The latest high-performance hydrators are no longer rich or greasy. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and other powerful emollients, they are readily slurped up by parched skin.
The latest high-performance hydrators are no longer rich or greasy. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and other powerful emollients, they are readily slurped up by parched skin.
1 For firmer skin
Dior Capture Totale Multi-perfection Emulsion, $210 (75ml), is said to tighten and lift skin with an antigravity complex that dramatically increases collagen and elastin production. Other ingredients include Madagascan longoza flower extract to regenerate firmness and boost radiance, and an algae extract said to counter sagging.
2 For less obvious wrinkles
Biotherm Aquasource Everplump, $69 (50ml), breaks into a thousand micromoisture drops upon application, and pumps skin with blue hyaluron, an ingredient derived from an aquatic organism. This refreshing water-in-oil gel formula plumps up skin and is meant to make your wrinkles look less obvious.
3 For natural skin radiance
Refresh a dull complexion with L’Occitane Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream, $65 (50ml). Paraben-free and enriched with shea butter and peony extract, it brightens and makes the complexion appear more even-toned. Mineral-based optical correctors reflect light and blur out imperfections like wrinkles and pigmentation, so your skin looks smoother and more refined, too.
4 For deep hydration in humid weather
With French spring water and hyaluronic acid, L’Oreal Paris Hydrafresh Genius Multi-Active Essence Cream, $25.90 (50ml), delivers optimal moisture to dehydrated skin without leaving a sticky after-feel. The super lightweight gel-cream is ideal for combination-oily skin, especially in sweltering heat and humidity.
5 For round-the-clock hydration
Saturate the skin with The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture-protect Emulsion SPF 30/PA+++, $36.90 (50ml). Made with biofermented hyaluronic acid, this gives 48 hours of moisture and broad-spectrum sun protection as it sweeps up free radicals with vitamin E and wheatgerm oil.
6 For an organic fix
Eco-conscious beautyphiles will love Estelle & Thild Super Bioactive Firming Day Cream, $102 (50ml). This luxe Swedish organic hydrator is enriched with marine microalgae – an antioxidant 14 times more powerful than vitamin E! – that repairs UV damage and regulates cell renewal for supple, radiant skin.
7 For sensitised skin
Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet, $46 (40ml), contains antioxidant-rich organic merlot and muscat grapes that deeply hydrate skin. The refreshing gel-cream also soothes with camomile, and relaxes the senses with aromatic notes of mandarin blossom, lemon tree leaf and fresh mint.
8 For better-looking skin
Algenist Splash Absolute Hydration Replenishing Gel Moisturizer, $58 (60ml), is enriched with a red microalgae polysaccharide and skin-energizing electrolytes to boost hydration and moisture retention, as well as rev up cell renewal for softer, suppler and more radiant skin.
9 For very dehydrated skin
Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel, $25.90 (50g), features 3-D clusters of oil-in-water droplets for deep penetration and moisture retention. Its four hyaluronic acids in different sizes also hydrate different layers of the skin for ultimate resuscitation.
10 For all-in-one use
Infused with coix seed, angelica and mugwort extracts, Kose Sekkisei Herbal Gel, $56 (80g), can be used as a day cream, overnight mask and massage pack. At night, massage two scoops of the gel into skin, tissue off the excess and leave on overnight. Then wake up to radiant and translucent skin.
11 For cell renewal
Halt the early signs of skin ageing with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Renewal Gel Cream, $29.90 (50g). Besides hydrating multiple layers of your skin with hyaluronic acid, it also helps to regulate cell renewal and brighten with lemon peel extract, and recharges skin cells with mineral ions.
Hair hacks
SPEED-DRY TRESSES
Never leave home with drippy wet hair again! Here’s how to dry your locks in a hurry.
Press and Towel Blasting wet hair with a hairdryer and ruffling it with a towel will only damage your tresses. Instead, divide your hair into sections and press out as much water as you can after your shower. Next, dry your hair by blotting it with a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt.
Express Drying Detangle with a wide-toothed comb to ensure that any product you apply is evenly distributed. Then, part and style your hair as desired. We recommend using a heat protector before drying it with your fingers and a hairdryer until it is 80 per cent dry. Focus the dryer on hair roots, which tend to take longer to dry. Tip: Invest in a salon-quality hairdryer such as Ghd Air Hair Dryer, $225, which has a professional-use motor and advanced ionic technology for fastdrying, frizzfree results
Perfect Finish Apply serum to the ends from the ears down for a smooth finish. Avoid the roots, as this will weigh your hair down and result in a greasy after-feel. You may either continue to blow-dry tresses with a round-bristled brush for a silky finish, or let your hair dry naturally.
