When Fenty Beauty first dropped its Stunna Lip Paint, RiRi stans went insane. The liquid lipstick formula was touted as a long-wearing, non-drying, weightless formula that delivered a high level of pigment. Sounds like the makeup equivalent of a unicorn.

Stunna Lip Paint shades (L-R): Uncuffed, Unattached, Unlocked, Uncensored and Undefeated

With so many rave reviews buzzing on the internet, I still wanted to put its budge-proof and kiss-proof claims to the test. I tasked 9 members of the Zula team (myself included) to wear 1 shade for an entire day without any touch-ups. Reviewers had to report their selfies and findings at 10am, 1pm and 9pm. And to keep things consistent, everyone was asked to wear black. Keep reading to see how the Stunna Lip Paints performed.

1. Cheryl wears the shade Undefeated

10am: First impressions

“When swatched fresh out of the bottle, the lipstick is the colour of ripe brinjals. The liquid formula applied smoothly and one layer was all I needed to get full coverage.

I like how there isn’t any added scent. When dried down, the lippie left a soft matte finish without drying out my lips. There was no residue and I would have forgotten I was wearing the bold shade, save for the scared intern who avoided eye contact at the water cooler.

The formula did oxidise and turned a deeper shade of plum. But that’s not an issue as I feel the product still complements my neutral/warm skin tone. However, I am concerned about the colour flaking off throughout the day. I already saw purple on my coffee mug.”

1pm: after lunch (left), 9pm: after dinner (right)

1pm: After lunch

“I had white carrot cake, apple-beetroot-carrot juice and a second cup of coffee for lunch. I was expecting most of my lipstick to come off and leave me with a ‘reverse butthole’ look.

When I went to look at my lippie post-meal, I was pleasantly surprised. My lipstick stayed mostly intact. Only the parts of my lip that stayed moist no longer had product on them but it didn’t warrant an emergency touch-up.”

9pm: After dinner

“Dinner was chicken soup, a bread roll with butter and a flatbread. I was pretty sure the lippie would stay on but I was wrong. While the colour on the top half of my lips stayed intact, the lipstick on my bottom lip transferred to my chin. When I got home for the final makeup check, a third of the colour on my lower lip was gone.”

Final thoughts

“I wouldn’t go so far to say it’s completely budge-proof, but it does its job of staying in place. What particularly impressed me was it didn’t require lip liner to stay in place. There was no visible feathering and I didn’t have to check if I had lipstick on my teeth throughout the day.

Big ups for the powder-matte texture it offers without making my lips feel and look like a dehydrated grape.”

2. Xin Hui wears the shade Unlocked

10am: First impressions

“From the bottle, the shade is a bright Barbie pink. I was intimidated at first, but it actually looked quite flattering on me. The colour made me look very lively.

The texture of the lip product felt watery and a little oily, almost like lacquer. From the bottle, the lipstick formula smelt quite bad. Once it went on my lips, the smell disappeared. The lipstick wand doesn’t look like your typical doe foot applicator. It’s very easy to use and manoeuvre.

The lippie went on glossy, but it stayed put once it dried. While it was still glossy, I tried to create a bit of a gradient, but it was too much of a rush to do so.”

1pm: after lunch (left), 9pm: after dinner (right)

1pm: After lunch

“For lunch, I had mala, which was really oily. I thought the Stunna Lip Paint would fade but it remained very vibrant. I wouldn’t say it’s budge-proof, because it still stained my utensils and water bottle. The shape of the lipstick also didn’t look as defined.”

9pm: After dinner

“I had a burger for dinner and the lipstick left marks on the bun as I ate. The colour was still relatively prominent after 12 hours so I was pretty impressed.”

Final thoughts

“It is definitely a longwear lipstick! However, it didn’t stay true to its promises. It did budge and stain almost all my utensils, and the colour was not as vibrant at 9pm as it was when I first applied it. I would probably not wear this again because I think it is too unpredictable in terms of how it will look at the end of the day.”

