From The Straits Times    |

The Sakura has been a symbol of Japanese beauty for a long time, just like as the rose represents beauty in the West.

Here, we take you on a beauty journey around the world to discover five destinations in a new light – how they are iconic for beauty and to discover their award-winning beauty products.

Read on to find out more about the USA. 

Famous For: Hollywood, New York City, the Statue of Liberty, Disneyland, Hamburgers and Silicon Valley

Photo: 123rf

From its bustling cities and nature-filled wonders (Yellowstone Park, The Grand Canyon) to the global centre of many Info-Tech start-ups and companies, there is probably no country as varied as the USA.

New York City, the city that doesn’t sleep, is still on the top of many people’s bucket list, and rightly so. It’s the place that gave us the famous (or infamous) television series and movie, Sex and the City, and made Cosmopolitans a must-have cocktail at every girlfriend outing. And while you’re there, why not catch a musical at Broadway, take a stroll through Central Park and visit The Met museum and sit on the steps (ala Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl). And of course, do make time to explore hipster and artsy Brooklyn.

Or do as the celebrities do and visit Canyon Ranch — easily the country’s most well-known spa and wellness resort. It also boasts a celebrity clientele — January Jones, Debra Messing and even the late Kurt Cobain, have all spent time there. The group currently has four locations — Tucson Arizona, Lenox Massachusetts and Las Vegas Nevada with Woodside California opening this Summer. Each resort offers a plethora of activities and spa treatments for a truly holistic retreat.

Beauty Standards

Photo: 123rf

Just as varied as the country is, so too are its beauty standards. New Yorkers are often depicted as laid-back and fuss-free, opting to keep things natural and classy when it comes to makeup, or even going barefaced, instead of spending hours doing their makeup and hair.

While thanks to the perennial sunshine in Los Angeles, women there tend to prefer a glowing tan and svelte figures that perfectly illustrates the idea of “California Girls” (Think Baywatch and Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley series).

In addition, there is the constant pursuit for perfection, especially seen from the women on the West Coast. It is no secret that many Americans often embark on crash diets and make regular salon visits or to their dermatologists, dentists and/or aesthetic surgeons to achieve their beauty ideals. Some memorable beauty trends that America has introduced over the years include tanning beds, spray tans and dental veneers for super white and straight chiclet smile.

When it comes to makeup, American women are always keeping up with the newest trends, be it a new lip colour, strobing or contouring facial features, and this in part is thanks to American celebrities. Case in point, the Kardashian-Jenner sisters have been responsible for starting and resurrecting many beauty trends from matte lips to bootylicious bottoms and waist trainers (a corset-like contraption that cinches in the waist to give you an hourglass figure).

Did You Know…?

With Hollywood leading the charge to include more actors and actresses of colour in movies and television in the recent years, American beauty brands have also joined in by not only showcasing women with different skin tones in their advertisement campaigns but also by offering more products such as foundation shade options to suit their needs. And together with the increased use of various social media platforms, it looks like the face of beauty in America, and around the world, is slowly but surely changing.

Popular and award-winning beauty products from USA:

These winning and signature products are available at Takashimaya Beauty Hall, or check out Takashimaya’s Beauty Escapade event here.

Coach ID Lanyard
Now $75
Original price: $168
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Jabra Elite 4 Wireless Earbuds
Now $88
Original price: $162
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BaByliss Air Pro 2300
Now $63
Original price: $144
Shop Now
Abib Collagen Eye Patch
Now $19
Original price: $35
Shop Now