Singapore was my brief respite last month mainly for my daughter’s gymnastics s competition held at Bishan Stadium.  Trying to squeeze my shopping habit in between her training schedule had proved to be a fun experience.  Sephora, Takashimaya, MAC Cosmetics, Guardian Pharmacy and Sasa have been my “candy land” and mecca of sorts when I’m visiting.  In Hong Kong, it would be the same, except that Mannings Pharmacy is the counterpart of Guardian.

So described below are my “hauls” to satisfy my cosmetic addiction although if I had a bigger budget,  I probably would have a preferred client card from the Cosmetics Department of Takashimaya Dept Store.  Sadly, no.  Some of these items are not new products, but sometimes I am a late bloomer and I usually take a second look and convince myself to just go out of my box sometimes and try them.  Below is a recap.

My Singapore Haul

Top going clockwise

MAC Mineralize Charged Water Moisturizing Gel –  Lately, I’ve been looking for light moisturizers that doesn’t feel heavy on my face , particularly now with the change in weather, its been so humid.  Applying this lightweight cream gel feels so light and literally cool on your face, it is quickly absorbed.  Perfect when you’re in a rush and need to apply concealer or foundation right after, it doesn’t slip and slide off.  The effect on the skin is similar to that of a primer, it leaves a thin film on your skin but acts like a barrier and protection from the elements in the air.

Hourglass Veil Primer –   I first tried this primer at a Sephora store in the US and was completely hooked over by its claim that it provides extra wear for your makeup’s staying power.  It really does.  It definitely is a pricey primer but so worth it.  I just wish it came in a bigger bottle.

Laura Mercier Secret Finish + Mattifying Cream  –  I know I know, 2 primers?  I’m a sucker for anything that makes my makeup last longer.  I recently read that this product is the holy grail of mattifiers.  Used under or over makeup, it soaks up the oil on the face like a Bounty paper towel.  It’s that good.

Hakuhodo Cream/Liquid Brush  –  Hakuhodo is the Rolls Royce of brushes and it is pricey.  It makes use of goat hair and each brush is handmade which makes it the most sought after line of brushes.  Hakuhodo is as old as the Geisha industry and famously used by them.   Called the Itabake brush, I saw this being used by a famous US  makeup artist to apply cream contour and when he blended it using this brush, it seemed so seamless and there were no visible brush strokes on the face as opposed to using a foundation brush.  I had to try it for myself.

Hakuhodo J 5521 Highlighting Brush –  Also made out goat hair, the tapered end is good for applying highlighter on the high points on the face.  This brush will make you or your client feel so relaxed, its that soft.

Cyber Colour Eyeliner and Liquid Eyeliner duo –  While my personal preference is a gel liner, this was given to me by the Sasa ladies as a Gift with purchase.  The other end is a liquid eyeliner while the other end is a pencil pen.  The only drawback is that it is difficult to snap back on after using it, but otherwise it is waterproof.

Lorea’L Eyebrow pencil in Light Brown 02  –    I saw this being used in the Lorea’l workshop that I attended last August.  While I admire all those YouTubers who preach perfectly stenciled brows as the bomb, Miss Gex Garcia showed us how to wow the brow without looking too dark or harsh.  Again I was hooked on this product.  This has been out of stock quite a bit so I made it a point to stock up on this while I was at Sasa.

The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer   –   I needed a new bronzer since my other bronzer broke out in pieces after a gig and it signaled me to buy one without the fragile packaging.  Housed in a sturdy carton like box, it definitely was a winner for me.  Plus I don’t look orange is a big plus.  What can I say, I’m a late bloomer in discovering this wonder powder.  It also doubles as an eye shadow, how’s that for multitasking?

La Roche Posay Anthelios 30++ Sunscreen protection –  Packaging is tops, it has a nozzle like tube that squirts out the right amount for your face.  It has UVA And UVB protection and when applied, it has a mattifying effect, not greasy on the face.  Shine go away.

Bioderma Sebium H2O –  One of my favorite makeup removers next to my cult favorite Ponds.  Why? Fastest makeup remover without the tugging and pulling.  Your face is back to its natural state in seconds.  Its good for those with sensitive skin too.  I hoard this stuff!