Cover " Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask is the skincare equivalent of drinking Sprite on a hot day." (Illustration: Chesca Gamboa/ Tatler Asia)

Hair masks, ice sphere facial sets, luxury face creams and more—read all about Tatler editors’ favourite beauty and grooming products of this month

Looking for product recommendations? From luxury aloe vera gel to soothe angry sunburns, to humidity-proof makeup products fit for summer, here are all the beauty and grooming products Tatler Asia’s editors loved in August 2021. 

See also: 5 Hair Fragrances For The Most Luxurious Locks

1. Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Masque

With summer in full swing, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the water and my hair is not happy about it. I’ve been using Moroccanoil’s Intense Hydrating Masque to counteract the drying, frizz causing effects of saltwater and chlorine and it has been a lifesaver. Not too heavy, this is one of the first really moisturising masks I've used that hasn’t weighed my hair down.

—Sam Book, Social Media Director, Asia & Digital Content Director, Hong Kong 

Earlier this year, I was living on the Caribbean island of Barbados, which became severely impacted by ash fall from a volcanic eruption in neighbouring St Vincent and the Grenadines. The volcanic ash wreaked havoc with my hair, which became so dry and brittle that it became impossible to even run a comb through it.

On my return to Hong Kong, I bought Moroccanoil’s Intense Hydrating Mask, hoping for an emergency fix while in quarantine. The hair mask did wonders: it’s a rich, buttery formula that visibly improved the texture and shine of my hair after just a couple of uses. I now swear by the product and use it once a week—simply leave it on towel-dried hair for under 10 minutes peruse.

—Andrea Lo, Tatler Homes Editor, Hong Kong

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2. Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturiser

Confession time: I have combination skin and have always struggled to find the right moisturiser that can stop the dryness and control an oily T-zone. Many moisturisers claim to be soothing and breathable, but they still leave your skin feeling sticky—however, this Turmeric Glow Moisturiser from Kora Organics by Miranda Kerr lives up to its claims.

It absorbs easily into the skin, leaving no unpleasant residue. I love this blend of turmeric, marine microalgae and rosehip oil... after the first night, my skin felt significantly hydrated; and after a few weeks, my skin has been smoother, happier with a subtle glow.

—Helen Yu, Assistant Editor, Hong Kong 

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3. Sunnies Face's Lip Treat in Girl Crush

I know most of us are probably ditching lipsticks because our face masks will cover them anyway but I absolutely love Sunnies Face’s Lip Treat because it lasts throughout the day, even under my mask. It's especially a lifesaver when my lips get chappy, instantly moisturising them.

Thanks to the shea butter and collagen formula, it also softens my lips—which may be hidden under a mask but at least I won’t have to rush to apply lipstick once I take it off. Lip Treat comes in various shades but I love Girl Crush the most because it’s just the perfect shade—not too dark and not too light for everyday wear.

—Jianne Soriano, Digital Writer, Hong Kong

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4. Nicole Caroline Luxury Ice Facial Set

On the days when I feel like my face looks a bit swollen in the morning—usually because of an eczema flareup—I reach for Nicole Caroline’s facial ice sphere from the freezer. As part of the brand’s Luxury Ice Facial Set which comes with a sphere mould and skincare powder blends that's used to create the ice sphere, you’ll be able to make at-home DIY ice treatments that can be applied to the skin to soothe inflammation and reduce puffiness. Goodbye, puffy eyes and angry, red skin. 

—Doris Lam, Digital Writer, Hong Kong

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5. La Mer Cream

La Mer Cream! I have been using this since my 30s and it’s been my lifesaver. I think it’s why I don’t really go for more invasive procedures. 

—Irene Martel Francisco, Managing Director, Philippines 

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6. Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel

This colourless and scentless aloe vera gel from Dr. Barbara Sturm became an instant holy grail product after a long day out in the sun. Formulated with 90 per cent organic aloe leaf juice, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory purslane and wound-healing ingredient, Panthenol, you can also use it after waxing to soothe razor bumps and irritation.

—Doris Lam, Digital Writer, Hong Kong

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7. Kiehl’s Breakout Control Blemish Treatment

Kiehl’s Breakout Control Blemish Treatment. This is a dream for oily or combination skin. It totally clears out any breakouts and does not over-dry your skin.

—Isabel Francisco, Editor of Tatler Dining & Generation T, Philippines

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8. Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser

Living in a tropical country isn’t the kindest to one’s skin. Due to the heat, it’s always tempting to cleanse your face but doing it too much with the wrong product isn’t the best idea. I’ve recently tried Mad Hippie’s vegan Cream Cleanser and I’ve almost gone through the whole bottle! It’s light enough to use multiple times a day and doesn’t leave the skin with that ‘stripped and dry’ feeling.

—Dowee Untivero, Digital Editor, Philippines

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9. Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask

Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask is the skincare equivalent of drinking Sprite on a hot day. It feels so good during application and my skin is instantly refreshed after. On top of that, even applying the mask is a fun experience because the clay mask is bright blue.

—Zue Wei Leong, Digital Writer, Malaysia

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10. Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Blurring Primer

I don’t usually wear much make-up during the humid summer months, but with lots of celebrations happening, I’ve been relishing dressing up a bit more and making an effort to try new styles. Laura Mercier’s Pure Canvas Blurring Primer (which I’ve been using as a base for their oil-free tinted moisturiser) has been a game-changer in ensuring my make-up stays put, plus it stops me from having that tell-tale humidity “glow” in photos!

—Sam Book, Social Media Director, Asia & Digital Content Director, Hong Kong 

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11. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

I’ve been using Murad’s Retinol Youth Renewal Serum in my nighttime skincare routine for the last seven months and it has made a world of difference. It really helped press reset on my skin and minimised the damage from my pre-pandemic lifestyle, when travel was allowed and bars were open. The fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes are a lot less visible. My skin looks brighter and healthier.

—Zue Wei Leong, Digital Writer, Malaysia

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12. Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque has been a lifesaver over summer. I started using this mask a few years ago and this is one cleansing product that I have restocked a few times! It features Amazonian White Clay to provide an ultra-deep cleanse to draw out impurities from the pores and fight against breakouts. The results are instant—expect fresh-looking, smooth skin in 10 minutes.

—Helen Yu, Assistant Editor, Hong Kong

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13. Augustinus Bader The Cream

Augustinus Bader’s The Cream has been a summer essential. Not only do I sweat a lot in the summer but my skin also gets ragged especially after taking a shower. This product comes to my rescue as it instantly moisturises and replenishes my skin. Because of the oil-based ingredients, it feels lightweight and doesn’t get mushy even if I end up getting sweaty. It’s perfect when you're out and about but even better when you’re just at home or work.

—Jianne Soriano, Digital Writer, Hong Kong

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14. Guerlain Youth Watery Oil

Guerlain’s Youth Watery Oil is my go-to before bed. It’s light and fresh so my skin doesn’t feel weighed down or over-conditioned. In the morning, my skin feels super rejuvenated—giving me that extra boost to begin my day.

—Dowee Untivero, Digital Editor, Philippines

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15. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair line

The Dr. Jart+ Cicapair line is great for soothing redness in the skin when the weather gets a little too hot. I was sceptical about their latest Re-Cover SPF40/PA++ CC Cream but it lives up to its claims as an effective colour-correcting and hydrating make-up base.

—Zue Wei Leong, Digital Writer, Malaysia

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See also: 8 Lightweight Tinted Moisturisers For The Summer Heat

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