Singpore Haul

Hello! 

It's been a long long time since I last posted, here and on Instagram. 3 weeks if you want to be specific. I had the opportunity to go to Singapore with my dad on a business trip. The trip was incredible- it was my first time out of the country. I got to try so many different types of food, explore the beautiful city and not to mention test so many different products I had never seen before. 

Surprisingly enough when I went to drugs stores, department counters, etc., there were a lot of European brands instead of Asian brands like I was expecting. I got to see and test out brands like Borjouis Paris, Collection, Bioderma, Makeup Store and so much more! I also saw familar brands like Maybelline, Revlon and Lo'real. I thought it was interesting; Maybelline almost had every product here in a different packaging. They changed most of their face products to claim to "whiten", "illuminate", and similar things like that to appeal to the Asian demographic. I also got to see lots of Korean brands like Innisfree, The Face Shop, Tony Moly, Etude House and of course things I had no clue how to read. It was pretty awesome to physically see brands I had heard beauty bloggers talk about in person, rather to just be looking at them online. Of course once I did the math, some of the products were more expensive to buy in Singapore than it would be if I were to buy them online. But of course I had the luxury of being able to see and test them out in person; so the little extra price tag was worth it. 

What was very interesting to me was the difference in beauty standards in Asia. Of course I've seen BuzzFeed posts/videos and things like that about different beauty standards around the world, but it's completely different to see it in person, in action. If you don't already know, it's desirable to be very pale in Asia, almost white. A lot of the skincare products, face products, everything claimed to whiten the skin. I honestly was afraid to try some of those products just for the meer fact it had the word "whitening" on the label. I would walk around and instead of seeing a foundation line that's too dark (like on people here) I saw foundation lines of people using foundation that was too light! I remember I would often go down and lay at the pool everyday, and the staff used to look at me like I was crazy for putting on tanning lotion and sitting myself out in the sun. I had to drag a chair out into the sun, most of the chairs were underneath a shaded area. It was fascinating to me, because the crazes like contouring, strobing, whatever weren't popular over there. When I would go into Sephoras I wouldn't be attacked with contouring palettes and the latest craze in makeup, at least American crazes. Instead of countouring crazes there were crazes like BB cushions. The makeup trends over in Southeast Asia were more of a natural look, a very prestine, made up look. I know it's crazy and you're probably thinking "Well duh Anna, we already knew this already." I did too, but you never really think or understand it until it's seen in action. Rarely did I go out and see women with an eye look other than a simple cat eyeliner. What was even more interesting to me, was that there were absolutely no products for women with color, at least that I saw. I'm about a medium skin tone, and I didn't get the chance to try any BB creams/cushions or face products becuase they were all simply to light for me. I didn't even know what shade to pick up for the winter months because there were so many different shades of light/whatever. Even with brands like Maybelline and Lo'real that typically have every single shade that one could think of, didn't carry dark shades at all. The demand for them probably isn't that high, but there were still beautiful Indian women there with dark skin tones. I was pretty disappointed I didnt get to pick up an Asian BB cream, but nonetheless I was still happy with what I was able to bring back. There were a lot of familar beauty brands over in Singapore, but with a higher price tag. Simple brands at Sephora like Tarte and Stila were a little bit to pricey for me. What was even more interesting to me is that they sold brands like NYX and Burt's Bees in Sephora with a huge price tag! The same $11 eye cream from Burt's Bees I buy in the states was over $25. I couldn't stop giggling! 

Anyway, let's get onto the haul. I apologize if the conversions aren't right. 

The Goods

From left to right: 

Lush Eau Roman Water $28 SGD ($20 USD)

"Our most moisturizing toner, Eau Roma relies on the King and Queen of the essential oils world, rose and lavender. Both oils have been used for thousands of years to treat dryness, redness or irritation. Rose is particularly nourishing and cooling, while lavender helps your skin produce the right amount sebum (oil) to keep it suppler. Simplicity at its best."

I bought this toner water because I remember hearing a beauty vlogger talk about it. I've been interesting in trying out Lush skincare products, so I bought the big 250g bottle. I had run out of my micellar water and didn't want to shell out the money for Bioderma, fall in love with it, and never be able to buy it at a good price again. So, I went with a toner water that I could purchase again in the states. After a couple of days of using this, I like this product. After cleasing my face it feels really nice, and gives my skin that extra umph. I think I like this a litttttle bit better than my Simple Micellar water because it does give that extra cleaning to the skin without it being drying or to abrasive. Overall I really like this product and probably would repurchase.

Soap and Glory Beauty Sleep Accelerator ($25 USD?)

"Guaranteed to be an overnight sensation, Soap & Glory’s Beauty Sleep Accelerator™ cream has elasticity and barrier repair-boosting HIGHDRATION-24H™, and detoxifying OXYGINSENG™ TECHNOLOGY. It floods your skin with moisture; stopping dry, dehydrated skin in its tracks, so you wake up to – or land with – dewy, luminous skin. Formulated to work intensively for overnight and long haul flights, but is equally effective should you choose to deploy its super healing powers at alternative times.

