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With the pandemic massively rewriting social norms left, right, and centre, including that of retail, online shopping isn’t just a way for us to cope with lockdown situations, it has also become a more socially responsible thing to do.

Of course, even before we were fighting a pandemic, we have been doing online shopping because it’s super convenient and often involves a multitude of incredible deals we can score. But have our shopping behaviour changed during the pandemic? The answer seems to be yes, if you go by the data that Shopee has shared with us.

Here’s a nosey look into what beauty products people in Singapore are snagging online during the pandemic and perhaps they will inspire your next online shopping list.

Skincare products people are buying during the pandemic

It looks like acne care and oil-fighting products are popular purchases during the pandemic. Could this be because of stress-inducing acne or “mask-ne” (acne aggravated by mask-wear)?

And it looks like online shoppers know exactly what they’re supposed to do when faced with an acne situation: peel packs, pimple patches, and blemish-clearing serums made it to the top of products that were bought during this period.

Bestsellers from The Ordinary

You would’ve heard of cult-favourite skincare brand The Ordinary even if you were living under a rock. Crafted for skincare novices and junkies alike, The Ordinary is all about transparency and affordability, consequently, garnering a loyal following from people all around the globe – include celebrity Kim Kardashian! Here are the products people stock up on from The Ordinary.

Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Caffeine Solution 5% + Egcg

Some of The Ordinary’s bestsellers include the highly raved about Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG (S$13.70), a lightweight serum packed with caffeine and the rich antioxidants found in green tea leaves to soothe tired and stressed out skin. If you’ve been up late binge-watching your favourite TV shows like us, this might just be what you’re searching for!

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (1)

Maskne got your skin breaking out big time? Treat your skin to some intense care with the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (S$11.66), a high-strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula, particularly suitable for oily skin. This serum pacifies red, angry acne like magic while correcting dark spots and facial scars with its high concentrate of vitamin B3.

Other top-selling products include the Hyaluronic Acid 30ml (S$13.70) and 60ml (S$23.41) and the Rose Hip Seed Oil (S$19.32).

The Ordinary products mentioned above are available on Shopee.

Bestsellers from Aprilskin

Aprilskin Real Carrot Blemish Clear Serum3. Aprilskin Real Carrot Blemish Clear Serum

Retinol (or vitamin A) is a great ingredient that can help soothe acne, but the really strong ones are only available by prescription and the over-the-counter options tend to be quite pricey. For an affordable alternative, consider this serum from Aprilskin.

The Aprilskin Real Carrot Blemish Clear Serum is formulated with fresh carrot extract, carrot seed oil and carrot protein, making it chock-full with the revitalising power of Vitamin A. This mighty serum hydrates and brightens the skin tone while helping to soothe bumpy skin with its combination of hyaluronic acid and tea tree oil.

If you have problems like closed comedones, this lightweight serum can also help to prevent their occurrences, all while tackling stubborn zits and blemishes!

The Aprilskin Real Carrot Blemish Clear Serum retails for S$45.90 for a twin set (discounted at the time of writing) on Shopee. It is also available at S$16 on Guardian (discounted at the time of writing). 

Aprilskin Real Calendula Peel Off Pack

Real Calendula Peel Off Pack (1)

Another star item from the K-beauty brand is the Real Calendula Peel Off Pack. The formula of this mask has a molecular structure that’s smaller than conventional masks, which helps it penetrate more deeply into your skin, peeling away blackheads and impurities more effectively. Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for 20-30 minutes for the layer to dry completely before gently peeling it off, starting from the outer edges.

The healing antiseptic properties from the flower soothes and protects the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin types as well. Say hello to brighter, smoother and more moisturised skin in under an hour! It’s also a ton of fun using this mess-free peel-off mask that smells like a whole bouquet of flowers.

The Real Calendula Peel Off Pack retails at S$34.40 for a twin pack on Shopee. It also retails for S$23 on Guardian.

Bestsellers from COSRX

COSRX is no doubt one of the most popular (and affordable!) K-beauty brands out there that offer a lot of options for those with acne-prone skin. The beauty brand is one of the most sought after ones during this pandemic and here are what people have been buying.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ 50ml

Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream Spf50 Pa+++ 50ml Final (1)

Often mistaken for a moisturiser due to the punch of hydration the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ 50ml (S$10.40) packs, this daily sunblock is lightweight and does not leave behind any signs of white cast. This sun protection also does not irritate and is also soothing, thanks to the inclusion of cooling Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract in its formula.

