Looking to level up your self-care beauty routine? Drop by ZALORA‘s week-long digital festival starting March 8th and celebrate their dreamy beauty category! Show your skin some love with deals, giveaways and gifts from the biggest makeup and skincare brands. This includes getting up to 50% off on must-haves from their participating brands: Paula’s Choice, FOREO, Laura Mercier, NARS, Benefit, Sulwhasoo, Make Up For Ever, Laneige, Aveda, Elizabeth Arden, Shiseido, Ogawa and more. We’re already excited for our next pamper sesh! The party continues on their social media platforms with Instagram Live tutorials by beauty experts, and amazing giveaways.
What we love most about The ZALORA Beauty Festival, other than it’s what dreams are made of, is that it’s also using this incredible opportunity to create conversations surrounding beauty in the world today: celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and female empowerment over International Women’s Week. As unrealistic beauty standards start to fade to allow for more inclusive beauty to shine through, ZALORA is taking this opportunity to expand the discourse of representation in beauty and celebrate women from all walks of life.
Shop the ZALORA Beauty Festival here from the 8th to of 15th March!
Has your skincare routine become more lenient now that you’re working from home? Staying indoors doesn’t mean your skin is safe from environmental aggressors – in fact, your skin is exposed to new types of pollution, such as fine dust and smoke from cooking. If you haven’t been protecting your skin whilst indoors, The Body Shop has made it easier to with their new Bouncy Jelly Mist.
Here to help block your skin from the effects of environmental aggressors, including indoor pollution and blue light, the Drops Of Youth Bouncy Jelly Mist also aids in restoring your skin’s moisture, and preserving its healthy-looking glow and freshness throughout the day. It contains 96% ingredients of natural origin, including edelweiss stem cells and Community Fair Trade moringa seed oil, and can be spritzed on all skin types to protect, refresh and hydrate for up to 24 hours.*
Edelweiss? Yes, like the song from The Sound Of Music, it’s a mountain flower found in the Italian Alps. This plant is marvelled for its resilience, and power to protect and repair itself, which is why you’ll find its stem cells inside every bottle of The Body Shop’s Drops Of Youth range. A hero ingredient, it helps give your skin that fresh, hydrated feeling all day long!
*The Body Shop’s Drops of Youth Bouncy Jelly Mist does not protect from UVA/UVB rays.
Cleanse, tone, moisturise, sunscreen – done. But what if you want to zhoosh it up – make your skin look more glowy? The key is to hydrate, especially in this hot, hot heat! We’re always reminded to stay hydrated by drinking water, but what about our skin? Dehydrated skin causes more than just dullness and dryness – it may be the reason behind your oily skin, uneven texture or fine lines.
But living in the tropics does have its perks – we get to enjoy the sun all year round! Our sun-kissed looks just need to be accentuated with a glow-inducing skincare routine. We turned to local skincare brands because they definitely get our dilemma – check out these Malaysian-made game-changers to help you hydrate and get that healthy glow:
- Aloe Hydrating Face Mist from Kuleet OrganicsView this post on Instagram
We love a good face mist! It’s a quick fix you can just toss in your bag and whip out whenever your skin starts to feel dry. Kuleet Organics uses aloe vera as a refreshing ingredient to help you cool down and hydrate your skin. The dewy look you get after is always a win! - Lock & Stay Rice Serum from Skinned
View this post on InstagramBefore you moisturise, add this yummy-sounding serum to your skincare routine to lock in the moisture and plump up your skin. It’s packed with antioxidants and self-repairing ingredients, which is a must for a healthy skin barrier and nourished skin. Plus, it’s vegan, and free of parabens, cruelty and everything toxic!⠀⠀
- Squeaky Clean Double Cleansing Pads from Skinfuel Beauty
View this post on InstagramInstead of investing in two cleansers, grab a tub of these 3-in-1 pads – they act as an exfoliator, makeup remover and face wash! All you’ve got to do is give your face a good wipe down and emulsify it with water. Your skin will be left feeling soft, supple and super hydrated.
