6 Celebrity Brands SG Beauty Lovers Are Obsessed With

Celebrity makeup lines have come a long way. What used to be a hit-or-miss endorsement deal has evolved into full-fledged beauty empires with real staying power.

From inclusive shade ranges to innovative skincare-meets-makeup formulas, these brands have proven they’re not just riding on fame. If you’re wondering which celebrity-owned beauty brands are worth adding to your cart, this curated list highlights the most popular ones that beauty lovers here keep raving about.

#1: LADY GAGA’S HAUS LABS
Where to shop: Sephora

After a rocky global launch in 2019 and a powerful relaunch in 2022, Haus Labs by Lady Gaga is finally here. The brand’s breakout hit, the Triclone Skin Tech Foundation (S$80 for 30ml), is a skincare-infused base available in an impressive 51 shades. Designed to look like second skin, it’s lightweight, breathable, and made for all-day wear.

Image Credits: facebook.com/hauslabs

Haus Labs has also gained a following for its high-performance mascara (S$46), which is safe for sensitive eyes. With bold pigments and clean formulas, it’s clear Lady Gaga isn’t playing it safe and SG queens are here for it.

#2: RIHANNA’S FENTY BEAUTY
Where to shop: Sephora

Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty with inclusivity at its core, making it one of the first major brands to cater to diverse skin tones. Its skin-friendly formulas and versatile textures suit all types – perfect for our multicultural population.

Image Credits: facebook.com/fentybeauty

Some crowd favorites here include the Gloss Bomb Heat Lip Luminizer (S$40), Gloss Bomb Stix (S$39), and the glow-enhancing Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Duo (S$61). If you ask me, my favorite is the Gloss Bomb Stix Shimmer Lipstick in the shade Flamingo Fling (S$39). Fenty’s message of self-expression resonates deeply, and in our humid climate, its long-wearing, breathable makeup truly stands out.

#3: HUDA KATTAN’S HUDA BEAUTY
Where to shop: Sephora

Founded by Iraqi-American beauty mogul Huda Kattan, Huda Beauty first gained popularity through social media, and it’s still a cult favorite in our local beauty scene. Known for its high coverage and long-wear capabilities, the brand is perfect for those who love full glam looks that last in our tropical weather.

Image Credits: facebook.com/hudabeauty

Top sellers include the Liquid Matte Ultra-Comfort Transfer-Proof Lipstick (S$40), Fauxfilter Luminous Matte Liquid Concealer (S$53), and the dramatic Classic Lash (S$33). Whether you’re attending a wedding, event, or just want to make an impression, Huda’s products help you put your best face forward.

#4: KYLIE COSMETICS BY KYLIE JENNER
Where to shop: Sephora

Kylie Jenner’s brand continues to attract fans with its chic packaging, social media buzz, and glam-girl aesthetic. Kylie Cosmetics has found a loyal customer base here, especially among those who love defined lips and fresh, glowy skin.

Image Credits: kyliecosmetics.com

Top picks include the High Gloss (S$30), Skin Tint Blurring Elixir Foundation (S$50), and the Velvet Liquid Lipstick & Lip Liner Kit (S$55). Whether you’re dressing up for a weekend brunch or heading for drinks at Marina Bay Sands, Kylie’s products have that easy glam factor.

#5: ARIANA GRANDE’S FRAGRANCES
Where to shop: arianagrandefragrances.com, perfumestore.sg, or Zalora

Ariana Grande may be known for her powerhouse vocals, but her fragrances have carved out their own space in the beauty world. With multiple fragrance awards under her belt, Ari’s perfumes are among the most-loved celeb scents globally and Singapore is no exception.

Cloud Eau de Parfum (S$115) is a dreamy mix of lavender, coconut, and vanilla that smells like a soft hug. Thank U Next EDP (S$88) and Sweet Like Candy EDP (S$79) are fruity, flirty, and fun. You can either use it for daily wear or gifting. These scents regularly appear on “best perfume” award lists and continue to be popular across online platforms.

