Moisturizing & Anti-Aging Day Creams with SPF

Whereas skincare with an SPF is largely used and loved in Europe and the US, this type of product seems to be harder to find in Asia. In South East Asia, a combination of stronger sun and a deep-rooted fear of sun tan drives local ladies to use a dedicated sun block with a minimum of SPF50 as a part of their daily face care routine, that generally comprises a time-consuming amount of steps anyway. For those who prefer time-saving solutions and/or dislike sun blocks, luckily some non-whitening face care with SPF is available to protect our skin from Singapore's blistering hot sun.

The main reason that Western expats in the tropics refrain from using a sun block in addition to their daily skincare like a moisturizer or anti-aging cream seems to be the prejudice that sun blocks are sticky (read my blog post on non-sticky sun blocks here!). In addition, we tend to prefer multi-purpose face care products and time-saving solutions over locally preferred exhaustive, multi-step processes comprising cleansing, exfoliating, priming, toning, treating, intensely moisturizing and applying plenty of SPF during the day.

Although the offer is limited in Singapore, luckily there are some products available for those of us who cannot live without a moisturizer with SPF. As they can be hard to find, I’ll provide you with a list incl. price and availability below. Do note that although every little bit helps, the advertised SPF in moisturizers and makeup (foundation, powder etc.) does not provide sufficient coverage when you spent time in the full sun. According to dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD, you need seven times the normal amount of foundation or moisturizer and 14 times the normal amount of powder to get the sun protection factor on the label. No one does this.

A moisturizer of foundation with SPF should be adequate when you spend most of your day inside and only face the sun for everyday activities like travelling to and from work, running errands, picking up the kids from school etc. Do however pay attention to the fact that UV radiation is incredibly strong in the tropics (here in Singapore, I often get a mild sunburn on my shoulders from an 'everyday activity' like just walking to the Supermarket which is only a 10 min. walk) and that quality of SPF in skincare and makeup doesn’t always offer broad spectrum protection (UVA/UVB – read more about the difference here). So, for everyday activities YES it's better than nothing, yet for Singapore it's wise to use skincare with an SPF30 or preferably SPF50; for a dedicated day in the sun definitely NO.

Non-Whitening Moisturizing, Hydrating & Anti-Aging Day Creams with SPF

To clarify, the difference between "hydrating" and "moisturizing" can be explained as follows:

Hydrating makes skin plump and supple. The upper layers on the epidermis needs a supply of water to make sure they are kept plump and smooth. Hence, hydrating facial products are designed for this purpose to increase the water content of the skin.
Moisturizing makes skin soft and smooth. Moisturizing aims to form a barrier film on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss. This makes the skin feel softer and smoother.

Hada Labo - UV Perfect Gel (SPF 50)

Hydrating, Moisturizing. Japanese brand Hada Labo is incredibly popular amongst Asian Beauty fans from allover the world, and for a good reason. Despite the high SPF, the finish and feel of this product on the skin is outstanding - seriously amazing product.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: PA ++++ / UVB Filter: SPF 50

Price: SGD 35,90 (80g)
Available at a.o. Guardian, Watsons (find stores at end of post)

ALPHA-H - Daily Essential Moisturiser (SPF 50)

Hydrating, Moisturizing. Opinions on this moisurizer are strongly mixed; reviewers seem to either love it or hate it.  Pro's: hydrates really well and eliminates any suggestion of dry skin without making skin greasy. Con's: Pump system is sensitive to breaking.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: Unknown / UVB Filter: SPF 50

Price: SGD 49,- (50ml)
Available at Sephora (find stores at end of post)

Bioderma - Hydrabio Perfecteur (SPF 30)

Hydrating, Moisturizing, Perfecting. Enriched with soft-focus and light reflecting agents, it smoothes skin texture and enhances natural radiance immediately. Paraben-free, non-comedogenic.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: PA+++ / UVB Filter: SPF 30

Price: SGD 49,90 (40ml)
Available at a.o. Watsons, Guardian (find stores at end of post)

Neutrogena - Hydro Boost™ Gel (SPF 30)

Hydrating, Moisturizing. Long-lasting hydration for soft and supple skin and a healthy glow. The blue coloured gel (becomes colourless) provides an instant cooling effect on skin upon application.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: PA++ / UVB Filter: SPF 30

Price: SGD 25,90 (40ml)

Available at a.o.Watsons (find stores at end of post)

Elizabeth Arden - Prevage® Anti-Aging Moisture Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 30)

Anti-Aging, Moisturizing, Hydrating. Overpriced (especially in Asia), but great product. Also available as a cream for dry skin. Immediately hydrates and improves the appearance of dryness to create a more radiant look.

