May Beauty Reviews: From Cult Classics to Skin-Soothing Staples

What started with one itch-relief cream has now grown into a full ecosystem of sensitive skincare. Suu Balm turns 11 this year, marking more than a decade of dermatologist-formulated products created for eczema-prone, dry and itchy skin. 

The brand began when Dr. Tey Hong Liang, founder of the Itch Clinic at Singapore’s National Skin Centre, noticed existing creams were not doing enough to relieve itch quickly while still properly moisturising the skin. That led to the original Rapid Itch Relief Ceramide Moisturiser, combining menthol’s cooling effect with a ceramide-rich formula designed to support the skin barrier. 

Today, the Suu Balm line-up stretches far beyond its original cream. The Dual Cooling & Moisturising Cream Body Wash gently cleanses while helping skin feel soothed rather than stripped. The Cooling Body Spray Moisturiser offers the same lightweight cooling effect in a convenient mist format, handy for humid days or quick relief through the day.

Alongside this milestone, the brand has also introduced Vytle, a newer skincare range built around the same sensitive-skin philosophy. Designed for face and body use from newborns to adults, Vytle combines dermatological science with up to 98% naturally derived ingredients. Its Cleanse & Moisturise Bundle keeps routines simple with a gentle cleanser and moisturiser duo formulated for all skin types and ages, making it a practical option for families who prefer uncomplicated daily skincare.

Why We Love It:
Suu Balm has always understood that itchy, sensitive skin needs comfort fast. The formulas are practical, cooling and easy to use, without feeling overly clinical. We also like that both Suu Balm and Vytle focus on simple routines that work across different ages rather than picking skincare for different age groups in the family.

Who It Is For:
Anyone dealing with dry, itchy or sensitive skin, including families looking for gentle skincare suitable for both children and adults.

Where to Find It:
Suu Balm and Vytle products are available via the brands’ official websites, Guardian, Watsons, Unity, FairPrice and selected retailers across Singapore.

The almond shower oil that beauty lovers have emptied for years just got a glow-up. L’OCCITANE has relaunched its beloved Amande Sublime (Almond) range, refreshing the formulas and packaging while keeping the sensorial textures and warm gourmand almond scent fans already know and love. The updated line focuses on softer, smoother and more supple-looking skin, powered by Mediterranean almond oils and more sustainable refill options.

The iconic Almond Softening Shower Oil is still formulated with over 40% almond and grapeseed oils. The silky oil transforms into a milky lather on contact with water, gently cleansing while leaving skin noticeably softer and more moisturised without residue. Follow with the refreshed Almond Supple Skin Oil, a lightweight body oil that combines 50% almond oil with a silicium complex to support elasticity, improve suppleness and visibly soften the appearance of stretch marks over time. 

Want a truly sensorial experience? Head to the newly refurbished ION Orchard store inspired by the beauty of nature and the art of living in Haute-Provence. And don’t forget to indulge in the iconic Almond Ritual.   

Why We Love It:
L’OCCITANE knew not to mess too much with a classic. The shower oil remains one of the best textures in bodycare, while the updated skin oil feels silky, lightweight and genuinely pleasant to use daily. Together, they make skin look smoother, glowier and far more nourished with very little effort.

Who It Is For:
Anyone who loves sensorial bodycare, especially those looking for softer, smoother-looking skin and nourishing textures.

Where to Find It:
The refreshed L’OCCITANE Amande Sublime range is available at L’OCCITANE boutiques islandwide and online at L’OCCITANE Singapore.

Before ingredient-led skincare became the norm, The Ordinary made it mainstream. Back in 2016, the brand disrupted the beauty industry by making active ingredients more accessible and affordable, putting the focus back on formulations, transparency and education. Glycolic acid, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid quickly became household skincare terms rather than industry jargon.

That philosophy still shapes the brand today. The bestselling Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner remains a go-to for smoother, brighter-looking skin, while the updated Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 delivers multi-layer hydration with added ceramides for a plumper, more comfortable feel. The iconic Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% continues to lead for oil control, brightness and texture support, proving that straightforward formulations still hold their place in increasingly crowded skincare routines.

Alongside its formulas, The Ordinary is also further supporting the idea that quality skincare should be ordinary, not exclusive. Their latest campaign expands that message into everyday life too, highlighting the importance of normalising things like rest, checking in on loved ones and prioritising wellbeing, all while keeping skincare accessible and uncomplicated.

Why We Love It:
The Ordinary still makes skincare feel less intimidating. Products are easy to understand, routines stay flexible, and the formulas consistently deliver without luxury-level pricing. It is also one of the few brands that still manages to feel genuinely useful rather than trend-driven.

Who It Is For:
Anyone looking for effective, ingredient-led skincare that focuses on clarity, accessibility and practical everyday routines.

Where to Find It:
The Ordinary is available at Sephora stores and Sephora.sg.

