Lightly Buttered, Pleasefebruary beauty launches

A cult favourite, L’Occitane’s  Shea Butter body-care range has been updated with new must-try items. The Ultra Light Body has an airy, mousse-like texture that melts into skin, providing moisture sans sticky residue. For those who aren’t diligent about their beauty routine, the Shea Fabulous Shower Oil ($34) is an easy, effective solution, infused with nourishing, lipid-rich shea oil that forms a protective layer over post-shower skin.

Grand Master Flush

february beauty launches

Punchy yet sophisticated, Dior and Three’s new Spring collections put a cool, grown-up touch to girlie pinks. 

february beauty launches
Rouge Dior Liquid in #674 Sassy Matte, $50
february beauty launches
Diorshow Pro Liner in Pro Pink, $37
february beauty launches
Three Lyrical Lip Bloom in #07 Seven, $48
february beauty launches
Three Whisper Gloss for Eyes in #19 Soul Oasis, $45
february beauty launches
Dior 5 Couleurs Glow Addict in Thrill, $104

Bare Neccessity

And they just keep coming up with more imperceptible bases to help ace the no-makeup makeup trend. Cue Chanel’s upgraded CC Cream (in six shades, $90 each) with new ingredients like hyaluronic acid and murunga plum extract. The latter is said to have the highest concentration of vitamin C among fruits, as well as vitamins A, E and polyphenols, making it one strong antioxidant, and brightening and smoothing whizz. What this means for users: a more fluid and hydrating version of the original that blends in like second skin. (PS It works great as a primer and for touch-ups too.)

The Incredibles Toofebruary beauty launches

Many women can’t live without face powder for its mattifying effect and for giving skin that finishing touch. These two are bound to become favourites, thanks to their additional skincare benefits. Shiseido’s White Lucent Brightening Skincare Powder ($65) is chock-full of hydrating, radiance-boosting and spot-fighting ingredients that clarify and plump the complexion. A translucent matte powder, it can be applied directly over moisturiser, or work as a setting powder over foundation. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Arden’s High Performance Blurring Loose Powder ($75) has ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid to increase hydration. Also, expect a smoother complexion and less obvious lines and pores – as if it’s cast a soft focus lens over the face.february beauty launches

The Fast & The Glorious

february beauty launches

Looking for results pronto? These two top-of-the-range anti-ageing serums deliver on their promise stat.

february beauty launchesLa Prairie Platinum Rare Cellular Night Elixir, $1,890

What it’s supposed to do: Boost skin regeneration (read: increase the production of new cells) as you sleep, reduce the look of wrinkles and dark circles, and firm skin.

How it works: By delivering a concentrated mix of ingredients that the skin needs for nourishment, respiration, detoxification and immunity. These include amino acids, nucleotides, sugars, as well as the brand’s exclusive Cellular Complex (the contents of which are a closely guarded trade secret) and Advanced Platinum Complex.

When you can see results: A night. This promises a fresher, more revitalised-looking complexion when you wake, but don’t expect to shave years off after just one use.

february beauty launchesAlbion Excia Embeage Le Serum, $548

What it’s supposed to do: Lift and tighten facial muscles for a more sculpted appearance and firmer skin, plus help skin fight ageing factors like oxidation and glycation.

How it works: By supplying skin with DHEA, an antioxidant produced naturally by the body that limits inflammation and damage from free radicals. Skin is also regenerated thanks to extract of snow algae, sourced from high mountain ranges and polar zones. 

When you can see results: A matter of days. The brand’s in vitro tests show that DHEA is able to increase muscle fibres in just 24 hours, while snow algae extract helps regenerate skin tissue in as little as six hours.

Model Photos Showbit.com Illustration Hisyam Abd Rahman

This story first appeared in Female’s February 2018 issue. 

Like this? Check out the under the radar but incredible Korean beauty brands, why you need to try jelly face masks and the beauty ingredient to add to your skincare routine for glowing skin