One flick through Instagram will have you seeing tonnes of makeup and skincare reviews: some raves, some hits and some misses. How then do you know which product is certified #holygrail and which one is a #binner as opposed to a #winner? You do as we do and go straight to our local cosmetic king, Larry Yeo.
We’re not exaggerating when we say that Larry Yeo is the ultimate cosmetic king: magazine editors turn to him for advice (after all, he has an educational background in biotechnology), stylists engage him for his makeup prowess and if you follow him on instagram (@larryyeo), you’ll know he’s insanely honest when it comes to reviews.
Here, we have 10 of his top products ranging from makeup to skincare to lifestyle products: all with his candid approach that makes him a must-follow on Instagram.
Larry’s profile photo by Hayden Chan.
READ MORE: LOCAL WOMENSWEAR FASHION BRANDS
Larry: I have been using it for the past 7 years and it helps to depuff my face in the morning and night. I use double the amount when my face needs the extra help and even layer it under my eyes when I get puffiness. I told them I will raze their HQ to the ground if they ever discontinue it. #FACT.
Editor’s Tip: That bowl of ramen or several drinks seemed like a good idea before you sleep but your bloated face in the morning doesn’t agree otherwise. Try a “hot and cold” shower in the morning that encourages lymph flow and activation: hot water opens up your blood vesels and cold water constricts them.
READ MORE: THE RETURN OF THE LADYLIKE YET SENSIBLE SHOE: KITTEN HEELS
Larry: This was the original sleeping mask since 1989 and should be the last step in your skincare to lock in all the nutrition it needs! I have been using this since 1997 when I was badly burnt from a day out at the beach and it calmed my skin down whilst taking away redness.
Editor’s Tip: Consider this product an all-in-one: a 10 minute moisture mask, cuticle savior, frizz fighter and a base to sheer out products like foundation, bronzer and highlighter.
READ MORE: LOCAL WOMENSWEAR FASHION BRANDS
Larry: I have been using it since I was 18 (from when musk was still animal sourced) until now (the musk is now synthesized). It works beautifully on my skin and takes me through humid days and sweaty nights.
Editor’s Tip: Beyond the obvious tips like #sprayandwalkaway, one of the causes of body odour is your diet. You really are what you eat.
READ MORE: THE RETURN OF THE LADYLIKE YET SENSIBLE SHOE: KITTEN HEELS
Larry: The basic face mist that hydrates with glycerin and wakes your skin up with caffeine. The original cult product that was used as a last step to set makeup; before every Instagram brand took the concept of FIX+ to add on to their “newness”. It’s one of the best products out there to dilute out denser foundations, liquify your baked eye shadow/blush/mineral makeup; you can even use it to dilute lipsticks to create a stain effect. When did I start using it? 2002!
Editor’s Tips: To reduce the dreaded case of the cake face, spray MAC Fix+ between each layer of your base makeup: primer, foundation, concealer, setting powder and highlighter or blush if you’re applying it.
READ MORE: LOCAL WOMENSWEAR FASHION BRANDS
Larry: The product that saved my skin: I started using this in the mid 2000’s and it helped to treat my acne. I am a strong believer of using BHA to treat acne since.
Editor’s Tip: The number one rule when it comes to using a BHA liquid: after cleansing and before moisturizing. You can opt to layer an AHA over but remember to do a patch test first.
READ MORE: THE RETURN OF THE LADYLIKE YET SENSIBLE SHOE: KITTEN HEELS
Larry: Launched in 2013, this mascara is waterproof + adds lush volume + gives a great curl + holds in our humidity + never hurts your pocket (and costs less than $19).
Editor’s Tip: When you pump your mascara, you’re pumping air. And that means you’re causing your mascara to dry out and secondly, introducing airbourne bacteria. Try swirling your mascara wand inside the tube instead and then, thank us later.
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Larry: My go-to day time vitamin c serum because it is the one with a solid scientific backing. I’ve been using it on and off since 2010.
Editor’s Tip: Vitamin C serums are formulated to be as low as three on a PH scale and if you mix it with acidic ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid, the former won’t work as well. Use one in the day and one at night for maximum benefits.
READ MORE: THE RETURN OF THE LADYLIKE YET SENSIBLE SHOE: KITTEN HEELS
Larry: It has graced my skin since 2011 and continues to be one of my favourite night time skincare toners of all time. Hydrating, lightweight and yet so conditioning.
Editor’s Tip: You don’t have to shell out the big bucks to buy sheet masks (after all, they’re one time usage). Instead, Muji does lotion sheets for you to soak your toner in before expanding to become a sheet mask itself. Bonus, it’s $1.60 for a pack of five.
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Larry: My first Kipling bag was gifted to me in my early 20’s and it has lasted me more than 10 years. I now own a couple of Kipling bags because they are both practical and sturdy. The zips never break and their backpacks are so well done that I can put it through 10-15kg worth of abuse without the bag’s seams giving way.
Editor’s Tip: The bigger the bag, the bigger a blackhole it becomes. We heard local label Cloversac does great organisers.
READ MORE: THE RETURN OF THE LADYLIKE YET SENSIBLE SHOE: KITTEN HEELS
Larry: Being flat footed and having a variable schedule as a makeup artist means I have to stand on my feet constantly: sometimes for more than 15 hours a day. ECCO shoes has been very good to me by leaving my feet comfortable. I also bring them on my overseas travels because I love exploring cities by foot. These shoes last a long time too: my first pair I bought is still with me for the past 7 years.
Editor’s Tip: Your feet swells as you go about your day (hey, no one’s perfect) so if you have to purchase a pair of shoes, do it after 4pm to account for this.
READ MORE: LOCAL WOMENSWEAR FASHION BRANDS
