[LIST] The Best Beauty Websites in Singapore for All Your Beauty Needs

/ Fiona Seah / Leave a comment

Since the start of the pandemic, many of us have taken to dedicated websites to stock up on our essentials to avoid mingling with others. Apart from providing us the convenience of having our orders delivered right to our doorstep, the internet is also dotted with discussion forums and opinion pieces where we can seek advice and objective reviews on products before deciding on a purchase. Furthermore, these online platforms lend the beauty community the opportunity to share their opinions, discover new favourites and even earn amazing rewards on the go!

But where, exactly? The list below will get you started on where to satisfy all your beauty needs in one place so you don’t have to divide your attention and time among multiple websites!

1. Beauty Insider Singapore

First on the list is Beauty Insider Singapore which is currently the top-ranking online beauty website in Singapore. It features hundreds of articles on best buys, as well as the editor’s picks to help you curate your beauty wishlist. In addition to their informative articles on all things beauty, they have also devised a unique BFF Rewards program that allows you to earn points by reviewing products and services you have tried on their website!

2. Insider Mall

Although relatively new to the online shopping community, Insider Mall by Beauty Insider Singapore is rising in popularity as one of the best online marketplaces for all your local and international beauty needs. Here, you will be able to customise your own shopping experience according to your beauty concerns, profile and personal preferences. Most importantly, all of their products are guaranteed authentic as they are sourced from authorized sellers. Likewise, don’t forget to sign up for their BFF Rewards Program to start enjoying exclusive discounts and stand a chance to win attractive prices through their lucky draws and giveaways!

3. Naiise Singapore

Originally based only in Singapore, Naiise is now available in Malaysia and the United Kingdom too! Since 2013, Naiise has been supporting a long list of local brands and has even featured local-themed products like Ang Ku Kueh soap bars! On top of that, this beauty website also offers a good variety of vegan and cruelty-free brands for those looking to go green with their beauty routines.

4. LookFantastic Singapore

LookFantastic is one of the oldest online beauty websites in Singapore. It features homegrown brands and international favourites like Caudalie and Elizabeth Arden, so there’s certainly something for everyone. You can also subscribe to their Beauty Box subscription service to surprise yourself with a supply of goodies every month – because who doesn’t want to feel like their birthday every month?

5. Beautylish Singapore

Always wanted to get your hands on international cosmetics by Charlotte Tilbury, Wayne Goss and Jeffrey Star but never knew where to look? Then, hop on over to Beautylish! What’s more, they even have an entire section dedicated to their editor’s picks and beauty tips and tricks!

6. Peach & Lily

If you love all things K-beauty, then you need to check out Peach & Lily! From Korean skincare favourites to K-pop makeup essentials, there’s certainly no shortage of glow-givers and radiance boosters. Moreover, they also have a section featuring the “Best of K-Beauty“, as well as a blog to round up their top picks of the month.

7. Hermo SG

A list of top beauty websites in Singapore would not be complete without Hermo SG. In addition to a wide selection of skincare, makeup and haircare products, Hermo also highlights reviews from various customers to help you make better and more informed purchases.

8. Sephora Singapore

Sitting on the throne of the beauty empire (at least in Singapore!), Sephora needs no introduction. Members of their exclusive Black and Gold Beauty Pass Reward Programme will be duly rewarded with birthday treats and fun holiday deals for the ultimate beauty lover. You could also customise the display of products by their category, skincare type, or group them in bundles.

9. Althea Singapore

Probably the OG of K-beauty online retailers in Singapore, Althea is no stranger to those who swear by the Korean beauty regime. For guaranteed authenticity, all products from Althea Singapore are shipped directly from South Korea and they have over 1,000 products to choose from. For a fuss-free shopping experience, you can also shop by collections depending on your personal skin type and preference.

10. Glow Recipe

As implied by its name, Glow Recipe is an online shop that curates skincare essentials focusing on giving your skin a radiant and healthy glow. Known as their “glow game-changers”, some of their bestsellers include their hydrating Watermelon Glow collection.

While going down the list of online beauty retailers, you probably would have gone, “Hey, I know this brand!” several times. That, my friends, is the magic of digital marketing. In fact, the way brands market their products is crucial in getting their online businesses up and running, because it needs to be memorable enough to stick around in the consumers’ mind. One way of doing so is to have a visually-appealing platform and tailor it to suit the business so it would draw greater traffic and generate buzz for the company.

