Bye-bye, skin-clogging PM2.5 particles – we’ve assembled the best anti pollution skincare around. Vegan and organic brands are also on our radar as terms like “cruelty-free” and “sustainable” point to attributes that consumers want more of. That, really, is the biggest win for all of us.
Anti-pollution
DEPARTMENT/SPECIALITY STORE
BEST ANTI-POLLUTION FOAMING WASH
Editors’ Choice & Readers’ Choice
Chanel La Mousse, $64
This works up a rich, dense foam that feels wonderful on the skin but is easy to rinse off. Delivers a thorough cleanse without stripping away moisture so skin remains soft and supple.
BEST ANTI-POLLUTION SKINCARE MIST
Editors’ Choice Cremorlab T.E.N. Mineral Water Mist, $9.50-$56
Each pump evenly delivers a cool, refreshing mist that provides skin with a major moisture surge. It reduces feelings of tightness, soothes sensitive skin and can also be used to set makeup.
Readers’ Choice
Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Repair Mist, $79
A godsend for thirsty and stressed skin, this helps calm irritation and maintain hydration. But if you have open wounds caused by skin conditions like eczema, steer clear, because it may sting.
BEST ANTI-POLLUTION MOISTURISER WITH BLUE LIGHT PROTECTION
Editors’ Choice
Chantecaille Anti-pollution Mattifying Cream, $166
This lightweight gel-cream not only moisturises and brightens dull skin, it also reduces redness and the look of age spots. It has a gentle mattifying effect and minimises blackheads by preventing impurities from clogging pores.
Readers’ Choice
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Antioxidant Protect + Repair Moisturizer, $32-$92
The creamy texture and cooling sensation instantly comfort skin so it feels coddled and soft.
BEST SUNSCREEN WITH ANTI-POLLUTION PROTECTION
Editors’ Choice
SK-II Atmosphere Airy Light UV Emulsion SPF30/PA+++, $99
Ultra-light, ultra-airy, refreshing and with a non-greasy texture, this lends skin a beautiful sheen that almost looks like you’ve applied a subtle cream highlighter.
Readers’ Choice
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50/PA++++
Anti-pollution, $56 Has a balanced texture that’s neither too watery nor creamy. Skin looks brighter with a healthy glow, not a strange white cast. Works well as a makeup primer too.
BEST ANTI-POLLUTION CLEANSING OIL
Editors’ Choice
Dermalogica Precleanse Balm, $85
It removes tough makeup easily, but you still need to use a facial wash after. The silicone mitten it comes with helps to better remove dirt, traces of makeup and impurities.
Readers’ Choice
Chanel L’Huile, $64
A good daily-use oil cleanser that removes regular makeup well. Skin feels fresh after cleansing but not overly taut. The pleasant scent is a plus and has a mood-lifting effect.
BEST ANTI-POLLUTION MOISTURISER
Editors’ Choice & Readers’ Choice
Allies of Skin 1A All-day Pollution Repair Mask, $139
This creates a thin, lightweight film that helps shield skin from pollutants in the air, so the complexion looks brighter, more energised and well-rested. It can be used on sensitive skin and skin with acne too, as it won’t clog pores or cause irritation.
Anti-ageing
DEPARTMENT/SPECIALITY STORE
BEST ANTI-AGEING FOAMING CLEANSER
Editors’ Choice
Kanebo Refreshing Powder Wash, $45
The light foam rinses off easily, taking the day’s grease and dirt with it. Skin feels soft and smooth after cleansing. The single-use capsules may be a slight hassle, but they keep the powder dry and are handy for travel.
Editors’ Choice
Re:erth Clarifying Cleanser, $70
Makes light work of face cleansing. And when you’re done, your skin feels hydrated and comfortable.
Readers’ Choice
Fancl BC Facial Washing Cream, $55
A deep cleanser that’s good for those with oilier skin. It forms a very creamy, soft and luxurious lather that removes impurities well, leaving skin clean and hydrated.
BEST ANTI-AGEING MOISTURISER FOR OILY SKIN
Editors’ Choice & Readers’ Choice
Dr Ci:Labo Aqua-collagen-gel Enrich-lift-EX, from $78
This thick, viscous formula packs a strong punch in the hydrating and plumping departments, with effects visible the next morning. Despite its texture, it’s not greasy or heavy at all once it sinks in.
BEST ANTI-AGEING TONER FOR YOUNGER SKIN
Editors’ Choice & Readers’ Choice
Lancome Absolue Precious Cells Revitalising Rose Lotion, $128
This immediately hydrates and smooths while imparting a dewy glow, prepping skin well for skincare or makeup. The subtle, calming rose scent is a plus.
