Photo of Chinese supermodel Liu Wen from The Bejinger
[By Wu Xiao]
Make-up trend for 2018 is all about innovation, rich colours and luscious texture and we hope you’re not sick of glitter yet, for we’re poised to witness glitzy glamour everything from day to night. As we gear up for the approaching Lunar New Year with some major housecleaning, it’s about time for you to go through your make-up box too. Check out the expiry dates, clean up your old make-up and replenish your collection with some new styles and colours. Gold highlighter, glittery glosses, coloured mascaras and iridescent powder which coincidentally are very Chinoserie chic and festive, are going to be the makeup essentials for the fashion savvy girl in 2018. There are plenty of exciting choices and here are my top five picks, for a trendsetting look that every girl can pull off while house visiting this Lunar New Year. Be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons this spring— why choose to blend in when you can stand out?
#1: CHAI GOLD FLAKES Illuminating Facial Scrub
If you aren’t already a devotee to this beauty mantra, it’s about time to make it so! Exfoliating your skin regularly helps remove dry skin cells that may be clogging up your pores and help make their openings appear a little more shallow compared to those coated with a layer of girt, allowing makeup to glide on better, stay longer and presented to their best effects. From the premium line of doctor-inspired, medical grade CHAI skincare products available online from the SW1 Shop, the CHAI GOLD FLAKES Illuminating Facial Scrub is a unique exfoliator bursting with powerful antioxidants from champagne and pearl extracts, working in overdrive against free radicals and air pollutants ravaging your skin. This vitaminized facial scrub gently exfoliates to buff away dry skin flakes while infusing vitamins A, C and E to condition the skin and keep it well nourished. Regular use helps to minimize pore size, reduce the appearance of fine lines, refine texture and reduce oil control all at one go, helping to keep your complexion positively radiant with an unbeatable glow, setting the perfect blank canvas for you to work on some trendy new colours to usher in spring.
Available over the counter @SW1 Clinic or online @SW1 Shop
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#2: Illusion D’ombre de Chanel long wear luminous eye shadow
Eye shadows are no longer just divided into plain old powder or cream form. Enlivened with gold, bronze and platinum reflections, the iridescent and luminous shades of ILLUSION D’OMBRE DE CHANEL all fairies and unicorns shimmering are extremely versatile, and can be used to create anything from a dramatic, runway look to a simple, soft, natural hue that caresses the eyes like an illuminating sheen of mother-of-pearl on a moonlit night. Encased gorgeously in glass embossed with the coveted double C logo, the cushion-like consistency of this make-up gem allows it to double up as an eyeliner that’s easy to work on with unique brushes specially designed and included with the set. For a festive look, go for #86 Ebloui, an edgy red number with bronze overtone or #92 Diapason, a shimmering plum with hints of brown. There’s never a better time to pop your peepers and let them shine on!
Available online @chanel.com
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#3: Yves Saint Laurent volume effet faux cils waterproof mascara
Encapsulated in a classy, slim gold casing, this awarding winner mascara is one of the best that I’ve worked with as long as I can remember. Its unique formulation allows you to volumize, lengthen and define your lashes with just a few simple strokes. The results are dramatic and long lasting and do not cause your lashes to clump or stick together like cheaper alternatives on the market. Apart from your usual black, lash out in its unique offering of deep purple or deep burgundy for a stunning, glamorous look that’s hard to ignore.
Available online @yslbeautyus.com
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#4: Guerlain Météorites Powder
An all-time classic that never goes out of style, Guerlain Météorites Pearls employ the technology of white light, which is used in photography and film to erase imperfections and soften features. Composed of a constellation of 6 multi-coloured pearls, this illuminating brush on powder blend together to give a flawless complexion that radiates with youth and vitality. Reinvented in 3 colour harmonies, there’s one suitable for each major skin tone. To top it all, it really doesn’t hurt that this sweet confection comes in one of the prettiest packaging of all time.
Available online @guerlain.com
Read more: 5 Things to Do for Glowing Spring Skin
#5: Tom Ford Beauty Lip Colour
Blessed with a Midas touch, anything that Tom Ford dabbles in is nothing short of amazing. From his days of yore at Gucci to his bespoke gowns, power jackets and tuxedo suits today, just about anything with his name attached immediately attract Hollywood A-listers and fashionistas all over like bees to honey. His highly sought after beauty products expectedly follow suit, garnering rave reviews for their selection of gorgeous shades, moisturizing formula and stunning pigmented colours. Boasting a blend of exotic ingredients such as soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter and chamomile flower oil, dress up your lips this Lunar New Year in a delicious shade of cherry red or fuchsia pink. With names like Dangerous Beauty, Dressed to Kill and Sweet Tempest, these designer lippies are bound to bring out the diva side of you!
Available online @tomford.com
Read more:5 Things You Need to Do Before Getting That Lip Filler