Have a business but not sure where to begin? Fret not, MapleTree Media can be of help in this aspect! With years of experience under their belt (they have been creating content even before “digital” became a catch phrase!) and a roster of well-known clientele to boot, you can be sure your digital marketing needs will be met in no time! To find out more about MapleTree Media’s web design services in Singapore, click here.

What are your thoughts on the list above, or the need for business to have a website? Let me know what you think in the comments below or take a quick poll!

Thanks for reading!

This post was written in collaboration with MAPLETREE MEDIA.

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[SNACKS] JIN Kimchi: JIN Original Flavour Kimchi

/ Fiona Seah / Leave a comment

When the Korean Wave washed over Singapore more than a decade ago, it brought along the Korean culture, which is oftentimes spoken through their food. Kimchi, for instance, showed me how resourceful the Koreans were in jazzing up vegetables as boring as cabbage. Their ingenuity not only upped its appeal to the taste buds with its new-found spicy and umami flavours (and as a grown adult who still refuses to eat her greens if given the choice, this is a big deal) but also added to its nutritional value (since it is known to be rich in probiotic bacteria).

Generic kimchi (image by Ally J)

Generic kimchi (image by Ally J)

What had put me off kimchi, however, were the side effects of consuming it, such as how it tends to trigger my acid reflux, belching and bloating. But what really took the cake was the strong stubborn odour the kimchi would always leave in my fridge and taint other food inside, much to the dismay of my family. These reasons propelled me to limit my kimchi-eating experience over the past few years to Korean restaurants. That was, until a recent (unbearable) late-night craving for the fermented vegetable rekindled the thought of having it at my disposal.

Safety seal on JIN Kimchi's jar

Safety seal on JIN Kimchi’s jar

My quest for kimchi on Facebook led me to JIN Kimchi, which was established by a Korean national who runs his own video marketing agency in Singapore. Given the founder’s expertise in digital marketing, it was no wonder that even nonchalant viewers like myself could be so drawn to their promotional videos – typically in the forms of recipes, mukbangs and taste tests – that I ended up ordering two bottles of 345g kimchi in its original flavour on the same night, only to purchase two 690g bottles two days later… and another two more 690g bottles just 10 minutes ago. Sorry, bank account but..

JIN Kimchi is simply too good to resist!

Available in small quantities of 345g (S$17.15) and 690g (S$33.20), the made-to-order kimchi is packed in sealed hexagonal glass jars with a guaranteed delivery turnaround of only 1-2 working days, including Saturday and Sunday. Their promptness in processing my second order is a case in point – the order, although placed at the ungodly hour of 3.37 a.m., managed to arrive at my doorstep at 2.11 p.m. on the same day. Impressive! But do note that a delivery fee of S$2.80 applies to orders below S$50.

Delivery paper bag

Delivery paper bag

Another noteworthy feature of the products is the brilliant packaging. Not only does the glass jar feel substantially luxe, it is also absolutely effective in containing the smell – for real, my fridge (finally) does not reek of rotten vegetables at all! On top of that, the jar has a convenient lug closure system where you would only need to twist the lid once to securely tighten it, so going for seconds (oh trust me, you will!) doesn’t seem so much of a chore anymore! Each order comes with a pair of disposable long wooden chopsticks too which, as cheapskate as I may sound, is rather stingy on their part 🙊 Why not a pair of chopsticks for each jar instead?

My order inside the bag!

My order inside the bag!

Each order comes with a pair of serving chopsticks

Each order comes with a pair of serving chopsticks

345g (left) vs 690g

345g (left) vs 690g

Twist-off closure system

Twist-off closure system

Unlike those I have tried in the past, the kimchi boasts a sweeter profile, and neither does it taste too sour or salty. Those with low tolerance to spice (like young children?) would also enjoy this version of kimchi for there isn’t a single hint of spiciness. Perhaps, this is why it doesn’t trigger my acid reflux! The kimchi is recommended to be eaten as a side dish or made into a stew, but I prefer to snack on it plain (thus the title of this review) in order to savour every crunch of it 😋

Fresh, crunchy and tantalising kimchi from JIN Kimchi!

Fresh, crunchy and tantalising kimchi from JIN Kimchi!

[690g] Double-seal around the lid

[690g] Double-seal around the lid

[690g] Placing my hand next to it to give you a better idea of its size.

[690g] Placing my hand next to it to give you a better idea of its size.

