beauty

[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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REVIEW: ILLUMIASKIN Baby Drops Mask

/ Fiona Seah / Leave a comment

The resumption of normal activities is gradually getting us back to the grind and for most of us, this just means more hours at work, so much so that we probably would not be able to carve out much ‘me time’ – time to indulge ourselves with some self-care and for our skin to take a breather. Moreover, with the restrictions in place due to the pandemic, securing a preferred time slot at the aesthetics clinic right now might also pose an issue for the busy professionals, so why not take the pampering home? All you need is 20 minutes every other day with this newcomer in the local beauty scene 😉

ILLUMIA Therapeutics, a new medical aesthetics spa and also the brainchild of local socialite-turned-entrepreneur Kim Lim, has recently introduced a skincare line under its umbrella with Baby Drops Mask, a spankin’ new luxurious sheet mask. Judging from its name, it is clear what you would achieve from using it – skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom. But of course, with a jaw-dropping retail price of S$139 per box, there is far more than it can offer.

ILLUMIASKIN Baby Drops Mask (S$139)

ILLUMIASKIN Baby Drops Mask (S$139)

ILLUMIASKIN Baby Drops Mask

ILLUMIASKIN Baby Drops Mask (I didn’t bother zooming into the details as you won’t be able to see them (the downside of iridescent packaging…), so click here if you wish to take a look at the ingredient list!)

Made in South Korea, the Baby Drops Mask contains coconut oil, stem cell cultures (an emerging technology where plant stem cells are grown under controlled conditions in the laboratory and hence they can be quite expensive), camellia sinensis callus culture extract (i.e. green tea) and portulaca oleracea extracts for their outstanding anti-ageing properties. In other words, this mask, which comes in an iridescent box of five, is capable of improving skin elasticity and strengthening skin cells to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while leaving the skin moisturised and baby soft.

ILLUMIASKIN Baby Drops Mask (S$139)

ILLUMIASKIN Baby Drops Mask

ILLUMIASKIN Baby Drops Mask (S$139)

ILLUMIASKIN Baby Drops Mask

Choosing to be her own guinea pig, Kim Lim had tested over 169 different face masks (bless her face!) before deciding on this formulation, hence Baby Drops Mask was certainly not created on a whim (so better guarantee of results?). It is also dermatologist-tested and found to be suitable for all skin types which is great news for problematic skin sufferers like myself!

The backing paper attached to the mask

The backing paper attached to the mask

The sheet mask screams opulence from the very first touch because of its thick and fairly weighty biocellulose material that, unlike other face masks, isn’t inordinately inundated with essence (but still thoroughly soaked!) that you end up with a drippy mess. Its drip-free quality could also be attributed to the syrupy consistency of the essence which kept to the mask (every single ounce of it) throughout the wear time – despite the fact that I was seated upright.

Cleansed and exfoliated, before masking

Cleansed and exfoliated, before masking

In addition, fragrance is listed last on the ingredients so you don’t have to worry about the mask being heavily perfumed. In fact, all my nose could detect was a faint fruity smell which reminded me of amoxicillin, or the pink childhood liquid medicine that most of us are familiar with 😂 I would have brushed it off as the natural scent of the biocellulose material (I’m not a mask expert, you see…) if I had not read the ingredient list!

To prevent it from sticking on itself when folded up in the packet, it has a layer of backing paper over it which can be peeled off progressively as you align the holes to the eyes, nose and mouth. But due to the thickness of the sheet material, the mask tends to bunch up along my jaw with air bubbles forming on the lower half. My trusty APRILSKIN angled spatula didn’t do much to flatten it, so I wasn’t sure if the mask had adhered properly to my face 😅

Peel off half of the backing paper before placing the mask onto the face (be sure to cleanse and exfoliate first!)

Peel off half of the backing paper before placing the mask onto the face (be sure to cleanse and exfoliate first!)

Now, remove the other half of the backing paper!

Now, remove the other half of the backing paper!

Use a spatula (or a mask applicator) to flatten out the mask. You can find cheaper alternatives on marketplaces like Shopee going for as low as $1!

Use a spatula (or a mask applicator) to flatten out the mask. You can find cheaper alternatives on marketplaces like Shopee going for as low as $1!

The mask doesn't seem to flatten out entirely on my face, unfortunately.. :(

The mask doesn’t seem to flatten out entirely on my face, unfortunately.. 😦

Bunched up sides..

Bunched up sides..

