Whether it’s picking up a limited edition product or discovering a gem of a brand, beauty shopping can be so much more fun when you’re on holiday. It’s even better when these buys come highly recommended. Here are what our industry experts and enthusiasts stock up on during their travels.
“I buy both drugstore brands and higher end products because my clients appreciate both ends of the spectrum. To be honest, we all love novelty finds and are curious of what the other side of the world has to offer in terms of beauty products.”
Where: Japan
Why I love it: “I’ve been a fan of Suqqu since I found out about the brand six years ago. When I first tried its cream foundation then, I remember the result was incredible. So when it recently launched the liquid foundation to be as skin-like as possible, I knew I had to try it.”
Where: Japan
Why I love it: “It’s one of the go-to brands when it comes to makeup in Japan, and it offers a variety of eye-catching tones and colours. I was looking for a concealer palette at that time, and this didn’t disappoint.”
Available at Addiction boutiques.
“While we’re fortunate to have a big beauty retail scene in Singapore, as a makeup artist, I’m always looking for products that can extend our creativity, which can sometimes be limited.”
Where: Italy
Why I love it: “Kiko Cosmetics has a huge range of products from skincare to makeup and even nail colours. The prices are pretty wallet-friendly too.”
Where: US
Why I love it: “This range of professional makeup products, like the Chromacakes that are often used for body painting, are only available in select countries around the world. It’s a range that makeup artists love.
“I like to do my homework beforehand. I’ll research what the latest trend products are online, or check in with friends who are based in the country I’m visiting. When I’m there, I’ll make sure to try out the textures, especially for skincare, to ensure that they’re suitable for our hot and humid climate, and will hold up well.”
Where: South Korea
Why I love it: “It’s pretty popular in South Korea as it’s a moisture-packed gel mask that effectively hydrates, soothes and cools irritated skin. It’s ideal when skin flares up due to the change in weather or climate.”
Where: Japan
Why I love it: “It has a very good combination of colour that’s just right for the under-eye area. It conceals nicely, especially when addressing dark circles and dullness, and yet doesn’t feel cakey over time.”
Available at Kesalan Patharan boutiques.
“Singapore actually has plenty of products available, so I don’t really buy skincare overseas unless it’s a spur-ofthe- moment thing, such as Tamburins when I’m in Seoul, or maybe buying mascara in bulk when I’m shopping in Duane Reade in NYC.”
Where: Australia
Why I love it: “Lanolips always has such amazing reviews online, so when I was in Australia, I bought a tube to try – and I became addicted. Plus, it comes in a variety of colours too.”
Where: UK
Why I love it: “One of my most favourite mascaras in the world, this is so waterproof that it stays on even after a swim as the formula repels water when it sets. On my last trip to London, I bought 10 pieces, and I’ve since run out. It’s time to go back to stock up on more.”
“I usually look out for interesting and unique beauty products, from funky heated eyelash curlers and colourchanging lipsticks to face tape that physically pulls and lifts the face temporarily. I enjoy seeking out what’s popular in each country – Japan and Korea often win in this category. I also like to buy sanitary pads and tampons to try and see if they have something better.”
Where: Japan
Why I love it: “These magical eye drops are so useful, especially for brides who have early mornings. They relieve fatigued eyes and magically help make your eye whites, white. It takes away the redness in the eyes. It’s really cool, but best used sparingly.
Where: Japan
Why I love it: “These hair wax sticks are so helpful for taming stubborn baby hairs and flyaways. They’re really popular and cheap in Japan, so I would usually get a few different variants – regular hold, strong hold, or any other ones that are on sale. While the brand is now available in Singapore, I do believe that it would be cheaper in Japan.”
“I like looking for local brands and sometimes, I’ll even ask for recommendations from salon staff there. I’m also a sucker for scents, so there are times when I would buy a product simply because it smells great. These days, I’m also on the lookout for clean beauty products because of the growing movement, especially online. But let’s just say that I’ve not found anything that works well for me. It might tick the right boxes ingredient-wise, but efficacy is still somewhat lacking, sadly.”
Where: South Korea
Why I love it: “This product is ridiculously good. It’s meant to be applied on both the scalp and hair, and all it needs is just seven seconds to work. My hair fall has reduced, and my scalp is less itchy and irritated. It also has great anti-frizz properties and leaves my hair smoother than many other conditioners in the market.”
Where: Japan
Why I love it: “This is more hydrating than many moisturisers I’ve tried, yet it’s not oily thanks to its watery texture. With this, I can even skip my moisturiser in the day. I simply layer another serum on top, followed by sunscreen, and I’m done.”
“I’m constantly on the lookout for haircare products. I also like to check out different hairstyling equipment because of the obvious price difference in the countries where the brands are from. At the same time, these brands often have a wider selection of models available that use the newest, cuttingedge technology.”
Where: Japan
Why I love it: “Sadly, this haircare range has been discontinued in Singapore, which is why I stock up on it when I visit Japan. The products – from hair oils to hair masks, and even the styling sprays – are made using good quality ingredients.”