Broad Spectrum: Yes
UVA Filter: Unknown / UVB Filter: SPF 30

Price: SGD 262,- (50ml)
Available at BHG Bugis, Metro, Robinson's, Takashimaya
(find stores at end of post)

Sulwhasoo Renodigm EX Dual Care Cream (SPF 30) 

Anti-aging. Korea's No.1 luxury holistic skincare brand, using natural herbal ingredients. "A revolutionary anti-aging day cream with Thermal Protection Factor (TPF) to protect the skin from heat-induced damage caused by external heat or stress." So ladies, "keep calm and use Sulwhasoo" :)

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: PA ++ / UVB Filter: SPF 30

Price: SGD 180,- (50ml)
Available at a.o. Tangs, Takashimaya (find stores at end of post)

Avene - Hydrance Optimale UV Light (SPF 20)

Hydrating, Moisturizing, Soothing. Rich in Avene Spring water, this hydrating cream sooths and wraps your skin in a veil of softness. Sebo-absorbing capsules absorb sebum and have a mattifying effect.

Broad Spectrum: No

UVA Filter: No / UVB Filter: SPF 20

Price: SGD 40,90 (40ml)
Available at a.o. Guardian, Watsons (find stores at end of post)

La Prairie Advanced Marine Biology Day Cream, SPF 20

Moisturizing, Anti-Aging. Continuous hydration and nourishment with antioxidant protection. Poetic copywriter LaPrairies Marketing Department: "Rich in antioxidants, it protects while it bathes your skin in the moisture it craves."

Broad Spectrum: Yes
UVA Filter: Unknown / UVB Filter: SPF 20

Price: SGD 220,- (50ml)
Available at a.o. Tangs, Takashimaya (find stores at end of post)

DCS - Aquaderm Day Cream (SPF 20)

Hydrating, Moisturizing. Korean day cream for dry skin; supplies rich moisture and nutrition througout the day. Agave cactus extract and sea water from Jeju island enhance the skin's defensive power.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: PA + / UVB Filter: SPF 20

Price: SGD 41,- (50ml)
Available at Watsons (find stores at end of post)

Olay - Total Effects Day Cream (SPF15)

Anti-Aging, Hydrating, Moisturizing. Satisfactory and affordable allround day cream; provides the total anti-aging power of hydration fused with vitamins & antioxidants for visibly younger-looking skin.

Broad Spectrum: Yes
UVA Filter: Unknown / UVB Filter: SPF 15

Price: SGD 26,90 (50g)
Available at a.o. Watsons, Guardian (find stores at end of post)

Clinique - Smart Custom Repair Moisturizer (SPF 15)

Anti-aging, Moisturizing. The oil-free formula improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, for a fresh, firm and radiant complexion. Three different skin-typed formulas available.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: PA++ / UVB Filter: SPF 15

Price: SGD 104,- (50ml)
Available at a.o. Tang's, Takashimaya, Sephora (find stores at end of post)

Estee Lauder - Advanced Time Zone (SPF 15)

Anti-Aging, Moisturizing. Actively helps skin boost its natural support structure to reduce the look of lines and wrinkles. Profoundly perfumed, slightly too much in my opinion. Available for Normal/Combination and Dry skin.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: Unknown / UVB Filter: SPF 15

Price: SGD 142,- (50ml)
Available at a.o. Metro, Takashimaya, Tangs, Robinsons, Sephora (find stores at end of post)

Shiseido - Benefiance  Wrinkle Resist 24 (SPF 15)

Anti-Aging, Moisturizing. Shideido has several other skincare products with higher SPF's, but these all include whitening ingredients. Benefiance is very moisturizing but not too heavy for summer, feels smooth and leaves a nice matte finish. Somewhat heavily scented though.