We raved about Hourglass’ new Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation SPF 30 in our House of Sephora feature, and how it delivers medium coverage with a radiant, skin-first finish. The formula combines skincare, SPF and makeup in one, using hydrating ingredients to smooth texture, soften the look of fine lines and keep skin looking fresh rather than flat through the day.

Unlike many glow foundations that slip away after a few hours, this one is designed for longer wear, with up to 12 hours of comfortable coverage that resists creasing and caking . The finish sits somewhere between luminous and polished, giving skin that soft-focus, lit-from-within effect while still evening tone and covering redness or texture. The creamy texture blends easily and a little goes a long way, making it especially good for those who prefer natural-looking coverage that still feels perfected.

Why We Love It:
This gives glow without tipping into greasy territory. Skin looks smoother, fresher and more hydrated, while the coverage still manages to blur imperfections convincingly. We also like that it layers well with the rest of makeup and works beautifully on days when skin looks tired or textured. The SPF 30 addition makes it feel even more practical for everyday wear.

Who It Is For:
Anyone who loves radiant, skin-like foundation with medium coverage, especially those who prefer hydration and glow over matte finishes.

Where to Find It:
Hourglass Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation SPF 30 retails for $99 at Sephora Singapore and Sephora.sg

Skincare, but make it collectible. Bio-essence joins the blind box craze with the new Bio-VLift Blind Box Banded Packs, pairing its bestselling lifting creams with limited-edition plush “Beauty Pals” designed to unzip into reusable tote bags. Cute packaging aside, the focus still lands on the brand’s signature lifting technology, powered by Blue Copper Peptide and plant-based Collagen IV to support firmer, more sculpted-looking skin.

The release centres around two sets. Set A, The Lift Focus includes the full-size 4V Face Lifting Cream, targeting the cheeks, jawline, chin and neck for a more defined appearance, alongside Overnight Repair Cream minis and a collectible Beauty Pal. Meanwhile, Set B,  The Repair Focus highlights the Overnight Repair Cream, designed to nourish and support collagen production while skin rests overnight. 

Clinical figures shared in the release mention improved firmness, smoother skin and visible wrinkle reduction over continued use.

Why We Love It:
The blind box angle makes this launch more playful than the average anti-ageing range, but the formulas still sound serious about results. We like that the two sets split into day and night concerns, making them easier to choose based on what your routine needs most. The reusable plush-tote detail is also surprisingly fun.

Who It Is For:
Anyone looking for firmer-looking skin and more defined contours, especially those who enjoy skincare with a collectible or gifting element.

Where to Find It:
The Bio-essence Bio-VLift Blind Box Sets retail at $59.90 and are available at Watsons, NTUC FairPrice, the Bio-essence Shopee Store and selected cosmetic houses from 30 April 2026.

Firming skincare, but make it feel good to use. NUXE’s refreshed Merveillance Lift range is built for anyone who wants smoother, fresher-looking skin without turning their shelf into a science lab. The brand’s signature Micro-Algae Oil, a botanical active recognised for its regenerative properties helps strengthen skin structure, support collagen fibres and improve the look of firmness, wrinkles and radiance over time.

The Firming Activating Oil-Serum ($86.70) remains the anchor product to the range. It is the first step in the ritual and helps skin feel softer, smoother and more supple from the start. The texture is lightweight and non-greasy, so it sinks in easily and helps prep the skin for whatever comes next. Then comes the new Exceptional Day & Night Cream($99), a moisturiser designed to simplify routines by covering both morning and evening use in one jar. With 2% niacinamide and Micro-Algae Oil, it supports radiance, firmness and smoother-looking skin, while the satin-light texture feels comfortable by day and more cocooning at night .

The third step is the Eye Lighter Serum ($69.90), which brings a more immediate brightening effect to the line-up. It uses pearlescent pink pigments to refresh tired eyes on contact, while low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, caffeine and Micro-Algae Oil work on fine lines, puffiness and all types of dark circles over time. The bevelled applicator makes it easy to swipe on through the day, and the pocket-sized format adds to that on-the-go appeal .

Why We Love It: This feels like anti-ageing with a bit more personality. The oil-serum gives the range a strong start, the cream keeps things simple with one jar for day and night, and the eye serum adds a brightening step that is both useful and easy to carry around. There is also a more sensorial side to the range, with soft floral notes and textures that feel elegant without becoming heavy. 

Who It Is For: Anyone looking to address firmness, fine lines and dullness with a routine that feels effective and simple to maintain.

Where to Find It: The NUXE Merveillance Lift range is available at Watsons, Guardian, Shopee, Lazada and Glowverse.

Here’s a new way to up your protein for the day: a moisturiser that acts like a protein shake for your skin. Drunk Elephant’s Protini Polypeptide Cream is built around the idea of strengthening and supporting skin the way protein supports the body, with a focus on firmness, bounce and overall skin health.

