“I first tried this about two years ago – after a red-eye flight to Paris, followed by a mad day of running around for work and essentially 36 hours of no sleep – only to wake up with skin that looked completely fresh and recharged. Coupled with its light yet calming floral scent, this lightweight, fuss-free balm has been a beauty essential ever since.”

– Noelle Loh, editor-in-chief

“Apothaka is an indie British skincare brand I discovered on Instagram (I follow many dermatologists, chemists, and generally all-round skincare nerds). It’s a niacinamide-heavy product that convinced me of the many benefits of that ingredient, which includes boosting your skin’s natural defenses to sebum-control. As my skin is really sensitive, I always go back to this serum. I love that the formulator also opted to avoid known skin irritants such as alcohol and all fragrances (synthetic and essential oils). In other words, this serum is a safe and solid pick for anyone who’s after soothing products for sensitive skin or are suffering from a weakened skin barrier.”

– Fashion writer, Keng Yang Shuen

“I was introduced to this product by our former beauty editor and have not looked back since. Personally, I don’t really use plenty of skincare products but this is by far the best sunscreen I’ve tried. I love that it has a lightweight texture and is sensitive enough for my pimple-prone skin.”

– Adeline Eng, associate art director

“Life-changing and instantly effective. This leaves my skin with a glow of good health that’s almost impossible to get from other products, and the acids stave off potential breakouts. I have turned friends on to it and am now preaching the gospel. Nothing compares!”

– Gordon Ng, contributing writer

“While most people might balk at the price tag, let me just say that this is no ordinary chapstick. Its super-rich formulation contains a high concentration of beeswax and candelilla oil and does a stellar job of hydrating my lips without the high gloss and icky feeling that most hydrating lip balms leave behind. Plus, I can’t resist the Pierre Hardy-designed lacquered packaging.”

– Imran Jalal, fashion editor

“This is one face soap that does not cause my skin to feel dry. In fact, it’s quite moisturising.”

– Jonathan Chia, art director

“This silicone-free stable suspension is my go-to vitamin C product for its fuss-free formula — it’s sans fragrance and water (I don’t have to worry about oxidisation) and doesn’t break the bank. Insert smiley face.”

– Hisyam A Rahman, graphic designer

“One of my favourite ways to wind down at the end of the day is with a good and refreshing face mask, and this one by Taiwanese beauty brand My Beauty Diary is my go-to. Not only does it do the job in hydrating and rejuvenating my skin, but it’s also recession-friendly.”

– Margaux Levy, contributing digital writer