You know and love them. Now, they’ve been updated, or added a new family member. Karen Tee singles out the iconic beauty bestsellers that have gotten a refresh in the past six months.
Wool cardigan and cotton-blend turtleneck top, Maje. Metal earrings, Bimba Y Lola
The OG: Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-extract Alcohol-free Toner that’s been around since the ’60s and sparked the brand’s popular Calendula range, which also includes a face wash and mask. What’s new: The addition of a new Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream ($68 for 50ml), a refreshing, non-sticky moisturiser. Of all the products in the line, it’s said to contain the highest concentration of calendula extract – known for its hydrating, anti-inflammatory and radiance-boosting properties – as well as high-tech micronised flower petals to soothe and reduce redness.
The OG: Cle de Peau Beaute’s Le Serum, the brand’s beauty essential known for its efficacy in encouraging the penetration of products applied after, and an instant hit when it launched in 2013. What’s new: An updated formula ($400) that includes the algae complex Keplex, which is said to help activate skin’s regenerative power by enhancing cell growth, and – get this – a slightly lower price point. It’s $20 less than its predecessor (woot!).
The OG: Clarins V Shaping Facial Lift, the contouring serum that was a first-of-its-kind when it was launched 21 years ago, designed to give Asian women that coveted V-shaped facial silhouette – and still the gold standard in contouring products. What’s new: Say hello to its fifth reformulation ($122), which has organic agropyron grass extract and oat sugars to enhance its uplifting efficacy. The promised result: instant tautness around the jawline.
The OG: Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Eye Concentrate, the eye serum from the Japanese giant’s flagship Ultimune range – one of the earliest skincare collections targeted at boosting skin’s immunity against environmental pollution when it launched in 2014. What’s new: The latest version has been boosted with a technology dubbed Smoothing Defense Complex, which acts as a shield to protect the delicate eye area from friction. (Read: Less damage will be inflicted when you rub your peepers when they’re tired or irritated.)
The OG: Dior Prestige, the French luxury brand’s historic beauty collection that features the extract of a wild rose discovered on the Normandy cliffs of Christian Dior’s childhood home as the key ingredient. What’s new: The introduction of Le Micro Fluide Teint De Rose ($155) to the range. Makeup meets skincare in this liquid foundation, which has been specifically designed to enhance the natural luminosity of Asian skin tones. It also contains 20 micro-nutrients from the rose concentrate to keep the complexion hydrated through the day.
The OG: Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Cushion, the cushion foundation from the luxury brand’s popular brightening range that was launched in 2015. What’s new: An upgraded formula ($85) with what the brand calls Pearlescent Complex, which imparts that illuminating, radiant glow that many K-stars are known for. Its Air Glow texture has also gotten an update so that it feels ultra light, even after hours on the skin.
The OG: Nars Orgasm blush, launched in 1999 and an icon for its universally flattering peachy pink shade that imparts a fresh, all-natural glow. What’s new: The Nars Orgasm Liquid Highlighter ($52), introduced as part of Orgasm’s 20th anniversary collection that also includes a lip tint and multi-use palette. We love its effortless versatility – it can be mixed into foundation, moisturiser or sunscreen for a subtle flush, or dabbed on for dewy illumination. Just like the original blush, it works on all skin tones too.
The OG: Fresh’s Sugar Lip Treatment SPF15, consistently a bestseller for the brand since it was introduced 10 years ago. What’s new: The Sugar Mint Rush Freshening Lip Treatment ($36), a new spin-off inspired by the cooling sensation of breath fresheners. An innovative time-release encapsulation technology helps deliver a minty sensation whenever you press your lips together – not a bad way to stay cool in this heat.
The OG: Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited, the Japanese label’s two-year-old – and hottest – lipstick range known for its intense colour payoff and ultra comfortable, second-skin feel. What’s new: A complete makeover of the collection. From an already impressive 121 shades across four textures (Satin, Sheer, Matte and High Shine), the relaunched range will comprise a whopping 155 shades ($42 each), plus two new textures – Amplified, a high coverage satin sheen, and Amplified Matte, a deep velvet matte.
PHOTOGRAPHY TAN WEI TE STYLING IMRAN JALAL HAIR LEONG LIM/HAIR ILLUSTRATED, USING TOKIO INKARAMI MAKEUP MELISSA YEO, USING ESTEE LAUDER MODEL KALLIA/MANNEQUIN
