Skin problems and beauty woes don't stand a chance with these wonderful Singaporean beauty brands that are helping people look and feel fab from top to toe
We Singaporeans are known for many things: our insatiable appetite for food, shopping, and bargains (in that order) but our ingenuity in the world of beauty? Well, apparently we do have some of that. Here, we introduce the homegrown beauty brands that are putting our little red dot on the global map, one face mask at a time. Now, how’s that for local pride?
Alcheme
Alcheme may have recently hit the beauty scene but it’s already giving us some solid skincare solutions. First things first – it’s got us geeking out with the state-of-the-art facial recognition technology that brings you customised skincare (with just a selfie) along with an algorithm of corrective active ingredients from past research and the finest botanical extracts. The compact range includes a serum, emulsion, eye serum and face mask and is packed with Ginseng Root Extract, Vitamin C and Moringa Seed Extract to help stimulate collagen production and fight against premature ageing and pollution. Added bonus: all products are eco-friendly!
Alcheme, available online
Sigi Skin
This minimalist skincare brand proves you don’t need 101 things in your bathroom cabinet. Apparently, all you need are three covetable items – a cleanser, sunscreen and eye cream. Packed with powerful superfoods and antioxidants from acai, avocado, hyaluronic acid, peach kale and soy, these babies will fuel up your skin in a jiffy. Oh, and did we mention that each product is a multi-tasker? Take the Kaleanser (loving the pun, by the way!) – it doubles up as a makeover remover and face wash. The Morning Glow sunscreen can also be used as a moisturiser. Smart!
Sigi Skin, available online
Solos Cosmetics
Good to the environment, easy on the wallet and free from animal-testing, palm oil, gluten and artificial fragrance. The more nasties ticked off the list, the more we love newcomer Solos Cosmetics. Oh, and did we mention it’s vegan? Your days of having to pick between sustainability and performance are over: even the packaging was thoughtfully designed to use less plastic, and the liquid lipstick – Lipmattic – was created so you get every bit of product out of the tube. We’re loving its new range of glossy lipsticks and velvety lip creams that last forever (trust us, we’re testing it right now) and are already addicted to the multi-tasking Splitstix: the ultra-flattering shades are a recipe for sultry lips and can even double-up as blush and eyeshadow. Liquid liners are coming soon but expect nothing less than a bold, water-proof formula to take you through even the most humid days. Brilliant.
Solos Cosmetics, available online
Sen Natural
It’s evident that a simple lipstick can take us from just-got-up to ready-to-take-on-the-world in a hot minute. So you can imagine how thrilled we are about the newly launched Sen Natural. The organic beauty brand may only feature a small collection of lip colours as of now but each colour speaks volumes. Made with au natural ingredients like rose oil, shea butter, Vitamin E, beeswax, the formula smoothly glides on the lips without it drying out and keeps your pout moisturised all day.
Sen Natural, available online (launching 4 December)
Handmade Heroes
Vegan skincare is all the rage right now and we’re loving Handmade Hero’s range of vegan lip and body scrubs and face masks. The butt kicking detoxing coffee scrub works mighty hard on that cellulite and smells like a good cuppa joe. Chapped lips? Pucker up to matcha latte, coconut sorbet and pina colada flavoured lip scrubs.
Handmade Heroes, Tangs@VivoCity, #01-187, 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585; Isetan Scotts, Level 2, Slice of Life, 350 Orchard Road, Singapore 238868
Allies of Skin
We’ll admit it. Taking care of our skin can be a complete chore sometimes and Allies of Skins knows just the right solution. Yes, really. It’s a mix of potent antioxidants and intelligent nutrients that does all the work for you. The all-day pollution mask from the 1A series contains a powerful time-release formula, leaving your skin supple all day. For night, the 1A overnight masks work long after you’ve hit the bed, boosting your skin’s immunity and accelerating skin cell renewal with reparative actives like Indian Ginseng.
Allies of Skin, Level 2, 3 Jalan Kledek, Singapore 199259
Skin Inc.
