Getting under your skin

Want a flawless start to 2015? Try these items to achieve that perfect glow

1) SEPHORA SKINCARE

$26-$54

Sephora's Soothing Cleansing Milk is one of the French cosmetic brand's bestsellers.

It is now available in a jumbo-sized 400ml bottle for $26.

Suitable for all skin types, manufacturers say it can be used to clean away make-up without leaving a greasy feel.

Also in a jumbo-size is the Instant Refreshing Toner ($26), which has ginseng extract to help perk up tired features.

Making up the third aspect of the "cleanse, tone, moisturise" mantra is the Total Age Defy Night Cream ($54).

A grand title but the formula backs up the boast with collagen boosters and algae-extract to energise the skin and fight the fatigued-look.

Available at all Sephora stores islandwide.

2) BOSCIA BLACK COLLECTION

$39

The Detoxifying Black Cleanser is supposed to clear pore-clogging dirt without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

This cleanser warms up on contact with the skin and uses activated charcoal to absorb excess oils and exfoliate the skin.

Following that, we tried the Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel ($55), which uses artichoke leaf and licorice root extracts with pomegranate enzyme. It's supposed to stimulate hydration while tightening pores and brightening the skin.

Available at all Sephora stores islandwide.

3) DERMALOGICA THE GIFT OF LOVE - NORMAL TO OILY SKIN

$305

This set features two bestsellers - Special Cleansing Gel and Multi-Active Toner - and the oil-free Active Moist moisturiser.

The soap-free cleansing gel is meant to rid the skin of impurities without over-drying.

The sheer, lightweight formula of the moisturiser is supposed to help smooth and refine combination skin, using grape seed extract and Vitamins A, C and E to provide antioxidant protection.

Available at all Dermalogica skin treatment centres and exclusive Dermalogica salons.

The YouTube test

SALON-STYLE ORGANIC FACIAL AT HOME

Username: shrutiarjunanand

Keywords: Organic facial, at home, DIY

Add a few drops of rose water and one teaspoon of tomato juice to wheat flour to create a scrub. Always apply scrubs by moving the fingertips in a circular motion on the face.

After wiping away the scrub with a wet towel, move on to the face cream.

Using a teaspoon of full cream curd and a pinch of tumeric powder, slowly massage the cream into the skin before removing it with a clean, wet towel.

Make a face mask using one teaspoon of full cream milk, one teaspoon of gram flour and a pinch of tumeric powder. Apply using a brush and leave on for 15 minutes.

Do not use too much tumeric - it could sting, leaving the skin red.

CLEAR SKIN OVERNIGHT

Username: BabamitsANNE

Keywords: clearer skin, overnight, remedy

This video presents a cleaner way of dealing with fresh pimples.

Popping will only lead to scarring or unsightly redness, so start with washing make-up off your face.

Dissolve a spoonful of salt in a cup at room temperature water. Using a clean cotton swab, dab the salt water onto the pesky pimple. Leave it on for 10 minutes before putting an ice pack on the pimple for three to four minutes.

Apparently, it reduces the inflammation.

As an alternative, rub the cotton swab on a freshly cut lemon or lime. Rub the swab on the pimple and leave it on overnight.

Putting online advice to the test.

This article was first published on Dec 28, 2014.
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