The formula spells a healthy blend of 9 signal peptides, designed to support collagen production while helping improve the look of tone, texture and elasticity. Alongside this, pygmy waterlily extract adds antioxidant support, helping defend against environmental stress that contributes to visible ageing. The texture is lightweight and bouncy, sitting somewhere between a gel and cream, absorbing quickly while still delivering lasting hydration.

Over time, the results focus on overall skin quality rather than a single concern. In a clinical study, 96% showed improvement in tone, radiance and luminosity, 93% saw improved texture, and 90% reported better hydration after eight weeks.

Why We Love It:
This little pot does a bit of everything without feeling heavy. The texture is easy, the finish is smooth, and it layers well with the rest of your routine. It works as a reliable daily moisturiser while quietly supporting firmness and skin strength over time.

Who It Is For:
Anyone looking for a straightforward moisturiser that supports firmness, hydration and overall skin health without needing multiple steps.

Where to Find It:
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream ($108) is available at Sephora.sg and Sephora stores across Singapore.

Derma Lab sharpens its focus on targeted skin correction with a dermatologist-backed line-up designed for pigmentation, texture and firmness. Leading the range is the Pigmentation Corrective Serum ($66.90), powered by a 12% Glyco-HA Niacinamide Complex and clinically proven to reduce melanin by 71.4% in just three days, working across dark spots, acne marks and uneven tone.

Prepping the skin is the Daily Brightening Serum Peel ($66.90), a leave-on micro-peel with mandelic and lactic acid that gently exfoliates, refines pores and improves absorption of the products that follow. For firmness, the Multi-Collagen Firming Serum ($69.90) uses a peptide-enhanced collagen system to support elasticity, improve skin density and strengthen the skin barrier over time.

The range extends into masks with the Triple Vitamin A Elasticity Boost Serum Mask ($29.90), designed to support skin renewal and improve firmness, and the Triple Vitamin C Intensive Brightening Serum Mask (29.90), which focuses on radiance and more even-looking tone. Both are designed to enhance absorption and deliver actives deeper into the skin.

Why We Love It:
Everything feels clearly targeted. The pigmentation serum stands out for speed and visible results, while the rest of the range supports it with prep, firming and maintenance.

Who It Is For:
Anyone dealing with pigmentation, uneven texture or early loss of firmness, especially those who prefer targeted serums they can layer.

Where to Find It:
Derma Lab is available at Watsons, FairPrice, myCK and online at Shopee Singapore.

If you’re after a credible skincare Mother’s Day gift in Singapore this range ticks all the right boxes. Tatcha introduces its Longevity Collection with a focus on strengthening skin while improving firmness and smoothness. Inspired by Okinawa’s nutrient-rich nuchi-gusui, the formulas centre around the Okinawa Cellescence Complex, designed to support skin resilience and reduce visible signs of ageing.

The Longevity Serum works as a hybrid gel-oil, helping smooth, firm and improve skin texture while supporting long-term skin strength. Alongside it, the Longevity Memory Cream uses a memory-gel texture to lock in hydration, support elasticity and leave skin looking brighter and more refreshed. Take a moment to admire the gorgeous packaging, a must if your dresser (and skin) could do with a little perking up.

Why We Love It:
The focus goes beyond short-term results. Skin feels stronger and more balanced with continued use, and both textures remain lightweight while still delivering enough nourishment.

Who It Is For:
Anyone looking to address early signs of ageing while supporting long-term skin resilience.

Where to Find It:
Tatcha Longevity Serum ($125) and Longevity Memory Cream ($133) are available at Sephora Singapore.

If you are after a tinted SPF that can also help with dark spots and uneven skin tone, take a look at ELIXIR’s new tone-up shade, Beige. The Day Care Revolution Tone-Up Beige builds on the success of the brand’s Baby Pink version with a softer beige tone designed to improve the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone. It combines skincare, SPF protection and tone correction in one step, making it an easy option for mornings when skin needs a little more help but heavy makeup is not the goal.

The formula uses pearls and a carefully balanced beige tint to brighten the complexion without leaving a chalky cast, while ingredients such as M-Bouncer CP and Watercress Extract BG support collagen-related firmness and help soften shadowing in the skin. Clinically tested results from the press release showed a 24% improvement in firmness and 24% improvement in brightness with consistent use, alongside 12-hour makeup retention and 24-hour moisturising benefits. 

Why We Love It:
We love effective shortcuts and this one allows our skin to look even, more fresh while working as both a tone-up base and an SPF. The beige tint is especially useful for those of us who found pink-based correctors a little too bright and obvious. 

Who It Is For:
Anyone who wants daily sun protection with a more natural tone-correcting finish, without adding another makeup step.

Where to Find It:
ELIXIR Day Care Revolution Tone-Up Beige (35g) retails at $59 and is available at ELIXIR Metro Paragon, Metro Causeway Point, Novela stores, selected Watsons stores, Watsons Online, selected Welcia stores and the ELIXIR Official Lazada Store.

