The truly designer makeup brush

beauty products

Japanese giant Shu Uemera is the beauty equivalent of a couturier when it comes to brushes. Its handcrafted Petal 55 foundation brush, which debuted last year, allows for smooth, one-stroke application on all parts of the face. Thanks to its ergonomic, faceted handle; the plush density of its feather-soft bristles (189,000 of them, to be exact); and one-of-a-kind geometric shape. (For areas such as the cheek, use the flat side; for trickier nooks like around the nose, simply rotate and use the corners.) Now a limited edition has been released – the only difference between this and the OG being that it’s now in pretty pink, not black. (Even the price, $80, remains.) Is that reason enough to get it? It’s your call, but we know many beauty and design geeks who’d say yes.

The anti-sagging beauty essence

beauty products

In film, the term 4-D generally refers to movie screenings with a physical element – you know, like the Shrek show at Universal Studios. For Cle de Peau Beaute, 4-D is how it describes its latest approach to anti-ageing. Its Firming Serum Supreme (price unavailable) is the brand’s first that specifically targets a sagging complexion.

Inspired by laser treatments, it has hydroxyproline – an amino acid found in the deeper layers of the skin – to boost cell regeneration at such a penetrative “3-D” level. Contributing to the last “D” are a flexible polymer and a semi-solid oil that plump and tighten the epidermis. The science is hardly as fun as watching Shrek, but the effects are reportedly way more satisfying.

Coupled with fortifying liquorice root and raspberry extracts, the silky, fast-absorbing product is said to make your skin look smoother, firmer and more youthful immediately.

 

Photography Vee Chin Art Direction Adeline Ng

The Overachieving Moisturiser

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With SPF50/PA++++, Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily Tone Up Cream ($56) lets one skip the sunblock (“I hate things that make life easier,” said no millennial ever). What’s more impressive, though, are all the added benefits that come with this lightweight day moisturiser. Besides hydrating skin deeply, it has lychee extract that helps eliminate dullness. There’s also what the brand calls Advanced Sun Filter System and Pollution-deflecting Technology, which – as the term suggests – traps environmental aggressors such as dust, preventing them from getting absorbed into skin and causing oxidation. In short: It promises to prevent premature ageing. What’s better than a multi-hyphenate? A really talented one.

 

Photography Vee Chin Art Direction Adeline Eng

 

This stories first appeared in Female’s April 2018 issue.

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