We have given you the complete A-Z guide to skin brightening 101, and the rules you should follow if you want brighter skin. Now, what’s the last thing we should equip you with so you are all ready to put your best face forward? Yes, you probably got it right – the newest products in the market with the most advanced technology in skin brightening, of course!
1. Astalift White Perfect UV Clear Solution
This is the newest by the brand and is a multi-functional beauty essence and makeup base, providing UV protection on top of skincare benefits. What’s most interesting about the product is the UV Sensor Cap that changes colour when exposed to Deep UVA, so you should bring it around as a “test” if you want to be sure whether you’re exposed to invisible UV rays. As it is also a makeup base, it is sweat- and sebum-proof and help your makeup remain intact. The Astalift White Perfect UV Clear Solution retails at SGD72, and is available at Astalift boutiques at Wisma Atria and JEM.
2. Nivea Extra White Serum Deodorant Roll-on
If dull-looking underarms is a concern, then the Nivea Extra White Serum Deodorant Roll-on (SGD5.90) may just be what you’re looking for. This deodorant offers the skincare benefit of a serum, thanks to the high amount of vitamin C in the formula. Its water-like texture also allows it to absorb quickly and perk you up immediately.
3. L’Occitane Reine Blanche Illuminating Eye Care & Mask
L’Occitane’s Reine Blanche range is known for its formulation with Reine des Prés, a unique flower that grows whiter over time. This year, one of the new products to join the family is an illuminating eye care and mask, which combines Reine des Prés and caffeine to help ease the appearance of puffiness and dark eye circles. You’ll love the massaging applicator that comes as a rounded metal tip, as well as the lightweight gel texture of the product. This eye gel retails at SGD65. Launched together with it in March is a new Reine Blanche Whitening Sleeping Mask (SGD112).
4. Lancome UV Expert CC Cover
Any idea what causes pigmentation on the skin? You probably already know about UV rays and pollution, another less talked-about factor is blue light, which is emitted from electronic devices like your laptop and mobile phone. The new Lancome UV Expert CC Cover is equipped to shield your skin from all these pigment-causing factors. It also comes in four shades suitable for Asian skin tones, so you can definitely wear it on its own, or under your favourite foundation. This retails at SGD75.
5. Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Serum
Skin discolouration and dullness may not always be due solely to an overproduction of melanin. Loss of skin’s firmness can also cast a dull shadow over the skin, causing it to look less bright than it should. This is why the upgraded Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Serum (SGD268) helps skin by enhancing its firmness and brightness at the same time. The product is fortified with White ginseng, which has been studied by Sulwhasoo for decades as a powerful brightening agent.
6. Laneige White Plus Renew Original Essence_EX
Laneige fans are definitely familiar with its White Plus Renew Original Essence_EX, a product that helps reduce the formation of dark spots. After taking into account the feedback of users, the Korean brand launches a new and improved formula for this serum, which is now even more suitable for those with sensitive skin. The new formula is more powerful because it is able to better encourage the self-degradation of melanin, brighten skin, and penetrate skin deeper. This retails at SGD80.
7. The Body Shop Drops of Light Brightening Serum
Moisturising and refreshing, this new brightening serum from The Body Shop targets at five key dimensions of bright skin: healthy brightness, even skin tone, minimised appearance of pores, translucency, and smooth suppleness. Featuring Red Algae, an ingredient rich in minerals, nutrients and vitamin C in its formula, this is designed for radiant skin that doesn’t look “pale” but healthy. The Body Shop Drops of Light Brightening Serum retails at SGD43.90.
8. Eucerin White Therapy Night Cream
Your skin rejuvenates itself while you sleep, and a good night cream can help your skin step up in this process. Try this night cream from Eucerin, which contains B-Resorcinol that can help decrease melanin production and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It also contains Glycyrrhetinic Acid to help repair sun-induced skin damage. This intensive moisturiser retails at SGD48.90.
9. Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Defense Barrier-Boosting Essence Oil
Sun care isn’t just about shielding the skin from UV rays. According to Dr. Andrew Weil who has created a successful skincare range for Origins, it is also about defending skin from pollution. The new Mega-Defense Barrier-Boosting is one of two new products that’s launched that has a three-tier system that protects skin from pollution, defend it from UVA and UVB rays, as well as strengthen skin from environmental assaults. This essence oil (SGD89) is launched together with a sunscreen, the Mega-Defense SPF 45 Advanced Daily UV Defender (SGD70).
