Japanese Beauty Products That Are Worth Every Dollar

The global interest given to Japanese companies such as Shu Uemera and Shiseido paved way for the entrance of lesser-known Japanese brands. More and more Singaporeans are embracing these imported products into their vanity kits. You see, Japanese beauty products shine above the rest due to its adorable packaging and unique design.

The idea is perfectly encapsulated by Ms. Anna-Marie Solowij – the BeautyMART Co-Founder. She once said: “Their cosmetics and skincare products are exciting because they’re novel and exotic and they’re popular thanks to their high quality and innovation, for the same reason as their cars and electronics before them.”

On that note, here are 5 Japanese Beauty Products That Are Worth Every Dollar:

1. DHC DEEP CLEANSING OIL

Get it at Watsons Singapore for a discounted price of S$30.70.

A beauty product that is ever-present in the “best” lists, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil has a water-soluble formula to completely rinse any pore-clogging materials from your skin. Let say you came home from a formal wedding ceremony. Massage the product to your face using your fingertips to remove your waterproof mascara and wipe off other clingy cosmetics. You will never see a greasy residue again!

The formula is suitable for people with sensitive skin as it was made from natural ingredients and is free from Paraben or fragrance.

2. BIORÉ CLEANSING WATER MAKEUP REMOVAL

Get it at Watsons Singapore for S$18.90.

Bioré Skincare made a bold claim when they highlighted that the Cleansing Water Makeup Removal can lift off a significant amount of makeup with just one swipe! I am not entirely sure that one swipe is enough as it depends on your skin type. However, this remover will easily cleanse your face from your pores to your lashes. This is because it is enriched with natural mineral water from the Northern Japanese Alps.

The formula’s weak acidity proves that it is gentle and safe on the skin. Thus, it is suitable for young people.

3. MUJI COSMETIC PAPER

Get it at Muji Singapore branches for S$1.90. 

When I was in secondary school, oil blotting papers were all the rage! It originates from Japan and has been use for years by Geisha and actors (to freshen their faces before their performances). The traditional version was made from Abaca leaf, but modern technology is able to make it from pulp or rice paper. Muji’s version is made from the former.

Image Credits: muji.com.sg

Image Credits: muji.com.sg

The thinness of Muji’s Cosmetic Paper makes it more efficient at absorbing oil. Furthermore, the product and its packaging is environmentally friendly. Feel free to put it on the composting bin!

4. SUMI HAIGOU SETTUKEN CHARCOAL BAR SOAP

Get it at Qoo10 Singapore for about S$23.79. 

Putting black charcoal on your face may seem “unglam”, using this ingredient properly can provide many health benefits. Some of its benefits include minimizing the pores, soothing skin irritations, and cleansing oily skin. A top soap infused with activated charcoal is the Sumi Haigou Settuken Charcoal Bar Soap.

This bar soap has powder, which comes from the Kishu region of Japan. The makers begin by burning and cooling oak branches for several days. The end result is an activated charcoal powder that users claim to make their skin brighter and more even-toned. See for yourself!

5. TSUBAKI DAMAGE CARE CONDITIONER

Get it at Watsons Singapore for a discounted price of S$14.37.

Shiseido Company Limited houses a myriad of skin care, hair care, cosmetics, and fragrance brands under its roof. As one of the oldest cosmetic companies in the world, Shiseido introduced Tsubaki as its master for hair. The Tsubaki Damage Care Conditioner relies on age-old ingredients such as the Japanese camellia oil.

It is high in oleic acid to moisturize and strengthen your hair strands. It is also full of antioxidants to beat free-radical damage. Regularly using this products will help you achieve a softer and shinier “crown”.

Image Credits: facebook.com/TsubakiSG

Image Credits: facebook.com/TsubakiSG

Sources: 1 & 2

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Upgrade your make-up and skincare routine with BeautyFresh today

beautyfresh banner

Always wanted a more intense moisturizer or premium foundation but stopped yourself as it is too expensive? You can now upgrade your skincare and makeup routine with quality brands at a good value when you shop online at BeautyFresh.com.

BeautyFresh is a one-stop online destination for your luxury beauty and skincare needs, offering deals across a wide selection of beauty brands. From all-time favourites like Chanel, Dior and MAC, to new brands like Diptyque and Jurlique, there are more than 70 brands (and growing) for you to take your pick.