3. Annabelle wears the shade Uncuffed

10am: First impressions

“I actually own this product in the exact same shade, so clearly RiRi convinced me with her claims. As someone who hardly uses lipsticks, I bought it because it’s a nude, mauve colour that is easy to wear. I had grand plans of applying it every day cos it’s so versatile, but spoiler alert: I’ve used it less than 5 times in half a year.

The lip paint has a very smooth consistency and was a breeze to apply. The matte finish looked very natural and not at all cakey.”

1pm: after lunch (left), 9pm: after dinner (right)

1pm: After lunch

“I had a Subway sandwich for lunch. The colour was still visible but definitely less intense than at the start of the trial. It almost looked like my natural lip colour but more matte.”

9pm: After dinner

“I’m currently in the midst of a pizza phase so that was what I had for dinner. Since it had stayed on so well thus far, I had high hopes but unfortunately, Stunna Lip Paint did not last through the grease.”

Final thoughts

“I don’t wear lipstick often because I’m too lazy to reapply it after every meal. A lippie that can stay on from 10am to 7pm means less touch-ups, so that makes this a win for me!”

4. Penny wears the shade Unattached

10am: First impressions

“The liquid lipstick shade that I chose looks almost coral. As someone not accustomed to liquid lipsticks, doing an opaque lip was not within my comfort zone, especially with such a bright colour.

I dabbed on a bit of the lipstick and spread it across my lip. The smooth and creamy texture made it easy to apply. Contrary to its initial shiny look, the liquid lipstick did dry to a matte finish.”

1pm: after lunch (left), 9pm: after dinner (right)

1pm: After lunch

“After having mala for lunch, I noticed that the colour faded slightly, but not to the extent that I needed a touch-up. However, the product was quite dry and it seeped into my lip lines.”

9pm: After dinner

“I ate a random assortment of Japanese food for dinner, so it wasn’t too oily. The lip colour did fade even more after the meal, but there was still a tint of pink left at the end of the day!”

Final thoughts

“Even after two meals and several water-chugging sessions, the pink faded a little but was still on my lips. My lips are also naturally on the drier side, and this liquid lipstick did seem to dry out my lips more.”

Also read:

The Sailor Moon x Colourpop Collection Is Out Of This World And Includes Holographic Body Glitter

5. Leah wears the shade Uncensored

10am: First impressions

“I used to wear liquid lipsticks but not anymore. I typically go for rosier shades or orange and red colours with a brown undertone. Since I don’t wear pinks or purples, I chose Uncensored, which is supposed to be a universal red.

The liquid lipstick is very pigmented but I’m not a fan of the formula. It went on wet, so when I applied it, it stained my teeth easily.”

1pm: after lunch (left), 9pm: after dinner (right)

1pm: After lunch

“I had Hokkien mee and carrot cake, and the colour bled a lot. There wasn’t much visible cracking but the colour didn’t come off completely, which is surprising.”

9pm: After dinner

“For dinner, I had sushi. After the meal, there was still some colour on my lips—more than usual lipsticks that I wear. I also kissed my boyfriend on the cheek and the lipstick transferred onto his face.”

Final thoughts

“My lips tend to crack easily, so I found the formula a bit drying. I wouldn’t wear it again because I don’t like the formula. I prefer lipsticks that are a bit more moisturising.”

6. Joie wears the shade Uncensored

10am: First impressions

“Uncensored is a red shade that’s quite ‘in your face’, so it’s not what I’m used to. I usually go for orange lippies or ‘My Lips But Better’ colours. The red shade I chose seemed to make my teeth look more yellow.

The texture of the liquid lipstick is quite creamy and reminds me of paint (I’m kind of stating the obvious). When applied, it felt a bit runny but it became super matte once it dried down. My lip lines were visible, but it didn’t look unflattering. The smell of the liquid lipstick reminded me of bread for some reason too.”

1pm: after lunch (left), 9pm: after dinner (right)

1pm: After lunch

“I am currently on a juice cleanse, so I drank bottles of juice in place of having full meals. Even though I wiped my lips and some lipstick transferred onto the mouth of the bottle, there was no visible difference.

The bulk of the colour was still on, but it was less vibrant compared to when I first applied it. My lips felt more dry and the pigments settled into the lines. I could see some cracks on my bottom lip, but from afar it looked pretty good.”

