https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/beauty-and-health/makeup/beauty-experts-must-buy-products-travelling/
Arin Lee, Makeup Artist
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“I buy both drugstore brands and higher end products because my clients appreciate both ends of the spectrum. To be honest, we all love novelty finds and are curious of what the other side of the world has to offer in terms of beauty products.”
Arin Lee
The Liquid Foundation, Suqqu
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Where: Japan
Why I love it: “I’ve been a fan of Suqqu since I found out about the brand six years ago. When I first tried its cream foundation then, I remember the result was incredible. So when it recently launched the liquid foundation to be as skin-like as possible, I knew I had to try it.”
Reflect Fresh Concealer, Addiction Skin
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Where: Japan
Why I love it: “It’s one of the go-to brands when it comes to makeup in Japan, and it offers a variety of eye-catching tones and colours. I was looking for a concealer palette at that time, and this didn’t disappoint.”
Available at Addiction boutiques.
Ginger Lynette, Makeup Artist
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“While we’re fortunate to have a big beauty retail scene in Singapore, as a makeup artist, I’m always looking for products that can extend our creativity, which can sometimes be limited.”
Ginger Lynette
Kiko Cosmetics
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Where: Italy
Why I love it: “Kiko Cosmetics has a huge range of products from skincare to makeup and even nail colours. The prices are pretty wallet-friendly too.”
M.A.C Cosmetics Pro
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Where: US
Why I love it: “This range of professional makeup products, like the Chromacakes that are often used for body painting, are only available in select countries around the world. It’s a range that makeup artists love.
Lasalle Lee, Makeup Artist
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“I like to do my homework beforehand. I’ll research what the latest trend products are online, or check in with friends who are based in the country I’m visiting. When I’m there, I’ll make sure to try out the textures, especially for skincare, to ensure that they’re suitable for our hot and humid climate, and will hold up well.”
Lasalle Lee
1025 Dokdo Water Gel Mask, Round Lab
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Where: South Korea
Why I love it: “It’s pretty popular in South Korea as it’s a moisture-packed gel mask that effectively hydrates, soothes and cools irritated skin. It’s ideal when skin flares up due to the change in weather or climate.”
Under Eye Brightener, Kesalan Patharan
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Where: Japan
Why I love it: “It has a very good combination of colour that’s just right for the under-eye area. It conceals nicely, especially when addressing dark circles and dullness, and yet doesn’t feel cakey over time.”
Available at Kesalan Patharan boutiques.
Larry Yeo, Makeup Artist
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“Singapore actually has plenty of products available, so I don’t really buy skincare overseas unless it’s a spur-ofthe- moment thing, such as Tamburins when I’m in Seoul, or maybe buying mascara in bulk when I’m shopping in Duane Reade in NYC.”
Larry Yeo
Classic 101 Ointment, Lanolips
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Where: Australia
Why I love it: “Lanolips always has such amazing reviews online, so when I was in Australia, I bought a tube to try – and I became addicted. Plus, it comes in a variety of colours too.”
Sport Waterproof Mascara, Eyeko
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Where: UK
Why I love it: “One of my most favourite mascaras in the world, this is so waterproof that it stays on even after a swim as the formula repels water when it sets. On my last trip to London, I bought 10 pieces, and I’ve since run out. It’s time to go back to stock up on more.”
Marie Soh, Makeup Artist
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“I usually look out for interesting and unique beauty products, from funky heated eyelash curlers and colourchanging lipsticks to face tape that physically pulls and lifts the face temporarily. I enjoy seeking out what’s popular in each country – Japan and Korea often win in this category. I also like to buy sanitary pads and tampons to try and see if they have something better.”
Marie Soh
FX Neo Eye Drops, Sante
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Where: Japan
Why I love it: “These magical eye drops are so useful, especially for brides who have early mornings. They relieve fatigued eyes and magically help make your eye whites, white. It takes away the redness in the eyes. It’s really cool, but best used sparingly.
Matomage Hair Styling Stick, Utena
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Where: Japan
Why I love it: “These hair wax sticks are so helpful for taming stubborn baby hairs and flyaways. They’re really popular and cheap in Japan, so I would usually get a few different variants – regular hold, strong hold, or any other ones that are on sale. While the brand is now available in Singapore, I do believe that it would be cheaper in Japan.”
Deon Liow, Assistant director at Chez Vous: Hideaway
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“I like looking for local brands and sometimes, I’ll even ask for recommendations from salon staff there. I’m also a sucker for scents, so there are times when I would buy a product simply because it smells great. These days, I’m also on the lookout for clean beauty products because of the growing movement, especially online. But let’s just say that I’ve not found anything that works well for me. It might tick the right boxes ingredient-wise, but efficacy is still somewhat lacking, sadly.”
Deon Liow
All-in-One Premium Treatment, Headspa7
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Where: South Korea
Why I love it: “This product is ridiculously good. It’s meant to be applied on both the scalp and hair, and all it needs is just seven seconds to work. My hair fall has reduced, and my scalp is less itchy and irritated. It also has great anti-frizz properties and leaves my hair smoother than many other conditioners in the market.”
The Time Reset Aqua, Ipsa
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Where: Japan
Why I love it: “This is more hydrating than many moisturisers I’ve tried, yet it’s not oily thanks to its watery texture. With this, I can even skip my moisturiser in the day. I simply layer another serum on top, followed by sunscreen, and I’m done.”
