Zits happen

Monster zits still take us by surprise. God knows why, since studies have shown that more than 70 percent of women aged 25 to 49 had an acne attack in the past year - and that includes beauty editors like us who wake up to find an angry red bump between our eyes.

The first, and often biggest, challenge is to resist the urge to scrub and scrub the blemish without mercy. According to Yale University dermatologist Lisa Donofrio, women past the age of 20 require gentler products than teenagers and applying a treatment more than twice a day can break the skin, infect the surrounding area and eventually form a crust. This in turn slows healing and increases the chances of leaving a red mark that lasts for weeks. Charming.

Instead of caking on zit cream, start by washing your face twice daily with a cleanser containing up to 5 percent salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce redness. Wait five minutes for skin to dry then dab the pimple just once in the morning and once at night with a speck of a 2 percent salicylic acid or 7 to 10 percent benzoyl peroxide ointment (you can also try a topical antibacterial lotion or mask containing sulfur). This should kill the bacteria that caused the mess in the first place. And forswear retinols on the area for a few days; while they do help prevent blemishes, they also exacerbate the redness in an existing zit.

If your breakouts are big, ugly and prolonged and don't respond to traditional lotions, ask a dermatologist to pull out the big guns. For some women, that's a prescription antibiotic or sulfur lotion; for others, it may be oral antibiotics, the Pill or in extreme cases, Accutane. Laser sessions, while expensive, have been proven quite effective in zapping away zits, scars and redness.

Whatever you do, remember not to poke, prod or pop. Ever. Adult pimples tend to start far underground and almost never come to a head so squeezing them will only make them bigger.

Here are our suggestions of gentle but effective deep cleansers:

•  Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Complexion Soap (for oily and troubled skin), US$18. This hand-milled soap is made to naturally cleanse and balance oily and troubled facial skin. Tomatoes are a great source of carotenoids like lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamin E, which are effective antioxidants. This soap also helps to refine enlarged pores and soothe skin.

•  Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash, US$49. Recommended for acne- and breakout-prone skin. This non-irritating, naturally-foaming cleanser is the perfect start to around-the-clock control of breakouts, comedones and excess surface oils. Salicylic Acid sloughs off dead skin cells to clear clogged follicles, helping to prevent future breakout activity.

 

• Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser, US$9, refreshes your skin and awakens your senses with a super tingly foaming lather that deep cleans down to your pores. This ultra-exhilarating formula provides an invigorating surge of clean for a long-lasting fresh feeling.

• Kiehl's Blue Herbal Gel Cleanser, US$34. Inspired by Kiehl's venerable and most enduring preparation, Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion, this purifying gel cleanser thoroughly cleans pores and removes traces of dirt, residue and oil which can lead to acne break-outs. Mild cleansing agents are used to formulate a completely oil-free but non-drying preparation which helps keep skin clear of new acne blemishes.

 

•  Biotherm Biopur Pore Reducer Gentle Purifying Gel, US$24. Saponine water, Copper and Zinc (for oil-regulating) are combined into a purifying cleansing gel to deeply unclog pores and reveal clearer-looking skin. It eliminates excess sebum and allows skin to appear fresh and healthier looking throughout the day.

Crash course: Fake lashes

Back in college, we swore to our friends that we'd never fake it. Now that we've been around the block a few times, we realise that we're willing to make an exception to this rule - if just for one night. Here's how to make fakes look as natural as possible:

1. Choose clusters of individual lashes, not a full band. Find ones that are the same length as your natural lashes or trim them with eyebrow scissors, snipping a tiny bit off each lash (at an angle) so they're slightly different lengths. Reserve the longest clusters for the outer corners of the eyes.

We recommend KOJI Dolly Wink Fake Eyelash in No. 5 Real Nude, US$18. It's designed for extend eyelash length. The intertwined spread of each lash makes your lash look thicker with volume. The end of the lash is longer and denser which makes it spread like a wing of an angel. Your look will become more defined.