COSRX AC Calming Foam Cleanser 150ml

Cosrx Ac Calming Foam Cleanser 150ml (1)

 

The COSRX AC Calming Foam Cleanser 150ml (S$13.20) is another top-selling product from COSRX. It’s a daily cleanser formulated with several well-loved active ingredients that help fight impending acne breakouts while gently removing daily impurities accumulated throughout the day.

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch / Clear Fit Master Patch

Cosrx Pimple Patches Clear Patch

One more thing we can’t help but highlight are the COSRX Pimple Patches. You might be no stranger to these cute pimple patches that we’d absolutely love to wear out even on days with no acne, but we think there must be a reason why these hydrocolloid patches have been flying off shelves all summer!

Formulated with acne-clearing ingredients, these pimple patches help hide blemishes under makeup while preventing secondary infections by healing acne from the root!

Cosrx Pimple Patches Master Patch

The Clear Fit Master Patch comes with 18 patches measuring 10mm in diameter in a clear colour, suitable to be worn under makeup while the Acne Pimple Master Patch comes in 24 patches with varying sizes. After washing and drying your face, apply to target area. As the patch absorbs the excess sebum and exudates throughout the day, change it out once it turns white.

Each pack comes with four sheets of patches and retails at S$11.20 on Shopee

Check out more COSRX holy grail of beauty products on Shopee.

MEDICUBE Zero Pore Pad

5. Medicube Zero Pore Pad

Regardless of whether we’re working from home or in the office, we c an always use some precious time-saving skincare products. You can combine exfoliation and toning with this time-saving two-in-one Medicube product.

Infused with a unique blend of salicylic acid, cypress tree leaf and purslane extracts to exfoliate dead skin cells and decrease the swelling of overactive sebum glands, the MEDICUBE Zero Pore Pad (70ea) soothes and reduces inflammation with its dual-textured toner pads.

Start with the embossed side to rid of residual dirt before swiping your face with the silky side to tone. The natural inflammatory properties and salicylic acid found in each soaked layer makes this product best for acne-prone skin!

Grab a jar of MEDICUBE Zero Pore Pad (70ea) today, retails at S$28.60. Guardian has a promo for it at S$70 for two.

Foam cleansers from innisfree

Innisfree is one of the most popular skincare brands around and it probably isn’t surprising that people are buying from their online stores. Foam cleansers, esoecially those that treat blemishes and pores, are some of the most popular products from Innisfree that people are buying online during the pandemic.

Bija Trouble Facial Foam

For those facing spot troubles with their skin, the Bija Trouble Facial Foam 150ml (S$7.90) formulated with our favourite salicylic acid could easily calm down those flares. The Bija extract found in the gentle cleanser also nourishes and enhances the skin’s natural defence barrier, bringing a glow from within while reducing visible signs of irritation.

Bija Trouble Facial Foam

Besides, the sharp and refreshing scent that accompanies this facial foam is sure to transport you to a whole ‘nother country. Till we can spend our days frolicking on the beautiful beaches of Greece, we’ll be picking this up.

Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam

Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam

If you’re a complex combination skin type in search of a little pore care without drying out your face, opt for the Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam 150ml (S$7.90) for a refreshing treat.

Given that the Jeju volcanic ash is rich in minerals and an excellent source of absorption for excessive sebum and dead skin cells due to its porous structure, when contained in a foam facial, this cleanser effectively cleanses your skin without leaving your skin feeling parched.

All foam cleansers are available now on Shopee at 57% off. The products can also be found at all Innisfree retail stores.

Thayers Witch Hazel Aloe-Vera Formula

Thayers Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Formula (1)

100% vegan and cruelty-free, Thayers Witch Hazel has been a trusted formula for years, providing care for even the most sensitive of skins.

Unscented and free of parabens, this alcohol-free toner is enriched with Vitamin E to help fight sebaceous build up without drying out your face. This Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera (S$19.90) version is specially infused with rosewater, containing natural oils and sugars that help restore hydration to revive dull and dehydrated skin for a natural and glowy complexion. The vitamin C found in rosewater also stimulates collagen production, strengthening the skin barrier and allowing blemishes to fade quickly.

With six different formulas available to suit your skin type, you’re sure to find something suitable for your skin.

The Thayers Alcohol-free Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera retails on Shopee between S$16.90 and S$19.90, dependent on the variant you prefer.

Makeup people are buying during the pandemic

Going makeup-free may be the new norm with most of us working from home and needing to wear a mask when we’re out and about. It is therefore unsurprising that the top makeup that are bought during the pandemic aren’t glittery eyeshadows or bold lipsticks. It looks like most people are buying these two items from Shopee instead: concealers (to hide those bad dark circles and acne scars) and brow pen, to enhance the most important feature that shows when you wear a mask.

