEL Lèvres Scintillantes in 691 Ciarté, $45, CHANEL Beauty stores and counters; Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Rouge Volupte Shine in No. 52 Trapèze Pink, $50, Yves Saint Laurent Beauté stores and counters.
Photo: Etro Spring/Summer 2016, courtesy M.A.C.
 
 
 
 

The look: Powdery blue lids
Don’t shy away from blue eyeshadow – they make colours a lot prettier than the frosted blue everyone wore in the 90s. You’ll definitely look chic instead of outdated if you choose a rich dark blue and dust it lightly on the crease, then pair with blue mascara for an added edge. Keep the rest of the face simple.
Try:

The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation, $32.90, The Body Shop stores; Clé de Peau Beauté Powder Eye Colour Solo in 209, $60, Clé de Peau Beauté counters; Butter London ElectraLash Colour Amplifying Mascara in Inky Six, $24, Sephora.
Photo: Moschino Spring/Summer 2016, courtesy M.A.C.