Travel is back in full swing, and so is duty-free shopping. While you might typically be watching price fluctuations for flights to save on your trip, it might also be worthwhile to keep your eyes peeled for duty-free beauty bargains during your holiday. We scour the region for the best beauty deals.
What to buy: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
Where: iShopChangi
Savings: 25%
Formulated with more than 90 per cent Pitera essence, this iconic beauty must-have supports your skin’s natural turnover and optimises its moisture and sebum levels for healthier, more radiant and younger-looking skin. To place an order, select the “Traveller” option on the iShopChangi website and pick it up en route to your vacation – you’d be scoring about 25 per cent in savings.
What to buy: Augustinus Bader The Cream
Credit: Augustinus Bader
Where: KrisShop
Savings: 15%
Flying on Singapore Airlines or Scoot? Check out Krisshop.com for a seamless shopping experience while in the air. Stocked with high-end brands like La Mer and local faves like Skin Inc, there’s definitely a pampering treat for everyone. Our pick? This award-winning cult fave from Augustinus Bader.
Backed with over 30 years of skin science research, it features the patented TFC8 molecule to refine skin texture and diminish signs of ageing. Select the “Pre-order To Flight” option and the cabin crew will bring your shopping right to your seat. Pro tip: Keep a lookout for stackable discount codes and seasonal gift-with-purchase for additional savings.
What to buy: Lancome Advanced Genifique Yeux Youth Activating & Light-Infusing eye cream duo
Where: King Power Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
Savings: 32%
Kingpower is Thailand’s largest duty-free retailer. The next time you’re in The Land of Smiles, be sure to set aside some time to browse and sample the dizzying array of beauty buys including the popular Advanced Genefique Eye Cream Duo from Lancome. Inspired by microbiome science, this lightweight eye cream supports healthy cellular function for brighter, smoother eye contours.
What to buy: Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream SPF 50+ PA ++++
Where: Japan Duty Free (Narita Airport)
Savings: 51%
The Japanese certainly know a thing or two about sunscreens – just look at the amazing range of products at any department store or drugstore. So if you’re visiting or transiting Japan’s Narita Airport, you’ll definitely want to grab a few. Look out for sunscreens from Japanese brands, because it’s more likely that the latest reformulation will be available in the domestic market.
Plus, Japanese products tend to be cheaper locally compared to when they’re exported to foreign markets. Our pick? The ultra-luxe Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective Cream SPF 50+ PA ++++.
Going at $175 a pop in Singapore, this creamy yet lightweight multi-benefit sunscreen is going for only $172 for two at Japan Duty Free.* All you have to do is add to cart, enter your flight details and pick it up when you’re there.
*At time of writing
What to buy: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Where: Shilla Duty Free Seoul Incheon Airport
Savings: 48%
One of the brand’s best-selling products, this handy lip balm can also be used while you’re on the go to prep lips before applying your favourite lipstick. It has a thick and rich texture that softens chapped lips and smooths fine lines for a plumper pout. And while you might already be buying a year’s worth of beauty products while in Korea, be sure to stock up on this beauty essential at Shilla – one of the country’s largest duty-free retailers – to enjoy it at nearly half price.
Start your trip with a social media flex
Swing by the Shilla store to be among the first in Southeast Asia to get your hands on the MYSLF Eau de Parfum by YSL Beaute. This gender-neutral fragrance merges conventionally masculine and feminine ingredients for an unexpected twist.
Luminous, fresh and carnal at the same time, orange blossom is at the heart of MYSLF, which when accentuated by patchouli and Ambrofix, gives a woody-ambery finish that’s androgynous and sensual. For those travelling after 15 Sep, you can score sample vials and participate in an immersive YSL Beaute photo booth experience for the ‘gram.
Sampling is available at Shilla Changi Airport Terminal 3 from 15 to 25 Sep, and at Shilla Changi Airport Terminal 1 from 26 Sep to 8 Oct.
Text: Joyce Cheo/HerWorld