9pm: After dinner

“After 2 more bottles of juice for dinner, the colour fade was more obvious. The lipstick became a lighter brick red colour. The colour wasn’t even anymore and the dry spots were more apparent.”

Final thoughts

“She’s pretty long-wearing compared to many other matte lipsticks that share the same claim. But at the end of the day, it does transfer and budge, just not as much.”

7. Jielin wears the shade Uncensored

10am: First impressions

“I was a huge fan of matte lipsticks until I realised how troublesome it was to touch it up during the day. If my lips are dry, touch-ups will emphasise cracked areas too. RiRi’s liquid lipstick is my first matte lippie in a long time.

The consistency of the Stunna Lip Paint is like melted butter. It went on easily and dried to a matte finish. I usually avoid reds because I feel like they make my teeth look yellow, but this one was flattering on me.”

1pm: after lunch (left), 9pm: after dinner (right)

1pm: After lunch

“I had mala for lunch, and that smudged the colour around the edges of my lips. The lip creases were also more obvious, but they didn’t look very prominent.”

9pm: After dinner

“I had prata for dinner, so I was sceptical about how the lipstick would last since it was a very oily meal. As I ate, there was actually lipstick residue all over the straw I was using, which made me think, ‘This lipstick confirm gone already.’ After dabbing my lips with tissue to get rid of the curry, the lipstick actually didn’t look bad.”

Final thoughts

“I was definitely surprised to see such a bright colour stay on throughout the day without feeling heavy on the lips or fading too much. It’s not perfect because of all the smudging, but it’s not noticeable unless you get up close.”

8. Sheryl wears the shade Uncuffed

10am: First impressions

“The texture of the liquid lipstick looks quite thick and creamy, but when I put it on, it didn’t feel heavy at all. It was very easy to apply and control considering it’s a liquid formula. It went on very evenly and I didn’t have to go over it multiple times to get an even coat on the whole lip.

On my lips, Uncuffed looks like a nudish plum shade. I think it’s nice if you don’t like bright-ass colours like me and prefer a neutral colour.”

1pm: after lunch (left), 9pm: after dinner (right)

1pm: After lunch

“I ate mala for lunch and it stayed on super well. Although it transferred easily when I drank and ate, it didn’t look faded at all. Because it felt so light on my lips, I completely forgot I was wearing anything.”

9pm: After dinner

“For dinner, I had meatball soup with rice. The lipstick didn’t go off but I had some trouble removing it, so it’s truly long-lasting.”

Final thoughts

“The formula didn’t really crack and it didn’t feel uncomfortable on the lips. I would definitely wear it again.”

9. Jade wears the shade Unattached

10am: First impressions

“For this wear test, I tossed my usual gloss and went for a bright, almost neon coral liquid lippie. I stick to sheer, rosy shades on a daily basis, so an opaque, loud colour will be a challenge to pull off.

The unscented, ink-like formula glided across my lips smoothly and settled to a matte finish. But you have to work fast with the Stunna Lip Paint, otherwise you’ll end up with uneven, cakey colour. ”

1pm: after lunch (left), 9pm: after dinner (right)

1pm: After lunch

“Lunch was a greasy bowl of mala. The oil separated some of the pigment and the colour bled on my chopsticks and spoon. After blotting my lips with a tissue to sop up the grease, I checked the mirror, expecting to see a Joker-esque mouth. Lo and behold, the colour was still vibrant and kept within my lip lines.

Up close, the colour had seeped into my lip lines and it was definitely much patchier than when I first applied it. Unless someone gets all up in my face, they won’t notice the parched spots and imperfections.”

9pm: After dinner

“I wasn’t sure if the lipstick would make it through the tom yum pasta I had for dinner, but it kinda did. The colour feathered around my lip line, but it looked just as pigmented as it did post-lunch.

Unlike the shade, I am attached, so I decided to challenge the Stunna Lip Paint’s kiss-proof claim. As expected, the pigments left quite a mess on my boyfriend’s lips after a quick makeout sesh. The colour smudged a tad over my top and bottom lip, but it still looked put-together.”

