Best Beauty Buys is The Singapore Women’s Weekly’s annual awards to highlight the high-performance beauty products currently on the shelves. This year, we spotlight the skincare and makeup needs of busy mums who juggle children and demanding jobs, and want to look and feel good doing it.

To reflect various beauty concerns faced by mothers, we had five mums on the judging panel to test and review the products based on their unique lifestyles and goals. The criteria: packaging, pleasantness of use, and efficacy.

Here, we learn more about Eileen Chia, one of the Best Beauty Buys 2023 judges, and her takeaways.

EILEEN CHIA
MUM OF 4 / PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

Skin type:
Dry and sensitive skin
Biggest beauty woes: Wrinkles, dark eye circles, and sensitive, dehydrated skin
Go-to skincare: Serums and moisturisers with sunscreen
Go-to makeup: Lightweight dewy foundation, blush and lipstick. Crayon eyeshadow and mascara for days I want more!

What is your beauty mantra?

I don’t get enough sleep, or have enough time to have an indulgent beauty routine, so everything has to be quick and fuss-free. I even do my makeup in the car, so my makeup has to be easy to apply and as streamlined as possible. I often go for a natural makeup look that accentuates my features, and I also love a good SPF product.

I won’t hesitate to splurge on a worthy product but I’m also not afraid to try something affordable.

Tell us more about your skincare concerns.

I need to combat wrinkles and dark eye circles. My skin is also prone to broken capillaries, as well as sensitivity and dehydration, which gets worse as I age.

Favourite find from Best Beauty Buys 2023?

I really like the Clarins Double Serum. My skin drinks it up. The serum is very hydrating and leaves it soft, velvety, and a lot less sensitive. It also makes me look well-rested.

What did you learn from trying and reviewing products for Best Beauty Buys 2023?

You cannot judge a product by its brand or price. Some affordable products have worked better for me than more expensive brands. What is really important is that it works for you, and fits into your lifestyle.

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty is about feeling confident and happy about yourself. What’s really important is taking care of yourself today and every chance you can get. For me, it’s knowing when to take a break — sleep is very important. Weekend naps are crucial for me to recharge. In fact, I have taken leave to rest at home!

Photography: Lawrence Teo
Videography: Athirah Anissa
Video producers: Estelle Low, Karen Fong and Michelle Lee
Hair: Kenneth Ong
Makeup: Priscelia Wong