10. Fresh Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen SPF 30
The Sugar Lip Care Collection has just been expanded with a treatment sunscreen that has a water-resistant formula to defend not just your lips, but also your face and eye area from damaging UV rays and other free radical environmental aggressors. Recommended for ages three and up, this is a quick and effective production solution that s your perfect on-the-go partner. Recommended for ages three, this sunscreen also has a citrus scent that makes it a pleasant application experience. The Fresh Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen SPF 30 retails at SGD36.
11. Vichy Ideal White Sleeping Mask
Just like our sleep pattern, the skin has its own “at night pattern” also known as cutaneous chronobiology. Fascinating, huh? Well, what it essentially means is that just like how our body uses sleep to recover and re-energise for the next day, our skin does the same. The new Vichy Ideal White Sleeping mask, powered by the exclusive meta-whitening technology, helps to fight against melanin, deeply replenish moisture levels and repair skin damage while you sleep. Wake up to rejuvenated, fresh and radiant skin? Yes, please!
The sleeping mask retails at SGD59 from Watsons, Guardian, Unity and selected hospital pharmacies.
12. SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence
Constant exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun damages our skin which leads to visible and non-visible age spots and a dull skin tone. SK-II refers to this as “skin clouds”. Just like how dark clouds block the rays from the sun, these “skin clouds” block the radiance of our skin.
An improvement from the Cellumination Aura Essence, the GenOptics Aura Essence contains two new ingredients – Prunus extract and Inositol. These ingredients combine with concentrated Pitera and active whitening ingredient, D-melano P3C, help to lessen sunburn damage and melanin formation which leads to dark and dull skin.
The GenOptics Aura Essence retails at SGD199 (30ml) and SGD299 (50ml) and is available from all SK-II counters.
13. Yves Rocher White Botanical Moisturising Lightening Cream
The Yves Rocher Research Experts have found that two plant extracts: white liquorice powder and white lupin extract, can help to give the skin a more radiant, bright and youthful look. These two plant extracts have been formulated in Yves Rocher’s latest skincare line- White Botanical and of course, in its Moisturising Lightening Cream. After one month of consistent use (for day or night, or both), the skin will be rejuvenated and brighter. The cream retails at SGD60. You can find Yves Rocher at Takashimaya S.C. #B2-03, BHG Bugis Level 1 Cosmetics Floor and #02-16, Westgate Mall.
14. Mt. Sapola Xetract Range- Arbutin Extract
You’ve probably walked past a store and whiffed a strong yet refreshing scent of lemongrass. Chances are it’s Mt. Sapola! Did you know they carry skincare products as well? Their latest launch, Xetract, allows customers to customise their skincare from a range of active extracts. There are 18 specific supplements, ranging from Vitamins A, B5 and C to apple stem cell, cucumber and yeast extracts. Just like how choosing a specific essential oil in aromatherapy to relax, for example, users get to pick and choose an active extract that would benefit their skin according to what it needs.
A brightening extract from this line would be the Arbutin extract. It helps prevents spots and freckles and aids in lightening the skin. It retails at SGD23.90 and you can get them from any Mt Sapola store.
15. ORBIS U White Day Moisturiser
ORBIS is known for their oil-free skincare products. Interestingly enough, the ideal environment for optimal enzyme activity is one that is rich in moisture and free of oil. This means ORBIS’ oil-free products can help to activate the enzymes, drawing out the skin’s natural potential to improve clarity, texture, smoothness, firmness, protection and hydration.
The new ORBIS =U White Day Moisturiser doesn’t just moisturise the skin. It protects it from the sun as well! With an SPF30 PA+++, it contains skin brightening ingredients and the Moist Lightening Veil that heightens the skin’s protective functions to block external damage such as dryness.
16. Guerlain Blanc de Perle Active Reviving Cleansing Foam
This cleansing foam from Guerlain’s new brightening range consists of exfoliating beads that work together with the foam to remove makeup and purify the skin’s surface. But don’t worry! These exfoliating beads are really delicate and gentle on the skin.
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