Broad Spectrum: Yes

UVA Filter: Unknown / UVB Filter: SPF 15

Price: 86,- SGD (50ml)
Available at a.o. Metro, Takashimaya, Tangs, Robinsons, Sephora
(find stores at end of post)

Lancome Renergie Multi-Lift Day (SPF 15)

Anti-Aging, Moisturizing. Works lifting, firming and tightening; skin is left feeling deeply hydrated and looking denser and smoother. However, as often with firming and/or lifting creams, the texture is quite heavy. Fragrance classifies as overpowering.

Broad Spectrum: No

UVA Filter: No / UVB Filter: SPF 15

Price: SGD 155 (50ml)
Available at a.o. Metro, Takashimaya, Tangs, Robinsons, Sephora (find stores at end of post)

Store Locations

BHG Bugis: find store here
Guardian: find stores here
Metro: find stores here
Robinsons: find stores here
Sephora: find stores here
Takashimaya: find store here
Watsons: find stores here

A Super Lifesaver: Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist with SPF50

I consider renaming my blog “Setting Sprays in the Lush”, as writing about setting sprays as a holy grail to survive the hot and humid tropics looking good an put-together (instead of worn-out due to makeup melting) seems to be a constant on my blog. Until I decide to go for such a radical name change, I promise the setting sprays I will be reviewing are not just another one and will be worth it: today, it’s Supergoop!’s Defense Refresh Setting Mist with SPF50, the first setting spray or mist I‘ve come across with an SPF.

“Supergoop! is the only prestige skincare brand 100% dedicated to suncare, making it easy to incorporate UV protection into your daily routine”

With sunscreen no longer being a sticky, tacky, smelly mess as their mission, I wonder why it took me almost 3 years to come across this brand, but alas – sounds like a lifesaver in the tropics! A look on their website learned me that this US brand has anything from face lotions and primers to body butter with an SPF. And a lot of their products come in travel sizes, which is great for a weekend away or just to keep in your bag for whenever you might need it on the go.

Creams, powders, oils...you name it, Supergoop has got it with SPF! 

As a setting sprays and mists addict, I’m trying out Supergoop!’s Defense Refresh Setting Mist with broad spectrum SPF50.

The full size product (100ml) on the left, and the travel size (30ml) on the right; fits the smallest bag

The weightless spray supposedly (1) locks in morning makeup, (2) controls natural oils, and (3) helps to even your complexion. It can be reapplied throughout the day for (4) added protection and (5) an invigorating pick-me-up. Important: in order to protect you properly from sunburn, the skincare and makeup you're wearing and setting should already contain an SPF - which is being refreshed by the mist.

Before applying, the spray must be shaken really well. The first spritz doesn't seem to come out very evenly (the mist contains some bigger drops, which feels wet on my face), but with the next spritzes it's a pleasant wide and even mist, among the best in my experience. The scent is very natural and refreshing, you can really smell the peppermint and rosemary, which are not just added for their invigorating scent:

So does it do what it's supposed to do? The test: a 20 min. walk to the MRT + an afternoon of shopping on Orchard Road (store in, store out; both outdoors and in malls). I did a 'refresher' about 3 hours after the first application, which wasn't really necessary as my makeup was still in place instead of sweating off my face (no shiny forehead + nose either!). The result after about 6 hours: makeup still neatly in place, no shiny patches, no sticky feeling whatsoever. No sunburn either, but not sure whether to attribute this to the spray alone since I was wearing a moisturizer with an SPF as well. The verdict: I love everything about this product, will keep using it and will definitely start trying out more Supergoop! products.

Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist with broad spectrum SPF50
Price: 18 SGD (Travel Size, 30ml); 42 SGD (Full Size, 100ml)
Available at Sephora, in stores and online

The Ultimate Expat Beauty Issue in the Tropics: Frizzy Hair

Frizzy hair - I know we’re talking first world problems here and there are definitely worse things than an unruly bush of hay on your head. Nevertheless, it’s the most cited beauty problem I hear from fellow expats around me: unmanageable, damaged and frizzy hair due to the humid climate and overexposure to sun and aircon. Luckily there are things we can do to revive our tortured tresses...

