BEST NEW BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

Online shopping has its conveniences, but there’s an undeniable appeal in experiencing a product hands-on, in the comfort of an actual, luxuriously appointed boutique. What do we look out for? A non-intimidating facade, friendly, helpful staff and exclusive products or treatments we can’t get anywhere else. Here, two of the most-loved new stores launched between October 2014 and September 2015.

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Online shopping has its conveniences, but there’s an undeniable appeal in experiencing a product hands-on, in the comfort of an actual, luxuriously appointed boutique. What do we look out for? A non-intimidating facade, friendly, helpful staff and exclusive products or treatments we can’t get anywhere else. Here, two of the most-loved new stores launched between October 2014 and September 2015.

Relax at the boutique’s Product Zone and have a therapist pick out the most suitable products for your skin.
Relax at the boutique’s Product Zone and have a therapist pick out the most suitable products for your skin.
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Readers’ Choice

SULWHASOO AT CAPITOL PIAZZA

This sprawling boutique, which opened in July 2015 and occupies roughly 1,249 sq ft (about the size of a five-room HDB flat), is Sulwhasoo’s first flagship store in South-east Asia and its 100th global store. It is cleverly divided into different sections (much like a museum): learn about the brand’s history in the Brand Zone, discover its key formulas in the Ingredient Zone, and try out its products – from its stellar skincare to its complexion-perfecting CC cushion foundations – in the Product Zone (which, needless to say, is our favourite section). If you’re in need of some serious pampering, you can get a facial here too – the boutique has two treatment rooms and offers treatments previously not available in Singapore, such as the deeply hydrating Hydro-aid Facial Treatment.

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Editors’ Choice

FRESH AT ION ORCHARD

Opened in March 2015, this is the American brand’s first flagship boutique in South-east Asia and spans almost 716 sq ft. Inspired by its New York flagship store, it boasts both style – its chic, modern apothecary-style interior gives us serious decor envy – and substance. At the Mask Bar, you can try out the brand’s best-selling facial masks, such as its Rose Face Mask and Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask. There’s also a Gift Bar (right) where you can customise pretty gift sets and get your purchases wrapped, courtesy of the complimentary artisanal gift-wrapping service. The cherry on top: The store carries the brand’s entire range of home candles and bar soaps, including those previously not available locally.

The brand’s first boutique in Singapore looks very much like its New York flagship store – for starters, both have identical flooring and lights.
The brand’s first boutique in Singapore looks very much like its New York flagship store – for starters, both have identical flooring and lights.