Saem Cover Perfection Tip Concealer

With more masked days to come, it’s important we opt for a lightweight concealer to prevent all that humidity from further clogging up our pores, resulting in “occlusion acne” – typically seen on athletes who wear helmets or facial gears that do not have a breathable barrier provided.

To take better care of our skin and prevent more pimples from showing up, one obvious thing we could do is to go makeup free. But unfortunately, not all of us will be able to afford a full night’s rest to prevent those dark eye circles from popping. Instead of having to go bare face, choose a concealer that blends in well with your skin tone and works fine solo without needing a full face of makeup to balance the colours out. And the Saem Cover Perfection Tip Concealer does just that!

The Saem Cover Perfection Tip Concealer

This lightweight formula provides a medium coverage, effectively hiding blemishes and spots effortlessly. Coupled with its hydrating oxygen complex and glacier water, this concealer works to make sure that your skin is kept hydrated even when it’s on all day, bringing a natural glow to the skin!

Providing SPF 28 PA++ sun protection, the Saem Cover Perfection Tip Concealer also comes with long-lasting polymers that keep your skin clean even under makeup for long periods of time.

Retailing on Shopee for S$6.71

Cocute Microblading Eyebrow Pencil Tint

Everyone knows that brows are the most essential part of your look. Not only do they help shape your face and accentuate certain facial elements, they also play a huge role in communication. And now that half of all our faces are covered by a surgical mask, they’ve become more important than ever!

While brow embroidery and microblading services are available, this next product might make you think twice before visiting these salons to get your brows fixed.

20. Microblading Eyebrow Pencil Tip Liquid Brow Tattoo Pen

Designed with an applicator that has four sleek plastic tips to mimic real hair, you can now create the perfect natural brow with Cocute Microblading Eyebrow Pencil Tint. This liquid brow pencil comes in five different shades. Made with a waterproof as well as sweat-proof formula, you can rest assured your brows stay on fleek the entire day no matter the weather!

These temporary brows with a close-to-perfect microblading finish retails for S$1.99 on Shopee

Haircare people are buying during the pandemic

As many hair salons aren’t allowed to provide hair colouring service during the circuit breaker, temporary hair dyes have made their way to the top of the to-buy list during the pandemic. Besides that, scalp-caring hair care products and hair waxes are also bestselling products.

GRAFEN shampoo and brush

GRAFEN Root Booster Shampoo

Grafen Root Booster Shampoo

Be it hair loss caused by age or stress levels, it’s important to keep your tresses free from sulphates and nourished with the right nutrients.

This MDFS-certified hair loss relief and prevention shampoo contains 22 forms of amino acids and nine types of herbal extracts, all working in unison to improve hair hardness and elasticity. This potent combination in the GRAFEN Root Booster Shampoo controls scalp pH levels as well, effectively bringing shine to your hair in no time.

Pamper your scalp with the right nutrients with this gentle water-based product, suitable for sensitive and dry hair whilst helping to relief dandruff.

Shop the GRAFEN Root Booster Shampoo (500ml) at a 36% discount now at S$19.90.

GRAFEN Edge Finger Shampoo Brush

3. Grafen Edge Finger Shampoo Brush

This brush is the trusty sidekick to the GRAFEN shampoo and offers exfoliation and massage to your scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.

Made of waterproof medical-grade silicon in a compact design, the GRAFEN Edge Finger helps get rid of all that oil and dead skin cells clogging up the pores in your scalp by gently scrubbing them off with each wash. This scalp brush also foams up your shampoo to ensure you don’t apply a large concentrate of shampoo directly, making a pleasant wash to accommodate even the most sensitive of scalps. Achieve greater hair volume without aggravating hair troubles!

Available in red and white, the GRAFEN Edge Finger Shampoo Brush retails at S$15.90. Purchase with the GRAFEN Root Booster Shampoo to receive exclusive Shopee discounts! 

Aprilskin hair colouring products

Aprilskin Turn Up Bleach

What People Buy During Pandemic Aprilskin

If you’re still a little apprehensive about sitting in the salon for hours on end for a bleaching session, we’ve got good news for you. You can now easily achieve bright colours in the comforts of your own home in just 20 minutes. Say goodbye to DIY bleached hair woes with the Aprilskin Turn up Bleach that makes DIY hair dyeing so safe and easy!