JIN Kimchi Original Cabbage Kimchi Nutrition Facts (image from JIN Kimchi)

JIN Kimchi Original Cabbage Kimchi Nutrition Facts (image from JIN Kimchi)

JIN Kimchi is undoubtedly one of the better-tasting kimchi in the market, but not without some drawbacks. For one, the smaller jar will already set you back more than double the price of what you can get – in much larger quantities – from supermarkets even before factoring in the delivery charges (and the packaging is likely the main driver of the expensive price tag). Despite being delicious, JIN Kimchi is not exempted from adverse effects such as bloating (especially among people – like me – who get gassy easily), excessive flatulence (read: smelly farts) and bad breath. Therefore, you should avoid consuming it prior to attending any major events. Last but not least, JIN Kimchi is highly addictive, so be prepared to finish the whole jar in one day.

Almost gone on the first day of opening this jar... No picture of my 345g jar unopened as I had not planned to write this review initially 😅

Almost gone on the first day of opening this jar… No picture of my 345g jar unopened as I had not planned to write this review initially 😅

You might be interested to know that JIN Kimchi also carries other forms of fermented food including cucumber, radish and spring onion – that is, if napa cabbage does not jive with your taste bud.

What are your thoughts on JIN Kimchi (if you’ve bought from them before) and their products? Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Thanks for reading!

JIN Kimchi · JIN-Kimchi.com · For more information, please visit JIN Kimchi FACEBOOK PAGE, INSTAGRAM or WEBSITE

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[+GIVEAWAY] Devine Nutrition at Pisces Wellness: Retain the Youth in Your Skin!

/ Fiona Seah / Leave a comment
SCROLL DOWN TO THE END FOR GIVEAWAY DETAILS!

The pandemic has upended the way the world functions, forcing us to embrace remote work which, more often than not, blurs the lines between professional responsibilities and duties at home. Hence, it is easy to understand why we are under a constant onslaught of stress and pressure this year – and our faces show it. Look in the mirror and you may find your skin already sapped of its natural lustre. But even as dullness inevitably creeps in, you can still fend it off with some help from the skin mavens at Pisces Wellness!

Pisces Wellness at Jurong Point 1

Pisces Wellness at Jurong Point 1

A young homegrown wellness centre located at the centrepiece of Jurong West, it doesn’t take a hawk-eyed person to spot their expansive outlet on the second floor of Jurong Point 1 (though in actuality, it’s along the walkway connecting the new and old wings). It is equipped with 12 treatment rooms for the purpose of providing body massages, facial, weight management and hair removal services, as well as a spa for onsen therapy (which may not be available at this point in time). Customisable to suit the needs of their clients, these treatments promise results in minimum time with the use of professional-grade products and state-of-the-art technologies!

Having toiled away all year, my complexion had, no doubt, taken a beating from the lack of beauty sleep, causing it to look dehydrated and slightly ashy. Thus, when Pisces Wellness offered to restore the radiance of my face, I jumped at the chance even though it would mean taking a one-and-a-half-hour train ride all the way from Punggol to get there!

My face, up close. Flare-ups as circled.

My face, up close. Flare-ups as circled.

Upon entering the centre, Joyce, who had been corresponding with me over the past two months to arrange a mutually convenient time to do the treatment, warmly welcomed me (despite my lateness 😖) and sat me down to complete a short declaration form. Then, we proceeded to a consultation room where my face was thoroughly examined using a handheld scanner that was attached to a skin analyser. Although virtually wrinkle-free (for now!), results also showed that my skin was leaning towards the dry side, making it more prone to premature ageing and fine lines. Therefore, Joyce recommended the Devine Nutrition treatment which aims to repair and reverse any early signs of ageing of the skin such as loss of moisture and elastin, appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin tone. In my case, this treatment would work more as a pre-emptive strike against the effects of time.

Analysis of my pores (click image to view in full size)

Analysis of my pores (click image to view in full size)

Analysis of my skin sensitivity (click image to view in full size)

Analysis of my skin sensitivity (click image to view in full size)

Summary of analysis (click image to view in full size)

Summary of analysis (click image to view in full size)

Number combination lockers outside the treatment rooms

Number combination lockers outside the treatment rooms

The treatment room I was in

The treatment room I was in

Following that, my therapist led me to my locker to deposit my belongings, and to another room to administer the treatment. She began with Double Face Cleansing (but not before receiving a relaxing neck and shoulder massage that seemed to synchronise with the soothing background music and the gradual dimming of lights?! *mind blown*) to remove any trace of makeup and dirt.