Diane Perfect Beauty shifts the focus to scalp-first haircare with its Anti-Hair Loss Scalp Spray, designed to support stronger, fuller-looking hair from the roots. Created for daily use, the formula targets common concerns such as hair fall, dandruff, oiliness and irritation, which are amplified in humid conditions.

The spray combines Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Panthenol, ginseng and soybean extracts to support healthier growth, while menthol and camphor provide a cooling effect that helps calm itchiness. A keratin-protecting system strengthens the hair cuticle, helping improve volume and resilience over time, delivered through a lightweight aerosol spray that sits comfortably on the scalp.

Why We Love It:
It treats scalp care with the same attention as skincare. The spray format makes it easy to stay consistent, and the cooling effect gives quick relief when the scalp feels uncomfortable.

Who It Is For:
Anyone dealing with early hair fall, oily or itchy scalp, or flat roots, especially in humid climates.

Where to Find It:
Diane Perfect Beauty Anti-Hair Loss Scalp Spray retails at $18.90 and is available at Watsons, FairPrice, Don Don Donki, Welcia, Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop.

Shiny, smooth hair without the effort. myBoostars introduces its INSILK BOOST-SMOOTH & SHINE series, a skincare-inspired haircare range designed to bring back gloss, softness and manageability, even on rushed days. The line-up includes a Shampoo, Treatment and a 2-in-1 Booster Mist, all powered by 5% silk (3% in the treatment) and a blend of four types of hydrolysed silk that help smooth the cuticle, reduce frizz and boost shine from the first use.

The formulas are also enriched with Japanese seaweed extract, known as Angel Ring® ingredients, which help create that luminous, halo-like shine while keeping hair soft and bouncy. 

The Booster Mist is the hero here. A lightweight dual-layer mix of serum and oil, it is designed to nourish, smooth and protect in one step. Powered by Neosolue™-Aqulio, it helps ingredients absorb deeper into the hair shaft for better hydration and repair, while staying easy to use across different routines.

Why We Love It:
This is haircare that works around real routines. The Booster Mist is especially versatile, you can use it before conditioner to boost results, or as a leave-in and heat protectant before styling. It is quick, effective and gives hair that smoother, glossier finish without weighing it down.

Who It Is For:
Anyone dealing with frizz, tangles or dullness, and looking for an easy way to get smoother, shinier hair without adding too many steps.

Where to Find It:
The myBoostars INSILK BOOST-SMOOTH & SHINE series is available at Guardian Singapore and other online platforms.

In its big spring launch for 2026, NARS revisits matte foundation with a formula designed to look like skin rather than coverage. The new Natural Matte Longwear Foundation delivers medium-to-full coverage while keeping the texture lightweight and breathable, creating a soft-focus finish that subtly blurs pores and imperfections. Powered by a Pore-Refining Trio featuring niacinamide, dipeptide and micro greens, it is designed not only to perfect the look of skin instantly but also to improve the appearance of texture and pores over time.

The technology focuses on comfort and flexibility. Instant Filter Powder creates a smooth optical blur, while oil-absorbing microspheres help keep shine under control throughout the day. An advanced flexible film allows the foundation to move with the skin rather than sitting heavily on top, giving a natural matte finish that stays breathable through long wear.

Why We Love It:
Matte foundation can sometimes feel flat or drying, but this one manages to keep skin looking polished without losing its natural dimension. The soft-focus effect makes pores and uneven texture less noticeable while still feeling lightweight. The oil control and humidity resistance make a noticeable difference in heat and humidity, especially for long days where touch-ups are not always practical. We also found that applying it with fingers gives the nicest finish, helping the formula melt into skin more seamlessly. One thing to note: the shade range runs a little differently from some of NARS’ other foundation lines, so it is worth trying your match in store before committing.

Who It Is For:
Anyone who prefers medium-to-full coverage with a natural matte finish, especially those dealing with shine, visible pores or uneven texture.

Where to Find It:
NARS Natural Matte Longwear Foundation retails for $85 at NARS boutiques, counters and authorised retailers across Singapore.

Anastasia Beverly Hills is all about eye makeup that’s approachable and its two new launches do just that. The new Haze Mini Eyeshadow Palette ($51) packs nine full-pigment shades into a compact format, moving through smoky neutrals, earthy tones and deeper hues in matte and metallic finishes.From softly defined to smouldering, creamy mattes for shaping and a few more light-catching shades for added drama, these textures are designed to blend without feeling overwhelming. 

Alongside, the Glidr Shadow Sticks ($43) bring the same high-impact mood in an even quicker format. These creamy sticks glide on smoothly, blend with ease and set with long wear, making them handy for rushed mornings, after-work plans or anyone who prefers a brush-free routine. With metallic, sparkle and matte finishes across 16 shades, they can be used for a one-and-done wash of colour, layered for more depth, or even worked along the lash line as liner. Together, the palette and sticks give plenty of room to play, from soft neutral definition to bolder night-out eyes.