• SKIN-REPAIR BIO - a naturally active, milk thistle-derived complex that replenishes, strengthens, firms and repairs
• NIGHT BLOOMING CACTUS FLOWER - for dewier, more luminous skin
• PEACH & GOJUICE™ (peach and goji berry extracts) - rich in antioxidants and vitamins A & C
• ROSE HIP & SWEET ALMOND OILS"

The Soap and Glory selection is craaaaazy in Sephora Singapore. There were so many skincare options from them I about had a heart attack. When I was visiting happened to be the time of the "-30% -40% -50%" sale at Sephora, which I'm not sure if that's in the states anymore. This product happened to be 40% off, so I decided to give it a go. I can't remember the specific price of this product, but I know I paid somewhere in the twenties for this. What really sold me on this product was the claim it was perfect for long haul flights, and I can vouch that it is. As a night cream this really hydrates my skin perfectly, I wake up and sometimes it feels like I don't even need to wash my face. As for long haul flights, this thing is a life saver. It doesn't over hydrate the skin at all but still gives that boost of hydration needed for a long haul flight. It wouldn't make my face nasty if I cleaned my face two or three times during the flight and re-applied. I would definitely recommend this product if you can find it in the states, or wherever you might be. (If you live in Europe and can easily access Soap and Glory, I am extremely jealous.)

Bourjous Paris Healthy Mix Foundation $34.50 SGD ($25.40)

"Give your skina radiance boost and leave it looking flawless for up to 16 hours! Bourjois' new Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix foundation is enriched with a fruit therapy formula to enchance your complexion."

I was estastic when I saw this! I have been dying to try this foundation as it is raved about on youtube. I wanted to try the Gel formula more, but they didn't have it in stock anywhere I went. I love this foundation, it made my skin feel so amazing and it felt weightless on my skin. I had such a natural complexion, it truly felt like my skin. It lasted through the Singapore humidity as well! I didnt even set with a powder. Unfortunately I did buy this half way through my trip, so the color no longer matches me. And after research, it's actually cheaper to purchase this online than it was to buy in person. Nevertheless, I have an idea of the color selection now and can't wait to possibly buy more and use again. 

Korres Black Volcanic Volume Minerals Mascara $5 SGD ($3.60 USD!!)

 "Ultra-volumizing and full mascara for a full dramatic look without the weight that strengthens and protects the lashes."

I have no idea why this was on sale for only $5 but I am not complaining! I didn't think to look at the color though, since the word black was on the box, and did end up getting a dark brown color. Every time I accidently do that (which is more often than you might think) I remember how nice brow mascara can look. The want and formula is really similar to the Lo'real volumious mascara, probably the exact same effect. The difference is the ingredients used probably. I love the look it gives but this is a pain in the ass to get off the lashes. With eye remover and cleasing oil, I always find some still left over somehow. For the price I paid I'm pleased, but I wouldn't buy this again or recommend it to anyone. I would go for the Lo'real Volumious Mascara. 

Korres Twist Eyeshadow in Golden Pink ($11 USD?)

"Even the prettiest wink needs definition. Score super-defined eyes with long-wearing eyeshadows in must-have, wearable shades. The chubby crayon provides smokey eye color to give your gaze a little va-va-voom for beautiful daytime looks or glamorous evening looks. Why settle for average when you can look glamour girl sensational?"

 I remember this being on sale, and picking it up since it was unlike any other color I've ever seen. It's a pinky purple, not really a golden pink. The color is really creamy, waterproof AF and doesn't crease at all. I'm really pleased, I would buy another color if I could get my hands on them! Please Korres, bring back your makeup to the USA!! 

Mac blush in Melba ($22 USD?) 

No need to explain this one. I went in to the Mac store, had a moment of weakness and caved. 

Bourjois Illuminating Face Powder $25.40 SDG ($18.40)

"The delicately scented feather-light powder boosts skins radiance, smoothes the complexion and sets make-up. One transparent shade suits all!"

I was extrememly disappointed in this product and regret buying it. I had bought it with the intention of thinking it was the translucent face powder, not an illuminating one. This as a sheen to it, but little detectable little glitters in it. I typically don't like illuminating powders to begin with, so it wasn't looking good from the beginning. I used it as a highlight and it was okay, but not really anything special. It gets everywhere, it's hard to control what comes out, and it smells (and looks) exactly like baby powder. I felt like it was over priced and wouldn't buy or reccomend to anyone. 

The Face Shop sheet masks in Honey, Kelp, Cucumber, Rice and Acai Berry $10 SDG ($7 SDG) 

I haven't tried these out and plan on doing a whole seperate review on them. So stay tuned! 

Innisfree Sheet Smooth and Radiant Rose sheet mask $2 SGD ($1.50 USD) 

I felt so funny putting on this face mask. The packet suggests a clean and toned face, so after using a cleanser and toner I applied this. I loved how the sheet wasn't too big, it fit just right. After about 20 minutes I took the mask off, massaged the rest into the skin and that was that. It left my face very smooth, and you guessed it, radiant. I loved this mask and wished I bought more from Innisfree! 


This was probably the longest post I have ever written! Thanks for sticking around if you have. I'm really sorry for everyone on Instagram who I left hanging, I didn't have much to post. After losing about 20 followers I'm ready to get back in the groove! 

x Anna