Nishino

B1 Isetan Scotts, B201-7 Takashimaya Department Store and B1-50 Liang Court

Nishino, which has been in Singapore for the last 24 years, is a playground for anyone who loves Japanese skincare and beauty products.

Started by the Singapore-based Nishino family, the store carries a wide selection of Japanese bath salts, shampoos and cleansers - some of which are not available at other stores in Singapore.

The downside is that not every product has an accompanying description in English. Products are also more expensive as they are imported from Japan.

Traditional pharmacy skincare brands, such as Avene and La Roche-Posay, are also available.

Cape Keep & Reset hair spray

$9.30 for 29ml

This unscented hairspray claims to keep hair in place but still malleable enough so hair can be restyled. This size fits conveniently in most handbags.

Softymo Collagen cleanser

$15.90 for 150g

A creamy and foamy cleanser that claims to penetrate your pores to clear excessive sebum and impurities. The collagen helps to restore skin's elasticity.

Softymo Powder Sheet

$5.95 for a packet of 12 sheets

Scented wet wipes that also claim to kill bacteria.

Biore Angel Rose body wash

$17.80 for 550ml

This body wash is gentle enough to be used on babies.

Hello Kitty plaster

$5.90 for a box of 10

Each box contains two different designs.

Queen's Present bath milk powder

$3.90 for 50g

Contains ceramide and royal jelly extract to moisturise skin. Pour one packet of this into a bath filled with 180 litres of water.

Pharmaplus

01-04 Camden Medical Centre

Pharmaplus, which opened in 2005, is a treasure trove of organic and natural beauty products.

It carries brands such as American skincare label Suki and Australian brands A'kin and Miessence, not widely found elsewhere. With its warm lighting and cosy ambience, the store hardly feels like a pharmacy.

Lucas' Papaw Ointment

$15.90

This Australian multitasking ointment is good for skin ailments such as insect bites, sunburns and cracked skin. It can also be used for chapped lips.

Linden Leaves Body Oil Memories

$75.90

This product can be used in place of a moisturising lotion.

TooFruit Facial Mist and Kid's Rich Moisturiser

$29 and $45 respectively

TooFruit is a skincare brand for children. The facial mist is suitable for all skin types and this moisturiser is suitable for children with dry skin.

Unity

B1-13 Tanglin Mall

Founded in 1992, Unity is a division of NTUC Unity Healthcare.

The outlet at Tanglin Mall carries more beauty brands than its other outlets. It is also the only pharmacy chain here that stocks German skincare brand Dr. Hauschka.

Dr. Hauschka cleansing milk

$69 for 145ml

This is one of the brand's best-selling products at Unity.

It contains jojoba and sweet almond oils to maintain the skin's natural moisture. It can also be used to remove make-up.

Wild Mugwort Soap

$13.90

From Taiwanese brand Ah Yuan, this soap can be used to relieve eczema and fungal infections.

Old Spice deodorant

$7

Its cologne was a hit with the older generation, and now, the younger generation has rediscovered it in the form of a deodorant. It is available at only a few Unity stores. Fans like it for its effectiveness and how it does not have an overpowering fragrance.

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