Direct from the pro, here are the best places to buy beauty products in Hong Kong
So you already know where in HK to shop lingerie and find the perfect new handbag. Just get a manicure at one of the best nail salons, and you’ll be all set to hit one of these beauty havens to discover new products and brands (and undoubtedly revisit some old favourites). We are lucky to have so many brands from all over the world, available to us in HK… but sometimes it’s a case of knowing where to look for them! Keep reading for my insider tips on the best places to buy beauty products in Hong Kong.
1. Sephora
It’s only been here for eight short months, and already it’s hard to remember HK life without Sephora. Okay, I’m lying to you, I do remember, and the beauty scene in pre-Sephora times was pretty bleak. However, this time around, it definitely looks like Sephora is here to stay which is exciting. If you weren’t aware, it’s their second time trying to crack the HK market, the first being in 2010. Walking into Sephora, you are filled with excitement and an overwhelming feeling of where to start first. Sephora is not for bargain products, but it is an amazing place for discovering quality brands (both new and well established) from America and Europe that previously were not readily available in HK. No list of best places to buy beauty products in Hong Kong would be complete without this behemoth.
Sephora has locations across Hong Kong.
2. Sasa
Sasa draws me in with a certain kind of magnetism: those bright pink letters, the shiny white shelves and floors – it’s impossible to resist. You never know what crazy new trend from Japan or Korea you’re going to discover in those aisles. I often walk away with so many snaps of product packaging on my camera roll to research the English translation of later. They have a good range of low to high priced, predominantly Asian, brands available; it’s an absolute treasure trove and totally worth the effort of figuring out the translations.
Sasa has locations throughout Hong Kong.
3. Mannings & Watsons
There are many similarities between these two well-known pharmacies – you may have only popped into your local one for essential eye drops or Panadol, but I encourage you to seek out the larger locations and you will find a haven for skincare products. All the European French brands you didn’t know you were missing. The Mannings Plus store on the second floor of IFC is gold; they stock full ranges of all brands carried.
Mannings and Watsons, multiple locations throughout Hong Kong.
4. Facesss
Much like number one, this is a mecca for fun beauty brands. They have three locations: one huge location in Harbour City, a smaller location in LAB Concept Admiralty and one in Times Square. Carrying brands like DIOR Backstage, Urban Decay, Shu Uemura, íspa, Philosophy and more, Facess is an absolute must-visit for beauty lovers.
Facesss has branches across Hong Kong.
5. Kiko Milano
Kiko Milano is a lesser-known, but fabulous, store for trying out new trends or bright colours! Hailing from Italy, it’s a cruelty-free range that reminds me of M.A.C – in the sense that they offer a huge range of shade and texture in their selection. They also have a tad lower price points and often have great sale offers.
Kiko Milano has branches across Hong Kong.
6. Sogo Causeway Bay
The ground floor at Sogo is filled with your typical heritage type beauty brands such as Clarins, Estēe Lauder and Guerlain. However, ride the escalators down one floor and the scene changes to M.A.C, NARS, bareMinerals, RMK and Three, with full counters for you to explore. As a bonus, keep an eye out on Sogo social channels as they do big sales a few times a year, but be warned… it’s like walking into a sardine can!
Sogo, Causeway Bay, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
7. Joyce Beauty
This is 100% the place to explore if you are looking to drop some cash and discover a new science-based skincare line or a niche candle. They carry curated brands such as Dr. Babra Strum, Surratt, Chantecaille, Cire Trudon, Omorovicza; the price point is obviously a little higher. The large location in New World Tower Central is beautiful to wander through for some inspiration. Nevertheless, they have many smaller outlets throughout Hong Kong, inside Lane Crawford and high-end malls, but New World Tower is my favourite so far.
Joyce Beauty has multiple locations across town.
