Why You Need to Visit Happy Skin’s New Flagship at SM Aura
Store openings have always excited me, especially with my background in design. I enjoy observing how products are laid out and how the atmosphere is crafted to make shopping feel both inviting and effortless. It’s in the little things—the flow of the space, the textures, the lighting. So when Happy Skin opened its flagship store at SM Aura, I couldn’t help but be curious. The brand certainly didn’t disappoint, offering a space that felt thoughtfully designed and very on-brand.
Happy Skin’s signature wavy palettes
Happy Skin’s Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez with Bianca from Moss Design House
Happy Skin teamed up with Moss Design House for the store’s look and feel. Bianca, a representative from the interior design studio, walked me through some of the thoughtful details they incorporated—many of which were inspired by current retail trends seen in international beauty brands. Think clean lines, soft lighting, and modular displays that invite you to touch, test, and explore. It’s a space designed not just to shop, but to linger and enjoy.
The space itself is roomy and thoughtfully laid out. It features an adaptive layout with moveable furniture, allowing the store to easily shift depending on the occasion, whether it’s for events, product launches, or just day-to-day browsing. Product displays follow a 'less is more' philosophy, keeping things minimal to avoid visual clutter. One of the standout design elements is the feature wall with custom-made upholstered velvet pillars, clearly made for Instagram moments. To top it off, tablets and other digital displays are seamlessly integrated throughout the store, blending physical and digital shopping effortlessly.
The store also features specialized experiential areas designed to encourage exploration. Shoppers are invited to touch, swatch, and really get to know the entire Happy Skin range. At the entrance, the brand’s signature wavy palettes set the tone with an eye-catching display, complemented by an overhead ceiling treatment that mimics natural daylight. It’s a subtle yet clever design choice that not only flatters the products, but also enhances the overall shopping experience.
As a special treat exclusive to the SM Aura flagship store, Happy Skin has introduced its Japanese-inspired Hair Spa treatment. It’s a luxurious bonus you can enjoy for free with a minimum purchase of P5,000 worth of Happy Skin products, including items from their haircare line. It’s the kind of thoughtful extra that makes a shopping trip feel like a mini self-care day.
I got to try the 12-step Scalp & Hair Treatment and Relaxation during the launch, and yes, it was every bit as relaxing as it sounds. The session lasted around 30 to 45 minutes and began with a scalp analysis, which gave me a clearer picture of the current state of my hair. I was honestly surprised by the results, but I’m happy to share that after using Happy Skin’s hair products, there’s already been a slight improvement. It’s encouraging to see progress this early on, and I’m curious to see how it evolves with continued use.
I do hope the brand eventually rolls out the treatment in other stores and considers offering the scalp analysis as a standalone service. It was only through the analysis that I discovered the Soft & Straight line was actually a better match for my sensitive scalp. I had been using the Volume & Bouncy range, which, as it turns out, is more suited for those with oilier scalps. It would be incredibly helpful to be guided toward the best haircare line for your specific needs before making a purchase, especially for those of us trying to be more intentional with our routines.
Overall, congratulations to Happy Skin on the opening of their beautiful flagship store! It’s a gorgeously designed space that truly elevates the shopping experience. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend dropping by SM Aura to see and experience it for yourself—you might just find your new beauty favorites while you’re at it.
