We all want to look fresh, bright and breezy when we go for Chinese New Year gatherings and house visits, even if they are pared down and subdued this time round.
To achieve that, you need good skincare that help repair, nourish and hydrate skin plus fab makeup to create a look that pops. And luckily, there is no shortage of either in this lead-up period.
Here, we’ve curated some beauty products that work to improve, polish and dress up your visage. Many come in vibrant, limited edition CNY packaging to reflect the festive times, or are specially created colours that make you go ‘huat ah!’.
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in 540 Immortal, $52
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This vibrant red lippie comes in a limited edition collectible case adorned with a gold motif of the peony, a flower that represents prosperity, good luck and honour.
Sulwhasoo CNY Edition First Care Activating Serum, $198
One bottle of this first-step serum is sold every 10 seconds, making it the brand’s consistent bestseller for 23 years. By helping to boost skin’s natural regenerating ability, it helps to smoothen wrinkles while increasing hydration, radiance and translucency. Contained in a striking red bottle to signify an auspicious start to the Year of the Ox, the serum’s box features a geometric heart design inspired by traditional Korean patchwork quilts.
Clinique Limited Edition Moisture Surge Hydrating Lotion & Moisturiser Duo, $70
Get plump, dewy skin with this lightweight, refreshing lotion that takes care of all your hydration needs. By softening and prepping skin with moisture, it also enables serums and creams to be better absorbed. For a limited time only, the lotion comes in an exclusive design to mark the Year of the Ox and is sold as a set with the Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator.
Givenchy Le Rouge Marble Edition Lipstick, $60
The brand’s iconic Le Rouge lippie is given a CNY spin with this unique and unusual shade – a deep red with splashes of gold for enhanced shine. Even the case is a real looker, featuring bright red leather and gold trimmings.
Nars Quad Eyeshadow in Deep Sunrise, $80
Dress up your eyes with these four classy, petal-soft colours that come in different finishes, from matte and satin to outright glittery. The limited edition case features a special CNY decoration. Available at Nars counters in Tangs.
Dior Forever Couture Perfect Cushion Diormania Gold Edition, $98
The brand’s ultra popular cushion foundation that offers all-day wear, a luminous matte finish and skincare benefits now comes in a glamorous limited edition case with tone-on-tone Diormania motif. The finishing touch: a gold Dior signature atop the cover.
Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resistance Soothing Treatment Lotion, $63
For a limited period, the brand’s number one bestseller comes in an auspicious red and gold glass bottle. This toning skin-prep lotion is infused with ingredients derived from reishi and fermented chaga mushrooms, known for their anti-irritation and soothing properties. It also boosts moisture levels, strengthen skin, reduce redness so you rock a healthy, luminous complexion.
Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Matte Metallic Iron Red Lipstick, $44
This powdery matte lipstick has a creamy, lightweight feel that feels comfortable, not drying, on lips. Comes in a range of reddish hues from bold orange-red to rusty brown, all designed to complement Asian complexions.
Chanel Le Vernis in 887 Metallic Bloom, $42
Part of Chanel’s spring-summer collection), the flamboyant red colour of this nail polish is inspired by flowers like camellias and peonies. The metallic finish lends it an edgy touch. Available at Chanel Fragrance and Beauty boutiques and counters islandwide.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream Lunar New Year Edition, $150
An award-winning topseller, this luxuriously textured moisturiser was originally created to transform models’ skin before fashion shows and is now a fave of celebrities and stars thanks to its instant turnaround and hydrating effects. Contains vitamins C, E, hyaluronic acid, rosehip oil, camellia oil, shea butter and other skin goodies.
