And now, I absolutely cannot live without

by The Broadwalk

As we enter a brand new year, yet again, it’s always good to reflect on how the previous year has treated you. For me, 2019 has been a year of change, not just in my personal life but also in terms of my beauty routine. As I approach the big three-zero, I can see all the signs of aging hitting me like a truck, all at once. Suddenly, my skin is not as bouncy as it was before. Lines deepen and acne scars take months to heal completely. 

Hence, as we enter a brand new decade and I enter a brand new phase in my life, both my makeup and skincare routine went through an overhaul. After twelve months of trial and error, I’ve found five beauty products I’ve added to my routine that I now simply cannot live without. 

1. CUREL Moisturisers

I have known the existence of Japanese skincare brand CUREL for a while. However, it was only in 2019 that I fully appreciated how deeply hydrating and gentle this line was. My skin has become noticeably drier and on top of that, if you (like me) use lots of actives such as retinol and acids to combat the signs of aging, you just want your moisturisers to be simple and effective.  

I have tried a myriad of moisturisers for day and night across a spectrum of price points yet, I always come back to CUREL Aging Care Moisture Gel Cream. It has the perfect texture, a balance of being emollient without ever feeling too heavy. Targeted for sensitive skin types, it has a very straightforward ingredients list that focuses on hydration alone, which was all I needed a moisturiser to do. It’s gel-cream texture is light enough for daytime use and at night, I simply mix a couple drops of face oil to give it an added boost. 

If you are suffering from eczema like I do, the CUREL Moisture Gel Lotion is godsend for my body as it soothes dry skin without leaving a sticky residue so you can get dressed immediately. *chef’s kiss* Just perfect! 

CUREL is available in Watsons Singapore 

2. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in ‘Spotlight’

I have a very tumultuous relationship with highlighters. While I do love a youthful glow, I struggle to find the right formula and colour that provides the intense highlight I crave without exacerbating the look of texture on my skin. Highlighters need to walk that fine line of looking natural and being undeniably blinding. After years of trying out just about every highly raved about highlighter there is, I have found the one. 

Charlotte Tilbury has a few highlighter options but her liquid one takes the cake for the most ethereal glow you have ever seen. It is lightweight in texture, extremely blendable (translation: idiot-proof) and a stunning shade of champagne that has the right amount of translucency and glow. I have larger pores on my cheeks as well as fine lines around the eyes and this highlighter simply melts into the skin without drawing attention to any of my issues. So, it’s ideal for mature skin types too. 

Apply it on the skin alone, over foundation and even on top of powder. It’s so versatile and never once looks cakey or too metallic. Every time I dab this on, I feel like I’m back to my youthful 21-year-old self and honestly, that’s all I ever wanted. 

3. Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

When it comes to chemical exfoliation, I’ve pretty much done it all. From facials to acids, my skin has been through the ringer and tested them all. Chemical exfoliants are great for decongesting pores and is a powerful tool to delay the signs of ageing by increasing the skin’s regenerative function. In 2019, I discovered the cult product that is Dr Dennis Gross’ Alpha Beta Peels and I have not looked back since. 

This two step process delivers the results of a chemical peel at home, while still being gentle enough for daily use. It comes in two sachets with cotton swabs that are pre-soaked with the brand’s patented formula, a potent mix of AHAs, BHAs and even retinol. I simply wipe them across your face in the toner step at night and go on with the rest of my routine. The next morning, my skin is visibly smoother and more radiant. 

The downside is that it’s super expensive and rather environmentally unfriendly as the peels often come individually packaged. Hence, I tend to only bust this bad boy whenever my skin is looking dull and sallow or being problematic. It works wonders for hormonal acne too so, now I always have a stash ready at all times.

Dr Dennis Gross is available at major Sephora Singapore stores. Click here to shop the Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

4. Urban Decay Stay Naked Correcting Concealer

I struggle with concealer a lot in 2019 as I have developed more lines around my eyes. It was tough finding a concealer that not only covers dark circles, but also doesn’t crease like a mofo at the end of the day. My undereyes have also gotten significantly drier so, full coverage formulas such as the tarte Shape Tape literally makes me look like an old witch. However, if the formula is too emollient, like Glossier’s Stretch concealer, I run the risk of it sliding all over the place or creasing terribly. 

Enter Urban Decay’s latest concealer launch that unsuspectingly became my holy grail concealer under the eyes. Part of their Stay Naked range, this wand-type concealer boasts coverage with a skin-like, satin finish that stays put all day. And it truly delivered. It is blendable even on bare skin and is strangely smoothing under the eyes. I don’t even have to set it and somehow, this concealer lasted a full day wear test. With a myriad of undertones and shades to choose from, this medium coverage concealer has kicked all my other concealers to the curb and I highly recommend it. 

The Urban Decay Stay Naked Concealer is available from Sephora Singapore

5.  Colourpop Glitterally Obsessed Body Glitter

Glitter has literally changed my life in 2019. Whether it is pressed glitters or glitter gels in pots, I couldn’t get enough of them. As someone who loves eyeshadow and is constantly strapped for time, glitter is a life savior for turning ordinary makeup looks into extraordinary ones in just seconds. When I discovered Colourpop’s extremely affordable glitter selection, I immediately ordered a bunch and have turned out some spectacular looks in 2019. 

Glitter used to be such a hassle as they often come in loose forms and you need to get an adhesive prior. Today, glitter gels and pressed glitter are conveniently formulated to be easily patted on the lid without a base and deliver the most stunning multidimensional shine. My go-to eye look in 2019 was a light wash of Colourpop’s Glitter Gel in ‘Wish Me Luck’ all over the lid, winged liner and mascara. Remember to be careful when applying and removing these glitters as you don’t want any chunks to enter your eye. Once you’ve mastered that, it takes seconds to put on and I can’t tell you how many compliments I have received with just this simple combination. 

Colourpop is available online here and ships to Singapore

6. Lightweight Facial Oils

This is a general beauty tip I have discovered and now love with all my heart. If you told me a few years ago that I would be slathering face oils under my makeup, I would say you were crazy. Fast forward to the end of 2019 and I am happily adding a couple drops of Sunday Riley’s Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil into my moisturiser every morning. Who knew? 

The thing is, face oils are not all equal. Last year, I found some amazing ones that are not only nourishing, but also incredibly lightweight in texture. The aforementioned Sunday Riley U.F.O oil is one that I love for day time, particularly as it also contains salicylic acid to combat acne even when I’m wearing makeup. I also love The Ordinary’s Cold-Pressed Marula Oil which sinks in beautifully while leaving my skin looking juicy and plump. Interestingly, I realized that I had to blot my face less when I wear these oils during the day as my skin sufficiently hydrated and thus, produces less oil. The trick is to not overapply. Just one or two drops will do and you’ll be surprised at how fresh your face looks at the end of the day. 

Have you tried these products? What are your thoughts?
Or let us know some of your best beauty discoveries in 2019 in the comments below.