- 10% Niacinamide + HA from RuruberryView this post on Instagram
Niacinamide has been a skincare wunderkind for all skin types – think of this form of Vitamin B3 as the supportive bff every skin barrier needs. Ruruberry has combined the super ingredient with hyluronic acid for a gentle booster drop that has an ultra-hydrating, illuminating effect. Talk about ultimate skin goals! - Hijau Face Oil from The Minimal Skin
View this post on Instagram
Made up of hemp seed oil (not to be confused with hemp oil) and grape seed oil, this lightweight facial oil won’t clog your pores as it heals and hydrates your skin. The Minimal Skin proves that less is more with minimal yet effective ingredients. They also keep it hijau with their recyclable packaging! - Rose Brightening Moisture Mask from Lumi Beauty
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Slap on this soothing sheet mask to give your skin the boost of radiance it needs! Made out of 100% soft cupra cotton, and with a hint of fresh rose petals, it’s super calming and the perfect companion for your self-care ritual. Your face will be shimmering and healthier by the end of it.
As we continue to wear masks to protect ourselves and others from the coronavirus, our skin is starting to see the side effects of it with the occurrence of “maskne” and other skin irritations. “Maskne” is caused by the friction of the mask against your skin and the humidity that gets trapped in between them – it doesn’t help that we live in a hot and humid country!
Although these breakouts are also concealed under a mask, leaving skin problems untreated can cause it to get worse or even lead to an infection. Masks compromise our skin’s protective barrier, which makes it crucial for us to attend to it and maintain a stronger, healthier skin barrier.
Don’t use this as an excuse to not wear a mask – keep it on and try these calming treatments instead:
Sulfur is a famous acne-fighting ingredient with the power to reduce the appearance of pimples and prevent future breakouts. This foam-activated mask also gently exfoliates the dead skin cells that clog pores and cause irritation.
A rinse-off formula, this face mask also eliminates dead skin cells and draws out other facial impurities. Salicylic acid helps keep your pores clean and will have your skin feeling refreshed after a hot and sweaty day.
3. Klairs’ Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask
Specifically designed for sensitive skin, this sheet mask contains calming ingredients that reduce redness, irritation and inflammation. It has a cooling effect to lower the skin’s temperature and relieve sensitivity.
4. Chuck’s Glow On Brightening Peony Mask
Niacinamide is beneficial in balancing sebum production and treating acne, as well as moisturising for those dealing with rosacea. This sheet mask packed with anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the skin’s barrier.
5. Benton’s Snail Bee High Content Sheet Mask
Snail mucin can be used to repair your skin’s protective barrier as it is a humectant with healing properties. The high moisture content of this sheet mask will help soothe damaged skin and improve skin vitality.
We understand that “maskne” can be discouraging, but it is more important to keep wearing a mask. If these facial masks don’t work for you – make an appointment with a dermatologist or esthetician. Stay safe, stay selfless and don’t forget to sanitize your hands!
Known for their fashionable brands and fast delivery, Zalora is a treasure trove of lifestyle products, including Korean beauty. The global skincare phenomenon has become a new norm with their gentle ingredients and radiant results. We found these seven best-sellers for your shopping bag, which will hydrate your skin and give you that signature K-beauty glow:
Boom, pow! This ultra-lightweight, oil-free gel cream creates an explosion of hydration followed by a sensation of freshness for all skin types. Other than lock in the moisture, it also helps minimise the appearance of pores for smooth, supple skin.
With aloe to soothe and moisturise, this exfoliating toner also contains salicylic acid and snail mucin to hydrate and prepare all skin types for the rest of your skincare routine. This aids in the absorption of the following products.
Formulated with 96% snail secretion filtrate, the benefits are more attractive with the lightweight essence transforming skin through intensive reparation and hydration. Don’t worry, it’s 100% cruelty-free! (No snails were harmed in the making of this product.)
For those with sensitive skin, this magic cream is known for effectively soothing irritated skin and calming red complexions. It can either be used as a spot treatment or as a protective layer over your face to shield from dryness and environmental stress.
