Top 5 Places to Shop for Perfumes and Cosmetics in Singapore
Given the reputation of being a shopping paradise, it is no surprise that Singapore is a fantastic place to shop for perfumes and cosmetics in Singapore. After all, where else in the world can you find American, European and Asian products in one place?
The major international brands are available here, carried by the beauty salons of most department stores. So this top 5 list will focus on popular Singapore stores and what makes them special.
1. Sephora: a luxury candy store for high-end beauty junkies
The glitzy and glamorous Sephora is the luxury French chain (owned by LVMH) that has devoted fans around the world. This huge makeup store has a dedicated following stocking cult cosmetic brands like Urban Decay, Bare Escentuals, and Benefit.
While prices here are high, browsing the store is like visiting a candy store, and the traveling staff are very eager to give you a makeover on the spot.
Tip: If you buy something, be sure to ask for gifts. This store has a lot of samples and they are not afraid to hand them out.
Directions: Sephora can be found at the ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City shopping centers on Orchard Road. The closest train station is Orchard MRT.
2. Sasa – For the treasure-seeking makeup lover
Sasa is the refuge where local makeup artists go in search of treasure. This is Asia’s leading beauty boutique chain, stocked with eclectic beauty products ranging from simple facial blotter to glitter-encrusted false eyelashes.
While it’s not easy to find specific products here, it’s a very popular place to get great deals on items like SKII skincare and perfumes.
Tip: You can buy interesting Asian beauty products that are not commonly found in other stores.
Directions: Sasa can be found in malls such as Bugis Junction (Bugis MRT) and VivoCity (Harbourfront MRT).
3. Watsons: for cosmetics from international pharmacies
Singapore has two bereaved pharmacy chains, Watsons and Guardian. While Guardian is the best pharmacy, Watsons beats it in terms of cosmetics.
Aside from your regular brands like Revlon and Maybelline, you can also find American brands like LA Splash, British brands like Rimmel, Japanese brands like Majolica Majorca, and Korean brands like BRTC.
Tip: Japanese and Korean cosmetics are very popular for their high quality and innovation. If you haven’t tried them, this is your chance.
Directions: Watsons outlets can be found at Ngee Ann City and Wisma Atria shopping centers (Orchard MRT), and also at Bugis Junction (Bugis MRT).
4. Mustafa Center: the best prices on perfumes
Mustafa Singapore in Little India is famous for being the 24-hour shopping mall, packed with everything under the sun.
While you can buy just about anything here, Mustafa Center has certain areas of strength, and one of them is its huge fragrance and beauty section. The selection of perfumes is particularly impressive here, and all are sold at deep discounts.
Tip: buy your perfumes here instead of in duty-free stores.
Directions: Mustafa Center at 145 Syed Alwi Road is less than a 10-minute walk from Farrer Park MRT train station.
5. Swanston: Cheapest Toiletries in Town
If you’re not picky about your makeup and skincare, and bargains are what you care about, head to Swanston in Chinatown. Located on the second level of the People’s Park Complex Food Center, this large, understated store sells toiletries and cosmetics cheaper than anywhere else.
Don’t worry, the prices are not cheap because the products are unreliable. Swanston has such low prices because it is a simple store that spends almost nothing on decoration and advertising. So you can stock up on your drugstore brands with confidence.
Tip: For anyone concerned about hair loss, Swanston offers a wide range of toners and scalp treatment products at discounted prices.
Directions: People’s Park Complex Food Center is located at 32 New Market Road near the Chinatown MRT train station.