Revenge Travel Now: Where to shop for beauty products in Singapore
Words by Rae Angelei Regalado
I recently got the opportunity to go on vacation for the first time since the pandemic started back in 2020. I needed somewhere fun, yummy and preferably close by. Singapore was the obvious choice.
Aside from being one of the food capitals of the world, Singapore is also known for fashion and beauty - a fact that any fan of Crazy Rich Asians can attest to! Every glamorous outfit on that movie was topped with perfect skin and amazing makeup. In between sight-seeing at Marina Bay and chowing down on sumptuous chili crab, I was on a mission to find the best places in Singapore to indulge my love affair with skincare and cosmetics.
Whether you’ve misplaced your cosmetic bag at the airport or loading up on products and stores we don’t get back home, Singapore is a place that can’t be beat. Here’s where to do your beauty shopping!
SEPHORA
The iconic black and white façade serves as a beacon for great beauty finds. There’s one in almost every major shopping mall! Stores are huge and well stocked with beauty guru-approved brands. Names like Charlotte Tilbury, Drunk Elephant, and Tarte offer products that just beg to be put into your basket. It was impossible to leave without buying anything, so I went ahead and bought one of their best-selling products which was the KVD Tattoo Liner at $34.
Find the nearest Sephora when you stay in Singapore.
GUARDIAN
Guardian much like the name suggests has got your back. Guardian is Hongkong’s largest health and beauty store and has found its way into the hearts and lives of Singaporeans. Offering a wide range of quality personal, beauty, and health care items, Guardian appeals to every type of consumer.
The store reminded me of Watsons back in the Philippines with their stands and counters full of everyday drugstore products. Taking a poke around, I found brands that I’ve never even heard of. An interesting find is the Vichy Glyco-C Night Peel Ampoules on sale at $39, which seemed like the perfect addition to a night time routine.
Look for a Guardian near you.
WATSONS
In the Philippines, we can’t get enough of Watsons and it seems that Singapore is the same! An upgraded pharmacy that offers both medicine and health and beauty products. Forgot to pack a toothbrush or need a prescription filled? Get both done at Watsons and take a peek at brands you normally wouldn’t find back home. While I was here I picked up some toiletries for my two-week stay.
Fulfill your need for Watsons while you’re in Singapore.
DONKI
The popular Japanese store for all your needs is in Singapore! You’ll know you’re in the right place when you hear the Donki theme song on repeat. Donki carries all types of Japanese goodies. You can browse through their grocery aisles and pick up anything from delicious mochi to fresh sushi and rice bowl meals. After snacking my way through Japan while in Singapore, I immediately gravitated to their cosmetics section and was rewarded with my favorite sunscreen from Anessa and this Momopuri gift set for only $26.90!
Go do-do-donki at DONKI!
CHANGI AIRPORT
On your last day in Singapore, don’t miss grabbing that one last-minute item to commemorate your stay. Walk the shining floors of the Cosmetics & Perfume aisle at Changi Airport and enjoy the curated selection of only the best of the best Singapore has to offer. Breathe in the perfumed air as you browse through old favorites like Elizabeth Arden and Kiehls. Also discover brands that could be new favorites in Jurlique and Decorté.
As you board your plane to your next destination, hopefully you do this with a bag full of goodies for yourself and your best friends back home!