It’s an open secret: one of the reasons we love shopping across the Causeway is because of the favourable currency exchange rate we enjoy in Singapore. (SGD1 = RM2.99!)
But on top of affordability for us, there are several homegrown beauty brands that will appeal to any Singaporean beauty junkie. At the same time, we’ve also found a few international brands that aren’t available in Singapore but can be found in Malaysia!
1. Kamelia Cosmetics
When you’re a sucker for pretty pastels and are into the idea of mermaid fantasies, Kamelia Cosmetics has the lip cremes to look out for!
Have a look at their Instagram account and you’d probably be squealing in delight with the pretty vibes it gives you. The colour payoffs of their lip cremes are amazing; not only are they matte and pigmented on the lips, the lip creme actually stays on your lips for prolonged hours!
Their lip cremes are infused with nourishing plant oils, Vitamin E and shea butter – they smell delicious too! Check out the #MermaidMattes hashtag on Instagram to see more of the product.
Kamelia Cosmetics Mermaid Matte Lip Creme retails at RM39 (approximately SGD13) each. You can place your order by contacting them on Whatsapp (+6019 299 6848) or find them on Instagram at @kameliacosmetics.
2. Dida Cosmetics
These Wondershadows from DIDA Cosmetics are said to be a dupe for Colourpop’s Super Shock Shadow. These creme-powder eyeshadow deliver bold and highly pigmented colours that blend smoothly on the eyes and last all day long.
The Wondershadows Collection consists of six gorgeous shades and is priced at RM135 (approximately SGD45). Alternatively you can get a single pot of Wondershadow at RM32 (approximately SGD10.70). They ship internationally from their website.
3. Orkid Cosmetics
Orkid Cosmetics are one of the many Halal cosmetic brands for the modern Muslim and conscious women.
Made fresh from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, their products are also manufactured by a JAKIM (Islamic Affairs) approved Halal manufacturer in Malaysia.
We love looking at their Instragram feed that features gorgeous Hijabi models showing off the attractive colours of their liquid lipsticks.
If you’d like to try their products, start off with their liquid lipsticks. Get your hands on the Perfect Browns Bundle – Vibes & Turnt, which consists of two nude shades, perfect for a minimal makeup look.
This set is priced at RM76 (approximately SGD25) for two liquid lipsticks – quite a steal! They currently sell exclusively on their website.
4. Omorose Cosmetics
Omorose Cosmetics use only natural preservatives where needed, and promise to offer only products that are safe for everyone – even the cancer survivors.
On top of this, Omorose also says they are dedicated in providing equal access and employment opportunities for persons with disability. You’ll find that 80% of their staff is made up of persons with disability, and they constructed makeup tables, counters, and display shelves accessible for wheelchair users. Hats off to them!
One of Omorose’s products to try is the Loveley – BB Stick & Rosey Glow, which is a set comprising of two popular makeup items – the bestseller BB Stick sunscreen foundation and the Rosey Glow cheek tint. This set is priced at RM189 (approximately SGD63) and is available at their website.
5. empro Cosmetics
If you’re loo0king for a lightweight and hydrating makeup remover, you can consider this one from empro Cosmetics. empro’s Perfect Eye & Lip Makeup Remover soothes skin while effectively removing eye and lip makeup without causing any irritation to these delicate areas.
Reviewers say that it doesn’t leave any residue or stickiness, and is also able to remove makeup within seconds. The formula is also said to have the same pH as tears so that it won’t sting your eyes.
The empro Cosmetics Perfect Eye & Lip Makeup Remover retails at RM124 (approximately SGD41) and is available at Sephora Malaysia, as well as at Lot SK-03, 2nd Floor, Mid Valley Megamall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 KL, Malaysia.
6. Sugarbelle Cosmetic
Sugarbelle Cosmetic was established by two well known online fashion businesswomen Eyqa Sulaiman of Sugarscarf and Belle Al Yahya of Bella Ammara.
One of the products that caught our attention is their Peel Off Gold Mask that claims to provide an ultimate, luxurious anti-ageing treatment to help improve and repair your skin. And if you’re thinking that a gold mask is going to cost a lot, you’ll be surprised that it only retails at RM41.40 (approximately SGD14). You can purchase the products from their website or their store in Selangor.
7. Velvet Vanity Cosmetics
Velvet Vanity is an independent makeup company based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Their cosmetics are 100% vegan and cruelty-free!
The stunning colours of their liquid matte lipsticks from the Break The Internet bundle are bound to be a showstopper right off the bat. Named Legit and Shook respectively, the colours are hints of plum, mauve and berries! The lipsticks dries off completely matte and provides easy application too. Best applied after exfoliating lips with a lip scrub. The Daily Vanity team has previously tested a few liquid lipsticks and crowned theirs our favourite.
You can purchase a bundle (of two) for RM99 (approximately SGD33). Check out their eye-catching feed on Instagram at @shopvelvetvanity. Did you know that Velvet Vanity is available at Tangs Vivocity? You can also find them at these retailers regionally.