Den Ng, Director at Prep Luxe
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“I’m constantly on the lookout for haircare products. I also like to check out different hairstyling equipment because of the obvious price difference in the countries where the brands are from. At the same time, these brands often have a wider selection of models available that use the newest, cutting edge technology.”
Den Ng
Shu Uemura Art of Hair
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Where: Japan
Why I love it: “Sadly, this haircare range has been discontinued in Singapore, which is why I stock up on it when I visit Japan. The products – from hair oils to hair masks, and even the styling sprays – are made using good quality ingredients.”
Natural Shampoo, Hanz De Fuko
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Where: US
Why I love it: “There are over 16 distinct plant extracts in this, and it’s designed to clean the hair thoroughly, leaving it feeling healthy and looking shiny. It also helps restore the scalp’s natural pH balance, which makes it conducive for new hair growth. I usually only use shampoo when I’m travelling, so this is perfect.”
Kim Lim, Entrepreneur and Owner of Illumia Medical, Ilummia Therpeutics and Papilla Haircare
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“When I find beauty products that are exclusive to the country I’m visiting or are locally made, it feels like I’m experiencing the beauty secrets of another culture. Plus, they also serve as great mementoes!”
Kim Lim
Jovoy Paris Candles
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Where: France
Why I love it: “I love all its candles, but my favourite ones are Mint Lemonade and Gardez-moi. They smell really nice, and that really sets the mood for me. I like to light one in my bathroom and at my vanity area as I unwind for the day. Oh, and they make great gifts too!”
Basil and Mint Body Scrub, Shiffa
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Where: UAE
Why I love it: “I love the scent, and it feels really good on the skin. It uses dead sea salt and pure organic oil, so my body and skin feel super nourished after a scrub down.”
Leanne Ho, Beauty content creator
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“I don’t limit myself to specific categories. In general, I enjoy checking out the selection available in whatever country I travel to.”
Leanne Ho
Virgin Olive Oil Shower Gel – Chamomile & Lavender, Vasse
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Where: Australia
Why I love it: “The soothing scent of these pure essential oils is so calming. It’s suitable for sensitive skin too. The store is a lovely oasis filled with a wide range of natural skincare.”
Vulcan Diffusing Stone & Guilty Pleasure Essential Oil, Hyang
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Where: Malaysia
Why I love it: “The stone is naturally porous, which makes it a good diffuser for the essential oil. I also like to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, and apply the mixture on the insides of my wrists for better sleep.”
Christabel Chua, Content creator
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“I usually look out for brands that Youtubers have mentioned before, especially those who are living in the countries I’m visiting.”
Christabel Chua
Prebiotic Face Oil, Gallinee
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Where: France
Why I love it: “I love using facial oils when I travel to colder climates, and they’re a must-have when I go snowboarding because the temperatures can dip well below zero. This is an innovative blend of active oils, prebiotics and postbiotic lipids that helps to repair and strengthen the skin barrier.”
Dewy Lip Tint in Pleasing, Amuse
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Where: South Korea
Why I love it: “It’s gentle on the pocket. A little goes a long way, and the watery texture makes it easy to apply. It’s not sticky, and leaves a tint that lasts for hours.”
Dr Rachel Ho, Medical director of La Clinic
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“I’m always on the hunt for broad spectrum sunscreens that are lightweight, noncomedogenic and affordable. So I always make a beeline for the sunscreen section, especially in drugstores.”
Dr Rachel Ho
Extra Protector 50 Sunscreen, Suqqu
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Where: Japan
Why I love it: “This sunscreen is one of my favourites to use – it offers broad spectrum protection, feels weightless on my skin, and leaves behind a beautiful, radiant finish.”
Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Cerave
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Where: US
Why I love it: “This moisturiser is full of ceramides and hyaluronic acid that keep my skin moisturised, especially when I’m overseas. It doesn’t clog my pores and is very affordable. It’s a US brand, but I managed to pick up a stash during my recent Paris trip.”
Dr Karen Soh, Medical Director of Prive Clinic
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“I like to search for products with new and unusual ingredients, or new forms of delivery, like patches or sprays.”
Dr Karen Soh
Multi Eye Color Palette in #Overtake, 3CE
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Where: South Korea
Why I love it: “I like that it’s a neutral palette that’s suitable for my skin tone. It’s good for daily use, and it takes me from a daytime office look to a night out with ease.”
Parfums Caron
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Where: France
Why I love it: “This bespoke fragrance brand is only found in Paris. I love how they decant your chosen scent out of huge decanters into bottles for you to purchase.”
Dr Evelyn Tay, Dermatologist at Dermatology & Surgery Clinic
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“I tend to look out for uncommon local brands that contain ingredients backed by science.”
Dr Evelyn Tay
Ultra Hydrating Lip Treatment Moisturizer, Lipsmart
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Where: US
Why I love it: “It’s a very effective lip balm for chapped lips.”
Anti Ageing Night Moisturiser, Elucent
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Where: Australia
Why I love it: “This contains AHA, as well as vitamins B3, C and E – lots of important actives that are antioxidant and anti-ageing, yet with minimal potential to irritate skin.”
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