2. Before attaching the fakes, curl your own lashes and line your eyes with a dark brown or black pencil. This will help conceal the lash roots.

We recommend KOJI Eyelash Curler, US$9. It fits all eye shapes to give straight lashes the perfect curl.

And Imju Dejavu Lasting-Fine Eyeliner in Real Black, US$16. It's the ultimate 24-hour eyeliner which provides super holding power. It is soft and gentle to skin with revolutionary silicon fixing ingredient makes it last long! It resists oil, sweat and tears for a long-wearing, rub-proof finish.

The soft lead of lasting-fine allows you to draw smooth eyelines, the deep black formula gives eyes a stunning impact with bold high definition, yet easily removed with regular cleanser. Twist-up ensures fine, precise lines at all times without sharpening.

3. Put a drop of lash glue on a hard surface, like the outside of the case the lashes came in and let it dry for a minute until it's tacky. Hold the lash tip with tweezers and dip the root in the glue.

4. Starting at the outer corners, wedge the glued end between your natural lashes and hold it in place for a few seconds. A couple of clusters at the outer corners of the upper lashes are usually enough but you can also use them to fill in sparse areas. For the most natural effect, don't glue on more than five clusters to each eye and steer clear of the inner corners.

5. Once lashes are set, apply shadow and a few coats of mascara to blend the fakes with your natural ones. To remove, wet lashes with water or an oil-based makeup remover - that should be enough to soften the glue.

We recommend Guerlain Le 2 de Guerlain Two Brush Mascara 360 Lash in 10 Noir, US$41. The first brush transforms the eyelashes with a single stroke, fills them out, lengthens, curves and separates them.

The second, miniature brush is designed for the inner and outer corners and tilted 7 degrees, to reach and grab the smaller eyelashes and make them up easily without smudges or mistakes.

And DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, US$30. Try this amazing cleanser and you'll see why it's so popular. Dirt, excess oil, makeup - even waterproof mascara - and other pore-cloggers dissolve easily, leaving your face a grime-free zone that is soft to the touch. Its unique water-soluble formula rinses completely, so you'll never see a greasy residue. Olive oil and vitamin E help ensure you won't see dryness either.

Dramatic skin-evening results from Clinique

Blame it on the sun, genes or lack of moisture from the winter season that just passed us. Women are at high risk of developing dark spots on the skin, a notoriously stubborn problem.

But before you seek out a brightening procedure with your doctor, try Clinique's Derma White Clinical Brightening Essence, US$86. Designed exclusively for Asian skin based on Clinique's rich dermatological expertise, this ground-breaking innovation uses Clinique's most advanced technology to deliver clear, even-toned and translucent skin in as quick as four weeks.

Powered by CL-302 complex 
 The secret behind Derma White Clinical Brightening Essence lies in its top-notch formula that's powered by the breakthrough CL-302 complex with vitamin C and other ingredients that is clinically proven to improve evenness of skin tone, radiance and clarity.

It consists of five synergistic brightening ingredients, including:

• A rare botanical extract derived from Dianella ensifolia (Border Silver) - fights free radicals, reduces and prevents the appearance of uneven, pigmented skin and contains anti-irritant properties to soothe sensitive skin.
• Ascorbyl glucoside - a potent vitamin C derivative to even out existing and emerging dark spots.
• Blackout yeast extract - breaks up large clusters of pigment at the skin's surface intro microscopic particles that are eventually diffused.
• Acetyl glucosamine and salicylic acid - regulate cell turnover and help to shed pigmented skin cells for renewed clarity and brightness.

Not all sunscreens are made equal
Did you know that other than UV rays, harmful pollutants can also penetrate and irritate the skin, causing excess melanin production? To keep your skin dark spot-free, even-toned and radiant, step up on your current Derma White regimen and shield your skin against environmental aggressors with Derma White City Block SPF40/PA+++, US$45.

Also, dermatologist-produced and proven, fragrance-free and allergy tested, this new formula contains an invisible pollution filter, potent antioxidants and brighteners to help skin appear more even-toned. The subtly tinted, lightweight oil-free cream, which is suitable for all skin types, also imparts a flawless protective base that primes skin for makeup application.