Once the mask has been laid over the face, leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes before removing. Then, gently pat the essence into the face for maximum absorption. The remaining essence in the packet can also be applied all over the neck, décolletage and arms so you don’t waste a single drop of this extravagant product. Truth be told, this is my least favourite step of masking because the essence usually leaves an uncomfortable, tacky finish on my skin that makes me want to wash it off but to my utter amazement, this does not at all 😱 For this reason, I have absolutely no qualms about slathering my whole body with it. That is, if there is even any left!

Time to remove the mask!

Time to remove the mask!

[Pardon my unruly brows, hehe!] As you can see, apart from what's left below my eyes (which got absorbed soon after), the mask didn't leave my face drenched with essence! 😍

[Pardon my unruly brows, hehe!] As you can see, apart from what’s left below my eyes (which got absorbed soon after), the mask didn’t leave my face drenched with essence! 😍

Side-by-side comparison: Before VS After! The texture of my face is visibly smoother after use.

Side-by-side comparison: Before VS After! The texture of my face is visibly smoother after use.

What's left in the packet.. not a lot of essence :(

What’s left in the packet.. not a lot of essence 😦

Applied the remaining essence on my arms and neck!

Applied the remaining essence on my arms and neck!

The final step is to follow up with serum (if applicable, a dose a lot smaller than your usual) and moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated. Should you be heading out after masking, do remember to slap on some sunblock too!

Post-masking: applied my serum and moisturiser! The shine here comes from the moisturiser. My neck looks practically normal even though I had applied some of the mask essence :)

Post-masking: applied my serum and moisturiser! The shine here comes from the moisturiser. My neck looks practically normal even though I had applied some of the mask essence 🙂

My verdict on Baby Drops Mask? I love it. Apart from the superior ingredients that went into these packets, what drew me into this mask is the fact that it is drip-free, mess-free and tack-free, providing me with a masking experience never felt before. That said, a repeat purchase is highly unlikely for me because this is way out of my league (sister here is a lowly wage slave 😩). But if you’re into upscale beauty products, the Baby Drops Mask is definitely something you should consider adding to your skincare routine!

What are your thoughts on these Baby Drops Masks? Let me know what you think in the comments below or take a quick poll!

Thanks for reading!

ILLUMIASKIN Baby Drops Mask is now available on Illumia’s e-store, SHOPEE, and Illumia Therapeutics at Wheelock Place. For more information on IllumiaSkin, follow them on FACEBOOK or visit their official WEBSITE.
PRODUCTs WERE SUPPLIED BY ILLUMIASKIN FOR MY EDITORIAL CONSIDERATION. ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MY OWN.

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REVIEW: NALC Moisturizer All-In-One Gel for Tone-up, Wrinkle and Acne Care

/ Fiona Seah / Leave a comment

Hello everyone!

With more sectors of our economy allowed to resume operations progressively, it is only a matter of time before our borders reopen and we are able to jet off again (though probably not as extensively as before), or, at the very least go on a staycation; hence perhaps it’s about time we gear up with all the travel necessities so that we would be ever-ready for an impromptu getaway, especially once the restrictions are finally lifted.

Don't we all miss finding out our boarding time and gate in front of the FIDS? (Image by Jan Vašek)

Don’t we all miss finding out our boarding time and gate in front of the FIDS? (Image by Jan Vašek)

Much as my wanderlust itch is dying to be scratched, there is always this one small First World problem that makes travelling a little less enjoyable for me, and that is packing. As one who prioritises vanity, I mean, spares no effort on the upkeep of my appearance, my toiletries usually take up a lot of room inside my luggage, and this exacerbates if my destination is experiencing the height of winter, thereby leaving a limited amount of space for other essential items, and adding unnecessary weight to my precious load. For my trip to Japan last December, for instance, I had to pack my facial cleanser, toner, exfoliator, moisturisers (one for outdoor use) and acne treatment on top of my shower products (my sensitive skin doesn’t quite jive with some of the body wash provided by hotels so I tend to bring my own) into my luggage. And let’s not forget about the unpacking after everything is done and dusted. Oh, so lazy…

Thankfully, all this is about to change with the All-In-One Gel Moisturizer (also known as Three Protect Gel) by NALC, a Japanese unisex skincare brand that was previously featured here for their amazing waterproof sunscreen.

