Given its reputation as a shopping paradise, it’s no surprise that Singapore is a fantastic place to shop for perfumes and cosmetics in Singapore. After all, where else in the world can you find American, European and Asian products in one place?

Major international brands are readily available here in the beauty salons of most department stores. Therefore, this top 5 list will focus instead on the popular stores in Singapore and what makes them special.

1. Sephora: A luxury candy store for luxury beauty addicts

The glitzy and glamorous Sephora is the French luxury chain (owned by LVMH) that has a devoted following around the world. This great makeup store has a devoted following for stocking cult cosmetic brands like Urban Decay, Bare Escentuals and Benefit.

While prices here are high, browsing the store is like visiting a candy store, and the roving staff is eager to give you an on-the-spot makeover.

Tip: If you buy something, be sure to ask for gifts. This store has a lot of samples and they are not afraid to give them out.

Directions: Sephora can be found at ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City shopping centers on Orchard Road. The nearest train station is Orchard MRT.

2. Sasa – For the treasure-seeking makeup lover

Sasa is the favorite place where local makeup addicts go on a treasure hunt. This is Asia’s premier beauty boutique chain filled with eclectic beauty products ranging from simple face blotters to glitter-encrusted false eyelashes.

While it’s not easy to find specific products here, it’s a very popular place to get great deals on items like SKII skin care and perfume.

Tip: You can buy interesting Asian beauty products that are not commonly found in other stores.

Directions: Sasa can be found in shopping centers such as Bugis Junction (Bugis MRT) and VivoCity (Harbourfront MRT).

3. Watsons – For International Pharmacy Cosmetics

Singapore has two rival pharmacy chains, Watsons and Guardian. While Guardian is the best pharmacy, Watsons beats it in terms of cosmetics.

Aside from your usual brands like Revlon and Maybelline, you can also find American brands like LA Splash, British brands like Rimmel, Japanese brands like Majolica Majorca, and Korean brands like BRTC.

Tip: Japanese and Korean cosmetics are very popular for their high quality and innovation. If you haven’t tried them, this is your chance.

Directions: Watsons outlets can be found at Ngee Ann City and Wisma Atria shopping malls (Orchard MRT), and also at Bugis Junction (Bugis MRT).

4. Mustafa Center: the best prices on perfumes

Mustafa Singapore in Little India is famous for being the 24-hour mall filled to the brim with everything under the sun.

While you can buy just about anything here, Mustafa Center does have certain areas of strength, and one of them is its huge fragrance and beauty section. The selection of perfumes is particularly impressive here, and all are sold at deep discounts.

Tip: Buy your perfumes here instead of at the duty free shops.

Directions: Mustafa Center at 145 Syed Alwi Road is less than a 10-minute walk from Farrer Park MRT Station.

5. Swanston: The Cheapest Toiletries in Town

If you’re not picky about makeup and skin care, and serious bargains are your thing, head to Swanston in Chinatown. Located on the second level of the People’s Park Complex Food Center, this large, formal store sells toiletries and cosmetics for less than anywhere else.

Don’t worry, the prices are not cheap because the products are questionable. Swanston manages such low prices because it is a simple store that spends almost nothing on decoration and advertising. So you can stock up on your pharmacy brands with confidence.

Tip: For anyone concerned about hair loss, Swanston stocks a wide range of scalp treatment products and toners at low prices.

Directions: People’s Park Complex Food Center is located at 32 New Market Road, near the Chinatown MRT train station.