The nostalgic fruity fragrance will remind me of your old favourite lip gloss, but this lip mask isn’t sticky – it smoothly glides on your lips and melts away the dead skin cells. It will have you waking up the next day with soft, smooth lips. #IWokeUpLikeThis
For the first step in double cleansing, this gentle oil cleansing foam quickly dissolves makeup, sunscreen and other impurities with its rich lather. Your skin will feel nourished after, not necessarily needing another step with its one-and-done formula.
An easy and convenient way to exfoliate, these gauze pads are a gentle introduction to both chemical exfoliation and anti-ageing. Its standout ingredient, Resveratrol, is a powerful antioxidant that comes from naturally fermented red wine. Clink, clink!
Which of these cult-favourites have you tried? Let us know in the comments!
It’s important to be gentle with your skin from avoiding harsh ingredients to patting it dry, so when it comes to physical exfoliation – it can sometimes cause more harm than good. As rewarding as it might seem (you know, physically scrubbing off all the dead skin), some exfoliants are just too large and end up causing micro-tears in your skin. This is when chemical exfoliation comes in as a more gentle and effective way to polish your skin.
What is chemical exfoliation and how does it work?
Chemical exfoliation uses acids to get rid of dead skin cells, allowing it to go deeper into the pores than physical exfoliants. By safely removing the build up, softer and smoother skin can shine through – helping with texture, pigmentation, acne and even ageing.
What are chemical exfoliants?
The two main types of chemical exfoliants are AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids). You’ve probably seen these letters everywhere, including on cleansers and toners. AHAs are water-soluble and include glycolic and lactic acid, and BHAs are oil-soluble, meaning they can penetrate deeper, such as salicylic acid.
What should I start with?
For texture and pigmentation, start with a gentle AHA such as lactic acid or mandelic acid as they don’t penetrate your skin as deeply as a BHA. If you’re looking to treat acne, a BHA like salicylic acid can help reduce sebum and oil production, as well as unclog your pores.
Can I use them together?
Yes, you can combine AHA products with BHA products, but it is not recommended for beginners. Without a proper understanding of how the ingredients will react, you are at risk of over-exfoliating and even burning your skin. This is a common mistake when it comes to acids as users aren’t aware they need to factor in the PH levels, percentage of acids, timing and their skin’s sensitivity.
How should I start chemical exfoliation?
Start with a low concentration, once or twice a week – over-exfoliating can cause irritation and breakouts. Apply the exfoliant after you cleanse and tone, preferably at night as acids can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun (make sure you wear sunscreen!).
You can find good introductory products from The Ordinary and The Inkey List.
With cleaning and disinfecting becoming a habit, it’s time we finally apply it to our skincare and makeup routine as well. Here are 10 things you might be overlooking when it comes to sanitisation:
- Wash your hands
Yes, even in the cleanliness of your own home – washing your hands should be the first step in your skincare and makeup routine to keep it sanitary.
- Have a separate towel for your face
Don’t use the same towel as your body, and especially not your hair, as it transfers bacteria and products that might irritate your face.
- Wash your hair before your body
If you have body acne, it might be from conditioner clogging your pores. Try washing your hair first followed by your body to remove all the excess oil and irritants.
- Don’t store your products in the bathroom
Not only is it filled with bacteria, skincare and makeup products should be stored in cool, dry places – the heat and dampness from your showers can cause ingredients to break down, oxidise, melt and even mold. Yikes!
- Throw away expired products
We know it’s hard to part with some of your faves, but when makeup and skincare ingredients expire, it allows the products to become a breeding ground for bacteria. This could be the cause of your acne and skin irritation.
- Don’t touch the dropper
Whether you use it on your face or in your hand, don’t touch the dropper as it’ll transfer the bacteria back into the bottle and contaminate the whole product. We see this faux pas in beauty videos a lot.
- Use a spatula
Stop using your fingers to scoop the product out of a jar, instead use the cute baby spatula that comes with it to avoid contamination. Don’t forget to keep them clean!