The Aprilskin Turn Up Bleach contains hydrolysed silk, hydrolysed keratin, purified lanolin and jojoba that protects our roots while rejuvenating damaged hair. This bleach is easy to use and offers control over the shades you want to achieve. Simply mix together the bottles of de-colorant and oxidiser given and comb them through sections of your hair with a brush.

Get yours on Shopee at S$4.25. It is also available on Guardian for S$5, and is part of a promotion where you can buy three items at the price of two.

Aprilskin Turn Up Colour Treatment

April Skin Turn Up Colour Treatment

Looking to change up your hair colour but afraid of damaging your precious curls? Here’s a good option for you.

Unlike normal hair dyes, the Turn Up Colour Treatment by Aprilskin contains 20 different herbal extracts that nourishes the hair while bringing in a vivd colour that lasts up to a whole two weeks! Perfect for those of us who’d love to switch out the colours every now and then.

Try out the Khaki, a top-selling favourite, for a refreshing sea green shade. Have full control over the colouring process by regulating the amount of dye applied to achieve your ideal look.
In addition, this temporary dye is formulated with jojoba seed oil, rosemary, lavender, and sage extract, that leaves your hair feeling smooth and tangle-free.
Note that this is said to show up better on pre-lightened and bleached hair.
Available in five different colours on Shopee at S$3.99.

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Hair Colour

15. Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color Hair Dye

This ammonia-free foam hair dye by Mise En Scene protects tresses with its “Secret Magic Ampoule” essence while adding a pop of colour to your hair. Box dye doesn’t have to be boring!

Choose from a myriad of different colours and lather up in the shower to achieve your desired shade, simple as that! Follow the instructions given to prepare the dye mix and give yourself a little head massage for 20-30 minutes before washing it off. Channel some serious Jennie vibes with a warm chocolate brown or kick back with a cool purple head like Jisoo, your choice!

Note that this is said to show up better on pre-lightened and bleached hair.

Available on Shopee at S$8.22 in 11 different colours.

Ubersuave hairstyling products

For those looking to change up your style, it seems paraben-free brand Ubersuave has been gaining popularity amongst us online shoppers.

Texturing Matte Wax Ubersuave

For those of us looking to dial down on the shine, the Texturing Matte Wax is a versatile product that works to hold up the shortest of styles with a matte finish.

Classic Pomade Ubersuave

The Classic Pomade is a water-based product that leaves a natural shine that lasts all day, made from a blend of high quality hydrogenated beeswax and fragrances. Apply the hair pomade with a comb or work it into strands of hair easily between your fingers!

Volumising Clay Pomade (1)

The Volumising Clay Pomade on the other hand offers a low shine finish that brings an extra oomph to the thin asian hair. Infused with purified bentonite clay content, protect your hair from excess oil or dirt and toxins without stripping your hair of all of its necessary nutrients. The clay is made to absorb excess moisture in the hair and expands to produce a volumising effect!

The Texturing Matte Wax and the Classic Pomade retails at S$11.50, while the Volumising Clay Pomade retails for S$13.90 on Shopee.

Personal care products people are buying during the pandemic

Colgate Limited Edition Heart Toothpaste Value Pack

Personal Care Items Bought During Pandemic Colgate

This toothpaste pack might seem extra ordinary but the Dare to Love limited edition set could make a great budget-gift for your loved ones, as a simple reminder to smile amidst the unprecedented moment of crisis we’re currently experiencing.

The toothpaste contains dissolvable heart shaped toothpaste flakes in a refreshing minty gel that is sure to brighten the smile on faces.

While it’s already unavailable on the Colgate official store, it is available through other merchants on Shopee at S$8.

Well Daily Alcohol Hand Sanitiser

Well Daily Alcohol Hand Sanitiser

With the changing demands of this season, personal hygiene has reached a priority like never before. If you’re like us and love a good bottle of hand sanitiser that won’t dry out your hands for on-the-go sanitising, you can consider Well Daily sanitisers, which is a hot favourite among online shoppers.

Formulated with no parabens, sulphates nor fragrances, this hand sanitiser contains over 70% alcohol content and is fortified with moisturisers that keep your hands clean without drying them out.

Retailing at S$6 on Shopee

Premier Anti-Bacterial Sanitising Wipes

Premier Anti Bacterial Sanitising Wipes

It is probably unsurprising that this product made it to the list. Sanitising wipes can help keep our hands and surrounding surfaces clean and germ-free.

Consider this one from Premier that most people are buying on Shopee. This contains Vitamin E and aloe vera extracts to make sure that it isn’t irritating on extra sensitive skin.

Two packs of 50 wipes retail at S$3.05 on Shopee