Living in the tropics, my hair is subject to the worst vicious circle it’s ever known: constant exposure to sun and aircon dries out my hair. The dryer my hair is, the frizzier it gets from the humid climate here. Trying to get rid of some frizz, I straighten my hair with an straightening iron; the heat of the straightening iron however further dries out my hair, damages it and makes it even more susceptable to frizz. Time for a beauty interception!

Why is our hair so much drier in the tropics?

Dryness is caused when hair runs out of its moisture and natural oils. As a result, your hair loses its sheen and appears frizzy, lifeless, and dull.  Apart from genes, physical health and hair care habits, environmental conditions largely contribute to this state of your hair.

Living in a hot climate, dryness particularly originates from exposure to sun and frequent swimmingin chlorinated water. In addition,  an air-conditioned room is as dry and arid as a desert because air conditioners pull out humidity from the air. Aircon’s are not selective about the source they pull moisture from, so your skin and hair are targets as well.

Why and how does dry hair get so frizzy?

Because dehydrated hair is so brittle and porous, it absorbs moisture from humid air more quickly than healthy hair. You might think that this is a good thing – after all, didn’t your hair lack moisture?! - but unfortunately that is not quite how it works.

Hair has multiple layers, and frizz occurs when the outer layer, the cuticle layer, of your hair is damaged and allows moisture to pass through, swelling the strands. As a result, your hair looks frizzy, whereas a flat and ‘closed’ cuticle layer make hair appear smooth and shiny.

In healthy hair, the outer cuticle layer protects the inner layers and doesn’t allow excess moisture to pass through and swell the strands on the one hand, and keeps moisture locked in on the other hand. When moisture from a humid environment is absorbed by dry hair with a damaged outer layer, it won’t be locked up in the strands but evaporates again instead.

What can I do to fight the frizz?

To combat dryness and break the vicious circle of frizzy hair you can do the following:

- Place humidifiers in air-conditioned rooms.

- Wear a hat or scarf outside to protect your hair from the sun

- Revive, nourish and protect your hair with the right haircare products– which, of course, is where this blog comes in handy…

This post features my personal and my frizzy expat friends' favourite hair masks - for all kinds of budgets- to help you say goodbye to dry and damaged hair. Hair masks that leave your hair soft and shiny instead of limp and oily, as some nourishing anti-frizz products tend to do.

In future posts I will go deeper into haircare topics such as heat protection to style your already dry and brittle hair; scalp-friendly shampoo’s; the delightful world of hair serums; and many more to come. 

Revive those Tortured Tresses

Favourite #1: Kerastase Masque Elixir Ultime

It's pricy but this hair mask feels so luxurious in every sense. The scent is voluptuous and rich which is due to ingredients such as Camellia, Argan and Pracaxi oil, that are part of Kerastase's "Oleo-Complex". These oils bring nourishment, deep conditioning and shine to the hair. The Argan oil helps to restore strength to the hair and protects it from external aggressor.

This hair mask scores sky-high points in pretty much every review of it that I've ever read. It really moisturizes and softens unruly and frizzy hair, even when your hair is severely damaged. Although it's an expensive hair mask, the product lasts long as you only need to apply a quarter-sized amount to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair (once or twice a week). Massage throughout the hair, pay close attention to the ends and comb through for even distribution. Leave in for 5-10 minutes and rinse thoroughly - I rinse twice as long as I do with other hair masks. The scent of the mask is still present in your hair after rinsing and drying, and leave your hair nicely scented for about a day or two.

