Self-pampering and looking polished for Zoom calls take precedence
By now, you’ve probably forgotten what wearing makeup feels like. But skincare? Now that’s something we’ve taken seriously while staying home. Besides three of the latest skincare launches , we’ve also included lipsticks because we all know a swipe of colour can instantly lift your mood.

TWO L(I)PS ICE
We’re treading on taboo ground here but it needs to be said. Your skin — and no, we’re not just talking about the one on your face — needs loving even while you’re cooped up at home. TWO L(I)PS, Cynthia Chua‘s ground-breaking line offers the soothing Ice for angry, inflamed skin caused by tight fitting clothes, minor cuts, frequent shaving, and sun exposure. Its three key ingredients of sea algae, menthol, and liquorice root extract work in tandem to moisturise, soothe, while coating skin in hydration. While it can be used for intimate areas, it also works as a face moisturiser to calm redness and skin irritation.
Available here

RE:ERTH Illuminating Concentrate
The brand’s new Illuminating Concentrate tackles hyperpigmentation. It might look like a syringe, but you don’t need a needle to let the goodness penetrate deeply into your skin. Packed in an air-tight cylindrical pump, it’s made with lightening and brightening ingredients of Artonox (Monkey Jack Heartwood Extract), Oxyresveratrol and the brand’s signature Japanese spring turmeric leaf extract. While the formula can lighten existing dark spots, it also prevents new ones from forming, and brightens up dull complexions. Despite the powerful effects, the formula remains gentle and can be used around the eyes, and does not sensitise skin.
Available here

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum
Now in its fifth generation, the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum has been upgraded to give you the ‘golden ratio’ of skin vitality and regeneration. It hinges on the Jaum Activator, its patented complex of peony and rehmannia along with lotus, Solomon’s seal, and white lily. As compared to its previous editions, this new serum has a 10 percent increase in anti-oxidant properties. An immediate, morning-after effect you’ll notice is smoother, suppler skin. Give yourself four to six weeks and you’ll see brighter, more radiant complexion with softer indentations where fine lines and wrinkles were.
Available via Tangs, Sephora, and Lazada

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick
Endless days of working at home has us neglecting our makeup stashes. But if there’s one thing we haven’t quite given up, it’s lipstick. A quick application gets us instantly ready for a Zoom call, and makes us feel more put together. The Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance lipstick claims to last through an entire workday, and it lives up to its word. Optical diffusers blur fine lines and imperfections, while the luxurious, velvety texture leaves lips comfortably matte. Blend on your eyelids or cheeks to add colour to your face.
Available via Net-A-Porter

Code8 Beauty Universal Lip Gloss
It claims to be so universally flattering that it only exists in a single shade. Code8 Beauty’s lip gloss is a peachy nude glaze with peptides to plump your lips, stimulating collagen production to give the illusion of volume. Wear it alone for a sheer wash of colour, or coated over lips for a glossy finish.
Available via Net-A-Porter

Joon Haircare Saffron Hair Elixir Pistachio + Rose Hair Oil
Just because we’re working from home doesn’t mean we have long hours to pamper ourselves. Thankfully, you can still do this via a shortcut. One way to maximise the deep conditioning of your hair is by using a lightweight, fast-absorbing hair oil. Joon’s saffron, pistachio, and rose version is an ode to age-old Persian haircare rituals. The oil moisturises, detangles, and adds shine while smoothening hair. A formidable formula protects your hair from heat styling tools and UV rays.
Available from Sephora