It may seem contradictory that time-saving multipurpose skincare products are becoming popular when our lives are slowed down by a global pandemic, but it may have less to do with speeding things up and more with embracing our natural features.
“It’s the end of the caked-on makeup look,” Pinterest boldly declares, based on a report which shows an uptick in searches for how to have “natural glowing skin.”
In a way, it does make sense that many of us would forgo elaborate beauty routines in favour of simple ones now that we’re mostly just staying at home. If you happen to be amongst those who want to streamline their beauty routines, here are some multipurpose skincare products that are worth a try.
Although it’s meant to be a toner, Laneige Cream Skin Refiner’s (SGD38/USD33) creamy formula can also double as a light day moisturiser to be applied after washing your face in the morning. It promises to provide deep hydration and help strengthen the moisture barrier of the skin. It also has amino acid-rich White Leaf Tea Water to give the complexion a moisture boost. What’s more is it’s safe to use for those with sensitive skin and can even soothe dry patches.
We’re already past the hotter “summer” months, but the heat is still on. If you’re searching for a product to cool and moisture your skin, the Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion (SGD22.90/~USD18) is a good pick. It’s not just a toner-moisturiser hybrid, but it can also be a hydrating face and eye mask. All you have to do is soak a couple of cotton pads with the lotion, apply them onto your whole face or just your eye area and wait for 10 minutes before taking them off. Voila, you now have instantly hydrated skin!
A skincare goodie that has stood the test of time, Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser (SGD7.50/~USD5.68) may not be as hip-looking as other trendy products but it’s still worthy of a place in your routine. It doesn’t only cleanse and remove makeup, but this no-rinse formula also moisturises the skin.
Even though online conferences are deemed cosier and more casual, we still want to look polished when having an e-meeting with colleagues. Feel like putting on a full-coverage foundation is too much work for just a single meeting? Try applying a sunscreen-primer like Supergoop!’s Glowscreen (SGD55/USD36) instead. It has a lightweight formula that produces a pearly sheen to give you a smooth, dewy complexion that translates to the screen.
If a sheer primer isn’t enough for you, go for something with a little more coverage but still looks lightweight and natural such as Dr. Jart+’s newly launched Cicapair Re-Cover (SGD56.80; currently on 20 per cent off/~USD37.85) instead. This green-to-beige correcting cream can neutralise redness and camouflage blemishes all while soothing irritated skin. It’s a formidable moisturiser, sunscreen and colour correcting combo.
Another cult-favourite, Dr. Pawpaw’s Multipurpose Soothing Balm (USD8.49) remains a must-have in your skincare cabinet. Aside from using it as a lip balm or lip base, you can also apply it on the tips of your hair to improve the appearance of split ends. Because of its soothing properties, some suggest that it can be useful for treating pimples, too.
When it comes to skincare talk, body care is often skipped — but shouldn’t be. If you’re looking for a multipurpose body skincare product, the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil in Florale (SGD49/~USD38) is a must-try. It’s a splurge but a worthy one because it can be used to moisturise the body, hair and even face if you don’t have sensitive skin. Plus, with a scent that lingers all day long, you can already skip perfume.
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