With BeautyFresh, enhancing your beauty regime is more affordable than you think. Take a look at the example below:

BeautyFresh Table

What’s more? BeautyFresh is there for you for every occasion. Need a long-lasting mascara for a girl’s night out? We have just the one you need. Want an elegant nudish-pink lipstick to nail that work outfit? We have 39 lipsticks that you can choose from. Whether you are getting ready for a casual weekend or a glamourous date, BeautyFresh has all the necessary and more for you to look and feel your best always.

Sounds too good to be true? There is more. At this very last week of the Great Singapore Sale (GSS), BeautyFresh has the offer that you can’t resist – a site wide 20% discount on all items. Yes! You are reading it correctly. There is a further 20% off the BeautyFresh BFF price! Use the code GSSSW20 to enjoy this deal from June 20 – June 27.

Don’t let budget constraints stop you from wanting to look your best. At BeautyFresh, you will definitely find products you love, without breaking the bank. Happy shopping at www.beautyfresh.com today!

(This post is brought to you by BeautyFresh.)

 

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Budget-Friendly Skin Care Tips That Experts Recommend

Dreaming of fresh, glowing, and youthful skin without the need to spend hundreds of dollars on expert services?

Skip fancy skin treatments by rejuvenating your skin with five simple skin care tips that beauty professionals do themselves.

1. BE GENTLE

Regular shaving and cleansing can damage your skin so lower its intensity by avoiding strong soaps and by shaving cautiously. Strongly formulated soaps can remove oil from your skin. So, use mild cleansers especially with your face.

Shaving cautiously entails protecting your skin by adding another layer of lotion, shaving cream, or gel before shaving. Also, you must shave in the direction of your hair growth and not against it.

2. STAY PROTECTED

Dermatologist Lisa Garner, the former president of Women’s Dermatologic Society, often fills her palm with about half a teaspoon of sunscreen to cover her face, ears, and neck. To keep your skin youthful, stay protected by using broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher.

Image Credits: instagram.com/p/31AA7yD6vf via @agoncilloanna

Image Credits: instagram.com via @agoncilloanna

Reapply every two hours particularly if you are perspiring or swimming.

3. FRESHEN UP

Consisting of 95% water, it comes as no surprise that cucumbers help freshen and moisturize the skin. Also, cucumber pulp can help improve your skin’s complexion especially if you have redness or irritation.

Just place at least two cucumber slices in a plastic bag and let it freeze in the fridge overnight. Remove it from the fridge the next morning and place two slices in your eyes for 10 minutes. Guaranteed instant freshness and less puffy eyes is in store!

4. QUIT SMOKING

One of the best ways to protect your skin is to quit smoking. According to research, smoking narrows the blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, which diminishes the blood flow. This exhausts the skin’s supply of oxygen and nutrients leading to “older-looking skin” and more wrinkles. Furthermore, smoking damages the elastin and collagen – important fibers to give your skin elasticity and strength.

5. SOOTHE IRRITATION

Dermatologist Jeanine Downie shares that frozen peas can help soothe irritated and itchy eyes. Simply put the bag of frozen peas on your eyelids for about five minutes.

The coldness of these veggies can help reduce the swelling. Compared with ice packs, frozen peas easily follows the shape of your eyes and leads to a quicker relaxing effect.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Make-Up Essentials You Shall Invest On

Whether you are someone whose cosmetics bag is filled with products or someone who has no clue what to put in it, the best approach to take is to go back-to-basics.

With a S$66 investment, you can fill your cosmetics bag with these essential beauty products…

1. BB CREAM

BB cream stands for blemish base, beauty balm, or blemish balm. This multi-tasking product  does the job of the moisturizer, foundation, serum, primer, sunblock, and protector. With a beneficial beauty product like this, what more could you ask for?

For a favorable BB Cream within the budget, I recommend Revlon’s PhotoReady BB Cream. Its fragrance-free formula is made with minerals and synthetic broad-spectrum sunscreen. Blend it smoothly as it is made with lightweight and creamy liquid texture. It retails for about S$10.95 at Watsons.

