No, hydration isn’t something new – it’s the foundation of healthy skin. What’s different now: hybrid textures that are altering the lightweight-is-better mindset. Think products that feel rich and substantial, but in a way that’s comforting, not sticky. With climate change affecting our habits and responses (the hotter it gets outside, the more we blast the air con indoors), this is a timely and necessary change as everything needs to be more hydrating.
No, hydration isn’t something new – it’s the foundation of healthy skin. What’s different now: hybrid textures that are altering the lightweight-is-better mindset. Think products that feel rich and substantial, but in a way that’s comforting, not sticky. With climate change affecting our habits and responses (the hotter it gets outside, the more we blast the air con indoors), this is a timely and necessary change as everything needs to be more hydrating.
HYDRATING LOTION
● Readers’ Choice and Editors’ Choice 1. Lancome Energie de Vie The Smoothing & Plumping Pearly Lotion
This lotion boasts a hybrid texture, with oil droplets suspended in water. On application, it penetrates into skin almost immediately, giving it an instant boost of hydration sans greasy residue.
SUPER-CHARGED HYDRATOR
● Readers’ Choice 2. Clarins Extra-firming Treatment Essence
Its velvety texture makes this essence a joy to apply post-cleanse. Skin instantly looks smoother, and feels plumper and more supple, ready for the next steps in your skincare routine.
● Editors’ Choice 3. Origins Three Part Harmony Oil-infused Serum for Renewal, Repair and Radiance
This luxurious oil-infused serum delivers a mix of nourishing ingredients such as meadowfoam seed oil and cocoa butter. Skin feels less tight, and fine lines and wrinkles are less obvious.
● Editors’ Choice 4. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Serum
Chock-full of moisture- retaining ingredients such as angelica leaf extract and hyaluronic acid, this rose- scented serum soothes skin and intensely hydrates it to keep your complexion dewy and radiant.
HYDRATING MOISTURISER – GEL-CREAM
● Readers’ Choice 5. Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream
This cooling gel-cream is said to lower skin surface temperature by 2.4 deg C. It is also infused with botanical extracts, olive squalane and mineral water to calm and hydrate irritated skin.
● Editors’ Choice 6. Astalift Renewal Jelly Aquarysta
This deep orange jelly moisturiser melts into a refreshing, watery gel on contact with skin. Ceramides and antioxidants work to replenish moisture so skin looks smooth and radiant.
HYDRATING MOISTURISER – CREAM
● Readers’ Choice 7. La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Lotion
Checking all the right boxes, this moisturiser is lightweight yet deeply hydrating, and doesn’t leave a residue on skin.
● Editors’ Choice 8. Neal’s Yard Remedies Deliciously Ella Rose, Lime & Cucumber Moisturiser
Loaded with organic ingredients such as acai, lime, turmeric and rose essential oil, this lightweight cream promises to address signs of ageing and restore a healthy glow.
HYDRATING MASK
● Readers’ Choice 9. For Beloved One Hyaluronic Acid GHK-cu Moisturizing Bio-cellulose Mask
This clings to the face like second skin and works on replenishing lost moisture. Ingredients such as malachite and copper peptides help rejuvenate stressed skin so it’s softer, plumper and more supple.
● Editors’ Choice 10. Kenzoki Serum In A Mask
Get clear, hydrated and radiant skin after 15 minutes with this sheet mask, which has hyaluronic acid, Japanese lily of the valley and white lotus extract.
MOISTURISER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
● Readers’ Choice and Editors’ Choice 11. Chanel La Solution 10 de Chanel
Less is more, especially when it comes to sensitive skin. That’s why there are only 10 ingredients in this fragrance- free moisturiser. It instantly soothes irritation and redness on application, and is said to nurse skin back to a healthy, balanced state over time.
HYDRATING MIST WITH SKINCARE BENEFITS
● Readers’ Choice 12. Estee Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical Mist
The droplets in this ultra-fine spray are reportedly 50 per cent smaller than those in other mists on the market, so the hydrating, skin- soothing formula can be better absorbed.
● Editors’ Choice 13. Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Toner Mist
More serum- than water- like, this alcohol-free mist has calming plant- based oils, rose water and lactobacillus ferment to hydrate, tone, reduce inflammation and help balance skin flora.
HYDRATING CLEANSER
● Readers’ Choice and Editors’ Choice 14. Bioderma Hydrabio H20
Remove grime and makeup, and replenish moisture in one step. This no-rinse, water-based cleanser boasts a patented technology that is said to “train” your skin to regain and maintain its natural water balance.
HYDRATING LOTION
● Readers’ Choice and Editors’ Choice 15. Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion
Suitable for normal to dry skin, this rich, almost serum-like lotion has four different sizes of hyaluronic acid – from nano to large – to hydrate skin from the outermost layer to the deeper layers. With continued use, skin elasticity is said to improve and fine lines are less visible.
SUPER-CHARGED HYDRATOR
● Readers’ Choice 16. Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Essence
Free of fragrances, alcohol, colourants and mineral oil, this cooling essence has a watery – but not drippy – texture that still feels sufficiently hydrating. Three to four drops are enough for the entire face and neck.
● Editors’ Choice 17. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Renewal Serum
This serum not only drenches your skin with moisture-locking hyaluronic acid for all-day hydration, it also has lemon peel extract to combat dullness and help reduce the look of pores over time.
HYDRATING MOISTURISER – GEL-CREAM
● Readers’ Choice 18. Dr.Ci:Labo Aqua-collagen-gel Super Moisture EX
Said to cover all six steps of a daily skincare routine, this multi-tasker’s active ingredients – think collagen, ceramides and hyaluronic acid – are encapsulated in nano-sized capsules to ensure they penetrate deep into the skin.
● Editors’ Choice 19. Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-creme
Great for those with sensitive skin, this moisturiser has salicylic acid to encourage skin cell renewal as well as the antioxidant vitamin E to reportedly help repair skin and give it a luminous glow. The hygienic tube-and- pump packaging is a plus.
HYDRATING MOISTURISER – CREAM
● Readers’ Choice 20. Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Cream
You only need a pea-sized amount of this rich cream for the face and neck. A cocktail of vitamins – A, C and E – helps to brighten skin and fight signs of skin ageing.
● Editors’ Choice 21. L’Oreal Paris Hydrafresh Genius Multi- active Essence Cream
Refreshing and cooling, this cream has French spring water, two types of hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5.
MOISTURISER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
● Readers’ Choice 22. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight
This cream feels like a cool breeze when applied on flushed skin. Apply it before heading to bed and wake up with a hydrated, calm complexion – like you got eight hours of sleep (even if you hadn’t).
● Editors’ Choice 23. Curel Moisture Gel-lotion
Non-sticky, watery and easily spreadable, this moisturiser has ceramides, allantoin and anti-inflammatory botanical extracts to help replenish moisture levels and alleviate dry, itchy skin.
MAIN PHOTO KENNETH WONG