Kerastase Masque Elixir Ultime, 200ml
Price: 73,80 SGD
Available at selected hair salons only (find a list for Singapore here)

Favourite #2: Inecto Naturals “Hello Hydration Coconut Hair Treatment” 

Coconut oil is rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and has a myriad of benefits for hair and skin, which is why it is used in pure, pressed form by many DIY beauty adepts. I've tried treating my hair with pure coconut oil once and decided not to repeat it as it left my bathroom dangerously slippery and smelling like a coconut macaroon for days. A hair mask with coconut oil as ingredient is the perfect solution, and my favourite by far is Inecto's "Hello Hydration" Coconut Hair Treatment with organic coconut oil. It smells -ofcourse- like coconut, but in a soft and creamy way. The texture of the mask is very creamy as well and this product is much easier to rinse out than pure coconut oil. It leaves your hair healthier looking and a lot softer than before.

I love that this product is not tested on animals and is vegan-friendly. And funny; "Directions: spread generously through towel-dry hair, leave in for 3-5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with warm water. If some escapes and gets in your eyes, we've had it happen to us too, rinse immediately with plenty of water."   

Inecto Naturals “Hello Hydration Coconut Hair Treatment”, 150ml
Price: 8,50 SGD
Available at BHG Singapore (find locations here)

Favourite #3: Toni & Guy “Nourish” Reconstruction Mask

Good old Toni&Guy. Founded in 1963 in Clapham, Toni&Guy Hairdressing has grown from a humble salon in the UK into an international chain of salons - and a salon-quality haircare line (a Unilever brand) since 2013. I've been using this mask for quite a while now and really like it. I've heard from others, whose hair was dull-looking and near dead-by-frizz and who had tried pretty much every brand of hair reconstructors or anti-frizz treatments around to reconstruct and revive their hair, that they would recommend this product to anyone as it does a fabulous job. The deep conditioning formula turns dry and brittle hair to soft and nourished with a smooth texture and a shiny overcoat. The scent of this product is a typical hair salon scent, but a mild one - not that enticing or unique, just pleasant.

Use once a week, after shampoo wash, and apply onto hair from mid-length. Leave in the hair for around 5 minutes and then rinse off thoroughly. As opposed to Kerastase's Hair Mask, the scent of the product doesn't linger in the hair after rinsing, only very subtly.

Toni & Guy “Nourish” Reconstruction Mask, 200ml. 
Price: SGD 25,90 
Available at a.o. Watsons, online through Redmart

Coming to Asia: Happy Skincare from MOOD Natural Barcelona

Last month I visited the 20th edition of Beauty Asia 2019, a trade exhibition showcasing the latest beauty and wellness products from across the globe. Lots of Japanese and Korean brands were present, presenting the latest technologies and ingredients amongst which ofcourse -yup- many horse fat and sheep placenta was to be found. Although these brands were by far the largest category present, the biggest surprise to me was a brand from Barcelona introducing its products to the Asian market for the first time: Mood Natural Barcelona.

What drew me to their stand was  the incredibly cool graphic design of the brand and the natural and joyful look of their products, something that stood out amidst the stringent and technological, often even surgical looking Asian brands. My first impression: a fun and honest brand that I can't wait for to be launched in Asia later in 2019.

Feel Mood, Feel Good!

Today’s fast-paced, hyperconnected culture leads to an "always on" mentality to many of us, and can be tiring and overwhelming. Mood Natural believes that we should take a break every now and then in order to nurture our body, mind and soul so we can be in our best moods and be the happiest versions of ourselves possible.

Mood Natural's products for visibly happier skin are based on the knowledge and traditions of five generations of women from the same Spanish family and consist of ancient formula's with active natural, mainly Mediterranean ingredients. Although great grandma Antonia prepared her herbal remedies in her kitchen, Mood Natural's products are made in prestigious laboratories where her ancient formula's have been translated to contemporary formulas that follow the most stringent and latest European Cosmetic Quality standards, resulting in innovative skincare with a green heart. 

The products do not contain parabens or allergens and are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions, even for the most sensitive types of skin. The products are packaged in recyclable materials and the ladies work with local suppliers to reduce the brands ecological footprint.

Remarkable Ladies of Skin, Body and Soul

The ladies behind the brand, Elena and Laia Guasch, are the fourth and fifth generation of a remarkable family with passion and concern to cure skin, body and soul with natural products.

