Your Spring ’21 Beauty Spot

19 October, 2021 Sophie Chung

Natural Confidence

Dress your pout with formulas that will nurture and nourish your skin. Widely acclaimed as the world’s best lip balm, Lanolips 101 Ointment Multi-Balm Watermelon, $17.50, is an uber thick lip treatment that coats your lips in skin-mimicking lanolin and natural oils. On the bougier end of the scale, both Dior and Guerlain have released 95% natural-origin formulas. Rouge Dior Natural Balm, $66; comes in 11 lip-enhancing shades with a range of finishes from satin to matte and velvet while Guerlain KissKiss Shine Bloom, $63, gives a watery shine for a super fresh look.

Hero image courtesy of DIOR

Triple Effect

Following the successful launch of Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Serum, $180, they’ve recently added the newly formulated PowerBright Moisturiser SPF50, $124, and Overnight Cream, $149, to create an effective trio that will work around the clock. Rich in antioxidant-rich ingredients such as brown algae, shiitake mushroom and berry seed oils, this troika will help inhibit melanin production and target hyperpigmentation.

Making Moves

Clean beauty is having a major moment in the industry. From sensoriality to efficacy, nothing needs to be compromised. Volition Orangesicle Balancing Daily Cleanser with Prebiotics + Antioxidants, $51, effectively cleanses without stripping or drying the skin. If there is a heaven, the orange and vanilla aroma is what I imagine it to smell like. For a gentle exfoliating treatment, The Edit Radiant Cleanse Polishing Cleanser, $86, uses bamboo powder to refine rough texture while macadamia oil gives a softening effect. Ere Perez Australian Blue Cypress Face Nectar, $51, is a lightweight and fast-absorbing oil blend that’s rich in antioxidants, omegas and anti-inflammatories. Sourcing directly from organic and sustainable Australian farms, 14 hand-picked and pressed botanicals are housed in Avec Skin Bioactive Nutrient Serum, $195.

Electric Feeling

Following weeks of lockdown, you may be looking to express yourself with some added drama and vivacity this spring. Silky smooth with exceptional blendability, Shiseido’s new POP PowderGel Eye Shadow, $42 each, allows you to sport eccentric colours in full opacity. Using hybrid powder-gel technology, the formula is as thin as a veil but has an elastic buildability to create long-lasting looks that won’t crease or fall out under the eye.

Shake Your Tailfeather

The laminated brow look is the latest trend that our beloved arches must don. TooFaced Super Fine Brow Detailer, $37, is an ultra slim bevel-tipped brow detailer to mimic the feathered effect. Fill sparse areas with this water and smudge proof formula. If liquid is more your game, Napoleon Perdis Framed Liquid Brow Pen, $42, can help with precision with your brow art. Finish the process off with the most iconic must-have, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze, $41; a no-residue styling wax to emulate full-bodied brows.

Prick of Beauty

If the thought of injecting synthetic substances scares you, Miso cosmetic acupuncture is a natural preventative treatment that is garnering traction in the Western world. Originally hailing from Korea, the treatment softens wrinkles, lifts sagging fascia and increases firmness by stimulating deep meridians and facial muscles, thus improving blood circulation. After a single session, you can expect the skin to be noticeably hydrated and brighter. A treatment that is rare to find, you can receive this two-prong approach to both beauty and well-being from Amy Chen of Origins in Ponsonby.

Skin Treats

As the seasons change, so does our skin as it acclimatises to the warmer environment.

To remove dead skin and impurities, Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask, $71, is a peel-off formula for those with flaky skin that requires a detox. If you’re in need of intense hydration, PCA Skin Hyaluronic Overnight Mask, $160, will boost your skin’s health during your beauty sleep. For a clinical-grade at-home treatment, Glo Skin Beauty Hydra-Bright AHA Glow Peel, $131, uses lactic and ferulic acids to target dullness and pigmentation.

Cheek 2 Cheek

Multi-tasking clean makeup products have accrued ‘it’ status to create continuity from the lips to cheeks and eyes. Like its name, Ere Perez Carrot Colour Pot, $36, uses the humble carrot to create a range of pigmented matte-effect hues. For a glowy effect, OMni Radiant Zinc, $29, gives off a gorgeous glass-like sheen. If you want to amp up the luminosity, Aleph Beauty Radiance, $50, can be mixed with foundation to create a dewy dimension.

Sleek & Slick

It’s evident that our scalp and hair requires the same TLC that we give to our skin. In fact, one in two people worldwide are affected by scalp dryness and discomfort caused by stress, aggressive washing, excess sebum, an imbalanced diet and weather. Hair Rituel by Sisley Soothing Rebalancing Shampoo, $110; and Cure, $180, includes cotton proteins, pro-Vitamin B5, alpha-bisabool and celery seed extract to soothe and rebalance the scalp. For an affordable option, Glow Lab Repairing Shampoo, $15, includes keratin and omega oils to strengthen your strands. If hair loss is a major concern, Growth Bomb Scalp Rescue Tonic, $26.99, harnesses the power of the legendary yerba mate to thicken your hair on your problem spots. To style without heat damage, the new and improved Dyson Supersonic Dryer, $599, gives us the Flyaway attachment; a tool we didn’t know we needed, until now. You can smooth down your flyaways and the frustration that comes with it like an absolute pro without the salon skills. While you’re jumping from scene to scene, the ghd Unplugged, $510, can keep your hair in check, no strings attached.

|1. Encased in a frosted cube, Narciso Rodriguez Ambree Neroli, EDP, 50ml, $140, evokes a vibrant yet seductive quality with this floral musky fragrance; frangipani and neroli dances around the grounding notes of amber, cashmeran and cedar. |2. Issey Miyake A Drop d’Issey, EDP, 50ml, $166, is a unique scent that expresses a drop of water. Opening with notes of almond milk and rose, the nutty florality moves into a powderiness of musk, biovanillin and ambrox. |3. An ode to nature, Aesop Eremia, EDP, 30ml, $260, blends albanum, iris and yuzu to create a waxy, earthy and green fragrance with salinity to create the scent of an urban jungle after the rain. |4. Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia, EDP, 50ml, $178, is described to be an unusual, sensual and intense bouquet by Alessandro Michele. Surreal and enchanting, jasmine absolute, pear blossom and brown sugar gives a delicate sweetness and joyful energy. |5. Inspiring us to see the world through rose-tinted glasses, Tiffany & Co. Rose Gold, EDP, 50ml, $175, is a playful fragrance with sparkling pink pepper and blackcurrant, blue rose accord and deep musk. |6. Marc Jacobs Perfect Intense, 50ml, $179, is dedicated to unapologetic self-expression and a celebration of individuality. Rich and indulgent, the bright daffodil meets the elegant jasmine and warming notes of roasted almonds and sandalwood.