Like many women, I've suffered from uneven skin tone and other than using foundation to give the appearance of a smooth complexion, I wasn't sure how to solve the problem until I started using these two products. After two weeks of daily application, I witness a subtle yet obvious brightening in my skin and even without makeup, my complexion is fresh and more even toned!

How to Make Lipstick Last

1. Go for sheen. Many "long-lasting" lipsticks are matte and can dry out your lips. We prefer to use a satin-finish, pearlescent lipstick such as Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Colours (US$39). Because the the shine is created by pearl pigments and not by the texture, it's not as moist as a creamy lipstick and will therefore stay on longer.

 

2. Be strong. Go for a bright or dark shade; they tend to last longer than soft ones because they have more pigment. For example, this Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in 33 Fabulous (US$39).

3. Prep your lips. Lipstick holds up best on a smooth surface, so gently buff your lips with a damp washcloth. Pat on a clear lip balm (check out our bestseller, Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, US$7) and give it a few minutes to sink in, then blot with a tissue.

4. Pencil it in. Lip pencil adds a layer of pigment and helps your colour last. Choose one that matches your lipstick - unless it's very dark, in which case, go one shade lighter. Lightly trace the pencil along the inside edge of your lips, then fill in your mouth and blot.

5. Swipe it on. Don't use a brush - you'll get richer colour if you apply your lipstick straight from the tube. Blot the first coat with a tissue then add another layer.

6. Finish with powder. Women think powdering their lips will dry them out but if you don't need much. Close your mouth, smile and then dust a little face powder (try SK-II Facial Treatment Advance Protect Loose Powder UV, US$84, for additional skincare and UV protection) on your lips with a fluffy brush. Don't reapply lipstick or it could get cakey.

Hope these tips are useful!

Spring colours!

As the temperature rises to a comfortable weather, get ready for Spring and bring out the colours already! Here at Cosme-de.com, we have some wonderful makeup palettes and sets to share with you so you can beautify yourself conveniently and without fuss!


Jill Stuart Secret Tease Collection, US$97

We just LOVE this Jill Stuart Secret Tease Collection! It looks so princess-y which never disappoints the little girl in us. Packed in a pink beauty pouch that evokes a delicate lingerie bag are:

• Blush Blossom 5g 101 Sensual Dahlia 5g
• Night Jewel Perfumed Body Powder 3g
• Jelly Lip Gloss 102 Silky Pink 9g
• False Eyelashes with Glue 1pair
• Jelly Eye Color N 104 Satin Lingerie 6g

Christian Dior Cannage Couture Eyelook Makeup Palette (Limited Edition) in 001 Dawn Grey, US$68

Smoky greys are not what you’d expect in Spring, but their cool elegance means you can wear them for any occasion and any season. A touch of pink on lips makes the look modern, not washed-out. Paying tribute to the iconic Dior bag, the Dior Cannage Couture Eyelook Makeup Palette features such couture-like details as the quilted leather exterior and Dior letter charms, D-i-o-r.

M.A.C 6 Mystic Cool Eye Shadows (Limited Edition), US$88

This fun palette includes six exciting colours of:

• Cool Incantation Opalescent white gold (Frost)
• Shhh, Don't Tell Pale neutral pink (Frost)
• Blue Enchantment Dark frosted turquoise (Satin)
• Rose Potion Mid-tone frosted rose (Veluxe)
• Deep Secret Deep frosted indigo (Frost)
• Violet Vow Deep cool brown (Satin)

Guerlain Ombre Eclat 4 Shades (Limited Edition), US$59

Four shades, two finishes, two palettes offering a variety of colour harmonies and contrasting effects. Eye make-up at its most sophisticated, inventive and adaptable. Each palette is designed and arranged to help you create the perfect look: subtle or dramatic, natural or bold, at a skilled of more artful stroke ... a mini beauty organiser for every woman.