Great grandmother Antonia worked as a 'remeiera', an ancient profession in which the practitioner has deep knowledge of the healing virtues of plants and herbs. At her own house, she prepared remedies with natural ingredients only. She was especially known for the skin patches she prepared, which contained several different Mediterranean ingredients and were used to soothe a.o. chest pain, wounds and inflammations. Antonia passed her knowledge on to her daughter Maria.

Grandma Maria opened her own bakery in Barcelona, where she began to give importance to food and nutrition. She too prepared her own recipes, that in addition to quenching appetite, proved to promote intestinal well-being and improved a bad cold or cure urinary infections. She in turn passed on her knowledge to her daughter Tona.

Tona was a hard working woman with a free soul, dreamy and intelligent, ahead of her time. She became a successful textile trader. Working hard, she believed in the importance of a balanced mind and the cultivation of the soul. Her involvement in society, travelling, reading and a passion for culture and dance all contributed to her tolerant attitude and open mind.

The product range contains a.o. face care that can be personalized to individual needs (Hydrating, Anti-Stress, Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Aging etc), suncare, shower gel and body milk. Mood Natural will be available in Singapore later in 2019 so stay tuned!

In the meantime, take a look at their website at http://www.moodnatural.com/en/ - it gives a great impression of the brand, the awesome products and the lovely design - lots to drool over while counting the days till the Asian launch!

The Battle of the Liquid Eyeliners

In the almost 2 years that I’ve been living in Singapore, I’ve been blown away again and again by Asian cosmetics brands, in particular makeup and more specifically lip products and mascara. Just about everything seems to be better about makeup at this side of the ocean: innovative products, eye-catching design & packaging, amazing textures, long lasting quality and friendly prices. One product type I haven’t tried yet is liquid eyeliner, as I’ve been pretty pleased with Lancome’s Artliner for over a decade now. I’m curious though whether within this category too, Asian brands will kick my favorite Western liquid eyeliner out of my Holy Makeup Essentials Pouch. I have pouches and pouches full of makeup, but only one special pouch for the winning can't do without essentials - and spots aren't easily given away...

I personally prefer the pen or liner-style liquid eyeliners over pots with liquid eyeliners that need to be applied with a brush, mainly because it’s quicker and easier. As said, Lancome’s Artliner (42 SGD, available at a.o. Tangs, Takashimaya and Sephora) to me is a must-have product that I seriously stock up on to never find myself without. The felt tip is flexible, which makes it easy to follow the line of your lashes and can be used for both fine and thicker lines - perfect for a winged line. I also really like it that the tip doesn't easily block when you use the liner on top of layers of other makeup, like concealer and eye shadow, which is due to the ingeneous fact that the liquid liner doesn't come through the felt tip (as with most liquid eyeliners) but from the container part you take the felt tip out of.

Long time favorite: Lancome's Artliner

Even though it will be a tough favorite to beat, curiosity calls due to all the awesome Asian makeup brand that I’ve discovered over the past months. I’ll therefore be testing two different Asian brand liquid eyeliners: Holika Holika Magic Pole Eyeliner and Kiss Me Heroine Make’s Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep.

Kiss Me Heroine Make’s Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep, Holika Holika's Magic Pole Eyeliner and my favorite, Lancome's Artliner

LIQUID LINER 1: Holika Holika - Magic Pole Eyeliner 2X

The first liquid eyeliner I’m testing is the Magic Pole Eyeliner in 01 Black by Holika Holika, a popular South-Korean beauty brand that provides ‘fun practical cosmetic products to enhance every woman’s natural beauty’ and is mostly known for its quirky, cult-style products. Think ‘Golden Monkey Lip Glamour Lip 3 Step’ for plumb lips, ‘Smooth Egg Skin Soap’ for smooth skin and tight pores and ‘Wonder Drawing Hairline Maker’, described as ‘a shadow type corrector to cover hairlines and fill in empty areas of bang hair for a younger looking face’. Interesting products.

Fascinating and quirky cosmetics by Holika Holika

The Magic Pole Eyeliner has a spacy pack, with a purple-blue sky in which the Magic Pole is displayed as the center of the universe, with BIG EYE written to emphasize the promised result. The product description reads furthermore that "this stablized powerful, and magic wand-shaped brush helps stop your hand from shaking, allow you to draw line much easier. With only one touch, a bold and vivid line that makes your eyes look bigger is accomplished".