BEST ANTI-AGEING SHEET MASK
Editors’ Choice & Readers’ Choice
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Creamy Mask, $148 for five sheets
It works a treat to restore moisture, plumpness and radiance to dry, dull and ageing skin. The mask fits well over the face and doesn’t make a drippy mess despite the generous amount of creamy essence it holds.
BEST ANTI-AGEING CLEANSING OIL
Editors’ Choice
The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Cleansing Oil-in-gel, $26.90
The gel-to-oil formula cleanses thoroughly and leaves skin soft and hydrated with no feeling of tightness. Rinses off easily and has a comforting scent.
Readers’ Choice
Shu Uemura Porefinist2 Sakura Refreshing Cleansing Oil, $115
One to two pumps of this rich, moisturising oil is enough for the entire face. It does a good job of taking off long-wear makeup, including lipstick, and is gentle on skin too.
Editors’ Choice
Gemology Youth Diamond Lotion, $108
Great for humid climates as it gets absorbed fast and hydrates, softens and plumps skin, making fine lines and wrinkles less pronounced.
Readers’ Choice
The Body Shop Roots of Strength Firming Shaping Essence Lotion, $38.90
Its water-like texture moisturises and lifts skin while the mild herbal scent is a refreshing pick-me-up.
BEST ANTI-AGEING SLEEPING MASK
Editors’ Choice
Lierac Lift Integral Flash Lift Mask, $85
A great non-greasy anti-ageing treatment, suitable for most skin types, and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. Makes skin look brighter and feel more supple.
Readers’ Choice
Kiehl’s Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Overnight Mask, $88
This creamy, velvety formula wraps skin in a comforting, moisturising cocoon so you can look forward to a more refined, dewy-looking complexion.
Anti-ageing
DEPARTMENT/SPECIALITY STORE
BEST ANTI-AGEING SKINCARE MIST
Editors’ Choice
MDNA Skin The Rose Mist, $135-$185
An ultra-fine mist that leaves your makeup intact and has noticeably hydrating, oil balancing and soothing effects.
Readers’ Choice
Jurlique Herbal Recovery Signature Mist, $72
Really hydrates and relieves tightness. The spa-like scent makes you want to reach for it throughout the day.
BEST LUXURIOUS ANTI-AGEING EYE CREAM
Editors’ Choice & Readers’ Choice
Sisley Sisleya L’Integral Anti-age Eye and Lip Contour Cream, $250
Its luxurious, buttery texture melts into skin to deliver all-day smoothing and plumping.
BEST ANTI-AGEING MOISTURISER FOR DRY SKIN
Editors’ Choice & Readers’ Choice
Shiseido Essential Energy Moisturizing Cream, $80
It feels rich, yet seems lightweight too. Skin isn’t just firmer and smoother after use, but also looks fresh and vibrant.
BEST ANTI-AGEING MOISTURISER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Editors’ Choice
The Moisturizers Co. Ultra Moisturizing Repair Gel with Calendula, $78
Reduces redness instantly and doesn’t cause irritation or stinging even on raw or post-breakout skin.
Readers’ Choice
Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil, $54-$108
This doesn’t make skin feel greasy – not even oily skin. Over time, it helps speed up the healing of scars and blemishes.
BEST ANTI-AGEING FACE OIL
Editors’ Choice
Eve Lom Radiance Face Oil, $145
Extremely hydrating with a beautifully smooth texture, this is a pampering treat that deeply moisturises and relaxes your skin so it looks glowing and plumped. It’s convenient too, as you won’t need to apply serum and moisturiser after.
Readers’ Choice
Su:m37 Secret Oil, $97
It’s lightweight and is absorbed well with no greasiness, but delivers solid moisturising benefits. Fine lines and wrinkles appear smoother the next day, and skin has a firmer, more supple feel.
BEST ANTI-AGEING PRE-SERUM
Editors’ Choice & Readers’ Choice
Lancome Advanced Genifique Sensitive Serum, $120
Lightweight, easily absorbed and highly soothing, this is an anti-ageing and repairing serum that even very reactive skin can use. It makes skin noticeably firmer, with lesspron ounced lines, and leaves a silky-smooth film that helps makeup go on better.
DRUGSTORE
BEST OVERALL ANTI-AGEING SERUM
Editors’ Choice L’Oreal
Revitalift Centella MicroEssence, $35.90
Light and watery with a silky texture that glides nicely over skin, this moisturises, softens and enables makeup to sit better.
Readers’ Choice
Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Freshshot, $52
Refreshes skin, making it look brighter, with a more refined texture.
