Just an hour’s flight away from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur is undoubtedly the next hotspot for local shopaholics and makeup junkies.
Big malls like Times Square and Sunway Pyramid house numerous brands and products for all shoppers at affordable prices, so many of us go there specifically for the wallet-friendly retail therapy.
You may also be surprised to find that some of your favourite international and local beauty brands are significantly more affordable after conversion from Malaysian Ringgit to Singapore Dollars.
We’ve crafted a comprehensive shopping guide for you take on your next trip to KL! Read on for 12 of the must-have products, best stores in KL and also some tips to maximize your shopping spree.
5 beauty products you can’t miss out in KL
1. Simplysiti Dermagic Skincare Range
https://www.instagram.com/p/B64pvI6Bswq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Simplysiti is a popular Malaysian brand owned by entertainer Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin. A local favourite, her Dermagic skincare range is well-known amongst young local beauty gurus, and has been favourably reviewed on several blogs like All Things Rainbow and Flower Fafa.
Her most popular product from this range is the Dermagic Beauty Moisturizer, which is a water-based moisturizer that is suitable for oily skin.
Simplysiti products are, unfortunately, not available in Singapore, so you really need to remember to get your hands on them while you’re in KL!
SimplySiti Dermagic Skincare Range prices start from RM23.70 to RM59.90 at selected Watsons Stores.
Addresses:
- Unit No. F-136B-MM, 1st Floor, The Starling Mall, 6, Jalan SS 21/37,, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- One Utama Shopping Centre, G342;;343, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- The Curve, GZF-1, Jalan PJU 7/5, Mutiara Damansara, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
2. Velvet Vanity Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Mfd67BMQZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Ever wanted lip shades like Kylie Jenner’s? Velvet Vanity Cosmetics offers a variety of matte lipsticks at affordable prices. While they are available on Coma Makeup for SGD24 each and at Tangs Vivocity in Singapore, they are distributed more widely in Malaysia. Best of all, it’s so much cheaper in Malaysia!
Their trademark product, Liquid Matte Lipstick, retails for RM59, which is approximately SGD19.97 after conversion. Still not convinced? The Daily Vanity team has tried and tested Velvet Vanity Cosmetics’ lipsticks and loved it! Check out our review here.
Velvet Vanity Cosmetics prices start from RM45 to RM159.
Address: Fahrenheit 88 Ground Floor 179, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100, Kuala Lumpur
3. Sugarbelle Cosmetics Peel-off Gold Mask
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8gId-thFYs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Sugarbelle Cosmetics’ Peel-off Gold Mask has caught our attention for its popularity amongst locals in Malaysia. Its anti-aging properties will leave your skin feeling supple and glowing. If you’re hesitant about trying this Gold Mask, fear not as its price tag is neither hefty nor expensive. In fact, it is a budget-friendly but effective product that all aged skin needs.
Sugarbelle Cosmetics Peel-off Gold Mask retails for RM41.40.
Address: 6-2 Jalan Lengkuas C16/C, Taman Ken Rimba Seksyen 16, 40200 Shah Alam, Selangor
4. L’oreal Paris Elseve Extraordinary Oil Gold
While you may be able to see this product in drugstores here, it has been found to be up to 41% cheaper in Malaysia!
Great for frizzy hair and split ends, this oil will smoothen out your dried locks. Try this hair oil for shinier and healthier-looking hair.
L’oreal Paris Elseve Extraordinary Oil Gold retails for RM28.95 at Watsons stores.
5. SILKYGIRL Matte Junkie Lip Cream
Since 2016, there has been a big fuss over this lip cream. According to Indonesian Blogger LIPPIELUST, the lip cream is superb for long-day wear! Apparently, it is also kissproof and does not transfer easily.
Furthermore, it is about 35% cheaper in Malaysia than in Singapore, where it is sold at SGD11.90.
SILKYGIRL Matte Junkie Lip Cream retails for RM22.41 at Watsons stores.
3 stores you need to add to your travel itinerary
1. Ennai Makeup Shop
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7uZkiMFtdz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
This store houses numerous international brands, some of which you can’t get in Singaporean retail stores, like ColourPop. They also conduct classes by local makeup artists like Hafizah Kamaruzzaman.
With over 38.6 thousand followers on their Instagram, Ennai Makeup Shop is a must-visit for all makeup junkies. Buy in bulk to maximize your shopping!
Address: 32, Jalan Tasik Utama 7, Sungai Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 3-9054 9115
2. The Kinder Soap Company
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8cnnBEJ9h_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The owner of The Kinder Soap Company, Michelle Ho, is committed to offering an unbeatable variety of handmade soaps for all skin types. More specifically, her soaps cater towards sensitive skin.
Her soaps use mainly natural clay, essential oils and other organic materials, and have gotten her numerous positive reviews on the brand’s Facebook page for how effective they are. This is definitely a must-try if you have sensitive skin!
Address: 11A-A, Jalan SS 22/23, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 3-7732 0955
3. Watsons Malaysia
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7niEshhfHj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
While Watsons is available islandwide in Singapore, you can still find many new brands here that you can’t find in Singapore, or old brands that are selling for way, way more affordable price tags. Savings can go all the way up to 73%!
Click here for the addresses to all Watsons stores in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.
4 tips to make sure you don’t waste your Malaysian shopping trip
Now that we’ve introduced the must-have products and must-visit stores, take note of the following tips to maximize your shopping time in KL.
1. Be aware if you are eligible for tourist tax refund
In order to be eligible for tourist tax refunds, you need to spend at least RM300 in selected approved outlets and keep the receipts! As you’re leaving Malaysia, present those receipts at the GST Customs Refund Verification Counter at KL International Airport to claim your tax refunds.
2. Don’t be shy of KL night markets
If you’ve finished shopping for the aforementioned products at big malls, try the local night markets for local snacks and goods. Here, you can exercise your bargaining power.
It does tend to be super crowded at these markets (especially on weekends), so take heed of your belongings.
3. Don’t miss the nationwide Mega Sales
Malls in Kuala Lumpur collectively conduct nationwide Mega Sales with up to 75% discounts. Plan your trips around the sale periods to make the most of your shopping. For more information on nationwide sales, click here.
12. Get traditional costumes and goods at cultural towns
Whether you are shopping for a new qipao for Chinese New Year or sari for Deepavali, handmade traditional goods are readily available in KL’s Chinatown and Little India Brickfields.
Plus, with the exchange rate, they would be a lot more affordable in KL than Singapore!
Featured image from CNN.