Final thoughts

“Wearing the liquid lipstick for more than 8 hours really dried out my lips. By 7pm, I was ready to remove the liquid lipstick and throw on a moisturising lip balm. If I were to wear it again, I’d only apply it when I’m heading out for a short event.”

We Put Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint Through An All-Day Wear Test

While some of us found the Stunna Lip Paint a little too drying, most of us could agree on how long-wearing this liquid lipstick truly is. If you’re going to wear this for hours on end, I’d suggest prepping your lips with a lip balm first before swiping this formula on.

You can find Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint on Sephora.sg for $39 each.

Also read:

8 Lesser-Known Superfoods That Will Easily Give You 10/10 Skin

The post 9 Girls Try Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint To See If It Will Last Through Meals & A Makeout Session appeared first on ZULA.sg.

As a beauty writer, I’ve smeared, lathered and layered on a ton of skincare products. But no matter how many formulas I try, I can’t seem to get rid of my acne scars and fix my uneven skin tone. Facial treatments at the spa seem to do the trick, but after a year of visits, my bank account was crying.

For months, I’d seen influencers on my Instagram feed posing away with their RoboCop-like LED masks. They also raved about its skincare benefits in the captions, such as firming and brightening. Since it’s the same technology used in some of my favourite facials, I’d always wondered if I could swap out my spa visits for an at-home treatment instead.

So when I was offered the chance to try an LED mask, I was curious to see if the hype was real.

First impressions

“Wah, that’s a face mask? Jin sui (very beautiful) leh,” my ah beng colleague commented before I brought the set home. Indeed. The white and gold LED mask comes with a magnetic cradle, so you can charge the device through its handheld controller easily.

When not in use, the mask resembles a futuristic sci-fi pod that doubles up as a sleek sculpture on your bedside table.

After moisturising my skin (left); trying the mask on for the first time (right)

After cleansing, toning and moisturising my skin in the evening, I slipped on the LED mask like how I’d wear a pair of sunnies. It felt a little snug around the temples, but it wasn’t uncomfortable by any means. There’s a flexible silicone guard within the mask that’s designed to shield the eyes from the glare too.

The gold strip on the mask is actually transparent, so I could look through the tinted lens. At every 3-minute mark, the device would sound off to let me know how much time I had left. I tuned in to an episode of Terrace House, and before I knew it, my 9-minute session was up.

The marks caused by the eye shield

When I removed the mask, I saw that the eye shield had left a couple of marks across the bridge of my nose. Since I’d only be busting out the LED mask at night, I didn’t think it was a problem at all. There wasn’t a visible difference to my existing acne scars from the first session, but I was still looking forward to seeing what a month’s trial could do.

Midpoint check-in

Period woes: Red patches on my face (left); close-up of my new pimples (right)

Unfortunately, the arrival of my period brought about new zits above my lips. My skin became a little more sensitive, which explains the flush on my cheeks and forehead. Curse you, hormones.

Despite that, my skin felt tighter and appeared more lifted, thanks to 2 weeks of daily LED masking. I have a bad habit of picking my skin, but the mask served as a reminder to back away from the mirror and unwind, even when shit hits the fan during my menstrual cycle.

I thought using the LED mask every day would be a hassle, but it was a breeze. Unlike a serum-filled sheet mask, I didn’t have to keep tugging at the corners to adhere it to my skin, and there was no gloopy serum to clean up. The mask did feel a little heavy though, so I wouldn’t suggest cooking or cleaning while you’re wearing it.

Final thoughts

After 1 month: More even skin tone (left); acne scars were mostly healed (right)

Hormonal zits often overstay their welcome, but over the final 2 weeks, the pimples above my lips healed almost completely. My face wasn’t as flushed and my overall skin tone looked more even. When I cleansed my skin, its texture felt smoother too.

Before (left) and after (right) the 1-month trial

While my dark circles didn’t appear lighter, I did notice a healthier glow to my face. “So this is what I’d look like if I got 8 hours of sleep daily,” I thought. I primarily expected the LED mask to help with my acne scars, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover its other benefits.

