CHEWLAYLA ONG, MODEL
Her work gives her an inside look at what’s trendy. Off the runways, she looks out for makeup that hydrates her overworked skin and dry lips. If it’s fuss-free and portable, she’s on it.
Orbis U Lotion, $45
Why it’s great: This post-cleansing lotion appears rich, but absorbs magically into my skin, which becomes soft and hydrated, and ready for more serums and creams. I like that it’s also free of oil, fragrance and alcohol.
Nars Blush in Aroused, $52
Why it’s great: This new blusher colour is a dark wine-cherry that gives my skin a healthy glow, as compared to coral or light pink blushers that give off an orangey hue. Definitely a new discovery for me.
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder, $76
Why it’s great: The tub is really compact and handy to bring around. It’s a lifesaver for my “go-out-of-house-already-greasy” face – it’s not cakey and leaves my skin naturally matte. It makes me feel like I can have a “good skin day” every day.
Gucci Beauty Rouge A Levres Voile in Mildred Rosewood, $53
Why it’s great: It is ultra-lightweight yet moisturising. It’s my current go-to lipstick for a natural shade. Although it’s a sheer formula, it can last up to half a day outdoors without me needing to apply a lip balm – that’s a tremendous plus for my awfully dry lips.
MELISSA YEO, MAKEUP ARTIST
The veteran has worked with literally, everybody, from magazines like Her World, to commercial clients and brides. She knows exactly what works in our humidity and what’s best for our skin.
Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum, $79
Why it’s great: It’s a hyaluronic acid serum that penetrates deeply to hydrate and nourish. It protects skin against ageing and strengthens it, working against sun exposure and other factors like pollution, or lack of sleep. What I really like is that it’s easy to apply and works visibly on fine lines.
Cle de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation, $175
Why it’s great: I’m a fan of Cle de Peau foundations – it just makes your complexion glow, whatever your skin type. This new one has a dewy finish that doesn’t slide off, and provides coverage without oxidising much. And it lasts up to 24 hours.
Clarins Lip Comfort Oil, $36
Why it’s great: Finding a good lip balm or oil isn’t easy. Some deliver the moisture, but are sticky and uncomfortable to wear because of the oil – but not this one. You’d also expect a lip oil to be greasy, but this one nourishes the lips without being so. My lips are soothed, and the stain-like colour is long-lasting.
Hera Airy Blur Priming Powder, $72
Why it’s great: It’s a primer, but I use it as a powder on its own, to control excess serum from mask wearing. It’s supposed to block dust particles, but what it does best is minimise the look of my pores. The cream vanilla shade brightens dull skin tones.
MONG CHIN YEOH (@MONGABONG), INFLUENCER
Mong Chin is a flawless-skin junkie, but her sensitive and dry skin means she needs to use skincare and makeup that won’t dry out her skin or cause it to react.
Burberry Matte Glow Foundation, $85
Why it’s great: I love that even though this is a matte and full coverage foundation,it still makes me look glowy and healthy. It also doesn’t transfer onto my mask, and doesn’t crease or cake up on my dry skin. It makes my skin look flawless.
Shu Uemura Unlimited Glow Breathable Care-in Foundation, $72
Why it’s great: This amazingly lightweight foundation gives my skin a dewy glow. The new Petal 55 sponge applicator ($45) is a great tool too – it’s super soft on skin and doesn’t leave any streaks. It lets me apply my foundation in 10 seconds.
Fenty Skin Total Cleans’r Remove-It-All Cleanser, price unavailable
Why it’s great: I wear a lot of makeup, so I’m big on cleansing. I got a preview of this cleanser from Rihanna’s hot new skincare launch and it’s really something – a two-in-one that removes makeup and cleanses in one step. Cleansers tend to strip my dry skin of natural oil, but this does not; the creamy texture is ultra-luxurious. It’ll be available in December 2020 at Sephora.
Benefit California Kissin’ Color Balm Lip Balm, $36
Why it’s great: This is the perfect balm and lipstick combo – it’s like a sheer lipstick, but with more intense colour. The texture is rich and buttery, but not tacky. It comes in 12 shades, which makes it even more exciting for a lip balm.
OON SHU AN, ACTRESS AND HOST
Shu An is the host of Clicknetwork.tv’s Tried and Tested, one of the most-watched channels on Youtube in Singapore. She always has an eye out for new beauty discoveries – and isn’t afraid to try them.
YSL Beaute Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Sheer Matte Lipstick, $54
Why it’s great: I have no idea why I didn’t start using this sooner! This was launched in 2019 and it’s incredibly comfortable for a matte lipstick. It’salso lightweight and yet long-lasting. The colour almost creates a blurring effect on the lips and it is so easy to wear.
Nars Orgasm X Oil-Infused Lip Tint, $40
Why it’s great: Another lip discovery! It’s comfortable to wear, and is shiny withoutstreaking or being goopy. Its gel-oil texture applies evenly on my lips and it’s so moisturising. Plus, the shades give that gorgeous, summery glow.
The Aura Glow Now You See Me, Now You Don’t! Instant Make Up Remover pads, $29.90 for a pack of three
Why it’s great: Microfibre cloths are great because you don’t need to use a makeup remover or cotton pads. But I find them fussy to use. These, though, are fantastic. Just add water, wipe your face clean of makeup, then wash the makeup remover pad. It’s that simple. And you can reuse the pad too. From www.theauraglow.com
White Trousseau Air Charcoal Scent Diffuser + Interior Oil, $38
Why it’s great: I love my candles, but don’t always want an open flame around. This charcoal diffuser is a pretty and understated way of diffusing scents in the room. And the scent is lovely too. From www.whitetrousseau.com
TEXT RUTH CHEWLAYLA