7 best expert-approved beauty advice we were given in 2024 

Your skin can’t get used to skincare products

Credit: 123rf

1/7

Contrary to popular opinion, your skin does not build an immunity to skincare products over time. 

Initially, the results of using new skincare products may be more obvious, but as time progresses, these effects become harder to notice. This is not because the product has lost its effectiveness, but because the degree of improvement of your skin has plateaued, shared Dr Kok Wai Leong, dermatologist at StarMed Specialist Centre.

There are exceptions, however, like with prescription retinoids, where with continued usage, you tend to develop fewer side effects like dryness. 

One of the effects of retinoids is increasing skin turnover. When you first use it, the renewal of skin cells is accompanied by production of inflammatory cells in the skin, which lead to redness and dryness.

With time, the skin barrier is repaired and the skin thickness is restored, therefore you experience less of such symptoms.

You can layer your favourite mascaras for maximum length and volume

2/7

While this lash beautifying technique of using multiple mascaras has gained popularity on social media, it isn’t a new makeup technique. Beauty expert Larry Yeo explains that makeup artists like himself have been layering different types of mascaras together for many years. Fellow makeup artist Lasalle Lee recommends mascara cocktailing for Asians, especially because our lashes tend to be short and point downwards.  

If your lashes already have a natural curl, simply use two coats of a volumising mascara, followed by a lengthening mascara to achieve a lush look. “Those whose lashes tend to be more stubborn and straight can curl the strands first before applying a lengthening mascara,” Larry shares. 

Dark spots might look like freckles but they are not the same 

Credit: 123rf

3/7

With similarities in their appearances, it can be tricky to identify the dark spots and freckles on our skin. 

To differentiate between the two, Dr Rachel Ho of La Clinic explains that dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, refer to areas on the skin that appear darker than the others. They refer to all types of dark spots, including freckles, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma, to name a few. 

Dr Ho adds that hyperpigmentation is a result of excess melanin production which could be due to exposure to ultraviolet rays, injury which then causes post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and hormone changes which can lead to melasma. 

For everyday skincare routines, Dr Ho recommends the use of exfoliating acids and retinoids to help increase skin cell turnover. Ingredients such as vitamin C and azelaic acid can also assist in blocking the action of enzyme tyrosinase, which causes melanin synthesis. 

Fatigue is not the only cause of dark circles

Credit: 123rf

4/7

Dr Florante Ricarte, scientific communications director of Philosophy, tells us that there are many different causes behind dark circles and “they show up in such unique ways for each of us”. Some of us are more prone to hyperpigmentation (where our skin produces excess melanin) and this leads to discoloration in the eye area especially if there are triggers like allergies that cause you to rub your eyes often. 

For others, it could be vascular or brought about by weak microcirculation. If we’re lacking in sleep, it affects our microcirculation and you tend to see a pooling of fluid beneath the skin, resulting in puffiness under the eyes. Additionally, as we age, we experience a decline in collagen and this is most evident in the thinnest part of our skin, which is in the eye area. This is why we start to experience sagging and tear troughs as we get older.

The fine lines and wrinkles that we see are also accentuated when we experience dryness of the skin. When skin isn’t hydrated, it is losing water at a very rapid rate. These factors combined can lead to the formation of dark circles.

Face mist is a must-have for sensitive, eczema-prone skin 

5/7

Over the years, Quinn Chen, co-founder of Singapore beauty brand, Ice’s Secret, discovered that simplicity is key when it comes to managing eczema. She believes that having a gentle, minimal skincare routine combined with some adjustments to your lifestyle can make a huge difference in keeping flare-ups under control.

For eczema-prone skin, it’s essential to avoid anything that strips the skin of moisture. Hydration is crucial for keeping our skin healthy. This is even more so for eczema-prone skin. When choosing skincare products, look for those that not only hydrate but also support your skin’s natural barrier function. 

Eczema can cause a burning sensation on top of severe itching. This is why it’s so important to soothe your skin during a flare-up. This is why the skincare pro always has the Miracle Secret Mask on hand as it offers instant relief while quelling redness.

When your skin is overheated or drenched in perspiration, it can aggravate your condition. Carry a product such as a water essence so that you can spritz it over your face when your skin feels irritated.

Hyaluronic acid will always remain a gold standard hydrating skincare ingredient

6/7

In the article “Why is hyaluronic acid so popular in skincare products?” Dr Rachel Ho, medical director at La Clinic, explains that hyaluronic acid moisturises the skin and has anti-aging benefits, even at a concentration of 0.1%. 

“As a skincare ingredient, hyaluronic acid is also suitable for most skin types including people who have oily skin and acne,” she says. “Hyaluronic acid also pairs well with other active ingredients such as ceramides, exfoliating acids and retinoids.” 

Plus, it’s a safe ingredient that is naturally broken down by the body. This, coupled with its remarkable ability to hold on to water molecules are reasons why hyaluronic acid is commonly used in skincare, injectable moisturisers and dermal fillers, says Dr Ho.

You can contour your lips to create the illusion of a fuller pout

7/7

Besides creating the illusion of a sharper jawline and chiselled cheekbones, contouring can also be used to fake a fuller pout. According to Sidney Kok, Benefit Cosmetics national brow and beauty authority, this viral TikTok beauty hack that originated from South Korea involves, “adding depth and dimension to your lips by strategically applying a darker shade of lipstick or lip stain or bronzer on the cupid’s bow and inner part of the upper lip.”

Not to be mistaken for overlining – a makeup trick that involves tracing the outline of your lips with liner to add definition and prevent your lipstick from feathering – lip contouring uses contrast (between light and dark shades and matte and glossy finishes) to create an optical illusion that mimics the pillowy, 3D “pouty” effect.