Anyone who keeps up with the latest beauty news on their social media feed will probably have heard of Drunk Elephant and recognise its signature coloured-coded packaging and skincare smoothies. You might also have seen TikTok It girl Alix Earle’s post where she raves about the brand’s bronzing serum drops to her six million followers.
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Drunk Elephant was born in 2013 from founder Tiffany Masterson’s mission to create clean beauty products that solve skincare woes sans irritants and sensitisers. Since then, the Houston-based skincare line has expanded into hair and body care, becoming one of Sephora’s fastest-growing brands of all time. It recently opened its first flagship store in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and made its debut in Shanghai, China, at Sephora.
ELLE Singapore caught up with the beauty mogul who shared her summer essentials and skincare tips for the warmer weather ahead.
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What are the skincare must-haves you can’t live without?
I love a great cleanser, vitamin C serum, retinol oil, hydrating serum, moisturiser with peptides and ceramides, and tinted mineral sunscreen. At night, I use a glycolic night serum, Marula facial oil, and finish it off with a layer of an overnight mask. If I’ve been in the water, I’ll use a nourishing skin salve.
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Which ingredients should people avoid?
The first thing I always tell people to avoid are ingredients known to trigger acne and inflammation in the skin—we call them “The Suspicious Six”. These include essential oils, fragrances, drying alcohol, harsh sulphates, chemical sunscreens, and silicones. They can block the absorption of important ingredients and irritate the skin. Instead, try azelaic acid which is an incredible ingredient for keeping blemishes and discolouration at bay.
What are your skincare tips for tropical climates?
A gentle exfoliating serum will help remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and block the absorption of important ingredients. Hydration is key all year around, so follow it up with a hydrating serum or treatment. Always wear your sunscreen—it’s non-negotiable—and try cleansing only at night to support your skin’s barrier, which is its first line of defence. Using our colour serum drops, which can be mixed into any moisturiser, serum or oil, can give the skin an ethereal summer glow. Plus, they’re filled with great skincare ingredients like peptides and antioxidants.
In addition to skincare, what are some lifestyle habits you believe contribute to the skin's health?
Hydrate as much as you can, try to stay away from inflammatory foods, keep alcohol to a minimum and eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, taking fish oil supplements, exercising, always wearing your sunscreen, and most importantly, avoiding smoking—that’s a killer for the skin!
What skincare trends will shape the landscape this season?
Less is more. I’ve always thought that brands shouldn’t be telling people exactly what they need in a routine, because it’s specific to each person. This is why we love to educate and give people those tools so that they can use what is needed, and nothing more.
Beyond beauty, what fashion and lifestyle items can you not live without during the summer season?
A raffia bag, some comfortable, flat sandals, and a basic, flowy dress to throw on and run errands in as where I live is very hot and humid.
Tiffany's Summer Essentials
Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30, $52, DRUNK ELEPHANT.
Wonderwild Miracle Butter, $57, DRUNK ELEPHANT.
Lippe Balm, $28, DRUNK ELEPHANT.