Top 5 Places to Buy Perfumes and Cosmetics in Singapore

Given a reputation as a shopping paradise, it’s no surprise that Singapore’s a fantastic place to buy perfumes and cosmetics in Singapore. After all, where else in the world you can find American, European and Asian products all in one place?

Major international brands are readily available here, carried by the beauty halls of most department stores. So this Top 5 list will instead focus on popular stores in Singapore and what makes them special.

1. Sephora – A Luxury Candy Store For Upmarket Beauty Addicts

The glossy and glamorous Sephora is the upmarket French chain (owned by LVMH) that has devoted fans across the globe. This huge make up store has a devoted following for stocking cult cosmetic brands like Urban Decay, Bare Escentuals and Benefit.

While prices here are high, browsing in the store is like visiting a candy store, and roaming staff are all too eager to give you a makeover on the spot.

Tip: If you buy anything, make sure to ask for freebies. This store has plenty of samples and they’re not afraid to dish them out.

Directions: Sephora can be found in ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City shopping malls on Orchard Road. Nearest train station is Orchard MRT.

2. Sasa – For The Treasure Seeking Make-Up Lover

Sasa is the haunt where local make-up-holics go for treasure hunting. This is Asia’s leading chain of beauty boutiques filled with eclectic beauty products ranging from the simple facial blotter to zany bling-encrusted false eyelashes.

While it’s not easy to find specific products here, it is a very popular place to get great deals on items like SKII skincare and perfume.

Tip: You can pick up interesting Asian beauty products not commonly found in other stores.

Directions: Sasa can be found in malls like Bugis Junction (Bugis MRT) and VivoCity (Harbourfront MRT).

3. Watsons – For International Drugstore Cosmetics

Singapore has two duelling drugstore chains, Watsons and Guardian. While Guardian is the better pharmacy, Watsons trumps it in terms of cosmetics.

Aside from your usual brands like Revlon and Maybelline, you can also find American brands like L.A. 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 innovativeness. If you haven’t tried them, this is your chance.

Directions: Watsons outlets can be found in shopping malls Ngee Ann City and Wisma Atria (Orchard MRT), and also in Bugis Junction (Bugis MRT).

4. Mustafa Center – For The Best Prices On Perfumes

Mustafa Singapore in Little India is renowned for being the 24-hr shopping center packed to the rafters with everything under the sun.

While you can buy almost anything here, Mustafa Center has certain areas of strength, and one of them is its massive fragrance and beauty section. The perfume selection is particularly impressive here, and they’re all sold at great discounts.

Tip: Buy your perfumes here instead of at the Duty Free Stores.

Directions: Mustafa Center on 145 Syed Alwi Road is less than 10-minute walk from Farrer Park MRT train station.

5. Swanston – The Cheapest Toiletries in Town

If you’re not fussy about your make up and skincare, and serious bargains are what you care about, heading to Swanston in Chinatown. Housed on the 2nd level of People’s Park Complex Food Center, this large and staid store sells toiletries and cosmetics cheaper than anywhere else.

Don’t worry, the prices aren’t cheap because the products are dodgy. Swanston manages such low prices because it’s a no-frills store spends next to nothing on décor and advertising. So you can stock up on your drugstore brands with confidence.

Tip: For anyone worried about hair loss, Swanston stocks a large range of scalp treatment products and tonics for low prices.

Directions: People’s Park Complex Food Center is located on 32 New Market Road, close to Chinatown MRT train station.

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