- Clean your brushes every week
But if you have an active skin breakout, wash your brushes after each use to avoid spreading the acne-causing bacteria the next time you wear makeup.
- Wipe down your metal tools
Sanitise your trusty tweezers and eyelash curlers with anti-bacterial wipes twice a month to avoid a build-up of germs and get rid of mascara gunk.
- Change your pillowcase twice a week
You might even sleep better knowing that your pillowcase is clean from all the oil and dirt built-up from both your hair and face.
We hope you make it a habit to keep your skincare and makeup routine clean!
We’ve done a great job of replacing plastic straws with reusable alternatives, but what about the multiple cotton pads we dispose of everyday? Whether used for removing makeup or applying toner, it produces a lot of unnecessary waste that, fortunately, we can now cut back on. Here are six sustainable beauty products to make our everyday habits less wasteful (and more economical):
These super soft alternatives from The Mine Raw come in a set of five – just toss them into the washing machine before reuse.
Made with bamboo sticks and natural cotton, these compost-friendly swabs from The Hive are 100% biodegradable.
The size might be intimidating at first, but menstrual cups aren’t just greener – they’re also easier and healthier, according to the award-winning, OrganiCup.
If you’re still not convinced by menstrual cups, The Hive has a few eco-friendly pad options which are washable.
Antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, these bamboo cloth wipes are a brilliant alternative to makeup remover wipes, especially for sensitive skin.
- Silicone Masks
Swap out sheet masks for a single silicone mask cover from Daiso – place it over a hydrating mask or essence to lock in the moisture.
Not only are these options more sustainable, but they simplify your life too! You won’t have to make as many trips to the store as these products last-longer – that’s a win for your time, money and the earth! Reduce consumption, reduce waste.
What – we have to wash our face twice in one routine?! You don’t have to, but it has been proven to be an effective way of cleansing your face and removing all traces of a hot, sweaty day (and a beat mug!).
Following the 60 second rule (twice), double cleansing consists of two cleansers – an oil-based cleanser and a water-based cleanser. The oil-based cleanser is used first to dissolve oil, remove makeup and debris, while the second cleanser targets your skin type and concerns. Licensed aesthetician, Nayamka Roberts-Smith (@LaBeautyologist), suggests doing this twice a day – in the morning to prepare your skin and the evening to remove impurities.
It’s important to remember that skincare always depends on your skin type, so make sure you choose the right cleansers to make this routine work. Look out for gentle cleansers with hydrating ingredients to avoid over-washing and over-drying your face. Here are a few suggestions from Sephora:
Farmacy – Green Clean Cleansing Balm & Clean Bee Gel Cleanser
Clinique – Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm & Liquid Facial Soap
Fresh Beauty – Seaberry Skin Nutrition Cleansing Oil & Rose Cleansing Foam
With double cleansing doing the extra work to remove stubborn pore-blockages and acne-causing bacteria, you should be able to see your skin glow and provide a squeaky clean canvas to skincare treatments for better absorption and maximum results. Try it out!
What if we told you this must-have addition to your skincare routine is absolutely free! That’s right – no tools needed, just 60 seconds of your time.
The #60SECONDRULE was created by licensed aesthetician, Nayamka Roberts-Smith (@LaBeautyologist), to help her clients get the most out of their cleansers. A nugget of knowledge, she shared that gently cleansing your face, with your fingers, for 60 seconds activates the ingredients and allows the cleanser to work. Most of us have been guilty of washing our face for less than 15 seconds, but by following this tip – you’ll notice softer skin and better texture.
Skincare Twitter swears by the #60SECONDRULE – the once trending hashtag is filled with testimonies of transformed skin. However, as with all skincare advice, do remember that it ultimately depends on your body, but there is no harm in experimenting with a few more seconds! By thoroughly washing your face, you’ll be able to dissolve the sebum and blockages better, which then improves overall evenness.
Try it out and if you need a more fun way to keep count, Roberts-Smith suggests singing along to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song. Go get that glow!
