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How to get a flawless complexion: Singapore society ladies' skincare secrets

Clean, tone, moisturise. And don’t forget the sunblock.

How to get a flawless complexion: Singapore society ladies' skincare secrets

Cheryl Wee, founder of Cheryl W, and Tjin Lee, managing director of Mercury Marketing & Communications. (Photos: Cheryl Wee, Tjin Lee)

When stress invades our lives, there is no more apparent indication than the changes to our skin. In this pandemic, skincare issues from “maskne” to pigmentation and eczema have ensued from frequent mask-wearing and hand-washing, not to mention the omission of sunblock as we work from home.

There’s good news: Most skincare conditions can be rectified with a daily cleanse-tone-moisturise routine, and some stellar products and treatments to address problem spots. CNA Luxury speaks to five society ladies to find out their favourite go-to’s to glow with confidence.

READ> What Singapore’s society ladies are wearing right now: Timeless, sustainable fashion

BELINDA CHUA, MANAGING DIRECTOR, FLOWER DIAMOND BOUTIQUE

“I love MTM Skincare, whose products are tailor-made for you based on your age, environment, lifestyle and skin condition.

(Photo: Belinda Chua)

My daily cleansing routine includes a cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, moisturiser, and some facial oil. I also love to apply face masks. Some of my recent favourites as a pre-bedtime ritual are the Re-White Mask and Signature Eye Mask.

MTM Skincare's Custom-Blended Re-White Mask. (Photo: MTM Skincare)

The Custom-Blended Overnight Re-Boost Mask, in particular, gives me instant glowing skin the next morning. The handy design of the Custom-Blended Essential Defender allows me to carry it out to protect my skin from pollutants. It’s not about how expensive the skincare is, but whether it is effective and suitable.

MTM Skincare's Custom-Blended Essential Defender. (Photo: Belinda Chua)

For facial treatments, I love their Custom-Blended Lift-RF Facial Treatment. It combines safe and effective radio-frequency technology with Custom-Blended essences. This regenerating treatment helps to stimulate circulation and enhance skin firmness.  It also restores depleted collagen and leaves the skin smooth, soft and gloriously vibrant.

Top skincare tips: Don’t forget your sunscreen, whether indoors or outdoors; eat less fried and oily food; and use a facial mask as frequently as possible.”

“Don’t forget your sunscreen, whether indoors or outdoors; eat less fried and oily food; and use a facial mask as frequently as possible.”

CHERYL WEE, FOUNDER, CHERYL W

“I’ve had eczema since a young age so I put in a lot of effort to make up for the lack of good skin to begin with. I drink as much water as I can and minimise fried foods. I eat more fish, vegetables, berries and white fungus.

(Photo: Cheryl Wee)

For my skincare routine, I use a gentle cleanser, toner, moisturiser and sunblock (very important!). At night, I add on hydrating or brightening serums, followed by eye and neck creams. I also do facials fortnightly, alternating between hydrating, clarifying and lifting treatments. Taking care of our skin should begin as early as in our 20s and non-invasive facials go a long way in maintenance.

For pimples and acne that are about to surface, or have just popped, I use our Bae’s Acne Eraser Spot Treatment, which is made of natural ingredients. The Avene Skin Recovery Cream is also effective. It is light in texture but moisturising enough to hydrate and soothe the occasional flare-ups on my face.

Lancome’s latest Clarifique Dual Essence toner is very lightweight and effective in brightening the skin. It is a good base before layering a moisturiser or recovery cream and sunblock.

Find the specific products that suit you by doing a patch test on your skin to see if it flares up. This prevents breakouts or rashes, and minimises unpleasant skin reactions.

Our skin and body change as we age and go through different processes such as childbirth, so be prepared to change your products accordingly too. Most importantly, hydrate with enough water, sleep and eat well, and be happy!”

“Our skin and body change as we age and go through different processes such as childbirth, so be prepared to change your products accordingly too.”

DAWN KOH, CO-FOUNDER OF CHALK FARM AND MILK MOONS

“I believe that good skin comes from within, so drink lots of water, feed your body well, and take your vitamins! Also, move your body and get the sweat going.

(Photo: Dawn Koh)

In the mornings, I use the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, which is gentle on my skin without stripping away the natural oils. Then I mist my face with thermal spring water, apply Dr Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Serum, which makes the face plump with hydration, followed by a vitamin C serum from Skinceuticals, a Dr Barbara Sturm moisturiser and Dr Dennis Gross Retinol Eye Cream. Sunblock is crucial for me. I use the oil-free and light EltaMD UV Replenish sunscreen.