Fortunately, my hand is rarely shaking when I apply liquid liner, but I do wonder how an eyeliner actively helps to stop hands from trembling, though. Some other key promises: 2x BIG, 2x MAGIC, 2x LONG but what this refers to remains a mystery as the rest of the description is in Korean.

The felt tip is indeed a pole with a small ball on top it, which reminds me more of an antenna (which could explain the the reference to outer space?) than a magic wand. The ball is part of the felt tip and makes the tip actually wider than Lancome's Artliner:

From left to right: Lancome Artliner, Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep & Holika Holika Magic Pole Eyeliner

As the round tip is not so thin, I find it hard to draw thin lines. But hey, that's not what they promised - "bold and vivid" lines are what this pole liner should bring. And it does. Heavy to heavier lines go very smooth and easy and the lines are deeply pigmented, hence very very black. The product dries very fast; good against running and smudging, but not so forgiving and hard to adjust once you drew the line. This eyeliner is SERIOUSLY waterproof, just water doesn't get the product off, you do need a special eye makeup remover.

Effect: so bold!

Holy Makeup Essentials Pouch Material? I'm deeply impressed by the intense black pigment. Just wow. But, I don't know what it is - maybe the fast drying or layer of pigments (intensity has to come from somewhere...) - but the liner doesn't feel so comfortable on my eyelid, like something is constantly lightly pulling it. It's almost like my eyelid is twitching. I can't get used to it and it won't go away the first 30 minutes after applying, so I took it off again. Sorry Holika Holika, no place for you in my Holy Pouch.

Holika Holika Magic Pole Eyeliner 2X - 01 black
Price: 13 SGD
Available in Singapore through Althea

LIQUID LINER 2: Kiss Me Heroine Make - Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep

The second liquid eyeliner I’m testing is the Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep in #01 Jet Black by Kiss Me Heroine Make, Japan’s leading drugstore makeup brand. The brand believes ‘that every woman plays the leading role in her own life story’ (I sure do) and is especially known the long-lasting and smudge-proof quality of its eye makeup, which I second - love their mascara's. The packaging of Kiss Me Heroine Make's products is hard to miss; Barbie meets manga with storybook romantic colors, curls, roses and sparkles.

Barbie meets Manga makeup by Kiss Me Heroine Make

Like all their products, the packaging of the eyeliner shows a manga barbie maiden, big bright blue eyes, heavily crying though, I suspect to promote the 'super keep' waterproof qualities of the product. Or because her Japanese Ken just cheated on her, who knows. Anyway, the pack furthermore shows a close-up of the felt tip, explaining it's only 0,1 mm - very thin. The back of the pack thoroughly explains the product in English as well, which is nice, promising the following: Waterproof & Smudge Proof, Ultra fine brush tip, Washable with lukewarm water and Jet Black color. 

The felt brush tip is indeed incredibly thin, in fact thinner than the tip of Lancome's Artliner:

From left to right: Lancome Artliner, Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep & Holika Holika Magic Pole Eyeliner

They don't come any thinner than this; using this eyeliner is almost like Japanese calligraphy. Downside is that the product isn't very pigmented, the line isn't through and through black but more soft black instead. Which is good though if you want a more subtle result.

Effect: so subtle!

The thin tip is easy to manouvre and follows the round line of the eyelid well. The liner dries fast; faster than Lancome's Artliner but not as fast as Holika Holika's Magic Pole liner. This eyeliner too is SERIOUSLY waterproof and doesn't smudge in any way, not even when you rub.

Holy Makeup Essentials Pouch Material? I'm deeply impressed by the subtle effect you can create with this liner, that is barely there if you don't use much pressure on the tip. I generally like an effect that is slightly bolder, but will definitely experiment with this eyeliner when I opt for a more natural look. Keep? For now, entry into the Makeup Essentials Pouch because I want to try it more often. No official spot yet.

