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? Not so much. Well, it’s time ditch that notion ‘cos here are some homegrown beauty brands that are putting our little red dot on the global map – one mascara wand at a time. Now how’s that for local pride?
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.
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. You may not agree with her unorthodox treatments but 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.
Shop online at the e-store, Luxola, TANGS Orchard or Robinsons Orchard.
Rachel K Cosmetics
Rachel K Cosmetics
Trust a beauty queen to really know her makeup – Rachel K Cosmetics, the brainchild of former Miss Singapore Rachel Kum, is one of the pioneers of the revolutionary CC Cream. Judging by Miss K’s always-flawless complexion and the scores of celebrity fans (Miss Universe 2011 is one of them!), the CC Renew Cream (US$48) might actually be the secret to eternal youth. We’ll take two please.
Shop online at the e-store or Luxola.
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.
Shop online at e-store or various locations.
Mandy T
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 ($49.90), followed by a leisurely soak in the bath with the Lavender & Chamomile Bath Salt ($39.90). Bliss.
Shop online at e-store or at local stockists.
SkinLYcious
Plagued with skin problems for years, Jasmine Kang decided to take matters into her own hands. The result was SkinLYcious: a skincare line formulated with the help of a chemist and her own trusted doctor, Dr Seah Pong Pin. Dermatologist-quality products at drug store prices (prices range from $24 to $58)? Now that’s pretty hard to beat. An ace product to try is the Anti-acne Solution ($24), which pulls double duty as an exfoliant and acne scar remover.
Gummi Nails
Gummi Nails
Our latest beauty crush (which we wish we discovered sooner) is Gummi Nails: a locally designed line of nail wraps. Super cute and funky designs, fuss-free application, and affordable to boot – thanks to Gummi Nails, your days of pricey manicures and messy DIY nail art attempts are so over. Designs you definitely want to get your hands (and digits on) are the tropical-inspired B is for Bananas ($16) and Don’t Be Silly ($16) – a limited edition collaboration with local fashion label Depression.
Shop online at the e-store, bellabox or Zalora.
Wild Products
True to its name, Wild ranks high on the green factor – using mostly natural and organic ingredients in its line of body care products. While we’re wild for its raw and minimalist packaging (that’ll look good in any medicine cabinet), it is Wild’s sizable selection of cold-pressed oils, soaps, hair care and baby products that gets our vote. Need an indulgent pick-me-up? Scrub up with the Goat Milk Soap ($8.90) that works up a rich and creamy lather. Mums: you’ll love the Sleepy Time Baby Massage Oil ($28), which is infused with flower extracts and essential oils to sooth your cranky bub to la-la land.
Shop online at the e-store or local stockists. Singapore beauty brands
Top image: Mmerci Encore