Staff Picks: Marie France Asia’s absolute favourite skincare buys

We’re four months away to closing the year and so far multiple products have made the rounds on our beauty table. While some made an appearance and left immediately, others managed to find a comfortable permanent spot.

So here’s what the team at Marie France Asia have been obsessing over this year!

Rana – Editor-in-Chief

Whilst I keep my makeup fairly simple (mostly relying on my favourite bold lippie shades as documented here), when it comes to skincare I can be a little more high maintenance. Among the dozen or so products I use on my face (not all at once but on rotation basis) these are the 3 daily essentials I use to help me achieve clean and radiant skin:

Laneige Fresh Brightening Cleansing Oil, approx. USD38

“I never used to like oil-based cleansers until I tried this one. Extremely light and effective even on heavy makeup, I like using this as a first step to cleanse my face every evening as it hardly leaves any residue – and without the need for tugging.”

Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser with Peach Essential Water, approx. USD44

“This is the second step in my cleansing routine. I love the peachy smell and fresh feeling of this product which I have never stopped using for years. On those no-makeup days, this becomes my one-step cleanser skipping the cleansing oil.”

Sulwhasoo Luminature Essential Finisher, approx. USD90

“My full skincare routine is detailed here, but after applying it on a cleansed skin, comes an important step which makes all the difference: the finisher!

Some call it primer but its main purpose would be to lock in the benefits of skincare products and help keep the skin radiant and the makeup put all day. Naturally-formulated with ingredients such as green tea and red ginseng, I love indulging in this product and its heavenly smell… and of course the fact it makes my skin glow from the inside.”

Tarandip – Fashion & Beauty Writer

The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil, approx. USD33.60

“Anything that’s sleep inducing is immediately a tick in my beauty book – it’s a know fact that writers are sleep deprived after all. Basically, after cleansing my face, I’ll take a drop or two of this serum-oil amalgamation, warm it up between my fingers and bring my hands close to my face to simply take the smell in first. And trust me when I say the smell is heavenly and immediately puts you at ease. After you’ve gone to seventh heaven, just remember to spread the serum all over your face and neck and you’re more than ready for a good night’s sleep!”

Shannon – Editorial Assistant & Writer

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream, USD20

“Two words – life changing! With extremely dry, sensitive skin I find it hard to find a moisturizer that rehydrates and replenishes, without breaking me out. As a beauty enthusiast, I am constantly trying out new moisturizers, but I always find myself coming back to the Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream. The lightweight yet rich moisturizer is perfect for under-makeup use, and is formulated without fragrances, preservatives and emulsifiers so it is perfect for those who suffer with extremely sensitive skin. The product offers hours of hydration so you won’t have to worry about reapplication – perfect for avid travellers or people on the go.”

Annabelle – Fashion & Beauty Writer

Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser, USD23

“The simple pleasure of coming home to a fuss free cleanser that effortlessly melts away even the most stubborn waterproof makeup, deeply cleanses your skin while hydrating it at the same time to maintain the moisture level of your face all with just a tiny dollop of Philosophy is truly unparalleled. It possesses a really calming fragrance, is gentle on the skin and even leaves a subtle afterglow!”

Diya-Maya – Food, Health & Travel Writer

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack, approx. USD36

“This product hydrates my skin as I sleep and I wake up with radiant skin that feels supple and smooth. I swear by it and wear it twice a week before bed.”

Lindsay – Fashion Tech & Lifestyle Writer/ Translator 

Condensé Paris Fig and Grapefruit Matifying Purifying Emulsion, USD61

“I love it because it’s a light fluid cream so it keeps my skin clear, healthy looking and not oily at all. Plus, it smells really good!”

Aline – Audience Product Manager

Nivea Soft Intensive Moisturising Creme, approx. USD15

“My mother gave me my first blue box, a long time ago. It’s a real beauty “Swiss knife”: face, lips, day & night, sunburn… you can use it at any time. Now, I use the “soft version” every day in my beauty routine.
My +: use it as a ultra-moisturizing mask once a week. (mix Nivea cream with a few drops of Argan oil to boost its benefits)”