Why We Love It:
The ease of getting ready. The Haze Mini Palette is great for days when you need shape and dimension without it feeling complicated, while the Glidr Shadow Sticks are ideal when speed matters. We like that both are easy to use, strongly pigmented and versatile enough to swing from daytime eyes to moody after dark. Both travel well, the compact palette is an easy addition to your bag while the shadow sticks might just become permanent companions. 

Who It Is For:
Anyone who loves easy eye makeup with strong colour payoff, especially if you need options for both everyday definition and more dramatic evening looks.

Where to Find It:
The Anastasia Beverly Hills range is available at Sephora stores and Sephora.sg. 

Kansosan takes a practical approach to skincare with its 3-in-1 Hydrating Base, designed to simplify routines while tackling dryness caused by constant shifts between heat, humidity and air-conditioned spaces. This multi-tasking base combines hydration, sun protection and a priming effect in one step, making it a useful option for days when layering multiple products feels like too much. The range includes three variations tailored to different needs: Moisture Base Cover for a subtle tone-up effect, Moisture Base for deeper hydration, and Moisture Base Aqua for a lighter, oil-controlling finish.

Alongside this, Kansosan also introduces the Medical Moisture Cleansing Foam, a creamy foaming cleanser that removes impurities and makeup without stripping the skin. It is formulated with ingredients like niacinamide, amino acids and ceramides to help maintain hydration while cleansing, making it a gentle option for dry or easily irritated skin. Together, the cleanser and base create a simple routine that focuses on comfort and moisture rather than overloading the skin.

Why We Love It: Want your skincare to feel more manageable? The base cuts down multiple steps into one, while the cleanser keeps skin clean without that tight, dry feeling after washing. We like that you can choose a finish that suits your skin, from more hydration to oil control, and that everything is designed to sit comfortably through long days of heat, humidity and air conditioning.

Who It Is For: Anyone looking to simplify their routine, especially those dealing with dryness, sensitivity or wanting lightweight products that still deliver hydration.

Where to Find It: The Kansosan 3-in-1 Hydrating Base range (SGD $21.90 each) and Medical Moisture Cleansing Foam (SGD $20.50) are available at Guardian, DON DON DONKI, and online via Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop.

ANESSA is no stranger to effective sun protection and its latest expansion secures every moment of sun care in your daily routine. ANESSA expands its suncare line-up with three new additions designed to make daily protection feel effortless. The launch introduces Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel and Brightening UV Sunscreen Gel under the Daily Series, alongside the Brush-On Powder from the Perfect UV Series. From morning protection to midday touch-ups, these new launches incorporate skincare ingredients that support hydration and radiance.

The Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel focuses on comfort and long wear, using Auto Moist Balance Technology to help maintain hydration throughout the day while shielding skin from UV exposure. Ingredients such as super hyaluronic acid, collagen gel and botanical extracts help keep the formula moisturising yet lightweight, making it suitable for both face and body. 

For those looking for a little more glow, the Brightening UV Sunscreen Gel adds tone-up pearls and M-tranexamic acid to create a more even, radiant look while still delivering high UV protection. Rounding out the trio is the Brush-On Powder, a portable sunscreen powder that refreshes makeup while providing oil control and additional protection during the day.

Why We Love It:
As always, ANESSA manages to make sunscreen feel adaptable rather than routine. The gels keep morning protection light and comfortable, while the powder makes reapplication far easier, especially when makeup is already on. The mix of hydration, tone-up effect and midday touch-up options means you can tailor sun protection to different moments of the day rather than relying on a single step.

Who It Is For:
Anyone looking for versatile daily sun protection, particularly those who prefer lightweight textures, tone-up finishes or easy reapplication over makeup. 

Where to Find It:
The ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel, Brightening UV Sunscreen Gel, and Brush-On Powder are available at selected Watsons, Welcia, FairPrice, Unity and Donki stores, as well as Watsons Online and ANESSA official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

ANUA brings a playful pop culture twist to skincare with its year-long collaboration with Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, pairing the brand’s gentle, results-led formulas with a collectable edge. 

The K-Pop Demon Hunters Grab-N-Go Set ($48), is an all-in-one kit that pulls together some of ANUA’s best-known lines, including heartleaf, niacinamide and PDRN. It is designed as an easy routine in one box, covering cleansing, hydration and treatment, with extras like limited Huntrix stickers that’ll be fun collectables for fans. 

Also in the line-up is the K-Pop Demon Hunters PDRN Capsule Mist Special Set ($30), built around ANUA’s PDRN 100 Hyaluronic Acid Oil Capsule Mist. This lightweight mist combines PDRN, hyaluronic acid and collagen to refresh the skin and top up moisture through the day. It can also be used before or after makeup, which makes it handy for desk-side touch-ups or long days out.