#6: RARE BEAUTY BY SELENA GOMEZ
Where to shop: Sephora

Rare Beauty is more than just pretty packaging as it’s built on the idea of mental wellness and breaking beauty standards. Selena’s brand connects with younger audiences who value authenticity and self-expression.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Best-sellers include the Positive Light Liquid Luminizer (S$44) for a dewy glow and the viral Soft Pinch Dewy Liquid Blush Mini (S$26), a TikTok favorite. The latest hit, Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush (S$44), is winning fans with its airy, non-cakey formula. This works best with Singapore’s heat and humidity.

IN A NUTSHELL

Not every celebrity brand is a guaranteed success, but those that thrive in Singapore offer real value. They stand out with inclusive shade ranges, high-performing products, and a strong emotional connection with customers. Personally, I’m excited that Hailey Bieber’s Rhode will soon be available at Sephora.

Image Credits: facebook.com/theperfumeshoponline

So, whether you’re restocking essentials or trying new scents, these celebrity beauty brands add a touch of Hollywood glamour to your everyday routine.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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Achieve Filter-Like Makeup with 6 Drugstore Finds

Achieving a flawless, filter-like makeup look doesn’t require high-end products. With the right drugstore selections, you can create a stunning appearance that rivals luxury brands. Consider looking for the items on this list!

#1: CETAPHIL GENTLE SKIN CLEANSER

While it’s not makeup per se, starting with a hydrated base is essential. Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser is renowned for its mild formula, suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. Enriched with glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol, it soothes and hydrates the skin. A 125ml bottle retails for S$5.95, while a 250ml bottle retails for S$8.80 at Venus Beauty.

#2: L’ORÉAL PARIS INFALLIBLE 24HR BROW LAMINATION

Achieve salon-quality laminated brows at home with this brow gel. Its sweat and water-resistant formula keeps hairs in place while adding volume, all without the crunchy feel that some gels leave behind.​ Price starts at S$19.90 at Watsons​.

#3: REVLON COLORSTAY LIMITLESS MATTE LIQUID LIPSTICK

For a bold lip that lasts, Revlon’s ColorStay Limitless Matte Liquid Lipstick delivers. Its lightweight formula ensures comfort, making you forget you’re even wearing lipstick. Whether it’s a day at the office or a night out, this lipstick stays put through it all.​ It’s available for about S$25.90 at Watsons.

Image Credits: revlon.com/products/colorstay-limitless-matte-liquid-lipstick

#4: MAYBELLINE INSTANT AGE REWIND ERASER MULTI-USE CONCEALER

This is a cult classic. Say goodbye to dark circles and blemishes with this creamy concealer. Infused with glycerin, it offers a hydrating, serum-like feel, ensuring your under-eyes look fresh and radiant throughout the day.​ It’s sold for S$19.85 at Guardian.

#5: E.L.F. HALO GLOW CONTOUR BEAUTY WAND

Contouring made easy. This wand features a cushion tip for precise application, allowing you to sculpt your face effortlessly. Available in five shades, it’s enriched with skin-loving squalane, ensuring your contour not only looks good but feels good too.​ Price starts at S$17.90 at Watsons​.

#6: L’ORÉAL PARIS INFALLIBLE 24HR FRESH WEAR FOUNDATION (POWDER)

This powder foundation features a buttery, weightless texture with medium to full coverage and a matte finish with no cakiness. Ideal for on-the-go touch-ups, it includes a built-in mirror for convenience. It’s now on sale for S$20.60 at Guardian.

Friendly reminder: when choosing a drugstore foundation, opt for matte formulas to control shine on oily skin, dewy formulas to boost radiance for dry skin, and natural finishes for combination skin.

Image Credits: loreal-paris.com.sg

Achieving a filter-like look comes down to layering the right products and understanding your skin’s needs. With these drugstore finds, you’re on your way to a flawless, radiant complexion.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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Price of Beauty: How Much Does Your Beauty Regimen Cost You Each Month?

Looking good isn’t just about vanity…it’s about confidence and self-esteem. The way we present ourselves can influence how others perceive us and even open doors to opportunities we desire. But at what cost does this pursuit of beauty come? Let’s delve into the numbers and explore ways to maintain our appearance without breaking the bank.