I did a bit of research, and here’s what I found. Apart from cultivating plants in space, LED light therapy also aids in cell regeneration to give the skin a boost in bounce and glow. That is probably why my skin looked more radiant after the trial. My face now feels more taut and is visibly less puffy in the mornings too.

Priced at $1,349, the LG Pra.L Derma LED Mask delivers the same results as a spot-correcting facial. All that’s required is a bit of daily diligence.

Also read:

7 Express Facial Treatments Around Singapore’s CBD For A Quick Complexion Pick-Me-Up From $68

LG Pra.L’s skincare devices

Apart from the LED mask, LG Pra.L also offers 3 beauty devices to help cleanse, lift and firm the skin.

For a gentle or deep cleanse

Dual Cleanser ($449)

Like its name suggests, the Dual Cleanser comes with 2 brush heads. For a gentle, daily cleanse, pop on the silicone brush. If you’re struggling with clogged pores, switch it out for the fibre brush to get rid of grime and dead skin.

The waterproof device is also able to detect which brush head you’ve attached to it, so it adjusts its motions accordingly.

To enhance product absorption

Galvanic Ion Booster ($529)

When used with a cleanser, the Galvanic Ion Booster loosens the pores with thermal therapy to draw out dirt and impurities.

The device can also be used after you’ve layered on your serums and moisturiser. It produces a safe level of heat to deliver the beauty benefits of your products deeper into the skin. The metal tip should glide across hydrated skin with minimal tugging.

To lift and firm the skin

Total Lift Up Care ($699)

To show your skin some TLC, use the Total Lift Up Care twice a week. The firming mode uses red LED light and thermal therapy to plump up the skin, while the lifting mode uses microcurrents to stimulate skin tissue for a slimmer face.

After applying your skincare products in the evening, massage your skin with the device.

Using A High-Tech LED Mask For A Month

With continued use, the LG Pra.L Derma LED Mask managed to solve my biggest skincare dilemma, so I can skip expensive, time-consuming facials. Instead of using harsh acid treatments to lighten my scars, the mask offered a gentler way to tackle stubborn spots. My skin tone looks more even too—a major boon in my book.

To check out LG Pra.L’s products in person, head down to TANGS at Tang Plaza, Robinsons The Heeren and Robinsons JEM, and Best Denki at Ngee Ann City.

Check out LG Pra.L’s skincare devices!

This post is brought to you by LG Electronics – Home Beauty.
Photography by Sebastian Tan.

Also read:

8 Beauty Launches in December 2019: Tested, Reviewed & Rated

The post I Used A High-Tech LED Mask For One Month To See If It Could Lighten My Stubborn Acne Scars appeared first on ZULA.sg.

This October, beauty brands are blessing us with a great mix of makeup and skincare products. Among the new launches, there’s a reformulated tinted moisturiser for a “no-makeup” makeup look and a cushion foundation for a matte base.

Those with dry skin are getting pampered this month with a hydrating face mask and antioxidant-rich mist to combat the haze. To guide you through the latest beauty drops, have a look at the products we tried and tested.

Urban Decay Naked Honey Palette ($83)

What is it: A 12-pan eyeshadow palette with earthy neutrals and golden shades.

Why I like it: Unlike the Naked Reloaded Palette, the latest Naked Honey Palette comes with a convenient brush. The palette has plenty of neutral tones to create a subtle smokey eye look too. My favourite in the range has to be HBIC, a metallic champagne with a terracotta undertone.

What I don’t like about it: I find yellow and gold tones incredibly difficult to pull off on my entire eyelid. Drawing inspiration from makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, I used Honey on the inner corner of my eyes for a fun pop of colour.

Rating: 4/5

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF30 ($77)

What is it: A reformulation of its bestselling tinted moisturiser, now with hydrating oils and a higher SPF. It comes in 5 new shades for medium and dark skin tones.

Why I like it: The lightweight tinted cream provides a good dose of moisture and sheer coverage for everyday wear. I didn’t need an extra serum under it, and it lets me skip foundation when I’m too lazy.

What I don’t like about it: Because it’s a tinted moisturiser geared towards drier skin types, it contains shea butter and macadamia oil. When I used it for 4 consecutive days in a week, the formula started to clog my pores, so I’ll be sticking to the oil-free version.