Where: US
Why I love it: “There are over 16 distinct plant extracts in this, and it’s designed to clean the hair thoroughly, leaving it feeling healthy and looking shiny. It also helps restore the scalp’s natural pH balance, which makes it conducive for new hair growth. I usually only use shampoo when I’m travelling, so this is perfect.”
“When I find beauty products that are exclusive to the country I’m visiting or are locally made, it feels like I’m experiencing the beauty secrets of another culture. Plus, they also serve as great mementoes!”
Where: France
Why I love it: “I love all its candles, but my favourite ones are Mint Lemonade and Gardez-moi. They smell really nice, and that really sets the mood for me. I like to light one in my bathroom and at my vanity area as I unwind for the day. Oh, and they make great gifts too!”
Where: UAE
Why I love it: “I love the scent, and it feels really good on the skin. It uses dead sea salt and pure organic oil, so my body and skin feel super nourished after a scrub down.”
“I don’t limit myself to specific categories. In general, I enjoy checking out the selection available in whatever country I travel to.”
Where: Australia
Why I love it: “The soothing scent of these pure essential oils is so calming. It’s suitable for sensitive skin too. The store is a lovely oasis filled with a wide range of natural skincare.”
Where: Malaysia
Why I love it: “The stone is naturally porous, which makes it a good diffuser for the essential oil. I also like to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, and apply the mixture on the insides of my wrists for better sleep.”
“I usually look out for brands that Youtubers have mentioned before, especially those who are living in the countries I’m visiting.”
Where: France
Why I love it: “I love using facial oils when I travel to colder climates, and they’re a must-have when I go snowboarding because the temperatures can dip well below zero. This is an innovative blend of active oils, prebiotics and postbiotic lipids that helps to repair and strengthen the skin barrier.”
Where: South Korea
Why I love it: “It’s gentle on the pocket. A little goes a long way, and the watery texture makes it easy to apply. It’s not sticky, and leaves a tint that lasts for hours.”
“I’m always on the hunt for broad spectrum sunscreens that are lightweight, noncomedogenic and affordable. So I always make a beeline for the sunscreen section, especially in drugstores.”
Where: Japan
Why I love it: “This sunscreen is one of my favourites to use – it offers broad spectrum protection, feels weightless on my skin, and leaves behind a beautiful, radiant finish.”
Where: US
Why I love it: “This moisturiser is full of ceramides and hyaluronic acid that keep my skin moisturised, especially when I’m overseas. It doesn’t clog my pores and is very affordable. It’s a US brand, but I managed to pick up a stash during my recent Paris trip.”
“I like to search for products with new and unusual ingredients, or new forms of delivery, like patches or sprays.”
Where: South Korea
Why I love it: “I like that it’s a neutral palette that’s suitable for my skin tone. It’s good for daily use, and it takes me from a daytime office look to a night out with ease.”
Where: France
Why I love it: “This bespoke fragrance brand is only found in Paris. I love how they decant your chosen scent out of huge decanters into bottles for you to purchase.”
“I tend to look out for uncommon local brands that contain ingredients backed by science.”
Where: Australia
Why I love it: “This contains AHA, as well as vitamins B3, C and E – lots of important actives that are antioxidant and anti-ageing, yet with minimal potential to irritate skin.”
“Besides items that aren’t yet available in Singapore or limited edition collaborations, price matters too. More often than not, you can save quite a bit purchasing beauty products from their home country.”
Where: South Korea
Why I love it: “I’ve tried so many different BB and CC cushions, and this one ranks high on my buy again list. The formula goes on smoothly, and you just need a little bit for that healthy, dewy glow.”
Where: France
Why I love it: “I was first introduced to this by a makeup artist who used it as a primer for a shoot. Since then, I’ve been stocking up whenever I’m in France. It’s gentle even when my skin feels particularly sensitive, and I like that it’s fragrance-free as well. The good news? The brand is now in Singapore too.”
“I don’t stick to a particular category when I do my beauty shopping. I typically go for locally made products that aren’t available or not as easily found back in Singapore.”
Where: Thailand
Why I love it: “This mirrored compact comes with four versatile, highly pigmented eye shades – you can even use the shimmery shades as highlight, and a matte blush. It works just as well applied with your fingers as it does with a brush.”
Where: Thailand
Why I love it: “I was introduced to this mascara by another beauty editor. I’m thoroughly impressed by its lifting powers and how it lengthens my stubby, almost invisible lashes. The formula is clump-free and long-wearing.”
“I like trying out products from South Korea. Besides having a wider range to choose from, I can also try newly launched products that aren’t available in Singapore yet. Sometimes, there are even products featured in Korean dramas that pique my interest, making me more inclined to get my hands on them so I can try them too.”
Where: South Korea
Why I love it: “This unique multi balm has been featured in so many K-dramas and even variety shows. The product is a face care balm in a stick form that’s formulated with Jeju Fermented Oil, known for its moisturising properties. It can be applied on areas like your neck, under-eye area, forehead and even lips to smooth fine lines and improve skin’s luminosity.”
Where: South Korea Why I love it: “It’s light and watery at first swipe, but gives a soft and smooth finish that’s transfer-proof and feels weightless after it settles. I do love the brand for its packaging and luscious formulas.”