let’s get this straight: Dyson
With an asking price of $699, anyone would want to know what significant advantages the Dyson Corrale can offer over other hair straighteners in the market. For starters, it is the only device to use flexible manganese copper alloy plates to pick up sections of hair and distribute heat evenly through them. This, along with its custom-engineered heating system that delivers heat at the desired setting, means fewer repetitions are needed to get the job done, and a lower risk of hair damage. We tried using it to tame unruly and frizzy hair and finished up in record time. What’s more, flyaway hair was fixed even at the lowest setting. The kicker? We also succeeded in using it to create soft waves a la Korean boy bands.
Available at Dyson
Penhaligon’s: down memory lane
The pandemic may have dampened 10th anniversary celebrations for Sartorial, but it doesn’t change the fact that the scent was conceived with the image of a classic gentleman garbed in sharp Saville Row tailoring. It stands out with a deep leathery note that is accompanied by touches of warm spices and powdery violet leaf. The fragrance then dries down to reveal woody notes with hints of beeswax, bringing to mind the image of a wood-accented tailoring room. It comes across as a mature scent that will complement a sharp black tie ensemble perfectly. But we feel that it could also effortlessly add class to a fitted T-shirt, tailored trousers and loafers combo on a casual day out.
Available at Penhaligon’s
Dr Dennis Gross: acid washed
We turned to Dr Dennis Gross’ range of acid-infused products to handle sensitivity and congestion caused by acne mechanica. Both the Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum and the Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel from the Alpha Beta range were especially useful for those with excessively oily skin, as they effectively dried out existing breakouts and helped maintain a clearer complexion. They’re quite potent though, so we recommend using them just up to two or three times a week to be safe. We were most impressed with the two-step Universal Daily Peel. Initially, we shuddered at the ingredients list, which contained a seemingly sensitising combination of four AHAs, BHA, retinol and astringents. However, the product left our skin clarified without any adverse effects.
Available at Sephora
My Skin Bar: double purpose
Don’t underestimate the importance of a good clean-up job. We tried two of mySkinbar’s cleansers, starting with the Whole’istic Cream. It effectively dissolved a build-up of impurities but still felt gentle on the skin with its creamy formula. We tried the Citrus Maxima cleanser next and are happy to report that our skin felt refreshed by its blend of lactic and malic acids, as well as its subtle citrus scent. They cost $59 each for 100ml, so if we had to pick just one, we’re going with the latter, as its moisturising gel formula suits most skin types.
Available at myskinbar.com
Don’t forget your oral hygiene. Click here to read about our senior writer’s first experience with Zenyum’s electric toothbrush.