Rating: 3.5/5

M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Complete Coverage Cushion Compact SPF50/PA++++ ($63)

What is it: A matte cushion foundation that provides full coverage for up to 24 hours. It comes in 24 shades developed for Asian skin tones.

Why I like it: The finish of this formula is not completely matte, which could be a bummer to some, but it’s what I prefer. It blurs the appearance of my gaping pores and gives oilier areas a semi-matte, skin-like finish.

What I don’t like about it: After a few hours, the foundation started separating around my T-zone. Granted, it’s the oiliest part on my face, but I was hoping for a more long-lasting formula.

Rating: 3/5

Gucci Beauty Rouge à Lèvres Satin Lipstick & Voile Lipstick ($53, available at Takashimaya D.S. Beauty Hall)

What is it: Inspired by old Hollywood and art deco, these lipsticks come in two textures: Satin, a moisturising cream; and Voile, a sheer gel.

Why I like it: The Satin lipsticks are incredibly saturated, so I only needed a swipe for an opaque colour. The gel texture of the Voile lipstick glide on easily for a sheer wash of colour, which makes the bright lavender shade much less intimidating to wear.

What I don’t like about it: The floral fragrance is too strong and it lingers on my lips for hours. As much as I’d love to use these lipsticks on my cheeks, the scent is just a little too overwhelming.

Rating: 3/5

Also read:

Gucci Makeup Is Now Available In Singapore Starting With 58 Lipsticks At Takashimaya

Benefit Cosmetics Brow Styler Pencil & Powder ($60)

What is it: A 2-in-1 brow product with a wax pencil on one end and a pigmented powder on the other.

Why I like it: Benefit’s Goof Proof Eyebrow Pencil has been my go-to for years because of the precise, angled tip. This new product has a powder on the other end to help make my brows look even fuller.

What I don’t like about it: If you pick up too much powder on the sponge tip, you may end up looking like Angry Bird. Before you start filling your brows, remember to dust off some powder into the vial.

Rating: 3.5/5

Kiehl’s Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask ($69)

What is it: A creamy face mask made with avocado oil and evening primrose oil to hydrate dry skin.

Why I like it: My skin was feeling dehydrated and sensitive, so this mask arrived right on time. Like mashed avocados, the rich texture gave my skin some much-needed hydration. It soothed the red patches on my cheeks and didn’t leave a greasy residue on my face after I rinsed it off.

What I don’t like about it: The mask was chunky and messy when applied directly on my skin the first time. I learned to mash the product in my palms first for a smoother consistency.

Rating: 4.5/5

Sigi Skin Dew Potion ($48)

What is it: A hydrating facial mist that’s packed with antioxidants like chamomile flower extract and licorice.

Why I like it: When I’m feeling a little groggy at my desk, a few spritzes of this mist refreshes my skin and wakes me up. It was given to me at peak haze period too, so it helps to protect my skin from pollutants in the air.

What I don’t like about it: It can leave the skin quite shiny when sprayed on top of makeup. If you’ve got oily skin like me, try using it as a hydrating toner before moisturiser instead.

Rating: 4/5

Pixi Retinol Jasmine Lotion ($35, available at Sephora from 10 October)

What is it: A light, moisturising lotion that contains retinol to increase collagen production.

Why I like it: At first whiff, I detected a floral, slightly metallic scent that was quite pleasant. The formula glides smoothly over my skin and sinks in quickly without leaving a greasy feel behind.

What I don’t like about it: There’s no indication of how strong the retinol is, so it was tough to determine how often I should be using it. Although the lotion is lightweight, tiny little bumps started to form along my jawline after using it for consecutive nights.

Rating: 2.5/5

Payday Picks October 2019

October’s skincare and makeup launches are here to keep your complexion glowing all day long. When you’ve got a good base going, add on touches of yellow and lavender to switch up your daily makeup routine.

Also read:

Gucci Makeup Is Now Available In Singapore Starting With 58 Lipsticks At Takashimaya

The post 8 Beauty Launches in October 2019: Tested, Reviewed & Rated appeared first on ZULA.sg.

