POWER UP

You may be tired, but thanks to Lancome’s Energie De Vie range, it doesn’t have to show on your skin.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

You may be tired, but thanks to Lancome’s Energie De Vie range, it doesn’t have to show on your skin.

(Clockwise from far left) Lancome Energie De Vie The Smoothing & Glow Boosting Liquid Care, $115, The Smoothing & Plumping Pearly Lotion, $105, The Foam Cleanser, 55, The Soothing & Illuminating Refreshing Milky Lotion, $120, The Overnight Recovery Sleeping Mask, $95, and The Smoothing & Plumping Waterinfused Cream, $110.
(Clockwise from far left) Lancome Energie De Vie The Smoothing & Glow Boosting Liquid Care, $115, The Smoothing & Plumping Pearly Lotion, $105, The Foam Cleanser, 55, The Soothing & Illuminating Refreshing Milky Lotion, $120, The Overnight Recovery Sleeping Mask, $95, and The Smoothing & Plumping Waterinfused Cream, $110.

Dark eye circles. Eye bags. Sensitive skin. An ashy complexion. If you’re noticing these when you look in the mirror, you're probably suffering from urban fatigue, a phenomenon caused by the demands of a modern environment. In fact, according to a study conducted by Lancome last year in France, China and the US, of the 3,000 female participants aged 25 to 35, 59 percent stated that they were tired because of a lack of sleep, while 32 percent described themselves as perpetually stressed out.

That’s why Lancome’s latest Energie De Vie range does more than just hydrate the skin; it also has active ingredients such as lemon balm oil and goji berry extract to counter inflammation and free-radical damage, and gentian root extract to reportedly improve blood circulation for more radiant skin. We noticed a glowing complexion and less obvious fine lines after using the range for just one week. Our favourite product? The Overnight Recovery Sleeping Mask. A thin layer applied before bedtime ensures soft, plump skin in the morning.

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Clarins Men Fresh Moisture Toner, $46.
Clarins Men Fresh Moisture Toner, $46.
Water: friend or foe?

You may not be aware of this, but tap water, which contains minerals such as chlorine and fluoride, can damage the skin barrier. That’s why it’s important to use a toner after cleansing to rebalance the skin and remove any remaining mineral deposits. Clarins Men Fresh Moisture Toner has apple vinegar to reportedly work on strengthening the skin barrier, as well as meadowsweet extract, said to regulate sebum production to help keep the complexion shine-free.

Sulwhasoo Men Refreshing Cleansing Foam, $40.
Sulwhasoo Men Refreshing Cleansing Foam, $40.
Clean up well

Sulwhasoo Men Refreshing Cleansing Foam is formulated with natural powder particles to exfoliate dead skin cells – perfect for men, as they typically have thicker skin than women – and is gentle enough to use twice daily. Just a pea-sized amount is enough to create a luxurious lather.