10 beauty products in Johor Bahru that are shockingly cheaper than Singapore

As someone who loves personal care and beauty products, I’m always on the lookout for good deals on drugstore essentials like skincare, makeup removers, and shampoos.

One popular way many Singaporeans save on these must-haves is by making a quick trip across the Causeway to Johor Bahru, Malaysia. But with the hassle of going through customs, is it really worth it? To find out, we compared prices at drugstores like Guardian and Watsons in both Singapore and Malaysia to see if shopping in Johor Bahru truly lives up to the hype.

Note: Prices and currency conversions are accurate at the time of writing.

Bifesta Cleansing Sheet Sebum 46’s

Price in Malaysia: RM19.53 (S$5.96)
Price in Singapore: $11.84
Savings: 50%

I always buy these when I come to JB because they’re almost half the price compared to Singapore. These quick and easy cleansing sheets are enriched with green tea extract and hyaluronic acid to thoroughly remove makeup while controlling oiliness and reducing pore size. One sheet is more than enough to clean my entire face, which makes my skincare routine quick and fuss-free.

Skintific Ultra Cover Powder Foundation

Price in Malaysia: RM35.70 (S$10.89)
Price in Singapore: $22.90
Savings: 52%

Skintific Ultra Cover Powder Foundation is a lightweight powder foundation known for its pore-blurring, high coverage finish that doesn’t get cakey. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like squalane (non-comedogenic oil), ectoin (protective and soothing properties), and antioxidants, it keeps skin hydrated, controls oil, and protects against daily stressors. 

If you’re keen to give it a shot, it costs 50% less in JB, great for a risk-free first try. 

Hada Labo Moisturising Face Wash 100g

Price in Malaysia: RM31.12 (S$9.50)
Price in Singapore: $14.05
Savings: 32%

This gentle face wash is a staple in my routine as it cleanses thoroughly without stripping moisture from my skin. It’s enriched with hydrating ingredients that leave my skin feeling clean, soft, and ready for the next steps. Since it costs roughly 30% less in JB, I always make sure to grab an extra tube on the way out. 

Maybelline Line Tattoo Crayon Pen

Price in Malaysia: RM34.70 (S$10.59)
Price in Singapore: $15.12
Savings: 30%

Even with discounts in Singapore, this eyeliner is still about 30% cheaper in JB — which is why I prefer picking it up there. It may not be a luxury product, but it gets the job done on a budget, making precise lines effortless and lasting all day.

L’oreal Paris Elseve Gold Extraordinary Hair Oil 100ml

Price in Malaysia: RM49.47 (S$15.10)
Price in Singapore: $30.20
Savings: 50%

Singapore Watsons currently has a promotion where you can buy two bottles for $39.26, reducing the price to about $19.63 per bottle. Even with this deal, Malaysia’s price is still about half that, making it a clear winner for saving money. This nourishing hair oil revitalises and adds shine while protecting hair from damage, so it’s my must-buy for keeping my hair silky and healthy without splurging.

Canmake Quick Lash Curler

Price in Malaysia: RM24.95 (S$7.61)
Price in Singapore: $13.75
Savings: 45%

Who says you’ve got to spend over $50 for a good mascara? This Japanese mascara for just $7 is good enough, at least for me. Pro tip: brush your lashes with loose powder first, and then apply mascara. You can ugly cry an entire day, and it won’t run (tried and tested, don’t ask why). At 45% cheaper in JB, it’s a beauty steal you don’t want to miss.

St Ives Naturally Clear Apricot Blemish & Blackhead Control Scrub

Price in Malaysia: RM19.50 (S$5.95)
Price in Singapore: $11.10
Savings: 46%

I know this product has a bit of a bad rep for causing “microscopic tears” within the beauty community, with some saying it’s harsh on their skin, but for me, it works like a charm. I only use it to scrub lightly about once a week, and my skin is glowing. And with nearly 46% discount in JB, it’s always in my shopping basket whenever it runs out.

Revlon Photoready Concealer

Price in Malaysia: RM42.41 (S$12.94)
Price in Singapore: $24.90
Savings: 48%

This concealer delivers excellent coverage for imperfections while blending seamlessly into the skin, giving a natural, flawless finish. I love how it brightens and smooths uneven areas without feeling heavy or cakey. It lasts a really long time, so it’s great value for money.

If you have yet to try Revlon’s concealer, you can consider picking it during your next JB trip. With the price almost half of Singapore’s, it’s a small sum to spend even if you find it’s not your perfect match. 

Garnier Skin Naturals Micellar Water Vitamin C 400Ml

Price in Malaysia: RM34.80 (S$10.62)
Price in Singapore: $17.15
Savings: 38%

If makeup wipes are not your jam, Garner’s micellar water should do the trick. It not only sweeps away makeup effortlessly but also refreshes and brightens your skin with every use. Since it’s about 38% cheaper in JB, I always grab a couple of bottles there for my friends and family. 

Liese Creamy Bubble Hair Dye

Price in Malaysia: RM41.80 (S$12.76)
Price in Singapore: $20.30
Savings: 37%

We all know how pricey salon visits in Singapore can be. While doing it yourself at home already saves a lot, you can save even more by buying your hair dye from Malaysia. If you have a long mane reaching beyond your shoulders, it’s a good idea to grab two boxes to ensure full coverage without running out.

I have personally used Liese since I was 16, and I love how easy this foam hair dye makes coloring my hair at home — no mess, no fuss, just rich, vibrant color with a salon-quality finish. The creamy bubbles penetrate evenly for smooth coverage, and the formula leaves my hair feeling soft rather than dry or damaged.