Despite what you’ve heard, there’s very little need for makeup if you care enough for your skin with the right products (and by throwing in a monthly facial). From moisturisers and cleansers to masks and serums, the list truly goes on when it concerns skin care.
To set your skin up for success, we’ve rounded up some products that will help elevate your skin’s potential — before, after, and during a holiday. Or even if you’re just at home, really.
1. Dior Capture Totale Intensive Essence Lotion, RM340
A heavyweight in both the skincare and makeup industry, Dior Beauty does it again with this face lotion (toner). Its longoza-ferments blend and 95% natural-origin ingredients promise to radiate your skin and strengthen the skin barrier. With not one but two types of hyaluronic acid, this lotion will also aid in evening out skin texture.
2. Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Mask, RM135
A personal favourite, Caudalie’s product range is extensive as it’s suitable for all skin types. Their Purifying Mask from the Vinopure range promises to clear your skin of pesky imperfections like blemishes, blackheads, oiliness, and enlarged pores. With zero synthetic ingredients and made up of 99% natural ingredients, your skin can only benefit from this!
3. Balmain x Trudon Candle, RM695
Not exactly something you can (or should) put on your skin, but it remains on our list because who doesn’t love setting the mood, especially when you’re setting up for your nightly skincare routine. A collaboration between Trudon and one of fashion’s finest brands, Balmain, having this limited edition candle on your vanity will undoubtedly add a touch of luxe. You can cop one of these from Ken’s Apothecary!
4. Ulu Soleil Shea Butter Body Balm with Hyaluronic Acid, RM69
We’re all about supporting local and sustainable businesses, and Ulu Soleil is one of them. The brand was founded in 2021 by a wife-and-husband duo (we love us a power couple!) who wanted products that keep skin moisturised with only the finest and most natural ingredients.
Their Shea Butter Body Balm with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E is rich in shea butter that will help with plenty of skin concerns like dehydration, dry skin, eczema, scars, and stretch marks! Thanks to its mini-tube packaging, you can pop it in your handbag and slather it on wherever you are — it’s certainly becomes a handbag staple for us.
5. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm with SPF25, RM33
Famously known as a men’s skincare range, Jack Black is also suitable for women and those who identify as neither. Keep your puckers protected with this lip balm packed with skin conditioners, antioxidants, and SPF25! Apply every day, especially before heading out in the sun, to prevent lip-cracking. You can find this at all Ken’s Apothecary outlets.
6. Handmade Heroes Snow Shroom, RM119.90
Another homegrown brand, Handmade Heroes’ products are vegan, paraben- and cruelty-free, and all-natural! For those with dehydrated skin, The Ultimate Snow Shroom Hyaluronic Acid Serum will be a seamless fit into your skincare routine. With active ingredients like hyaluronic acid from snow fungus (tremella) and tamarind, your skin is set to look its best!
7. Ulu Soleil Glisten Shimmer Body Scrub, RM79
Filled with ingredients that include coconut, sugar, and Himalayan pink salt, the Glisten Shimmer Body Scrub from Ulu Soleil is a must-try if you’re looking to maintain that post-vacay glow! Because who says you need to go on holiday for a shimmery mien (we can tell you for certain that they deliver on the glitter)? Perfect for removing the build-up of dead skin cells, its ingredients like argan, olive, and grapeseed oils will give your skin added moisture.
8. The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm, RM70
Truly an underrated brand, The Inkey List has a range of affordable products that does all the tricks it promises. Tried and tested by us, their Oat Cleansing Balm washes away impurities and doubles up as a makeup remover and is powerful enough to wash away sunscreen! Purchase from Threebs.
9. Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil, RM240
With jasmine, saffron, and white musk notes, the Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Oil is what your skin needs to look moisturised and bright with a dewy glow. Unlike most body oils out there, this product won’t have your skin feeling overly greasy, and ingredients like olive oil and squalane will keep the skin hydrated. Get ready to look glow-rious! Available at Sephora Online.
10. Dior Hypnotic Poison (EDP), From RM369
Not a skincare item, but certainly something that you’ll want to spritz all over yourself… which is also covered in skin. Probably one of the most unique vanilla scents ever created, the Hypnotic Poison perfume by Dior is a seductive scent that’s stood the test of time! First created in 1998, its top notes include coconut, plum, and apricot, while its base notes consist of almond, sandalwood, musky, and vanilla.
11. Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum, RM215
Known as a purveyor of products that help keep skin bright and protected, Supergoop’s Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum does precisely as its name suggests. Packed with powerful ingredients like clean chemical SPF 40, 14% Vitamin C brightening complex, and a marine extract, this serum aims to protect your skin, even out dark spots caused by harsh UV and blue light, and visibly brighten the skin at the same time! Get it from Sephora.
12. CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion
If you’re looking for a lightweight and oil-free moisturiser, this one from CeraVe is one of the best out there. Suitable for the face and body (we do love a 2-in-1), this daily skincare staple is packed with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. The ceramides work together to restore and maintain the skin’s protective barrier, while the hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture.
Developed by dermatologists, this cost-friendly, sulfate-free skincare item is a must-have that is suitable for all skin types. We also highly recommend their Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which contains Vitamin B5, providing skin-soothing benefits.
13. Emu Tracks’ Emu Oil Balm
While this product helps ease muscle and joint pains, it’s still a topical skincare product and a must-have in your collection. Thanks to its advanced formula, this balm penetrates deeply to soothe any discomfort or inflammation, all with natural ingredients and emu oil.
Its non-greasy texture also provides a gentle warming sensation when applied to help increase circulation. While the balm effectively relieves muscle and joint pain, arthritis, sprains, and other strains, it’s also especially ideal for those with an active lifestyle.
14. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Okay, we are obsessed with this one! Finally, Sol de Janeiro has landed on our shores, and you can (and should) get your hands on their Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. While it’s slightly on the high end in terms of price, this award-winning body cream is worth it as it will moisturise and firm the hell out of your skin!
On top of that, the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream will have you smelling like you’re on permanent vacation and looking like it too. With ingredients like Brazil nut oil, guarana extract, and açai oil, your skin will be glowing, smooth, and prevented from environmental damage.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 1 March 2022 and has since been updated to include more products.
