Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Oil to Foam, $25.90 for 142ml

Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleansing Oil to Foam, S$25.90

The idea of this product is to cut down on time spent double cleansing your face. Many of us including myself prefer to go in with a cleansing oil before using a regular face wash in order to thoroughly remove all traces of makeup and sunscreen without stripping our faces of moisture. The oil in this double-duty product helps to dissolve your makeup, and when it turns into foam the cleanser is easily washed away, unlike oils that tend to coat your skin. I like that there are three formulas for different skin concerns (original, hydrating, and brightening), and that the mild cleansers are easy on the skin and contain an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties to strengthen the natural moisture barrier in your skin and protect your skin from free radicals.

Garnier Micellar Water, $19.90

Garnier Micellar Water, S$19.90

I compared this recently to the Bioderma micellar water and was pleasantly surprised and impressed! If you’re big on waterproof makeup, I highly recommend picking up this affordable alternative, especially the dual layer version that’s great for even the most stubborn waterproof makeup. It removed heavy-duty stuff like Urban Decay’s 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil and Kat Von D’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick with ease.

L’Oreal Paris Mat Magique 12H Bright Mat Foundation, $28.90

L’Oreal Paris Mat Magique 12H Bright Mat Foundation, S$28.90

If you’ve chanced upon my lightweight foundation recommendations, you’d have seen my review on this new-found fave. It’s got a slightly watery texture that dries matte really quickly and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, and the coverage is pretty decent for how lightweight it is. Tip: I recommend buffing it in in sections because it’s fast-drying. The biggest drawback is the somewhat limited shade range, but I can tell you that if you’re a Mac NC30 like me, there’s an Asian-friendly shade that will surely suit you. The oil control was impressive even after seven hours of wear, and the foundation didn’t leave my skin feeling too dry.

Sunplay Skin Aqua Sarafit range, SPF50+ PA++++, $9.90 - $16.90

Sunplay Skin Aqua Sarafit range, SPF50+ PA++++, S$9.90 to S$16.90

The range of four comes with two sunscreen mists ($9.90 each, fragranced and fragrance-free), a fragrance-free sunscreen milk ($14.90 for 40 ml), and a scented sunscreen essence ($16.90 for 80g). Having tried all four products, I think the entire range is really great, especially for the price! The products are alcohol-free, and the milk and essence are wonderfully matte without being drying, and double up as a good makeup base.

The product itself doesn’t leave any white cast on your skin and is also supposed to not create a “flashback” in photographs. You can apply the milk or essence beneath your makeup, and use the mists to reapply sunscreen throughout the day and mattify your face at the same time. The whole range is fast drying and sweat-proof which makes it perfect for our weather.

The fragranced mist and essence are already available, and the fragrance-free milk and mist will be available from August 2016.

Za Vibrant Moist Lip Lacquer, $19.50

Za Vibrant Moist Lip Lacquer, $19.50

If you’re a fan of super pigmented lip glosses, these are a great option for you. The formula glides on like a liquid lipstick without drying down, so it doesn’t dry out your lips. All but one shade (the lightest) have amazing pigment and high shine. It’s also completely non-sticky which I love. There are six shades in the range, and like the previous range of Vibrant Moist Lipsticks, the colours are all pretty bright. They do leave behind a slight lip stain, and whether that’s good or bad really depends on your preference. If you want a lip product that’s going to leave colour on your lips all day, Za’s Vibrant Moist range is great for that.

 

NYX Plush Gel Lipsticks, $13

NYX Plush Gel Lipsticks, $13

These babies arrived recently and in such cute and portable packaging to boot – the skinny tubes are the same length as my palm! The amount of product you get is less than a regular lipstick, but about the same as a Colourpop Lippie Stix tube. But really, how often do we get through an entire tube of lipstick? These are a really nice size even for tiny clutch purses, and the formula is incredibly creamy and smooth with good colour payoff. The only thing that might put some people off is the smell, which reminds me a little of artificial crayons. It doesn’t bother me too much, but I highly recommend giving it a whiff before you buy!

Text: Eugene Quek/ Her World Plus Additional reporting: Arissa Ha