Why We Love It:
This collaboration keeps the skincare practical while making the packaging fun. The Grab-N-Go Set is a simple way to try different ANUA lines without overthinking the routine, while the mist is a great addition to your work desk. It also makes the ideal gift for any K-Pop Demon Hunters fans.

Who It Is For:
Anyone who enjoys gentle Korean skincare, fans of KPop Demon Hunters, or those looking hydrating products that fit into busy routines.

Where to Find It:
The ANUA K-Pop Demon Hunters collaboration is available at Sephora.sg.

Virtue’s Strength & Shield Leave-In Conditioner is designed as a lightweight mist that sits between treatment and styling step. The formula centres around the brand’s patented Alpha Keratin 60ku®, a bio-identical keratin protein that helps reinforce damaged areas of hair while restoring strength and flexibility. 

Alongside this, conditioning oils, amino acids and plant extracts help soften strands, detangle knots and support elasticity while protecting hair from everyday stressors such as heat styling, UV exposure and pollution.

The texture is a fine milky spray designed to be used on damp hair before styling. It works both as a leave-in conditioner and a heat protectant, shielding hair up to 450°F while helping reduce breakage and improve combability. 

Why We Love It:
Leave-in conditioners can easily feel heavy, but here’s a bottle that keeps things light while still making hair easier to manage. The mist texture spreads evenly through the lengths and helps smooth tangles without weighing strands down. A little goes a long way, and the result is hair that’s easy to comb and softer to touch. It also doubles as a heat protectant, which makes it a practical styling base rather than adding an extra step. 

Who It Is For:
Anyone with hair that tangles easily, feels fragile from styling, or needs a lightweight leave-in that also protects from heat damage.

Where to Find It:
Virtue Strength & Shield Leave-In Conditioner ($56) is available at Sephora stores and online at Sephora Singapore.

If you've ever wished for a one-size-fits-all solution for dark spots, dull skin, and all the battles of ageing skin, Clé de Peau Beauté answers with its reformulated Brightening Serum Supreme. Rooted in decades of gene-level and epigenetic research into dullness and dark spots, this latest evolution goes beyond surface radiance, targeting uneven tone while supporting a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion.

The formula leads with Luminous Algae Extract, derived from rare seaweed studied for its light-reflecting and brightening potential, alongside a highly concentrated level of 4MSK, now delivered with Fluid Absorption F.A.S.T. Technology to enhance absorption to skin. The addition of Sea Ferment Brightener complements the blend to reduce the look of dullness.

Texture-wise, this feels like a fluid moisturiser without any oiliness or consequent heaviness, which makes it especially suitable for our humidity. 

Why We Love It.
Clé de Peau Beauté’s Brightening Serum Supreme delivers brightening with structure. This is a luxurious skincare indulgence, but one that works slowly and surely in the background, adjusting and recalibrating to deliver your best skin forward.  It targets uneven tone while also supporting firmness and fine lines linked to dryness. If you're sensitive to fragrance, know that there is a gentle scent, albeit not overwhelming and something that adds to the sensorial nature of the routine it'll establish for you. Use day and night, pre-moisturiser. 

Who It Is For: Those concerned with dark spots, dullness and early signs of ageing.

Where to Find It: Clé de Peau Beauté Brightening Serum Supreme is available at Clé de Peau Beauté boutiques, TANGS and other department stores across Singapore.

With the weather going wet, it's back to frizzy hair days for us. Or we thought so until the launch of OLAPLEX's new Rich Hydration Mask, which is designed for dry, coarse hair that needs more than a quick conditioning fix. This hydration hero approaches moisture as a process and delivers far more than just surface softness. Powered by Biomimetic Cuticle Technology, it works to seal the cuticle and reinforce the hair’s outer layer, helping hydration stay locked in for up to five washes. The result is hair that feels smoother, stronger and more controlled well beyond wash day.

Designed for dehydrated strands and thicker textures, the mask delivers deep moisture while actively managing frizz in humidity. Clinical data reports significant instant hydration, breakage reduction and shine improvement, with benefits designed to continue through multiple washes. Yes, even on bleached hair.

Why We Love It:
Think of it as a weekly mask that doubles up as long-term hair care. Designed for dry, medium to coarse hair, it seals the cuticle to lock in hydration so softness lasts beyond the next wash. The texture is rich without feeling suffocating, rinsing clean while leaving hair smoother, stronger and noticeably more controlled in humidity. We like that the three-minute treatment time feels realistic, and that it is colour safe, which is a huge relief to anyone tirelessly trying to cover up those greys.

Who It Is For: Anyone managing dryness, colour processing, frizz or thicker textures, and looking for deep hydration without limp ends.