The skincare and beauty industry is thriving, raking in over US$90 billion (about S$120 billion) globally. In Singapore alone, the average woman spends approximately S$270 per month on toiletries, fitness classes, and occasional pampering sessions like facials or massages, according to a survey by UOB.

This investment in personal care contributes significantly to Singapore’s premium beauty sector, which reached an estimated worth of S$947.5 million in 2021, up from S$799 million in 2015, as reported by Euromonitor.

However, the allure of luxury brands often leads consumers to overspend. Fancy packaging, celebrity endorsements, and perceived quality can inflate prices, making it challenging to stick to a budget.

Reflecting on personal spending habits, I find myself allocating around S$120 per month for essentials like foot spas, waxing, haircuts, and skincare/makeup purchases, excluding clothing expenses. It’s easy to overlook these costs, but failing to budget for them can lead to financial strain.

To avoid overspending on beauty and wellness products, consider implementing these strategies:

Image Credits: unsplash.com

1. Shop with a Plan: Outline what you need to purchase and set a budget before browsing.

2. Compare Prices: Research and compare prices across different retailers to find the best deals.

3. Implement a Cooling-Off Period: Delay impulse purchases by adding items to your cart and revisiting them after a set time or sleep on it before finalizing the purchase.

4. Space Out Salon Visits: Opt for quality over quantity when it comes to salon treatments. Consider stretching out appointments to reduce overall spending without sacrificing results.

5. Avoid Boredom Shopping: Set dedicated time slots for online shopping and stick to your budget to prevent impulse buys.

6. Prioritize Quality Over Price: Invest in essential products that suit your needs and skin type, even if they come with a higher price tag. Look for Sephora discounts or promotions to save money without compromising on quality.

By adopting these practices, you can maintain your beauty routine without overspending or jeopardizing your financial well-being. Remember, looking good should enhance your confidence, not drain your bank account!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

 

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Money-Saving Sephora Hacks for 2024

Sephora, born in France in the 1970s, has blossomed into a global hub for top-notch bath, cosmetics, and lifestyle treasures. With a curated collection of luxurious brands and a signature private label, Sephora has become the go-to destination for those in pursuit of the latest beauty trends.

Yet, the siren call of beauty often comes with a hefty price. In fact, Yahoo Finance found that women spend over S$1,000 on their appearance each year. As much as I love Sephora, I still value my frugality by following these few tips:

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES

While swatching cosmetics on your hands might not offer the most precise shade match, fear not! Seeking out Sephora’s Beauty Advisors for small tubs of samples can be a game-changer.

Take these samples home to experiment without the risk of ruining your flawlessly applied makeup. If the product can be squeezed out, rest assured – you’re eligible for a free sample.

UNLOCK PERKS WITH SEPHORA’S BEAUTY PASS

For those obsessed with Sephora but mindful of their budget, enrolling in a free Beauty Pass Membership is a must. The three tiers – White (Free), Black (Spend $300 a year), and Gold (Spend $1,500 per year) – bring forth enticing perks:

– Accumulate points for free beauty products from Sephora’s Rewards Boutique.
– Enjoy a complimentary brow service by Benefit Cosmetics during your birthday month.
– Double points accumulation for any purchase during your birthday month.
– Receive a free birthday gift without spending money (exclusive to Black and Gold Members).

And don’t forget, as a member, you can also politely request free samples to sweeten the deal.

MAXIMIZE ONLINE ORDERS FOR FREEBIES

Once you’ve pinpointed your go-to makeup products and no longer need to test them on your skin, consider the online route.

Sephora often rewards online shoppers with complimentary product samples for every purchase, adding an extra layer of value to your beauty haul.

OPT FOR SEPHORA’S HOUSE BRAND

Keep an eye on Sephora’s in-house brand, often a treasure trove of budget-friendly alternatives to high-end makeup. Take, for example, the Sephora Collection Smoothing Primer (S$25) and Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner (S$19)– delivering quality comparable to their pricier counterparts.

