Best new-to-Singapore skincare brands (and picks) of 2017

Beauty aficionados had a lot to celebrate in 2017 with many renowned beauty brands landing on our shores. Even better? Most of these brands are stripped off harmful chemicals and fragrances and cruelty-free, to boot.

Ahead, we rounded up a slew of our favourite beauty brands in 2017 that are new to the Singapore market from minimalist skincare brands like RE:ERTH and THREE to K-beauty cult brands like Cosrx and Blithe.

ALSO READ: 7 PRODUCTS FROM K-BEAUTY BRANDS THAT JUST ARRIVED IN SINGAPORE

Blithe is yet another Korean skincare brand that landed our shores early this year. The brand boasts unique products formulated to counter the signs of pollution and aging, resulting in the brand’s cleverly coined portmanteau, “anti-polluging”. There are four main product types ( intensive sheet masks, patting water packs, pressed serums and vital treatments) tailored to suit a whole range of skincare needs and concerns.

A must-try product from this brand is its abalone sheet mask ($46 for a box of 8 sheets). Like a waterbed for your face, this goopy sheet locks moisture in place with its minerals, proteins and amino acids that are derived from abalone extract. Wouldn’t this make a great gift for Chinese New Year?

Photo: Blithe/Instagram

ALSO READ: 7 PRODUCTS FROM K-BEAUTY BRANDS THAT JUST ARRIVED IN SINGAPORE

Over the past year, South Korean skincare brand, Cosrx, has amassed quite a following. The skincare brand recently made its way to local drugstore, Watsons. The brand is dedicated to producing beauty products that are loaded with actives, all while maintaining an affordable price point.

One bottled superstar is the brand’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ($22). When applied after toner, this serum that is juiced up 96 per cent snail secretion breaks up dark spots with regular use while hydrating and and brightening your complexion at the same time.

Photo: Cosrx/Instagram

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If you are well-acquainted with Mamonde, you would be no stranger to the floral-based beauty brand. The brand is best known for the lip tints and balms worn by brand ambassador, Park Shin Hye, in K-dramas like Pinocchio and Doctor Crush. More than just a makeup brand, the South Korean brand also has hydrating skincare products that are inspired by flowers.

If you are new to the brand, pick up the Rose Water Toner ($22) that is packed with 90.80 per cent damask rose water that will soothe irritated skin and purge impurities in clogged pores.

Photo: Mamonde/Instagram

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For busy ladies who are not able to commit to lengthy skincare routines like the 10-step Korean routine skincare regime – enter this minimalist skincare brand. Designed by a group of young entrepreneurs (four Singaporeans and one Japanese), RE:ERTH is all about bringing out the skin’s natural beauty with botanical-based ingredients like Japanese white turmeric. Japanese white turmeric is the star ingredient in the brand’s formulation because of its ability to preserve skin’s hyaluronic acid, stimulate skin cells and boost collagen production.

In line with the brand’s philosophy to provide an easy and fuss-free skincare solution for busy women, the skincare line consists of just six products – The Clarifying Cleanser ($87), Purifying Bar soap ($35), Calming Toner ($87), Multi-Targeted Elixir ($135), Hydrating Gel Moisturizer ($106) and Smoothing Eye Cream ($125). Cult favourites include the elixir that soothes and hydrates the skin and the eye cream that is incredibly nourishing whilst still being lightweight.

Photo: RE:ERTH/Instagram

ALSO READ: 7 PRODUCTS FROM K-BEAUTY BRANDS THAT JUST ARRIVED IN SINGAPORE

Pronounced as “soom”, the South Korean brand specialises in naturally fermented skincare. Compared to artificial fermentation, natural fermentation produces 166 times more good bacteria than artificial fermentation. In the natural fermentation process, raw ingredients are also broken down into micro particles which makes it easier for your skin to absorb all the good stuff. Also, because naturally fermented products are detoxifying, they are hypoallergenic and gentle even for those with sensitive skin.

The hero product for Su:m37 is its Secret Essence ($108). Made from more than 80 naturally fermented plant extracts, this pre-serum melts into the skin, brightening and boosting collagen, A dime size amount of this product delivers a wallop of moisture that turns papery skin pliant.  

Photo: Su:m37/Instagram

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Protecting your skin from sun damage is extremely important because 90 per cent of the signs of ageing are caused by regular exposure to the sun. That is why it is crucial for you to slap on sunscreen on a daily basis. If you are hunting for the right sunscreen, pick up one from Supergoop!.

Co-owned by tennis superstar, Maria Sharapova, Supergoop! is the first and only prestige skincare brand that is dedicated to sun protection and UV-focused skincare range. The brand offers an impressive range of sunscreens of varying textures, from oils to mists to soufflé-like mousse, so you are bound to find a texture that you like.

Photo: Supergoop/Instagram

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The Japanese cult beauty brand is best known for its holistic skincare. Using ingredients from Japan, the skincare brand prides itself on conforming to international organic certification standards and using finest plant-based ingredients like essential oils, botanical oils and plant extracts. The brand also has a makeup range that is packed with organic botanical oils that will pamper your skin while accentuating your best features. 

Since THREE is a Japanese makeup brand, it has a colour palette that will flatter most Asian skin tones. Most of the shades in its eyeshadow palette and eye gloss, for instance, are neutral colours like copper and brown that not only complement Asian skin tones but are also perfect for everyday wear. The brand’s bestseller is its balancing cleansing oil ($68) that removes excess sebum, makeup and impurities in the gentlest way.

Photo: THREE/Instagram

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