Double Face Cleansing

Double Face Cleansing

Double Face Cleansing

Double Face Cleansing

The extraction procedure that came after was much needed because my face was experiencing a minor flare-up from exposure to dust from spring-cleaning my house the previous day which resulted in tiny bumps on my cheeks. Although not my favourite step of the treatment due to obvious reasons, the extraction was done quickly (i.e. not hovering around the same afflicted spots for most of the duration) and fairly comfortably, as evident from the fact that my body never once twitched from pain, nor did my eyes tear up. But then again, this comfort level could vary according to skin conditions.

Extraction

Extraction

Post-extraction: not very bumpy and red, as you can see!

Post-extraction: not very bumpy and red, as you can see!

With almost every trapped gunk and grime out of the way, my face was now ready for the Cryotherapy (i.e. cold therapy) that had been tailored for me. It utilises Dermal Electroporation and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field to transport highly-concentrated serums, which help initiate DNA repair and stabilise the skin condition, into the deepest layers of the skin while speeding up its natural healing process. As the name suggests, this treatment literally sends chills through the vein, but the cold was certainly bearable.

Serum application

Serum application

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy

As if my face had not been pampered enough, my therapist went on to lay facial gauze on it and apply a coat of clay-based mask before leaving me for the next 15-20 minutes to contemplate about my life choices (I kid – I actually dozed off 😂). Once the mask had been removed, she concluded the treatment with some moisturiser to lock in all the benefits my skin had reaped, and a final round of neck massage to boot!

Masking

Masking

Leaving it on for the next 15-20 minutes

Leaving it on for the next 15-20 minutes

Immediately after the mask was removed. Notice that my face looked much brighter now?

Immediately after the mask was removed. Notice that my face looked much brighter now?

My therapist giving her final round of massage

My therapist giving her final round of massage

From great room ambience to attentive staff, the whole experience, which lasted about 1.5 hours, was nothing short of wonderful. The treatment had left my skin feeling refreshed and instantly hydrated, and also provided a noticeable improvement to my skin texture. Given its location, Pisces Wellness would make a convenient stop for people studying and living in the far-west to melt away their daily stresses. Perhaps I wouldn’t be walking around NTU looking half-dead if Pisces Wellness had opened its doors during my undergraduate years!

Before and After: skin feels more rejuvenated, less congested

Before and After: skin feels more rejuvenated, less congested

🎉 G I V E A W A Y 🎉

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! To help you start the year off right with a youthful and nourished complexion, Pisces Wellness has kindly offered to treat TWO of my readers to a set of 24K Gold Facial each (worth S$268 onwards).

Image courtesy of Pisces Wellness

Image courtesy of Pisces Wellness

24K Gold Facial utilises 24K pure gold sheets and the patented γ-PGA (the most powerful hydrating agent ever discovered!) in combination with the nano mist from a special facial spa system to restore radiance to dull, matured and dry skin, resulting in an intensely radiant skin. Not only does it enhance lymphatic drainage, this gold facial also accelerates the regeneration of new cells, restoring the following youthful skin qualities: softness, smoothness, elasticity, resilience and radiance.

(Description courtesy of Pisces Wellness)

To take part in this giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post with your name and valid e-mail address, and tell us why you want to win this treatment!

Although not compulsory, it would also be great if you could give a like to your potential sponsor’s social media platforms here and here to keep tabs on their latest updates and promotions 😊

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

  • This giveaway ends 22 January 2021.
  • This giveaway is open to residents of Singapore aged 18 years or over only.
  • Only one entry per entrant or e-mail address will be accepted.
  • The winners will be announced on this post and a notification email will be sent by 25 January 2021. The winners will be required to acknowledge by return email latest by 20 January 2021.
  • Voucher for 24K Gold Facial is non-transferable and has to be utilised at Pisces Wellness by the stipulated deadline.
  • Pisces Wellness and FionaSeah.com reserve the right to disqualify all entries that do not meet the rules and regulations of this giveaway. These include multiple submission of entries and entries submitted with invalid e-mail address.

May the odds be in your favour!

What do you think of Pisces Wellness and their services? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Thanks for reading!

Pisces Wellness · 1 Jurong West Central 2 #02-21/21A Jurong Point 1 Shopping Centre Singapore 648886 (next to Boon Lay MRT) · Tel: 6776 0123 · For more information, do visit Their WEBSITE or Like them on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM.

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