Newsflash: Online beauty e-tailer Luxola is now Sephora.SG. And while you can now shop for your favourite in-store items in the comfort of your own homes, you shouldn’t miss out on the online exclusives, which include edgy makeup offerings, anti-ageing skincare and fuss-free haircare. Isabel Ong highlights six brands to know and the beauty products to try.
If you’re facing pigmentation issues, Alpha-H’s Liquid Gold ($56) – a cult favourite – is one to try. It contains glycolic acid and licorice extract to brighten complexion and reduce the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. The Australian beauty brand also has gentle cleansers and exfoliators suitable for all skin types.
Love a good eyeshadow palette? You’ll be spoilt for choice with Sleek MakeUP’s extensive and affordable range, from bold, pop-hued matte shades ($22) to shimmery and matte tans and nudes (above, $22) for the perfect smoky-eyed look. Our favourite offerings are the blushers, which are highly pigmented and give cheeks a bold wash of colour. Go for the Blush By 3 palette (above, #22), which comes in six different colour ranges in matte and shimmery textures.
Props to the Swedish haircare brand for its clean, minimalist aesthetic, which translates into fuss-free, targeted products for every hair concern. For those with thin, limp hair, try the Volume Shampoo (above, $36). The Scalp Treatment (above, $36) helps soothe irritated scalps and treats dandruff with rosemary oil, salicylic acid and ginger extract. Use the Hair Spray Light & Flexible (above, $38) daily to add shine and bounce to hair.
The Australian beauty brand is no newcomer; it’s been around for 17 years and is known for innovative beauty products that come at an affordable price tag. Popular items include the Secret Weapon 24-hour Mascara ($18), a smudge-proof and waterproof formula that gives you fuller-looking lashes, as well as the Marble Mineral Blush (above, $60), which contains jojoba and macadamia nut oils to hydrate skin.
Our top pick: the Studio Magic Coverall Multicorrection Palette in Red/Purple (above, $65), which serves as a corrector, concealer and highlighter and helps make skin tone more even.
Apart from its cheeky, vintage-inspired packaging, the brand prides itself on products that offer quick fixes to your beauty needs. They’ve turned an eye makeup remover into a handy travel-sized balm and created minaudiere-friendly luminizing powders. And if you’re jetting off on a getaway soon, this is a must-buy: the Balm Voyage Vol. 2 (above, $57), which comprises nine eyeshadow shades, two lip-and-cheek creams, a bronzer and a highlighter. It’ll be a great space-saving trick you won’t regret.
Any beauty junkie worth his/her salt knows that makeup brushes are essential. German brand Zoeva might just be your next go-to for supplies: While they’ve since included makeup in their repertoire, the products they started out selling – aka makeup tools – remain their most popular buys. Splurge on the Bamboo luxury set (above, $121.99), a collection of vegan face and eye brushes that also come with a clutch and brush holder.
Like this? Check out 5 new beauty brands debuting at Sephora stores here.