Flying the Flag

Yet another crop of beauty flagship stores has opened at ion orchard, giving cosmetics devotees even more reason to shop.

The Garden Of Sulwhasoo art installation depictingthe brand’s signature plum blossoms greets you at the entrance. Above: The Sulwhasoo Beauty Lounge.

It's lights, colours and beauty at the M·A·C Cosmetics flagship store. Above: The soon-to-be-unveiled first standalone Elizabeth Arden store offers services to ensure that you look gorgeous, whether you have just 15 minutes or a full hour.

ION Orchard is truly the home of beauty in Singapore, with standalone stores for every brand from Aesop to Chanel to Laneige and, of course, the mighty Sephora. The latest to join the fray are M·A·C Cosmetics, Sulwhasoo and the first standalone store in Singapore for Elizabeth Arden

Shadescents perfumes, $66 each, from M·A·C Cosmetics.

M·A·C COSMETICS

Makeup artist brand M·A·C Cosmetics’ new store is a beauty fanatic’s paradise with 2,000 products in store – many of which are available to play with. There are testable displays to try new looks, and ring lights and phone-charging areas for selfie sessions. The 12 makeup artists on staff are happy to educate, share trends and assist in applying products at the store’s 13 makeup stations. The store will also be the first to introduce new ranges, including the brand’s first fragrance line Shadescents, as well as its collaboration with Chinese designer Min Liu, the brains behind fashion label Ms MIN. The former sees some of the brand’s iconic lipsticks, such as Ruby Woo and Velvet Teddy, reinterpreted as fragrances. The latter is inspired by the energy that flows between us, with Liu’s own unique take on Chinese traditionalism, and comprises lip, eye and face products, plus makeup bags and brushes. 

Essential Balm, $48 for 15g, from Sulwhasoo.

SULWHASOO

The luxe South Korean brand has opened its 120sqm flagship and there’s lots to get excited about, but what’s making everyone giddy is the Beauty Lounge. It’s by far the brand’s largest, with three treatment rooms, and offers facial treatments using signature products with traditional Korean massage applicators made from jade and amber. Unique to ION Orchard are the relaxing Footbath Treatment (perfect after a day of shopping), and the anti-ageing and nourishing Essential Treatment. The flagship will also offer exclusive items such as the Essential, Deep Relax and Lip Tint Balms. 

Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, $146 for 60 capsules, from Elizabeth Arden.

ELIZABETH ARDEN

This grande dame of beauty has never had a standalone store in Singapore – until now. The new space offers all the brand’s cutting-edge skincare, including ranges such as Prevage, Skin Illuminating, Visible Difference, the legendary Ceramide capsules and Eight Hour Cream, as well as makeup and fragrances. For the first time, it’s also offering treatments, such as the 60-minute Ceramide Anti-aging Facial ($150), and express 15-minute services like a lip facial and oxygen blast facial.

TEXT AILEEN LALOR & 辜媛琳