(Photo: Dawn Koh)

At night, I use the Sisley Black Rose Face Mask and Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum. I’m a big fan of Sisley’s lightweight products that are easily absorbed by my skin.  Their black rose oil and face mask are great for radiance, plumping and brightening.

Besides going for regular facials, I like to go for microdermabrasion to remove dead skin cells and to clean the pores thoroughly. This is usually followed by an LED therapy treatment. It’s fantastic for skin rejuvenation and strengthens the skin barrier.”

“I believe that good skin comes from within, so drink lots of water, feed your body well, and take your vitamins! Also, move your body and get the sweat going.”

DR LOH MAY-HAN, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, ANAESTHESIOLOGY, NUH

When it comes to skincare, consistency is key. I will cleanse, tone and moisturise every day for maintenance. Occasionally, when my schedule allows, I pamper myself with a facial. I put on sunblock daily even though I am mostly indoors in the operating theatre. The artificial light spectrum contains ultraviolet light, which can prematurely age our skin.

(Photo: Dr Loh May-Han)

At night, I tend to favour the richer moisturisers as I spend most of my time in a dehydrating air-conditioned environment. Eye creams and lip balms are the only products I apply twice a day.

I have been using mainly Cle de Peau Beaute products such as the Hydro-Softening Lotion and La Creme for the last few years. La Mer’s The Eye Balm Intense and Genaissance de la Mer The Eye & Expression Cream help to reduce visible signs of fatigue from late nights and weekly 24-hour, stay-in shifts at the hospital.


I can hardly find the time or discipline to go for skincare treatments. Occasionally, when I’m vacationing overseas, I would check into the hotel spa for a facial treat while relaxing with a body massage.

At home, I use quick-fix measures such as Cle de Peau Beaute’s pampering sheet masks to instantly plump up and even my skin tone. When I know I’m likely to fall asleep without removing the mask, I would use Sulwhasoo's Overnight Vitalizing Mask.

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⠀ 설화수의 여름 ⠀ 한여름 평소보다 자극 받은 피부를 위한 애프터 케어 인샤워 마스크 백삼팩으로 부드럽게 각질을 제거하고 청량한 젤 텍스처 수율크림으로 수분을 공급해주세요. ⠀ 슬리핑 마스크인 여윤팩을 도톰하게 바르고 잠들면 다음 날 피부는 더욱 윤기 있고 건강하게 빛날 거에요. ⠀ Sulwhasoo's Summer ⠀ Aftercare for extreme skin irritation in mid-summer Gently exfoliate with the White Ginseng Radiance Refining Mask ⠀ Moisturize with a refreshing gel textured Hydro-aid Moisturizing Soothing Cream. Apply Overnight Vitalizing Mask, a sleeping mask before you go to sleep. Your skin will shine brighter and healthier the next day. ⠀ #설화수 #Sulwhasoo #雪花秀 #SkinScience #백삼팩 #수율크림 #여윤팩 #Metime ⠀

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I believe that great skin comes with a healthy body. Have a balanced diet, adequate hydration and rejuvenating sleep, and maintain a positive mindset while managing the daily stresses of life.”

“I believe that great skin comes with a healthy body. Have a balanced diet, adequate hydration and rejuvenating sleep, and maintain a positive mindset while managing the daily stresses of life.”

TJIN LEE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MERCURY MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

“My skincare ritual is simple: Don’t over-moisturise and always wear sunblock. At the end of each day, I use a cleanser and toner that removes residue just enough without stripping the skin of its oil.

(Photo: Tjin Lee)

My must-haves include La Mer’s The Concentrate, which calms and restores stressed and distressed skin. I love that it’s not greasy – my main criteria for choosing skincare. 

When my complexion appears dull, I love to use the science-based Advanced Genifique Serum from Lancome, which is designed to stimulate the skin’s microbiome, making it look fresher and younger.

Lancome's Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate. (Photo: Lancome)

The basic range from Cle de Peau Beaute is my go-to for high-quality essentials. The Softening Cleansing Foam is my favourite. It’s not over-drying and doesn’t strip the skin of moisture, but leaves it feeling fresh and squeaky clean.

It’s important to rotate your products, as even your favourites can lose their efficacy if used continuously without accounting for the changing needs of your skin.

For example, my skin is less dry now that I’m working from home and have less exposure to the harsh office aircon, so I had to change the products to match my skin needs.

The latest treatment I had was the Profhilo injectable anti-ageing treatment at Dr Kevin Chua Medical & Aesthetics, which has zero downtime and gives a smooth, super-glowing and uplifting effect.” 

“It’s important to rotate your products, as even your favourites can lose their efficacy if used continuously without accounting for the changing needs of your skin.”

READ> How do Singapore’s most glamorous ladies detox after the holidays?

Source: CNA/ds

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