Availability:
OLAPLEX Rich Hydration Mask ($69) is available at Sephora and selected salons and authorised retailers across Singapore.

The Ordinary introduces Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion, a lightweight moisturiser that delivers 24-hour hydration in a milky, fluid texture. It challenges the idea that deep moisture must come in thick creams, instead offering a silky, nearly weightless finish that suits humid climates and makeup layering. The formula relies on microfluidisation, a high-pressure process that allows oil-based and water-based ingredients to form a stable, uniform blend without heaviness.

Key actives include rice lipids, jojoba oil and Natural Moisturising Factors for occlusive moisture, balanced with ectoin, a molecule known for hydration and soothing benefits. 

Why We Love It:
Is it a cream, is it a serum? Once you get over the habit of applying a cream after, this microemulsion texture is, in fact, rather easy to wear for Singapore’s humidity. It hydrates without shine, plays well under SPF and makeup, and brings soothing comfort for days spent between air conditioning and heat. A great match for those who want moisture without creamy weight or the stickiness of gel.

Who It Is For: Anyone yearning for hydrated skin, but seeking a moisturiser with a lighter texture. 

Where to Find It: The Ordinary Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion is available in 60ml ($24) and 120ml ($42) bottles at Sephora online and Sephora stores across Singapore. 

In one of the most exciting new beauty launches of the year, Sol de Janeiro opens a fresh chapter with Rosa Charmosa. 

This all-new body care and fragrance franchise is built around a reimagined Brazilian rose. But, instead of the traditional powdery note, it leans into juicy floral energy with Rio rose and passionfruit, drizzled in honey caramel for a warm, modern twist. Described by the brand as “rose reinvented,” the scent feels luminous and uplifting, giving the familiar flower a vibrant Brazilian soul.

The star of the launch is the Rosa Charmosa Dewy Cream, formulated to deliver glass-skin radiance for the body. Powered by Brazilian yacón essence, rosewater and crystal peptide, the cream melts into the skin and provides 48-hour hydration with a visible, light-catching glow. In consumer testing, 94 per cent of participants agreed their skin looked luminous after use, making this an indulgent yet effective addition to any body-care ritual. Pair it with the Cheirosa 91 Perfume Mist, where the juicy floral profile is layered with caramel warmth, creating a bright, sensorial fragrance experience that lingers through the day.

Why We Love It: Millennials, rejoice, this might be the one for you! This franchise feels like Sol de Janeiro at its best, but elevated, slightly more mature, and appealing to a wider audience. Sensorial and glow-driven, the cream gives instant sheen without greasiness, while the fragrance offers a new take on rose that’s fruity, modern and easy to wear in Singapore’s warmth. It’s a fresh direction for the brand and one that we love! 

Who It Is For: Those who enjoy floral, fruity scents and a sensorial body-care ritual.

Where to Find It: The Sol de Janeiro Rosa Charmosa Dewy Cream and Cheirosa 91 Perfume Mist will be available at Sephora stores. 

We have been treating our scalp more like skin lately, so this nightly elixir from Virtue fits right into that shift. It is a light leave-in that you smooth into your roots before bed, letting it work through the night while you sleep. Inside are skincare-style ingredients such as Alpha Keratin 60ku and hyaluronic acid that help keep the scalp comfortable and the lengths softer by morning. The scent is subtle yet uplifting, with lavender, chamomile, sandalwood and white tea coming through. 

The accompanying clinical stats are strong, with improvements in scalp hydration and comfort after one use, and more manageable hair after continued use.

Psst…Jennifer Garner swears by it, too!

Why We Love It:
On use, the texture feels almost weightless and works well even in warm, humid weather. We liked that it sank in fast and did not leave our roots slick or oily the next day. The Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir pairs nicely with your silk pillowcase and audiobook – think of it as an extension of your evening skincare. 

Virtue recommends using its Damage Reverse Serum during the day on your mid-lengths and ends, making the elixir your PM scalp step and the serum your AM lengths step for round-the-clock care.

Who It Is For: Someone who wants to step up TLC for their hair, pronto.

Where to Find It: The Virtue Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir ($91) is available at Sephora. 

Hate traditional Ginseng format? We first met SSUNSU through its Ginseng Beauty Jelly, a tiny sachet that became a desk-side habit for many across Asia. Founder Jenny was inspired by her mum’s at-home rituals and set out to make ginseng feel modern, accessible and easy to enjoy. 

But it goes well beyond pleasure! This refreshing Jeju citrus jelly is packed with six-year-aged Korean red ginseng and hyaluronic acid for moisture, plus collagen peptides and glutathione for glow from the inside out. They’ve also sold over 420,000 sachets since!

More recently, SSUNSU expanded into topical skincare as part of a full inner–outer glow ecosystem. Their new Dew Shield Niacin + Ginseng Moisture Sunscreen is designed as a daily SPF step that feels more like skincare than sunblock. It uses 62 per cent ginseng water, fermented Korean red ginseng and 2 per cent niacinamide to brighten, calm and hydrate while offering SPF50 PA++++ protection. 

