Tried and tested: The best beauty buys to spend your money on this month

Everybody (hopefully) has a part of their job that they really enjoy. And mine is trying new beauty products so I can tell you which ones to splurge on when it's pay day. Here are the ones I truly enjoyed using this month.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS AMREZY PALETTE, $75

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I'm a big fan of ABH palettes and before I had to start wearing a mask (and therefore stop wearing makeup) because of the Covid-19 outbreak, I was really getting into colourful makeup looks. And this palette has inspired me to get back to wearing makeup and colourful eyeshadows.

With 16 all new shades that comprise 10 eyeshadows, four pressed pigments and two never-before-seen pressed glitters, this palette may look like it's all fun and games, but there are also neutral shades that you can use on a daily basis.

If you haven't used an ABH palette, the eyeshadows are super pigmented and a dream to blend. When using the pressed glitter in this palette, I prefer to use my fingers to press it on, but you can also use a synthetic eyeshadow brush.

SUPERGOOP! BRIGHT-EYED 100 PER CENT MINERAL EYE CREAM, $55

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The skin around your eyes is extremely delicate and fragile and needs every bit of TLC it can get. This includes keeping it protected from the sun. Applying sunscreen to the area is tricky as it often gets into my eyes leaving them teary and bloodshot.

Which is why I love this eye cream that protects the area around my eyes from UVA, UVB, IR (infrared) and blue light-all of which can cause skin to get wrinkles and pigmentation.

It blends easily and sinks in quickly, and the pinkish tint neutralises the grey-purple hue under my eyes to brighten the area without leaving a grey cast.

Plus, it is 100 per cent non-nano zinc oxide (which is safe for babies and the oceans) and works well for all skin types.

PLANTSCRIPTION ANTI-AGING POWER EYE CREAM, $83

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While the Supergoop! Bright-Eyed 100 per cent Mineral Eye Cream is an ideal eye cream for the day, you need an eye cream for the night, minus any SPF. And this one from Origins is my current favourite.

I use a rice grain-sized amount, tapping it in with my ring finger, all over the skin around my eyes, especially the outer corners where you develop crow's feet later.

The cream is lightweight, absorbed fast and I find that when I wake up my eyes are less puffy and fine lines are much softer thanks to ingredients like anogeissus bark extract and a combination of golden chamomile and algae.

In case you're wondering why you need an eye cream in your 20s, it's always better to prevent lines and pigmentation, rather than try to cure it.

NATASHA MOOR MOLTEN MATTE LIQUID LIPSTICK, $34

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I applied this before I started getting dressed for work, and by the time I left the house, I had even forgotten that I had lipstick on. It really doesn't feel like you're wearing lipstick and the only time I am reminded that I have it on is when I catch a glimpse of my reflection.

It does tend to wear out at centre of the lips, but it's so weightless I don't mind reapplying. Plus, when you reapply it doesn't get flaky or feel thick.

HOURGLASS VANISH AIRBRUSH CONCEALER, $58

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I love how lightweight this concealer feels on the skin. You can use it under the eyes, to spot conceal, or to neutralise pigmentation around the mouth like I do. My shade has a slight peachy undertone so it helps neutralise the grey under my eyes as well as around the mouth.

It blends easily with brush, fingers or sponge, but I prefer to use a sponge. You can always build coverage where you need it. The skin around my eyes is a bit dry so I need to use a hydrating eye cream before I use this.

FENTY MIST WHAT IT DEW?

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This mist is so fine, you can barely feel it, which is great because it doesn't disturb your foundation, just leaves it with a dewy glow without feeling sticky. It's got a bunch of skin nourishing and hydrating ingredients like borage and cornflower that keep skin healthy.

You can use it before or after your foundation, during the day to refresh your makeup and can also be used on your makeup sponge.

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PORCELAIN HYDRO CLEANSER $59

No matter how tired I am, I always make it a point to double-cleanse my skin and I'm always on the lookout for cleansers that are gentle but effective. After doing my second cleanse with this one from Porcelain my skin always feels soft and comfortable.

There is no tightness, a telltale sign that the cleanser is too harsh for your skin. It's so gentle and hydrating thanks to a whole bunch of skin loving ingredients like peach fruit extract, peony root and mountain pepper to name a few, I also use it cleanse my face in the morning.

I always find my face looks brighter after I've used this.

This article was first published in CLEO Singapore.