2. CONCEALER

Concealer is a beauty product that helps you get rid of dark circles and other imperfect spots.

Beauty gurus on YouTube have adored Collection’s Lasting Perfection Concealer that covers blemishes and flaws for up to 16 hours. So, a little application of this creamy tube can go a long way. It comes in four colors namely: light, fair, medium, and dark. Although they have discontinued importing this product here, you can buy it online for only S$12.

3. BLUSH

A Blush or Blusher’s purpose is to emphasize the cheekbones and to provide a youthful glow. Surely, you will look healthier with “reddish” cheeks.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Purchase Inglot’s Freedom Blush & Illuminator as it marries a matte blush with a radiant illuminator. I recommend items 201-204. Hurry now as its limited stocks retail for S$19 at Zalora!

4. EYESHADOW PALETTE

A good Eyeshadow Palette is able to take your look from day to night. Naturally enhance your eyes with a eyeshadow that compliments your skin. For starters, you can try the beautifully packaged Sephora Collection Wonderful Dreams Eyeshadow Palette.

I fell in love with this palette, the moment I saw it online. It consists of eight soft tones in highly pigmented matte and shimmer finishes. From natural warm tones to intense dark tones, you are sure to create a myriad of gorgeous looks with this palette! It retails for US$10 or about S$14.

5. LIP GLOSS

The last fundamental beauty product to complete your makeup kit is a trusty gloss! A lip gloss is designed to add a glossy luster and a subtle color. For a lip gloss that looks pretty on every skin tone, opt for nude and coral glosses. Personally, I recommend NYX’s Butter Glosses.

NYX’s Butter Glosses have smooth texture, rich consistency, sweet taste, and subtle pigmentation. Go for a nude gloss called Creme Brûlée, a coral gloss called Apple Strudel, or a pink gloss called Vanilla Cream Pie. Put a bit more at the centers of your lower and upper lips to make it look slightly fuller.

Buy it for S$10 at Sephora outlets or for S$9.30 at Changi Airport.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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Awesome Sephora Hacks You Wouldn’t Want To Miss

If you are looking for beauty products in Singapore, one store usually comes in mind – Sephora. The name Sephora originated from the Greek term for beauty: “Sephos” and the gorgeous wife of Exodus’ Moses: “Zipporah”.

Founded in France in the 70s, Sephora had become one of the world’s leading stores for quality bath, cosmetics, and other lifestyle products. It has become a home to many luxurious brands that shape the hottest trends today. In addition to that, they also have their own private label containing assorted products. But, beauty comes with a price tag, which is often at high cost.

So, as much as I love Sephora, I still value my frugality by following these few tips:

1. SIGN-UP FOR THEIR LOYALTY PROGRAM

One of the sure-fire ways to save while you shop at Sephora is to sign-up for their loyalty program – for free! The Loyalty program is called the Sephora Card program whereby you are able to earn points and receive as much as 10% discount and other exclusive benefits such as birthday gift surprises and news updates.

There are two types of Sephora Cards namely: White and Black. But, everyone starts of at with the White Card. Upon accumulating 250 points, you will be upgraded to the Black Card. To start, sign-up by filling a quick form at the cashier or by politely asking their staff.

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before purchasing anything, it is good to read the reviews first so that your money would not go to waste. Do not shy away from Sephora’s products because they are well reviewed as well.

Image Credits: Pixabay (CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: Pixabay (CC0 Public Domain)

Browse for yourself. 🙂

3. CONSIDER THE LOCATION

The location of products at any Sephora outlet says something about its price. Those that are far more expensive are clustered in the middle while the less-expensive brands including the in-house label are at the sides. Thus, as much as possible, avoid the center of the store.

4. FOLLOW THE DEALS

Stalk them on Facebook or Instagram to get an inside scoop of their great deals on cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, and so much more.

Currently, Sephora’s Facebook page shares that you can get discounted items from now until September 2 at the ION branch. For example, the once S$82 STILA Glam Gift Set retails for only S$50. The same goes for the once S$70 LAURA MERCIER Artist Palette for eyes & cheeks that are now sold for only S$50.

Image Credits:  facebook.com/sephorasingapore

Image Credits: facebook.com/sephorasingapore

 

 

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