NALC All-In-One Gel Moisturizer (S$45)

NALC All-In-One Gel Moisturizer (S$45)

Touted as a handy all-in-one medicated gel that replaces your regular facial serum, moisturiser, cream and leave-on night mask altogether, it helps to tackle three major skin issues – wrinkles, acne and discolouration – with ingredients that lock moisture in the skin (i.e. ceramides and hyaluronic acids) and maintain its supple texture (i.e. collagens and amino acids). Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, an active ingredient in the formula, prevents acne, heat rash, frostbite, chapping and cracked skin under extreme weather conditions while tranexamic acid suppresses the production of melanin to reduce the appearance of spots and freckles.

Protective seal

Protective seal

Ingredient list

Ingredient list (click here for complete list)

The tube

The tube

You might also be interested to know that this is actually a quasi-drug (approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan) which ultimately means that the ingredients are recognised as effective, or more so than cosmetic products.

Medicated, another way of saying quasi-drug

Medicated, another way of saying quasi-drug

The "医薬部外品" label is what you need to look out for on the packaging to check if the product is a quasi-drug

The “医薬部外品” label is what you need to look out for on the packaging to check if the product is a quasi-drug

Moreover, it contains several natural ingredients such as white fungus polysaccharide, artichoke extract, scutellaria root extract, soybean extract, almond extract and bilberry leaf extract to promote better skin health.

Clinically proven to be hypoallergenic, this gel moisturiser is formulated without ingredients that are known to aggravate the skin (i.e. alcohols, fragrance, mineral oils, petroleum-based surfactants, artificial colouring, and parabens), therefore making it suitable for sensitive skin. In fact, this product is so gentle on the skin, it can also be applied on children of at least 7 years of age, and the elderly!

[First try] Didn't read the directions before I applied it for the first time. You only need 1/5 of this amount!

[First try] Didn’t read the directions before I applied it for the first time. You only need 1/5 of this amount!

[First try] But since it's already on my hand, let's not waste it :) Look how clear it is once it's been spread out!

[First try] But since it’s already on my hand, let’s not waste it 🙂 Look how clear it is once it’s been spread out!

[First try] Ta-dah! Barely noticeable! You wouldn't know it's there until you touch the area where you applied the moisturiser!

[First try] Ta-dah! Barely noticeable! You wouldn’t know it’s there until you touch the area where you applied the moisturiser!

This unscented gel moisturiser has a light and slightly milky consistency that spreads easily on the skin. A little goes a long way, so you would only need a small amount of it (less than 1 cm in diameter) to cover the whole face. Otherwise, you may run the risk of having to deal with the tackiness it leaves behind. However, you can dispense a larger amount (about 1.5 cm in diameter) if you intend to use it as an overnight mask (but do be prepared for any product to transfer onto your pillow).

Okay, now, trying it out on my face. This is how much you need. No kidding!

Okay, now, trying it out on my face. This is how much you need. No kidding!

Simply dot it on your forehead, cheeks, the tip of your nose and philtrum. There's seriously enough to go around!

Simply dot it on your forehead, cheeks, the tip of your nose and philtrum. There’s seriously enough to go around!

Then, spread it out! Be sure to spread it outwards, like how you should when you apply other products on your face, to prevent premature sagging and wrinkles ;)

Then, spread it out! Be sure to spread it outwards, like how you should when you apply other products on your face, to prevent premature sagging and wrinkles 😉

All done!

All done!

Having tried the moisturiser in the day and at night for a week already, the whitening effect seems to be the most noticeable on my skin because the hyperpigmentation left behind by maskne has lightened quite a bit. Granted, it did not really do much in preventing blemishes from me wearing my face mask for an extended amounts of time (this can’t be help, can it?), but it sure expedited their healing process. Within the third day, the zits had more or less flattened and the redness had also reduced drastically. While I can’t attest to its effectiveness in combating wrinkles (because I am lucky enough not to have any visible ones.. yet 🥺), I am confident that this moisturiser would do an equally great job at banishing those fine lines!

Most importantly, this, too, does not cause any irritation to my sensitive skin.

Before (taken on 30 June 2020) and after (taken on 7 July 2020) using NALC All-in-One Moisturizer!

Before (taken on 30 June 2020) and after (taken on 7 July 2020) using NALC All-in-One Moisturizer!

What are your thoughts on this all-in-one gel moisturiser? Let me know what you think in the comments below or take a quick poll!

Thanks for reading!

NALC All-In-One Gel Moisturizer is now available on SHOPEE. For more information on NALC, follow them on FACEBOOK or visit their official WEBSITE.
PRODUCTs WERE SUPPLIED BY NALC FOR MY EDITORIAL CONSIDERATION. ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MY OWN.

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