BEST ANTI-AGEING SERUM FOR FINE LINES/ WRINKLES
Editors’ Choice
Eversoft Skinz Youth Recall Mushroom Collagen Ampoule, $49.90
Reduces the look of fine lines and lends the skin a soft, natural glow. It leaves a light moisturising film, but isn’t sticky.
Readers’ Choice
Eucerin Hyaluron-filler Concentrate, $69
Reduces the severity of nasolabial lines. And the small vials it comes in are handy to carry around for moisture boosts during the day.
Anti-ageing
DEPARTMENT/SPECIALITY STORE
BEST ANTI-AGEING HYDRATING SERUM
Editors’ Choice
MDNA Skin The Serum, $240-$370
Packed with a blend of hydrators, this milky lotion-like serum revitalises and brightens tired, dull and sensitive skin. The citrus scent boosts its uplifting effect.
Readers’ Choice
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum, $265
Skin instantly laps up this rich serum so it feels softer and stays hydrated. The slightly medicinal scent also has a de-stressing effect.
Editors’ Choice
Cle de Peau Beaute Firming Serum Supreme, $440
A sensorial treat in many ways – it smells good, has a lovely texture that feels fresh, and soothes and hydrates skin well. The fluid consistency works well with facial massage tools too.
Readers’ Choice
La Prairie Platinum Rare Cellular Night Elixir, $1,890
Luxuriously rich, this coddles skin and leaves it more resilient, smoother, softer and lifted.
BEST ANTIAGEING SMOOTHING EYE CREAM
Editors’ Choice
Est.lab Optimalift A+ Anti-wrinkle Eye Cream, $108
A refreshing cream that slightly tightens the under-eye area. Eyes look less tired, and skin more lifted.
Readers’ Choice
Mamonde Age Control Power Eye Cream, $54
The under-eye area instantly looks brighter. The product glides on and hydrates the skin all day long.
BEST ANTIAGEING SERUM FOR SKIN REJUVENATION
Editors’ Choice
Astalift In-focus Cellactive Serum, $222
The silky serum does take a couple of minutes to settle into the skin, but it leaves your complexion supple and glowing.
Readers’ Choice
Skin Inc Serum-infused Night Oil, $98
Acts as a protective barrier to seal in all the skincare you apply just before it – great for extremely dry skin.
BEST RICH ANTI-AGEING MOISTURISER FOR DRY SKIN
Editors’ Choice & Readers’ Choice
Laneige Time Freeze Intensive Cream EX, $95
Reduces the look of fine lines and nourishes dehydrated skin for a fuller, bouncier look. A little of this rich cream goes a long way, and it’s absorbed well so skin feels comfortable and refreshed, not tacky.
BEST OVERALL ANTI-AGEING EYE CREAM
Editors’ Choice
Lancome Advanced Genifique Eye Cream, $105
Plumps up lines around the eye contours without resulting in greasiness, and makes skin feel softer after a few days. We love how lightweight and readily absorbed it is.
Readers’ Choice
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex, $104
Has an immediate plumping effect on fine lines. After a week’s use, the skin around the eyes feels smoother, and dark circles look lighter.
BEST ANTI-AGEING MOISTURISER FOR VERY DRY SKIN
Editors’ Choice
History of Whoo Cheongidan Radiant Regenerating Cream, $580
A heavy-duty moisturiser with a creamy, gliding texture, this is perfect for dry, mature skin and cold climates. It gets rid of flakiness, leaves skin feeling soft and supple, and delivers hydration that lasts through air conditioned nights.
Readers’ Choice
Lancome Absolue L’Extrait Day Cream, $660
This sumptuous cream works like a dream for very dry, mature and fragile skin, forming a protective, nourishing cocoon that isn’t heavy or sticky. Plumps dehydration lines and evens skin tone for a glowing complexion.
BEST ANTI-AGEING SERUM FOR SKIN REFINEMENT
Editors’ Choice
Laneige Time Freeze Essence EX, $90
With hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient, it plumps and smooths skin so fine lines and pores become less obvious. Its satiny finish also primes skin for makeup, enabling foundation to glide on easily.
Readers’ Choice
Kiehl’s Powerful strength Line- reducing Concentrate 12.5%, $105
This delivers improvements in skin texture by reducing fine lines and softening rough, dry patches. And it has a slight mattifying effect. Those with highly sensitive skin, however, need to be careful as it is high in pure vitamin C.
PHOTOGRAPHY FRENCHESCAR LIM STYLING SHERLI CHONG
PHOTO GALLERY STOCK