It’s a gentle reminder that the essence of good makeup lies in quality rather than a brand name.

RESIST IMPULSE PURCHASES

While the siren song of the latest makeup trends is alluring, exercising restraint can be a wise investment. Avoid the rush to Sephora for newly released products from your favorite brands.

Today’s makeup lines strive to cater to diverse skin tones, and what looks stunning on one person may not suit another. For instance, the cult-favorite Anastasia Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette (S$85) might look better on some people than others.

Before splurging, consider whether the product aligns with your skin undertones, ensuring a worthwhile investment in your beauty arsenal.

IN A NUTSHELL

By incorporating these money-saving Sephora hacks into your beauty routine, you can revel in high-quality products without causing a dent in your budget.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

From securing free samples to tapping into membership perks, these strategies empower you to make informed and economical choices in the realm of beauty. Happy shopping!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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6 Undeniable Reasons Why You Should Buy Luxury Makeup

Over the last decade, the beauty industry has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Dermatologists, beauty experts, and celebrities alike are launching their own high-end beauty brands. Not to mention, drugstore makeup widened their range of beauty products. You have probably once thought why do some makeup products, which all appear to be similar at first glance, carry different price tags?

Well, some products may seem like an investment, but the benefits are vast. If you are considering investing in luxury or high-end makeup, here are some reasons why it is beneficial to spend more on the products that you apply to your face.

#1: PRODUCTS ARE LONGER LASTING

You will keep reaping the rewards for much longer when you invest in luxury facial serum, body oil, or fragrances. Luxury brands offer richer, deeper, and more premium kind of beauty experience that comes with longer lasting results. When you invest in high-end beauty, you pay for ingredients that are meant to last.

#2: BETTER INGREDIENTS WERE USED

Drugstore beauty brands may have active ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. However, the amount can be negligible compared to luxury brands. Luxury brands offer pure, authentic ingredients, which may be harder to source. While both high-priced and low-priced products can have the same ingredients, the former tend to have more potent ingredients.

Karen Kagha, a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist, shared that she “like for the ingredients and studies/results to inform my opinion about a product’s performance.” She highlighted that many luxury brand names have combined effective ingredients and great branding over the years.

#3: QUALIFIED CONSULTANTS ARE READY TO HELP

When purchasing luxury makeup, there is always somebody qualified to help you both before and after the sale. Whether you are in the physical store or purchasing online, you can chat or live chat with the beauty consultant to help you find a product that suits your skin best. Apart from the premium ingredients, you are investing in the expertise of these beauty consultants too.

Some of the typical queries of customers are finding the right color to purchase the right foundation and finding the correct style of lipstick to suit one’s lips. Brands that offer beauty products at a cheaper rate are generally self-serving and provide no aftercare if you need further help afterwards.

#4: PRODUCTS COME WITH QUALITY PACKAGING AND APPLICATORS

Luxury makeup looks more pleasing when you pull them out of your bag. Apart from its attractive exterior, it is unlikely that high-end makeup will come with a smashed palette, product faults, and broken mechanism. These products come with quality brushes or appropriate applicators instead of the standard widely produced sponges. These applicators make a dramatic difference in how your face will look and how well you apply the products.

#5: LUXURY CAN MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD

Strategic marketing is a big part of luxury brands. Luxury brands spend a chunk of their budget to entice customers all over the world. The packaging or how the product dispenses can make the consumer feel good about their makeup. The feeling of exclusivity and value should not be discounted as it can help boost someone’s overall confidence!

#6: WE ALL DESERVE A BIT OF LUXURY

Whether you have been saving up for a luxury makeup item or have extra money to spend, you deserve a bit of luxury. With the mask mandate slowly easing, our face is the first thing that people see when we meet them. Take care of your face by putting quality products that will last long. Do not be shy to walk inside the luxury beauty stores at The Shoppes Marina Bay Sands and simply enjoy the experience. If you have enough money saved up and you are not hurting your credit score, you can treat yourself to luxury beauty items every once in a while.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Start and end your day feeling beautiful – because you are!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

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