For those of us who grew up around ginseng in tea or soups, this feels like a modern take that works with contemporary routines rather than against them.

Why We Love It:
The jellies are a cute, low-effort inner beauty step. We love that it all feels fun rather than medicinal and fits into daily routines with ease. These are not just supplements for skin; they feel like a treat.

And, if you already take SPF seriously, Dew Shield is an easy upgrade. If you don’t, this may help you get into the habit. A non-chalky finish, it is invisible, lightweight, water-resistant, reef-safe and suitable for sensitive skin types. 

Who It Is For: Someone who wants to try Ginseng or loves the power of Ginseng but not the traditional method of delivery.

Where to Find It: SSUNSU’s full ginseng-powered range, including Dew Shield and the Beauty Jelly, is available via official retailers and online channels.

Local favourite Suu Balm has been expanding beyond body care into full scalp routines, and the new Scalp and Hair Conditioner is the latest jewel in said crown. While most conditioners focus only on length, this one is formulated for scalps and a boon for anyone with itch, sensitivity, or flaking. Formulated alongside Dr Tey from the National Skin Centre, the product is free from silicones, parabens, essential oils and fragrance. It also has a pH-balanced base and six nourishing agents for root-to-tip hydration, and does not contain irritation triggers found in many traditional conditioners.

The conditioner helps keep hair soft without coating the scalp, which is often the main reason sensitive users skip conditioner entirely. Alongside the Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Rapid Itch Relief Scalp Spray, the conditioner completes your itchy scalp care routine – especially relevant in Singapore, where humidity plus air conditioning often creates dryness at the roots. 

The numbers back the science, too. According to the brand, consumer testing showed 93 per cent found it soothing on itchy scalps, and clinical data from the complete three-step system showed reduced flaking in three days and increased scalp moisture when used together.

Why We Love It:
For those of us who have given up on conditioner because everything triggers itchiness, this feels like a small breakthrough. It keeps hair manageable, plays well with sensitive scalps, and gives you an easy routine to follow without complicated steps. We also like that it was developed locally with dermatology expertise behind it, which gives confidence for humid climates and daily washing.

Who It Is For: Itchy, sensitive or flaking scalps. 

Where to Find It: Suu Balm Scalp and Hair Conditioner ($28.50) is available on suubalm.com, at Watsons, Guardian, Unity, and online via Shopee and Lazada in Singapore.

d’Alba’s White Truffle First Spray Serum is a luxe mist-serum formulated around Italian white truffle extract, designed to hydrate, brighten and give skin that coveted glass-skin glow. The formula combines a serum layer enriched with white truffle, niacinamide and antioxidants, with a nourishing oil layer featuring avocado and plant oils for deep moisture without greasiness. 

With a few sprays, the serum delivers an immediate burst of hydration and a luminous, dewy finish. It helps smooth texture, improve elasticity and can work as a moisture base before makeup or as a mid-day refresh in dry, air-conditioned environments. The lightweight mist absorbs quickly and layers well under sunscreen or foundation. 

Why We Love It: Don’t have time for a long skincare routine? This spray serum is the perfect shortcut to hydration, brightening and priming. The white truffle complex adds a touch of indulgence, and the dual-layer formula ensures skin feels nourished yet refreshed. We especially love the fine spray – handy for on-the-go hydration or prepping skin before a night out.

Who It Is For: Those looking for an instantly refreshing toner with a micro-mist coverage.

Where to Find It: d’Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum ($35) is available via the brand’s official store, major beauty retailers and online.

Sigi Skin adds to its increasing line-up of Butter Glaze Lip Jelly colours with Hot Cocoa, a new limited-edition shade that’s also the first to be scented. With a versatile brown tint, subtle cocoa scent, and all the skin-softening benefits of the other Lip Jellies, this gloss-balm hybrid will be a staple in your holiday makeup bag for years to come.

Hot Cocoa is Sigi Skin’s first festive lip product, following releases like April’s Sweet Sakura (also limited-edition). Released in the signature Butter Glaze formula, it contains peptides, shea butter, squalane and strawberry extracts. Like Cherry Crush, now a permanent shade, Hot Cocoa is close to universally flattering: it’s a neutral brown shade that leans slightly warm.

Why We Love It: The Butter Glaze Lip Jelly has a do-it-all-formula that conditions and hydrates lips while tinting them. It’s got a non-sticky finish that gradually sinks into the lips and keeps them comfortable and plumped all day. Plus, it’s vegan, formulated for even the most sensitive skins, and safe for expecting mums.

Who It Is For: A staple gloss-jelly for your bag or office drawer.

Where to Find It: Sigi Skin's Hot Cocoa Butter Glaze Lip Jelly ($32) is available via their website.