Her World Beauty Awards 2023: 11 best skincare products for brightening dull skin

Best Brightening Exfoliant: MTM Labo Custom-Blended Resurfacing Gel, $249

1/11

Why it won: As every one’s skin issues are unique, the MTM Labo Custom-Blended Resurfacing Gel is perfect in delicately yet effectively dissolving dead skin cells to reveal a brighter and smoother complexion, while addressing your specific concerns at the same time. Its natural fruit extract blend – jujube, apple, grapefruit, grape and apricot, makes the formula gentle for all skin types.
“As I rinsed away the scrub, my skin felt smooth to the touch—textureless almost. And even though there were tiny exfoliating particles, they were non-scratchy and super gentle on the skin.” – Letty Seah, Her World associate beauty editor

Best Brightening Toner: Albion Infinesse White Whitening Pump Milk W, $119

2/11

Why it won: The Albion Infinesse White Whitening Pump Milk W not only brightens and soothes the skin, but also increases skin’s density, plumping it from within for a firmer and more supple complexion.

“The formula was rich and soothing, and it generously moisturised my skin for noticeable brightness and firmness. I even noticed that some of the darker spots from acne scars around my chin area faded slightly with use.” – Letty Seah, Her World associate beauty editor

Best Brightening Serum: Fields of Yarrow Super C Regenerating Cream Serum, $52

3/11

Why it won: Your skin’s daily dose of vitamin C in a bottle. The Fields of Yarrow Super C Regenerating Cream Serum combines science-backed actives – ascorbic and citric acids, with natural ingredients like fruit extracts to reduce the appearance of dark spots and reveal a healthy glow. Plus, it also includes calcium to help regulate sebum production and keep skin hydrated throughout the day.
“My skin felt rejuvenated and looked brighter and healthier. It looked more glowy, toned and even less wrinkled. And it’s suitable for sensitive skins too.” – Dr Lynn Chiam, dermatologist

Best Brightening Serum For Dark Spots: Cyspera Intensive System, $422

4/11

Why it won: Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of stubborn pigmentation from dark spots to brown patches, the 3-step Cyspera Intensive System uses a special Cysteamine Isobionic-Amide complex that inhibits melanin production and transfer at the source.
“My melasma was lighter, and my skin felt brighter and smoother, because of the overall exfoliation.” – Dr Rachel Ho, medical director

Best Brightening Serum For Dark Spots (Wallet-Friendly): Laneige Radian-C Spot Serum, $48

5/11

Why it won: Enriched with 15.2 per cent vitamin C, vitamin C derivative and niacinamide, the Laneige Radian-C Spot Serum not only targets stubborn dark spots, but also addresses skin concerns like redness and enlarged pores too.
“Cute packaging. A well-rounded formula for someone to kickstart their brightening skincare routine.” – Larry Yeo, makeup artist

Best Brightening Serum With Anti-Ageing Benefits: Cle de Peau Beaute Brightening Serum Supreme, $490

6/11

Why it won: Skin looks sallower as we age. Thankfully, the Cle de Peau Beaute Brightening Serum Supreme targets both skin dullness and pigmentation as well as signs of ageing. Its secret? The use of Shiseido’s iconic 4MSK to reduce the look of existing dark spots along with a new Sea Ferment Brightener to boost skin’s radiance and a Skin-Empowering Illuminator to enhance skin’s ability to protect itself against external aggressors.
“Despite a busy period with minimal sleep, my skin didn’t look too dull and fatigued while I was using this. My skin tone also became brighter and more even, and my dark spots seem less pronounced. I noticed this when I realised that I didn’t need to use as much concealer as before.” – Letty Seah, Her World associate beauty editor

Best Brightening Moisturiser: IllumiaSkin Bounce Recharge Cream, $75

7/11

Why it won: Get a radiant glow with the IllumiaSkin Bounce Recharge Cream. Its packed with antioxidant-rich botanicals, niacinamide, vitamin E and centella asiatica extract to restore skin’s luminous glow. Plus, its lightweight texture is perfect for Singapore’s hot and humid weather.
“I loved how it’s so lightweight but got the job done. It gave my skin the right amount of moisture, and a smooth, supple texture, and it also brightened my complexion.” – Letty Seah, Her World associate beauty editor

Best Brightening Eye Cream: Elixir White Enriched Wrinkle Cream (Brightening), $114

8/11

Why it won: Say goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles with this soft cream that’s enriched with active pure retinol. Best bit? The Elixir White Enriched Wrinkle Cream (Brightening) is a multi-tasking product that can not only be used around the delicate eye area, but also on other wrinkle-prone zones – mouth and forehead too.
“I saw incredible results in just 2 weeks, reduced fine lines and wrinkles and my skin definitely felt smoother.” – Melvin Tseng, content creator

Best Brightening Sunscreen: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF50, $58

9/11

Why it won: Want sun protection and a glow-y complexion? The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF50 is the answer. It’s a chemical and mineral sunscreen that shields skin from harmful UV rays while keeping skin hydrated and reducing the appearance of dark spots and dullness too.
“My foundation and makeup layered on very effortlessly, even my makeup artist said so. And been under the sun, my skin felt protected! Definitely one of my favourites sunscreens till date.” – Tay Ying, actress

Most Innovative Combination Of Skincare Ingredients: Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum, $130

10/11

Why it won: The combination of 15 per cent L-ascorbic acid and lactic acid make the Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum truly unique. Together, this antioxidant-rich serum improves multiple signs of ageing, from reducing the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone to loss of elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it also helps to strengthen skin’s moisture barrier for a smooth and supple complexion.
“A good brightening and anti-ageing serum that addressed a range of concerns.” – Letty Seah, Her World associate beauty editor

 

Best Makeup Remover: Cle de Peau Beaute Cleansing Oil, $95

11/11

Why it won: It’s easy to remove all that makeup, even stubborn waterproof formulas, and gunk at the end of the day with the Cle de Peau Beaute Cleansing Oil. Plus, its blend of moisturising botanical oils and an exclusive ResiliLock technology keeps skin nourished while boosting its resilience against external aggressors.
“Dissolved and removed makeup well! Perfect for double cleansing. And it brightened my skin too!” - Andathesea, content creator