Ever since it’s launch, this cult skincare label has been riding high on its successful skin supplement bar. Yes, you heard it right. You customise a serum cocktail based on your skin type, solving everything from pigmentation to sensitive skin, fine lines to uneven skin tone. Apply the serum with the highly-raved Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light device and end the regime with the multi-masking Bento Set (has up to nine combinations!). Finally, your facial is done.
Skin Inc, #B3-43 Ion Orchard 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801, also available at all Sephora outlets
Biconi
Ah, we’re all for a brand that heroes natural ingredients in the list. Biconi’s heroes? Virgin coconut oil and noni fruits. The glow facial serum is packed with super ingredients like coconut, macadamia, borage seed, argan, camellia and avocado oil and fights aging, pollution and inflammation. Use this nourishing moisturiser, day and night for a dewy, fresh glow. Need more? Don’t proceed to checkout until you’ve picked one of the facial oils. The organic sweet almond oil doubles up as body oil, massage oil or makeup remover.
Biconi, available at Therapy Market @i12 Katong, Zerrin, The Social Space and Redmart
Want Skincare
It’s no surprise that this sustainable and ethically conscious brand bagged a spot on the list. Staying away from synthetic ingredient and preservatives, Want Skincare packs their multi-tasking cleansers, spritzers, scrubs and face oils with botanical oils and minerals for that 10/10 natural glow. Our go-to product is the honey cleanser that removes dirt and makeup while retaining the natural oils from your skin. Oh, and did we mention that you’ll help local communities and women in cooperatives in Bali, Indonesia and Benin with every purchase? Major love.
Want Skincare, available online and at various stockists including Robinsons
Mmerci Encore
As the pet project of a former Harper’s Bazaar beauty editor, you can bet that Mmerci Encore is the real deal. This artisanal aromatherapy atelier offers handcrafted apothecary-style essential oils, body scrubs, and soap slices, which look good but smell even better. For easy browsing, shop the online store under different mood categories (relax, uplift, detox or jetset) or simply fill in your current mood for a list of suggested products.
Mmerci Encore, available online
Dr Yvonne Goh
We’re huge fans of Dr Yvonne Goh – the aesthetic physician is our go-to for healing our skin problems. To maintain our visage post-treatment, we’ve stocked up on her products. We never leave the house without slapping on the Multivit Sunscreen SPF30 – it both hydrates and protects our skin from sun damage. It’s always followed by the Hydra-C intense serum, which is both anti-oxidising and brightening. For the nights, the Collagen Firming Cream is a must to apply. Its repeatedly won raving reviews around our office for its firming properties and smooth finish.
Dr Yvonne Goh Aesthetics, 1 Orchard Boulevard, #09-05, Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649, p. 6462 2559
DrGL
Dr. Georgia Lee needs no introduction – she’s arguably Singapore’s leading aesthetic doctor who’s better known as a fixture at high-society events. Her DrGL skincare line, which is specially formulated for Asian skin, is a hit in the local beauty market. Best sellers that have garnered many beauty awards include the Collagen Essence ($198) and Anti-Aging Moisturiser ($108). But take note: these babies don’t come cheap.
DrGL, available online; you can find DrGL at Tangs Orchard or Robinsons Orchard.
The Skin Pharmacy
With more than 15 years of beauty experience under their belts, two pharmacists decided to set up their own boutique skin pharmacy and the rest, as they say, is history. Apart from off-the-shelf items like acne treatment creams, scents, and hair care products from their line, The Skin Pharmacy is also big on personalization: whether it’s skin analysis, custom blended serums or even modification of existing products to suit your every need. When we say this is a one-stop shop for all your skin woes, we mean it.
The Skin Pharmacy, available online.
Mandy T
Move over The Body Shop, there’s a new kid in town. There are many reasons why we love this luxury bath and body line – pretty packaging, absolutely scrummy scents, and the clincher: all natural ingredients. Up for a personal pampering sesh? No need to head to the spa – just try the Wild Orchid & Safflower Body Scrub ($69.90), followed by a leisurely soak in the bath with the Lavender, Chamomile & Bergamot Bath Salt ($49.90). Bliss.
Mandy T, available online.
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