What To Look Out For During Your Next Trip To The Drugstore

Browsing the aisles at any Watsons is quite a therapeutic experience, as we’ve found. Most of the time we’re there to stock up on necessities, be it for beauty or health needs; but plenty of other times we’re there just to browse through the endless beauty selection that covers skincare, makeup, hair and a whole bunch of other stuff, and end up filling our basket with things we didn’t know we needed. But it’s only to be expected – Watsons is a real beauty haven after all. So here, we’ve rounded up our recent favourite Watsons buys so you know what to zoom in straight on the next time you’re there, but we still highly encourage wandering through the aisles anyway.
 

 
 
Hada Labo Hydrating Essence, $31.90
We’re already big fans of the Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion and its promise of boing boing skin; this essence is all about hydrating with hyaluronic acid as well, but this one packs three times more hydration power. If you’re a user of the brand’s Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Essence, this new version will replace it, so look out for this sleek white bottle on the Hada Labo shelves.
 

 
 
 
DHC Water-Friendly Cleansing Oil, $29.90
DHC’s original olive-oil based cleansing oil needs no introduction – it’s achieved cult status even in Western markets where DHC is less commonly found in stores, because everyone loves a cleansing oil that’s powerful on makeup yet gentle on the skin, and at drugstore prices to boot. Last year, DHC launched this new version, which removes the need to double-cleanse since it functions as a facial cleanser as well. All the lazy girls, say yay!



 
 
 
L’Oréal Paris UV Perfect Aqua Essence City Face Mist SPF50/PA++++, $24.90
Seriously; no more excuses for not applying sunblock every day with this super-convenient mist sunblock. We’ve seen mist sunblock for the body, but this is the first one made for the face, and yes, you can spray it over makeup too (so there’s really no excuse to not reapply). All it takes is three seconds, and your skin is moisturised without stickiness or greasiness.
 

 
 
 
Dr.Ci:Labo Labo Labo Super-Keana Washing, $24.90
This range from Dr.Ci:Labo is made to rescue pores, and our skin is grateful. The cleanser is the main star of the Super-Keana range, and uses only plant-based ingredients to clear out clogged pores and refine them, while keeping the skin moisturised, proving that you don’t need harsh chemicals for a product to be effective.
 

 
 
MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask, $6.50 for a box of 5
If you’ve never heard of or tried this self-heating eye mask, oh boy, do you need to go out and grab a box. It might not look the sleekest, but those pads heat up once you put it on, to give the most soothing heat treatment your tired eyes deserve. The range has a regular unscented version, and a whole bunch of scented ones including lavender-sage, chamomile-ginger, and fresh rose.
 

 
 
Majolica Majorca Lash King, $25.90
Majolica Majorca’s one of our go-to brands for mascaras that are serious about amping up our short and straight Asian lashes. We like the oversized brush and waxy jet-black formula of this one; it’ll come in handy for when you’re going for the false lash effect.
 
 

 
 
 
Za True White Two Way Powder, $20.80
There’s a reason this two-way cake has been Za’s bestseller for so many years: if you need a powder foundation that does the job of providing coverage and keeping the skin shine-free throughout the day, this one does so, and at a price that allows you to keep up on the refills without feeling like you’re breaking the bank. It’s one of those beauty products we’ve been using since our younger days and are reluctant to give up even now, because why fix what’s not broken?
 

 
 
 
Naturals by Watsons Olive Hair Shampoo, $12.90
Olive oil really does have a great scent, and happens to also have pretty powerful moisturising properties. In the case of shampoo, this keeps the scalp hydrated and healthy, so your hair looks stronger and shinier as well.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo, $12.90
Dry shampoos aren’t that commonplace in Singapore, so this cheery brand is really one of our better drugstore finds (isn’t it super cheap?).  There’s a whole variety of scents to choose from ranging from fruity to floral, but our pick is the Blush, if you want your tresses smelling all feminine and floral.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tsubaki Oil Perfection, $29.90
This one is a godsend if you’ve just chemically treated your hair, and have to deal with dry, damaged locks. The oil immediately softens the strands so you can easily run your fingers through them again, and this version of the oil also comes with a humidity barrier ingredient to keep the frizz at bay.