You don’t have to spend a lot for quality beauty products that deliver. We ask dermatologists, a makeup artist and a hairstylist for their favourite drugstore buys.
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Dr Colin Theng (pictured) and Dr Mark Tang are dermatologists with more than 20 years of experience. They are the co-founders of The Skin Specialists & Laser Clinic. Their areas of expertise include eczema, psoriasis, wound-healing, and sun-related skin disorders.
Before establishing The Skin Specialists and Laser Clinic, Dr Theng was a senior consultant at the National Skin Centre and adjunct assistant professor at Duke NUS. He was the former chief of the Psoriasis and Phototherapy units at National Skin Center (NSC), where he handled the most difficult and challenging psoriasis and eczema cases, and the Head of Subspecialty clinics. Dr Theng has amassed valuable experience in both medical dermatology and laser surgery, with over 10 years of laser experience. He pioneered the use of Metvix-PDT (photodynamic therapy) in Singapore for the treatment of actinic keratosis and skin cancer.
Prior to founding The Skin Specialists and Laser Clinic, Dr. Tang spent 16 years at the National Skin Center (NSC) where he last held the positions of senior consultant, director of research as well as head of the Eczema and Wound clinics. He was also a clinical associate professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS).
“This soothing cream has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm red, itchy skin rashes on the face.”
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“This provides excellent UV protection and helps skin feel smooth. It has a non-occlusive texture that doesn’t leave a waxy or greasy film, making it suitable for those with oily skin too.”
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“This is a great daily use moisturising wash with a low pH that protects and maintains a healthy skin barrier without drying out skin.”
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“It removes impurities well, yet is gentle on the skin. It’s especially good for those with sensitive skin.”
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“Light yet moisturising, with a good texture and feel. It’s hydrating enough for dry skin, but won’t feel heavy or sticky on oilier skin types.”
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An award-winning hairstylist known for creating edgy, atypical haircuts tailored to each individual, Celia Tham is also the creative director and founder of Bloc+ The Salon, which she set up four years ago. Her personal mantra: “Imperfect is perfect”. For the past 16 years, she has worked as a hair educator and manager for various hair brands, while taking part in international hair shows.
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“Good for everyday use as it’s very gentle and won’t strip away too much sebum from your scalp. It is also suitable for irritated scalps, especially after a hair-colouring session.”
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“It works with our humid climate and helps hairdos stay put a lot longer without using too many styling products.”
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“Especially suitable for those with dry, oily or irritated scalps, this pre-shampoo treatment helps balance the scalp so your hair can grow in a healthier environment.”
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“This range offers shades in medium brown, dark brown and black, which can match most hair colours, and is easily sprayed over the roots. It’s good for concealing two to three weeks of hair regrowth.”
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“A lightweight product that moisturises fine hair but doesn’t weigh it down or make it feel greasy. It has keratin to help improve hair condition without adding stiffness.”
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For many beauty brands and industry insiders, celebrity makeup artist Larry Yeo is the go-to guy for expert knowledge of makeup tricks, the latest trends and skincare tips. He believes that good products don’t always have to be expensive, and tests every product on himself before using them on clients.
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“It removes regular makeup thoroughly without overstripping, so skin feels clean and comfortable with no tightness. It doesn’t leave an oily residual film either.”
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“Its warm tone effectively covers areas of skin that look ashen or grey, and it generally gives great coverage. It also doesn’t crease easily.”
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“This easy-to-use pencil enables you to create the best neutral brow possible, as its soft colour gives a very natural effect.”
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“It glides on so smoothly while providing conditioning so that your lips never look or feel dry. The strong colour in a glossy finish also minimises the appearance of lines in the skin over your lips.”
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“This sunscreen is extremely lightweight and non-sticky, making it good for layering under makeup as a makeup primer. It is not tinted, so it works on all skin tones.”
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This story first appeared in the September 2017 issue of Her World magazine. All products are available at Guardian Health & Beauty.