New On The Shelves

Cool new beauty buys to add to your shelfie (and the ones that are actually worth your $$$).

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Cool new beauty buys to add to your shelfie (and the ones that are actually worth your $$$).

Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum, $138

“This is a great serum if you’re dealing with dull, uneven skin that may also have clogged pores. The formula is a potent mix of mandelic, lactic and salicylic acid along with nourishing antioxidants, peptides, brighteners and moisturising ingredients. So on top of exfoliating skin for a brighter, more even complexion, it also hydrates so skin doesn’t feel tight or flaky.” 

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L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup in #Bluehair 

and #Mauvehair, $16.90 each “It’s like a liquid form of hair chalk. I like that it’s super easy and fuss-free to apply, but take note that if your hair is black/brunette, some of the colours might not show up as vibrantly as, say, on blonde hair. The blue showed up visibly, but the pink, not so much. Also, your hair gets stiff once it dries—I could feel my hair crunching as I walk. Thankfully, the formula is easy to wash off with a shampoo and a rinse!”  

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Shiseido Waso Silky Smooth Mochi Mask, $15

“It was fun mixing the ingredients to make the mask but it’s not something I’d want to do again and again. You’re only supposed to leave the mask on for five minutes, which I did, but I can’t say my cheeks looked any brighter or felt any bouncier after.” 

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Kiehl’s Love Oil for Lips, $28 

“I usually avoid lip oils as I don’t like the idea of having anything too oily or sticky on my lips, but this has a thin consistency and only the slightest of tackiness, which makes it comfortable to wear. This lip oil instantly nourishes and hydrates my chapped, dry lips. It also gives my lips a subtle hint of colour and sheen. I like wearing this on its own or on top of a lip colour!” 

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Boy de Chanel LE TEINT Foundation, $114 

“This foundation has a natural finish, which makes it a good place to start if you’re a man looking to wear makeup. While the shades do lean on the pink side, its sheer coverage means it will work even if you have a golden-olive skin tone. I would recommend spot-concealing after if you have blemishes to cover. Finally, people who are sensitive to fragrance should take caution, as it has quite a strong, though pleasant, floral scent.” 

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LANEIGE 3-in-1 Cleansing Tea Bag Green Tea, $15 per box (10 pieces) 

“After soaking it in warm water, I rubbed it between my palms and it foamed up very quickly. It cleansed my skin thoroughly, yet there was no tightness or discomfort after. The green tea scent was quite soothing and the formula didn’t irritate my sensitive skin. I also used it as an exfoliator, massaging my face gently with the tea bag to remove any dead skin to reveal smoother and brighter skin.” 

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Les Merveilleuses Ladurée Illuminating Face Powder, $88 

“Since the powder leaves a radiant sheen, I thought it would be OTT to brush it over my entire face, so I used it as a highlighter instead. The powder is very light and easy to blend, and it works well on my fair skin, leaving a very natural glow on my cheeks. I love how it brightens my complexion throughout the day.” 

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Sulwhasoo Sheer Lasting Foundation, $76

“This foundation has a pink undertone so as someone with a yellow undertone, I was apprehensive about how it’d look like on me. Surprisingly, the pink undertone brightens my complexion. I also like the gel texture, which blends seamlessly into the skin for a flawless finish.”