Smooth Liquid Eyeliner Super Keep - #01 Jet Black

Price: around 16 SGD (I bought mine in Kuala Lumpur for 52 MYR)

Available at a.o. Sasa and Watsons

New or Not, it's a Must-Have: Bioré UV Perfect Spray SPF50 / PA++++

I love NEW cosmetics & skincare. To me, a product that screams "New" on its packaging or in its advertising implies groundbreaking product features that promise the ultimate thrill to a beauty junkie: an earth-shaking experience with jaw-dropping results, the only thoughts that come to an extatic mind being "why didn't they invent this earlier??!" and "OMG my life will be so much better now".

Needless to say I was overly excited when I spotted an outdoor advertising campaign upon my return in Singapore after having spent the past three weeks in Europe. Bioré, the Japanese brand (part of KAO group) that produces my favourite sun block (Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel), advertised a NEW (!) sun block called "UV Perfect Spray SPF50". I had to run to catch my bus heading to Orchard Road, and as I couldn't see what the Bioré ad at the bus shelter said, I decided to look for the product while shopping downtown.

Sold Out Everywhere on Orchard Road

Turned out that the spray was sold out everywhere - Watson's, Guardian and some smaller cosmetic stores deep in the basements of large malls like ION and Ngee Ann City. Wow, this new product must be really groundbreaking if it is sold out everywhere - even the testers of the spray at the product displays where empty. At this point I was near hysterical, as I concluded that this product was likely to be the invention of the century (I can be a bit dramatic every now and then). Although I was dissapointed that I didn't get the product, the thought of being able to try this amazing product in the near future was soothing enough for now.

On my way home I stopped at the Fairprice supermarket in suburban Bukit Timah to get some groceries. At the check out, a Bioré tower display curiously placed in the frozen food aisle caught my attention. Shining on top of it: the UV Perfect Spray!!!

I couldn't wait to try the product to find out the revolutionary newness that I had projected on it. Unfulfillingly, apart from "New", the product description on the back of the pack does not disclose what exactly is new about the product. So I googled the product. To find out it had been launched in 2019 already - bummer.

The UV Perfect Spray itself is anything from unfilfilling or disapointing - I absolutely love it and it now shares the title of my personal favourite with Bioré's Aqua Watery Gel SPF50.

Non-Sticky, Water- & Sweatproof And Also Suitable For Balding Men

First and foremost, the UV filters in the UV Perfect Spray are broad spectrum:

• SPF50: Blocks UVB rays that cause dark spots, freckles and sunburn
• PA++++: Maximum level of protection against UVA to prevent sunburn and premature aging (wrinkles, spots etc)

For a more elaborate explanation on UVA, UVB and sun & skin check my other article.

Furthermore, the product is water- and sweatproof and pretty much invisible upon application. The texture is super light and quickly absorbed by the skin and leaves your skin non-sticky and non-shiny, even when in contact with water.

Middle Picture: The product is transparant and very light-weight (I sprayed on a lot of product here, otherwise it wasn't visible). Right Picture: Invisible result!

According to the ingredient list the product contains fragrance, but as opposed to Biore's profoundly scented Watery Gel, no particular scent is noted - it does ofcourse smell like sunscreen product.

A cool and very functional product feature is the 360 coverage that the spray provides. You can spray the product upside down and in every angle you wish - the spray will keep functioning perfectly. I find this is great to use for parts of your skin that you easily miss when applying sunscreen, like the sensitive skin of your bikini line and the areas of your skin that are alternately covered/not covered by the sides of your bikini top or bathing suit. Also great for area's that aren't easily covered by sun protection creams, like your hair, scalp and the part of your neck just below your hair. Or the somewhat bald head of your sunscreen-averse husband ("I rather burn than walk around with white cloths of sunscreen stuck in my hair. You are lying - I DO look ridiculous"); no matter what leftover or milimetered buzz cut hairs are in the way, this spray covers all.

But what is new about this product remains a mystery to me...if anyone know, please comment in the section below!

Bioré UV Perfect Spray SPF50 / PA++++
Price: 9,90 SGD
Available at: a.o. Watsons, Guardian, Fairprice

How to use: Shake well before use and hold 10-15 cm away from your body - spray on hands first to apply on face.