Business development manager Caroline Chin, 38, recalled that some brands of foundation are 'so oily', her skin would 'feel uncomfortable and look cakey'.

That was until she discovered YoungBlood mineral cosmetics early this year. It is a range of makeup made entirely from natural minerals.

Such makeup derive colours not from dyes, but from minerals found in the earth.

The minerals are crushed and milled until they are extremely fine to obtain the colour pigments.

Some are further enriched with plant extracts, vitamins, and essential fatty acids to nourish or heal the skin.

YoungBlood mineral cosmetics - known to have a cult following among some local celebrities - can be found here only at the Medspa in Camden Medical Centre.

Launched here in March this year, the line of cosmetics is suitable for women with sensitive or problematic skin. Products cost between $28 for a lip pencil and $89 for liquid mineral foundation.

DOESN'T FEEL LIKE MAKEUP

Makeup artist Evelyn Foo, in her 40s, said: 'The mineral powder is extremely fine so that you don't even feel like you have makeup on. It offers great coverage and gives you a glow.'

Plastic surgeon Ivor Lim, Medspa's medical director, started stocking the cosmetics for patients to cover redness, severe lesions and scars.

Dr Lim said: 'Mineral cosmetics are perfect for patients who have undergone cosmetic procedures such as laser treatments or chemical peels because it is completely natural, without any artificial colouring or preservatives.

'It can be used on women with sensitive skin without causing flare-ups.'

Unlike conventional makeup brands, mineral cosmetics do not have an expiry date because the minerals used cannot support bacteria growth.

Because of the size and shape of the mineral powder, it sits on the skin and won't enter or clog pores.

And because it is also water-resistant, it can be worn by athletes during sports. It has natural sun protection qualities, and is not tested on animals.

YoungBlood is the latest offering from Medspa, the first medical spa which opened here in 2005.

There are about 10 medical spas in Singapore, offering 'medical-grade' spa treatments.

Medspa's services include its signature UltrasonoPeel - a facial treatment that painlessly exfoliates the skin using high frequency ultrasound waves. It is said to reduce pigmentation and fine lines, refining pores and stimulating collagen production.

Dr Lim also created his own line of medical-grade skincare products called Dr Ivor J Lim Skin Solutions.

He said: 'I was getting some complaints from patients that certain skincare products that they had bought off the shelves were irritating their skin, resulting in redness and break-outs.

'So I decided to come up with a range of products that was a fusion of scientific technology and nature's active botanicals - gentle enough even for sensitive skin.'

The star product in the range is the skin recovery cream, recommended to patients who have just done a laser treatment or light therapy.

Dr Lim said that Medspa hopes to provide an 'integrated and seamless service', where patients who have gone for certain surgical procedures can continue with their treatment at the spa.

He said: 'For example, a patient who has gone for liposuction at the clinic can go for spa treatment next door to further tone the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. It is the perfect marriage of medicine and beauty.'

The spa even has a discreet back door for those who prefer privacy, including celebrities.