Ladies and gentlemen, this is the last “grooming editor-approved products” column in a while before we dedicate June and July to featuring the 68 winners of our Grooming Awards 2022. What this basically means then is that more than ever, the products in this story have to be good. And by good, we mean even more fuss-free to use, even more, relevant in today’s times where we lack time itself, and yes, will put a smile on your face.
Pictured above: If you don’t think the L’occitane Immortelle Reset Serum is a skincare holy grail — it does everything from destressing the skin, leaving it glowy, and smoothing away lines — then just let the numbers speak for themselves. One is sold every minute worldwide which is a true testament to its performance: relevant for any age, gender, or skin type. It also comes in an eye-serum version which works just as good.
One is an Italian House of olfactory glamour and the other, is a clothing brand that mimics the former’s Mediterranean chic. Together, is when the Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Mirto di Panarea Forte_Forte Special Edition becomes a collectible itself: the iconic Blu Mediterraneo fragrance has a facelift and comes with a bracelet that has a metal charm on it.
Finally, the great French drugstore brand has launched a foaming cleanser for those with an oilier disposition. While the usage of acids in the Bioderma Anti-acne Treatment Foaming Gel Cleanser are at a slightly lower-end to reduce or eliminate sensitisation — 1.8% salicylic acid and 1% glycolic acid — the usage of 3% zinc gluconate also helps to reduce oiliness while its low-foaming formula does not strip the skin.
It might sound sacrilegious to other editors but I enjoy it when fragrance names immediately telegraph its scent and Byredo Vanille Antique is a pleasant no-brainer: a beastly-like dose of amber in the opening and a sweet, gourmand vanilla on the drydown. One thing I like about this fragrance too is that it projects so heavily in the heat which means all you need is just one or two spritzes to last the entire day.
Frankly, there is nothing new about the Caudalie Beauty Elixir Toner and that’s not a bad thing (it hydrates the skin, sets makeup, and tightens pores) but its new bottle that has a sunset-like effect makes it a collector’s item of sorts.
My initial doubts about the Drunk Elephant Wonderwild Miracle Butter’s absorbency were immediately put to rest the minute I used it on my hands. It absorbs in less than 15 seconds, can be used on every part of the body (I highly recommend it as a tattoo moisturiser too), and the best part about it? Just one or two uses immediately smoothens out scaley parts of the body.
25 years ago, Fresh’s first milk collection was a hit (an Oprah favourite, hello?) because finally, a body care range that genuinely smelt like milk. In 2022, their relaunched version now uses a plant-based version of the dairy product itself that is by no means any less hydrating. The trick, however, is to leave a little bit of water on one’s hands post-washing and then apply the Fresh Milk Hand Cream for maximum hydration.
A “flanker” of sorts to the original, the + in the Giorgio Armani Power Fabric+ Foundation is a reference to how it lasts even longer (it now stretches to 24 hours) and how incredibly transfer-resistant it is. For reference, I have a terrible tendency to rest my palm on my cheeks at work and I’m happy to report that this foundation does not budge. The only con: it comes in 15 shades that don’t have many “in-betweens”.
The Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar Peeling Mousse Instant Glow Facial Peel sounds like a mouthful (try asking a Sephora SA for it without tripping on your words) so I’m going to summarise what it does for you: think of it as a chemical version of an exfoliating gel. Apply the mousse for one minute, wash it off, and notice how “fresh” pigmentation is immediately lightened.
The “thickening” in the PHS HOM Thickening Shampoo (the brand divides their lines where HOM is Homme and FEM is Femme) is perhaps, how the product itself reduces hair fall which in turn, maintains the “thickness” of one’s hair. Another bonus: it rebalances oiliness without stripping.
The thing about the Shu Uemura Brow Sword Naginata is that first-time users might think its pigmentation is weak. However, the beauty is that it gives you absolute control over how you’d like your brows as its pigmentation is at the right amount (it goes from feathery to full-on depending on the pressure you exert) and true to Shu Uemura’s form, lasts and lasts for hours.
Once you’re done with this story about the grooming editor-approved products in May 2022, click here to catch up with our May issue itself!
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