8. Breena Beauty
By now most makeup enthusiasts and makeup artists are probably open to the idea of finding a dupe for the original Beauty Blender. With a short lifespan of three months and needing to replace it with a brand new one for hygienic reasons, its no wonder many brands would attempt to manufacture an alternative at a cheaper price!
Adorably called the Blending Pearl, Breena Beauty’s version of the Beauty Sponge is a soft, latex-free sponge that can be used both dry & wet. Priced way more affordably, these cute blending pearls are worth your Ringgits for sure!
The Blending Pearl is available at the Breena Beauty website, and sold individually for RM35 (approximately SGD12) – say what?!
9. Stage Cosmetics
If you are a freelance makeup artist, or an aspiring one, check out Stage Cosmetics that is targeted at pro users!
We recommend investing in the Stage Hipster Brush Belt is designed to hold your makeup brushes and tools easily around the waist. Made of durable, easy-to-clean PVC, it comes with an adjustable nylon strap with a snap closure for easy removal. The belt consists of 28 pockets in various sizes.
Snag this useful brush belt for RM45 (approximately SGD15) – wow! Stage Cosmetics products are available at their website.
10. SimplySiti
SimplySiti is founded by Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, Malaysia’s queen of music and is loved by many. The singer’s talent and personality made her an idol to Malaysians.
If you’d like to try her line of beauty products too, start off with the Dermagic Transformation Pack. This is formulated with Korean Plant Stem Cell technology and promises to be hydrating while improving skin clarity. Each pack contains two Dermagic Beauty Moisturiser and three Dermagic Relaxing Masks.
It is available at the SimplySiti website and other stores at RM60 (approxiamtely SGD30).
11. Indochine Natural
Pink clay masks were a thing in 2017 and we’re sure you must have seen several rave reviews going around online. If you’re looking for a brand that probably understands Asian skin better because it’s manufactured closer to home, consider the French Pink Clay by Indochine Natural.
This promises to effectively absorb excess oil, dirt, and toxins. This is best applied only once or twic e a week.
The French Pink Clay by Indochine Natural retails at RM52.80 (approximately SGD18). You can purchase products by the brand from their website and retail store located in Penang.
12. Esmeria Organics
If you use exclusively organic products, you can consider this brand that’s closer to home. You can try the Ultimate 5-Repair Eye Gel, which is great for keeping your eyes looking youthful by making sure that wrinkles are kept at bay.
This eye gel contains rejuvenating ingredients that help boost collagen and elastin synthesis so that the delicate skin around your eyes can look firmer and brighter.
The product retails at RM59.90, (approximately SGD20), available at their website.
13. Cellnique
Our hot and humid weather can make us more susceptible to acne, and our Malaysian counterparts definitely know this as well as us.
This is probably why Cellnique’s acne fighting products are popular with its fans. If you want to give the brand a try, go for the [Better Together] For Acne Prone Skin set that includes a Vital Repair Cleansing Milk and Skin Purifying Cleanser.
The cleansing milk aids in skin repair and helps prevent skin from cracking resulted from dehydration whereas the Skin Purifying Cleanser gently exfoliates and soothes the skin.
Cellnique’s Acne Prone Skin set retails for RM273 (approximately SGD91) if you’re up for an investment, and is available at their website.
14. Dirty Benefits
Not only does our face deserve a good exfoliating scrub once in a while, our body needs it too! Dirty Benefits Coconut Coffee Scrub is hydrating and nourishing for your skin, promising to cleanse and moisturise, leaving it soft and supple.
It contains a special blend of coffee and coconut oil to provide your skin with some tender, loving care, while leaving a delectable scent that we’re sure you’ll love when you step out of the shower.
This bodycare scrub costs RM72 (approximately SGD24) for a pack and is available on their website.
15. Saponifist
Cold process soaps are a huge skincare trend these days because of how gentle they can be on skin, and many mothers believe in using it on their babies.
If you’ve been looking for one, try the Saponifist’s Emulsion Unscented Goat’s Milk Soap that contains oil of olive, palm, beeswax, and of course Goat’s Milk. The formula is designed for those with eczema and sensitive skin, while delivering moisturising and softening benefits to skin. This soap also has a subtle hint of caramel scent to it that those who have used it love. How decadent!
This is affordably price at RM23 (approximately SGD8) and is available at their website.
16. Alima Pure
For an organic makeup brand that works well while protecting your skin, consider Alima Pure. One of reviewers’ favourite products is the Balancing Primer Powder.
This delicate powder keeps your skin oil-free and can be applied beneath your foundation to keep makeup more long-lasting. However, note that it may oxidise and has light coverage. This is best used with a light hand and on days when you want the look of light makeup.
This is available in Sephora outlets Malaysia-wide and on Sephora Malaysia for RM130.
17. Rahua
We’re not ending the list without a hair care brand; Rahua is the one to look for.
Try their Defining Hair Spray that is said to contain 90% of natural ingredients – something rare for a hairspray. Rahua is known as an advocate for organic ingredients, and the Defining Hair Spray is said to provide definition and medium hold. On top of these, it also gives you UV protection.
Rahua Defining Hair Spray retails at RM171 (approximately SGD57) at Sephora Malaysia.