Last year, the Spa Esprit Group birthed TWO L(I)PS, a range of intimate care products for the vulva. This year, the brand has crafted more products, one of which is the Undercover vulva cream.

This product contains Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-36, a peptide that reduces blemishes and inhibits the production of melanin to lighten stubborn dark spots on the vulva.

As a beauty writer, it’s my job to test a variety of products, no matter which pair of lips they go on. So, I took the cream home to try for 3 weeks.

Where and when to apply the cream

The instructions say to apply the cream on your vulva every night before you sleep. And if you don’t know where your vulva is, have a look at this illustration provided by TWO L(I)PS below.

Source

While most of us refer to the entire genital area as “vagina”, the vulva actually includes the labia majora (outer lips), labia minora (inner lips), urethral opening and the vaginal opening. The vagina, on the other hand, is the internal organ within you.

TWO L(I)PS also encourages you to use this on your face for visibly lighter blemishes and pigmentation. So apply this on your face before bedtime and remember to slather on sunscreen the next morning.

Also read:

The Harmful Effects Of Feminine Hygiene Soaps That Advertisers Don’t Tell You

Trying out a vulva cream for 3 weeks

Twist the cap to unlock

On the first night, I reached for the cream and fumbled with the dispenser for a few seconds before realising I had to twist the cap anti-clockwise to unlock the pump.

As I smoothed the cream on my vulva, I noticed that its texture was closer to that of a lotion. The light consistency allowed the cream to absorb in seconds, so you don’t have to spread your legs and wait for the product to sink in. There’s no sticky residue too—a bonus in my book.

The lotion-like consistency

Formulated without common nasties such as petrochemicals, parabens and sulphates, the Undercover cream is gynaecologically and dermatologically tested, so it’s safe to use on the most delicate of nether regions.

As someone with incredibly sensitive skin, I also liked that it didn’t contain any synthetic fragrance or essential oils in the formula, minimising the possibility of irritation.

After 3 weeks, I noticed softer skin, probably attributed to the olive fruit oil. However, I didn’t see any difference when it came to two of my dark spots and overall skin tone. There were no blemishes to heal during this trial period either, so I couldn’t judge its efficacy adequately.

(I snapped before and after pictures for reference, but obviously, I don’t want to leave everyone scarred for all eternity and lose my job simultaneously.)

My issue with most intimate care products

I’m no stranger to the aftermath of a Brazilian wax, so ingrown hairs, pigmentation and the odd blemish are common. They’re tiny issues I hadn’t given much thought to before. But when this product landed on my desk and I started going through the press materials, my insecurities were abruptly magnified.

Are my dark spots obvious and unsightly? Is my vulva considered “ugly” by modern standards? Has my boyfriend ever thought about how horrible I look down there? Those were just a few dramatic thoughts fuelled by my old pal, Anxiety.

Days after I started using the product, Estée Laundry, an anonymous beauty collective, posted about the Undercover cream on Instagram Stories. One of their followers commented on how products like these prey on our insecurities, and I agree.

Source

Like other controversial trends that seek to improve the aesthetics of the female genitalia, vulva lightening is a by-product of mainstream pornography as performers tend to have fairer, spot-free vulvas. These images trickle down to the rest of society, projecting unrealistic expectations onto girls and women.

Intimate care products thrive on our personal embarrassment, but we have to work towards removing that stigma.

A Review Of TWO L(I)PS’ Undercover Cream

While I do recognise the effort to address blemishes and pigmentation, TWO L(I)PS could have formulated its Undercover cream with a gentle, vulva-safe chemical exfoliant that encourages cell turnover instead of an ingredient that hinders melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its natural colour.

If you’re looking for an alternative way to stop pimples and dark spots from forming on your vulva, you can try swapping out underwear that’s made of lace or polyester for cotton ones. Cotton is a breathable material that wicks moisture away from the skin to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

TWO L(I)PS’ Undercover is priced at $120. If you’d like to purchase a bottle and try it out yourself, head over to its website to browse the full range.

Also read:

I Reviewed A S$28 Vulva Sheet Mask To See If I Could Give My Vajayjay A Glow Up

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