Beauty products that not only sit pretty, but actually does its job
Best of all worlds
By Georgia Lam -
There exist cosy bookstores across the world where books would be individually wrapped in kraft paper alongside a rough scribble of descriptive tropes on the front without revealing the title, description, or cover art, because shops like Elizabeth’s Bookshop in Australia subscribe to the idea of not judging a book by its cover.
Many times, I too, am guilty of picking out a book based on the image sprawled across the front spread, perhaps even having to convince myself that the content was worth my time from the cover art itself, only to be disappointed in the end. Call it human nature or an impulsive buy, but perhaps we are all packaging snobs and we are naturally attracted to all that look great - beauty and cosmetics included. How many times have you bought lipstick or an eyeshadow palette just because it looks cute?
At times, however, as creatures of a contradictory nature, we may have a connotation that pretty packaging does not equal pretty quality. Well, here are some beauty products that are here to prove you wrong, so that you can, in fact, judge them by its cover. Not only do they satisfy the aesthetic factor, but they actually work and do their job well for you to enjoy the best of all worlds.
With the recent Singaporean IT bag in full swing, the puffer obsession is going nowhere. From bags to phone cases to jackets, we simply cannot get enough of it. To add to that quilted collection, CLIO has a limited edition padding case fitted on everyone’s favourite cushion foundation. As seen on South Korea’s ‘it’ boy group and CLIO ambassador, Tomorrow X Together (TXT), The New Founwear Cushion is not only pretty on the outside, but delivers an airbrushed, semi-matte natural finish that requires #nofilter to boost your confidence. It hides redness, pores, blemishes as well as texture with a thin layer without caking or creasing, and boasts a budge-proof formula with minimal need to touch up throughout the day.
Gone viral last year for their packaging resembling glass tubes of paint, the Muzigae Maison Objet Liquid has to be on this list for its unmatched aesthetic and soft, creamy formula. Available in a wide array of lip shades, the formula has a matte velvet finish that is easy to blend out for a soft, blurred look at the edges of your pout. As with all matte formulas, it is recommended to wear a moisturising balm underneath and prime your lips before rocking your desired rouge. If you wish to try out a more hydrating formula with a semi-matte finish, Muzigae Mansion has also launched a new Objet Liquid Water series with a slightly wetter formula.
Tingle your olfactory system with a treat that brings you right to the oceanside of Do son, Vietnam, with Diptyque’s perfumed bracelet laced with top notes of floral and white musk, as well as spicy tuberose, orange blossom, jasmine and amberwood. It is reminiscent of a sea breeze along HaLong Bay where one of the Maison’s founders, Yves Coueslant, was as a child. A one of a kind concept to assay, this bracelet is easy to jump right into and serves as a conversation starter, too. Simply cut the bracelet to your desired length with its cleverly integrated blade and enjoy the heady aroma wherever your heart takes you.
I don’t know about you, but Nijntje, or more commonly known as Miffy, has my whole heart. The Face Shop has teamed up with the adorable bunny to launch a series of Miffy products in celebration of the Year of the Rabbit, including this moisturising body lotion. Formulated for dry skin, this lightweight lotion offers a light fruity scent that is not too overpowering but still deeply hydrating due to the addition of avocado extracts, giving rise to smooth, refreshed skin. Use up the contents and you can even display this Miffy-shaped bottle on your shelves afterwhich for the cutest touch in your home. G-rabbit before it's gone!
After having tried countless PeriPera items, it is safe to say that the brand always delivers. Whether it’s lip tint in ink shaped bottles or sweet nude eyeshadow shades in a pan, Peripera has always nailed their packaging and rich formulas, including their Oil Capture Priming Powder with an adorable leaping maltese in sunglasses splattered across the top of the compact. Like a man’s best friend, bring it with you and keep your makeup as fresh as this pup on the go with the ultimate transparent fixing powder. It blurs uneven texture, pores, and absorbs excess sebum for a shine-free finish.
What better way to touch up your fragrance on the go than with a solid perfume? It is especially handy for travelling without having to worry about spillage or odd-shaped bottles taking up space. Dressed in a full chrome suit, the A’ddict Eau De Parfum solid fragranced balm is alcohol-free, yet melts seamlessly into your skin into a non-sticky texture for a long-lasting wear. Rub it into the ends of your tresses, wrists, or behind your ears, this exquisite exterior fits all personalities and scent palettes ranging from musky, woody, floral to vanilla.
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Taking colour blocking into the realm of skincare, the AMUSE soybean hand cream is a staple for all who yearns for a pop of colour and of course, soft, well moisturised hands. It’s funny to think how our hands are constantly in motion for most part of the day, yet we tend to neglect caring for them frequently. However, all is set to change once this nourishing formula is part of your daily routine. Incorporated with 40% of hydrating ingredients including shea butter, soybean ceramides and basil extracts, they work together in synergy to strengthen skin barrier, improve appearance of wrinkles, and soothe dry skin. Available in Unstress, Pleasure and Energy for your desired scent.
Are you noticing dull, tired and lacklustre skin and wish to sport a healthier, natural glow? Perhaps the Style Fit Moisture Tone Up Essence from MADPEACH can help with that. Bottled in a frosted cube, the peachy pink contents should not be feared, for they help to bring about a brightening effect when applied under foundation. A watery skin-like veil, it applies just like skincare but enhances the overall look of your base. As an added bonus, this moisturising tone up essence also contains SPF30 PA++ to shield you from free radical damage.
Cosmetics is all about creating works of art on the canvas of your face, and ArteSinsa has absolutely nailed this sentiment in the form of incorporating a literal art piece so carefully sculpted, it looks like it belongs right in MoMa. A masterpiece to grasp within your fingers, the Dewy Fit Tint feels luxurious and glides onto your pout effortlessly bearing a watery, non-sticky formula that boosts hydration with a wide range of vivid colours available for choice. One thing ArteSinsa has perfected is how intense and long the tint stains your lips for, with zero smudging once set, making it essentially kissproof. Bring it with you or as a display piece on your vanity, this Dewy Fit Tint checks all boxes from aesthetic to functionality; ArteSinsa is definitely one of the up and coming vegan brands you should keep an eye out for.