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Beyond their New Age association, precious stones and crystals are increasingly being tapped in the beauty realm for their seemingly magical healing powers. Vanessa Chia reports.

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Beyond their New Age association, precious stones and crystals are increasingly being tapped in the beauty realm for their seemingly magical healing powers. Vanessa Chia reports.
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Victoria Beckham places crystals around her home and office, and even carries a black tourmaline rock with her wherever she goes (she claims it helps maintain positivity). Miranda Kerr’s most cherished object is a clear quartz wand studded with rose quartz to boost good vibes and love.
Now, before you scoff at these celebrities and their chakracleansing-crystal-healing rituals, consider the history of gems and crystals, and their uses in healing customs. Since ancient times, for example, the Greeks, Egyptians and Chinese have all harnessed their energy to heal and beautify.
While it might all sound a tad New Agey, proponents – such as Debra Haugen, chief alchemist of Californian beauty brand Gemstone Organic – swear by their efficacy. According to her, it takes just 26 seconds for the body to absorb what’splaced on skin. “So the blending of water and crystals to create skin elixirs is a perfect combination, as water is highly conductive and creates a path for activating the healing properties of the crystals,” she says.
Ally Sands, master herbalist of American beauty and jewellery brand Aquarian Soul, is also a believer. “All gemstones have different healing properties that not only help skin, but also lift the mood, energise, calm, or even help during meditation.”
Recent years have seen a growing number of major beauty brands taking a shine to the trend, with an increasing number extracting or grounding up various precious stones and crystals for use as ingredients in everything from masks to foundations. Now, what better way to add some sparkle to your beauty routine, especially during the new year? Here, a quick guide to the most popular variety – and their supposed skin benefits.
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DIAMOND

Good for Exfoliation or illuminating skin. Also said to boost creativity, and bring about good health and longevity.

Try #1: Chanel Sublimage Foundation, $207

A combination of diamond powder, vanilla water and a trio of moisturising agents blurs skin imperfections, while keeping skin soft and supple.

ROSE QUARTZ

Good for Bringing a sense of calm, and lowering stress and tension. (P.S. It’s also said to help those looking for love.)

Try #2: Kora Organics Balancing Rose Mist, US$35 (S$48), www.net-a-porter.com.

A refreshing mist that fuses rose quartz crystal-energised water with a blend of noni, aloe and hibiscus extracts to supposedly shield skin from free radical damage.

MALACHITE

Good for Counteracting daily stressors and free radical damage, as it’s known to have potent antioxidant properties. The green stone is also said to balance the senses and promote harmony.

Try #3: For Beloved One Hyaluronic Acid GHK-Cu Moisturizing Bio-cellulose Mask, $63 for a box of three sheets, Sephora.

Packed with moisture-attracting ingredients, such as copper peptide GHK-Cu and hyaluronic acid tri-molecules, to quench parched skin pronto.

SAPPHIRE

Good for Clarifying and balancing skin. As an accessory, it is believed to attract wealth, fame, health and happiness.

Try #4: NCLA Protect Your Jewels Hand Cream, $48, Sephora.

A comforting cream with vitamin E and shea butter to moisturise and nourish hands. Good for Exfoliation and supposedly enhancing mental clarity.

Try #5: Lancer The Method: Body Polish, US$55 (S$76), www.net-a-porter.com.

This self-warming exfoliator gently sloughs off dead skin cells to reveal silky smooth skin.

QUARTZ TOURMALINE

Good for Lifting, firming and hydrating skin. Also reportedly boosts microcirculation and reduces fatigue.

Try #6: La Mer The Cleansing Micellar Water, $175.

Powered by magnetised tourmaline oil, this hardworking cleanser rids skin of oil and impurities, without stripping skin of moisture.

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