Aid in skin cell regeneration, and the rebalancing and strengthening of the skin – who knew volcanic rock could do all this?
Aid in skin cell regeneration, and the rebalancing and strengthening of the skin – who knew volcanic rock could do all this?
Vichy’s newest masks are formulated with volcanic rock, which sloughs away dead skin cells and impurities. They also have thermal water from the craters in the Auvergne national park in France, prized for having 15 rare minerals such as lithium (anti-inflammatory) and potassium (hydrating). There are three masks ($39 each), with each tackling a different skin woe.
Excessive sebum, clogged pores and breakouts Vichy Purete Thermal Pore Purifying Clay Mask has kaolin, an ultra-fine white clay that helps minimise the look of pores, and wash away poreclogging dirt oil.
Tightness, dryness and inflammation Vichy Purete Thermal Quenching Mineral Mask is packed with glycerine, vitamin B3 and thermal water to soothe discomfort. A cooling technology calms the skin immediately.
Dullness and an uneven skin tone Vichy Purete Thermal Double Glow Peel Mask has alpha-hydroxy acids (fruit acids) and volcanic rocks to exfoliate and refine skin texture.
STRAIGHT FROM THE GARDEN
It's not often you know exactly where the stuff in your beauty products come from. Cynthia Chua, founder and CEO at Spa Esprit Group, wants to change that. Her latest venture, Farm To Beauty, is a partnership with urban farming social enterprise Edible Garden City to bridge the gap between local farmers and beauty consumers.
The plants used in its two new products, Om, Calendula! Calming Cream ($35) and A Cool Aloe Cooling Gel ($35), are organically grown on the rooftop of Raffles City Shopping Centre. The cream is used at Browhaus Raffles City to calm itchy or inflamed skin after lash or brow grooming services, while the gel is used at Strip Raffles City to soothe sore skin post-waxing.
Cynthia says: “I think it’s important to develop that connection between consumers and the brand. Basically, the [products] we’re using on you now [have ingredients that are] grown upstairs.”
WATER, BUT BETTER
Micellar water was first designed for the French over a century ago to combat the harsh water in Paris. Containing micelles – nano-sized oil bubbles that absorb and remove sebum, oil and dirt – it cleanses without drying out the skin. Girls who don’t fancy a lengthy cleansing routine will love its norinse formula.
It’s also alcohol-free and, since it comprises only water and oil, it suits all skin types. A new micellar off ering is Essano Rosehip Gentle Facial Cleansing Micellar Water ($24.95), which has aloe vera and rosehip oil to soothe and hydrate the skin while cleansing it.
TEXT CARINA KOH & CHARMAINE LEE PHOTO 123RF.