A NON-FACIAL BEAUTY HIT LIST (AKA WHAT TO USE NOW TO IMPROVE THE LOOK AND HEALTH OF YOUR HAIR, NECK, HANDS AND BODY)
Photo Showbit.com
FOR NATURALLY ENVIABLE TRESSES (EVEN WHEN THEY’RE DYED)
The saying that healthy locks start from the scalp is like the hair equivalent of Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan – everybody’s heard it before. Walking the talk is new-to-town Korean haircare label Ryo, developed by Amorepacific (the same makers of Sulwhasoo and Laneige). Banking on wholesome herbal ingredients, every one of its products targets the skin on the head first. Its Deep Cleansing range, for example, contains pine needles and fermented mint to purify the scalp, in turn preventing the likes of dandruff and itching, while its Hair Loss line boasts a ginseng complex that’s said to multiply skin and hair follicle cells.
For fans of clean beauty, Sephora’s brought in the American haircare brand Briogeo, known for its plant-powered formulas that are vegan and free of the ingredients on a derm’s watch list (silicones, sulfates, parabens and the like). Its cult following might also have to do with its wide, thoughtful range (everything from a Rosarco oil to seal split ends, to a weather-proof, curl-defining cream) and how results are reportedly instantly visible.
To revive coloured hair without putting it through another round in the salon hot seat, Infuse My. Colour (yes, that’s how its name is punctuated) has five variations of colourinfusing shampoo. Cobalt, for example, neutralises the gold and yellow pigments in bleached locks, while Ruby boosts red and burgundy tones. Christophe Robin’s Temporary Colour Gel, meanwhile, is ideal for covering greys quickly sans damage – it doesn’t require mixing, is said to not affect hair’s natural structure, and boasts oat flakes, known for their antioxidant properties.
For a similarly healthy approach to smooth hair, the GHD Glide Hot Brush (think a hybrid of a brush and dryer) uses an ioniser and ceramic technology to eliminate frizz, leaving a healthy, even shine. Word has it that one can achieve salon-perfect blow-dried hair in minutes, thanks to its combo of dense short and long bristles that cover larger sections of hair with every stroke.
Photography Vee Chin Art Direction Adeline Eng
FOR A SEXY, YOUTHFUL LOOKING NECK
Guerlain Abeille Royale Skin Defense SPF50/PA++++, $114 The neck tends to be one of the first areas to show signs of ageing since there isn’t much collagen in its delicate dermis. While this is foremost a sunscreen (besides a high dose of SPF to shield skin from UVA and UVB rays, antioxidants and mineral filter pigments help protect against blue and infrared light), it also delivers a powerpacked collagen boost. How it does so: with a blend of the brand’s exclusive Royale Jelly, Ouessant Black Bee honey and Moroccan Euphorbia honey that supposedly inhibits the breakdown of collagen and reactivates its production. The promised result: plumper skin and less obvious lines, with a lingering nectar scent that’s light and pleasing.
Chantecaille Bio-Lifting Serum, $460 Consider this rose-scented formula an anti-ageing powerhouse. The brand’s “Alga Tensing Blend” technology is said to impart an instant tightening effect, while a combination of plant stem cells and five innovative peptides plumps and improves collagen and elastin production reportedly with the same efficiency. If that’s not enough, cocoa peptides, bionymph peptide stem cell extract and a refining lipopeptide help treat lines and soften their appearance.
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum, $149 Fact: The skin on the neck tends to be duller than that of the face. This lightweight treatment combats that with THD Ascorbate, a gold standard vitamin C that’s reportedly 50 times more powerful than traditional vitamin C; as well as ferulic acid and vitamin E that deliver anti-ageing, firming and brightening benefits.
FOR SOME SUN PROTECTION FROM THE NECK DOWN
Soleil Toujours Organic Sheer Sunscreen Mist SPF15, $32, Sephora The spray formula makes application easy, while its antioxidant-rich content helps hydrate, nourish and protect. Lightweight and non-greasy, it’s reportedly water-resistant for 80 minutes. It also claims to be the only sunscreen mist that doesn’t contain oxybenzone – a traditional sunscreen ingredient that some research has shown to be an allergen.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi AntiPollution Sunshine Serum, $50, Sephora It’s most popularly used for the face, but the fact that it imparts a bronzy glow should win over those looking for a truly healthy all-over tan. A potent mix of antioxidants boosts defence against environmental stressors, while a complex mimics the benefits of omega-rich virgin marula, black currant seed oils, and vitamins D and F for optimum skin barrier function.
Three Balancing Body UV Protector, $66 A hydrating treatment with a cocktail of essential oils and botanical extracts to protect skin from harmful environmental aggressors that can cause premature skin ageing.
FOR LUMINOUS SKIN ALL OVER
A well-hydrated, lustrous-looking body starts from the bath. Joining the growing range of shower oils that have become increasingly popular: Dior’s J’adore Huile Divine Dry Silky Body and Hair Oil, which imparts a satin, radiant finish and smells of fresh, clean florals, and Kopari’s Coconut Shower Oil, which promises added benefits such as boosting collagen production, lightening dark spots, and protecting skin from free radical damage.
Post-shower, slather on The Body Shop’s Shea Butter, which lives up to its name with its creamy, melt-into-skin texture and is said to intensely hydrate skin for 72 hours straight. For firming benefits, Sisley Paris’ Sisleya L’Integral Concentrated Firming Body Cream supposedly boosts collagen production and elasticity while encouraging the drainage of excess fat. Hermes’ Twilly d’Hermes Body Balm, meanwhile, offers feel-good hydration on the go – it comes in a TSA- (and handbag-) friendly size, and boasts the fresh yet seductive scent of ginger, tuberose and sandalwood.
And to treat the hardest-working part of the body: elevated hand creams like Sisley Paris’ Sisleya L’Integral Hand Care Anti-Age Concentrate SPF30 and Dr Roebuck’s Cushie Vitamin Rich Hand Creme, which not only replenish lost moisture and soothe dry skin, but also promise to improve resilience against environmental aggressors.
CECILIE BAHNSEN ON THE BEAUTY OF THE BACK
The hallmarks of a garment by the Danish designer and her cerebrally feminine four-year-old namesake label: voluminous, cloud-like sculpture, artisanal fabrics most often in black or white, and tie fastenings that reveal the wearer’s back. In town recently to visit Dover Street Market Singapore, where she’s stocked exclusively, she opens up about her vision of sensuality.
“I’ve always thought of the back as a very elegant part of a woman’s body. My collections are not meant to be sexy, but elegant and feminine with a quiet sensuality, so opening up the back (of clothes) instead of the front is more appealing to me. I’ve also always loved experimenting with different ways of fastening a garment, so my designs are often closed using big or small bows, or drawstring. I think it feels natural to have such details on the back so that the garment looks really simple from the front, but surprises when flipped around. It also makes tying or loosening it feel even more like a ritual, which I’ve always felt promotes an awareness in dressing.
It’s not an approach for the catwalk, but it works really well for Instagram. And when you see the designs in store, you discover the details and twist in the exposed back, which are seldom captured in the runway images. I find this so important because these elements make one want to explore the garment more. I also like the idea of how they give the wearer a sense of mystery. After all, you really can’t judge someone till you see all sides of her.” – as told to Andrea Sim
