Hands up if you think it’s as – if not more – important to look great in photos as in person.
In this Instagram era, we bet that’s a pretty big camp. (After all, how often does one meet up with the folks you’re linked to on social media?) But looking photogenic largely comes down to having defined facial contours, especially around the cheekbones and jawline (see these makeup brushes that help do just that). Asian features, on the other hand, tend to be softer and blunter – not exactly always #iwokeuplikethis.
Up until now, a common solution for those yearning for Jolie-esque bone structure was to make shading powder and highlighter sticks our loyal sidekicks, or make lifting, slimming facials a regular affair. This month, however, American skincare brand Estee Lauder goes one better with the launch of New Dimension, its first comprehensive contouring range that combines skincare and makeup to create more defined facial contours, and a firmer, more sculpted face inside and out.
The heart of the new range is the New Dimension Shape + Fill Expert Serum ($225), which promises to boost structure and volume for visibly lifted cheeks and a sharper jawline. Its three-pronged approach: restore fullness by boosting the production of skin’s natural volumisers (hyaluronic acid, a protein called filaggrin, and lipids); lift skin and improve its density with a collagen-attracting complex; and lastly, strengthen skin’s “inner architecture” by boosting the effect of naturally occurring proteins like elastin and fibronectin. Applied before moisturiser, the thin fluid is quick-absorbing and feels very comfortable on skin.
A more intriguing product, however, is the New Dimension Expert Liquid Tape ($110), a gel made of a special polymer that instantly tightens facial contours as it dries (think a mini “face lift”, minus the invasive nips and tucks, or the pain). As the first step in your routine, apply a small amount (about half the size of a pea) with the brush applicator along these areas: from the edge of the brow bone towards the temples, across the cheekbones towards temples, and from the corners of the mouth to the cheekbones.
The gel dries into an invisible film and skin feels tighter immediately. Some advice: Make sure it’s completely dry before gently patting on all other products to prevent the film from breaking. And it takes practice to achieve a completely smooth surface, so makeup could look a little patchy until you turn pro at this. Also, the film tends to flake upon repeated contact with water or perspiration. But the hassle could be worth it: The Liquid Tape promises to firm, tone and sculpt the area around the eyes and cheekbones over time.
For those who can’t wait for the skincare benefits to kick in before their selfie fix, the range has two contouring kits to be used before foundation for natural-looking, instantly defined contours. The New Dimension Shape + Sculpt Face Kit ($68) is a cream palette with two shades – one to highlight the cheekbones, brow bone and nose bridge; one to deepen the hollows of the cheeks. The eyes get their own set: New Dimension Shape + Sculpt Eye Kit ($60) has a smoothing base to even out skin tone, a contour shade to create depth, and a highlighter.
An adapted version first appeared in Female’s October issue.
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