Best beauty buys: What Singapore's top makeup artists shop for when they travel to Tokyo, Bangkok, Seoul
Singapore's top makeup artists reveal what they shop for when they're in Japan, South Korea and Thailand. Now you’ll also know what beauty products to stock up on.
Zoe Tay and her go-to MUA Peter Khor; Rebecca Lim and her BFF MUA Shaun Lee. (Photos: Instagram/peterkhor and shaunleelee)
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For many beauty enthusiasts who love to travel, one of the most exciting parts about going on holiday is checking out the beauty counters and aisles to see what’s available.
Sure, there is no lack of beauty brands and products galore in Singapore. But there’s just something about finding cult brands or everyday favourites from the places you visit that make the heart flutter.
If you’re not confident in trying something completely new, it pays to trust those who are in the know. Some of Singapore's trusty makeup artists share what they stock up on on their travels to some of Asia's well-loved beauty capitals such as Tokyo, Seoul and Bangkok.
You might just find a new beauty love from the list on your next trip.
CLARENCE LEE
Known for: Achieving flawless and radiant complexion on clients such as Stefanie Sun, Paige Chua and Joanne Peh.
From Tokyo: Locobase Repair Cream
“This is my all-time fave cream. It’s thick and has a long staying power yet doesn’t have a sticky texture. It really softens my skin and I love using it on my dry cuticles and heels. It also helps with annoying hang nails too. I also find that it’s especially good when I'm on long haul flights and when I travel to countries with drier climates.”
From Tokyo: Odoremin
“I chanced upon this liquid deodorant years ago and have loved it ever since. It has an ultra-light texture that feels comfortable on the skin and more importantly, doesn’t leave a tacky residue behind.”
From Tokyo: Kate Pinpoint Color Sniper in OR Orange
“This is a pretty new product from Kate that I found on my recent Japan trip. It might say orange, but really it’s a peachy colour, which is good for making most dark circles appear lighter. Plus, it comes in a convenient pen style, which makes it easy to use too.”
PETER KHOR
Known for: Adding a touch of drama and glamour to the looks of Zoe Tay, Kit Chan and Yvonne Lim.
From Bangkok: Cosluxe Wink To The Blink Blink Twinkle Glitter Star Glitter Eyeshadow
“I love this glitter eyeshadow. It applies easily and gives the eyelids a subtle glittery finish that makes it easy to wear, even for makeup newbies.”
From Tokyo: &Be UV Primer
“This not only helps makeup adhere better and last longer, but it also easily gives your complexion a sun-kissed glow.”
From Tokyo: Eyecurl Electric Eyelash Curler
“I love how this heats up fast yet isn’t too hot that it makes you wince. It’s even safe to use on your bottom lashes too. You can use it before or after mascara application. And besides working well on your natural lashes, it also works great on false eyelashes to get that extra lift.”
SHAUN LEE
Known for: Fresh-faced beauties. In addition to lots of beautiful brides (#shaunleebrides is a thing), Lee is also Rebecca Lim’s go-to makeup person.
From Sydney: Lanolips Tinted Lip Balm
“If you have very dry lips but still want to have some colour on them, this is perfect. It’s very moisturising for the lips and come in a variety of colours so you won’t have to choose to have just one or the other.”
From Tokyo: Suqqu Eyelash Curler
“It’s comfortable to use and can even be used very close to the roots of your lashes without worrying. This can help you achieve a very lifted effect, which is great for stubborn straight Asian lashes. Plus, it fits most eye shapes too.”
From Tokyo: Kesalan Patharan Makeup Brushes
“These brushes have super, super soft natural bristles that feel so good on the skin. You’ll actually want to do your makeup daily.”
LASALLE LEE
Known for: Keeping faces looking glamorously natural, and also works closely with some of Mediacorp’s top actors such as Elvin Ng and Pierre Png.
From Seoul: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream Mist
“This brand is very well-known among Koreans for its hydrating benefits and especially if you have dry skin. I like that it has a superfine mist that sprays evenly and leaves a strong moisturising film on the face. Use it before or even after makeup application, or whenever skin feels parched.”
From Tokyo: IPSA Foundation Ultimate SPF25/PA++
“Don’t be fooled by its packaging. It’s actually lightweight and has a very thin, translucent texture that doesn’t compromise on its coverage and is still able to effectively conceal blemishes. Plus, it’s water- and sweat-proof, making it ideal for Singapore’s humid weather too.”
From Beijing: Florasis Flawless Jade Breathable Setting Powder
“This loose powder gives a lovely second-skin finish. It also helps blur the appearance of enlarged pores to give a smooth and flawless look while keeping the complexion shine-free.”
GINGER LYNETTE
Known for: Fashion-forward beauty trends and glow-y, elegant bridal makeup.
From Bangkok: Srichand Bare To Perfect Translucent Powder
“This is a much raved about product on social media, and it does live up to its hype. It covers well and helps makeup last longer, even when faced with the heat and humidity.”
From Seoul: Muzigae Mansion Objet Liquid
“These liquid lip colours come in really beautiful colours. The creamy texture glides over the lips easily and dries down into a soft matte shade that also sits comfortably on the lips.”
From Tokyo: IPSA Creative Concealer
"A palette that contains three Asian-friendly shades that match our Asian skin tone well. It’s also handy to use for touch-ups when you’re out and about. Best bit? You can also find this brand in Hong Kong if you’re not heading to Japan.”
KAT ZHANG
Known for: Perfecting complexions on clients such as model Iman Fandi and radio personalities Sonia Chew and Germaine Tan to achieve a natural, second-skin finish.
From Tokyo: Suqqu Signature Color Eyes
“These pigmented eyeshadows apply and blend easily, and have a wide range of colours that suit our Asian skin tones. But what I like best about these palettes is that they come in interesting colour combinations. For instance, the 07 Benisaki eyeshadow palette has a red pearl-infused shade alongside a grey shade in one palette, allowing you to achieve some unique makeup looks with it.”
From Seoul: Lilybyred Starry Eyes 9 To 9 Gel Eyeliner
“These come in a wide range of colours, from white and cream to coral, brown and black. Plus, they’re also very versatile and have a long-lasting formula. It’s great to use if you want a softer look for the eyes – try shade #13 Caramel Brown – and can even be used as an eyeshadow by blending it out before it dries down. And a beauty trick that I do is to use the shade #10 Shine Gold to create that ageyo-sal K-beauty trend (lining just under the eyes to give the illusion of bigger, doe-like eyes).”
From Seoul: Jung Saem Mool Masterclass Ampoule Sun SPF50+/PA++++
“Sunscreen is a must to protect the skin, and this has a watery-light texture that applies well and is great for Singapore’s heat and humidity. It also doubles up as a makeup primer that works well under your makeup and leaves skin looking glow-y after application.”
