IF THE credit crunch is causing you to cut back on cosmetics, consider changing to cheaper alternatives.

Many of these budget products work as well as some of the pricey branded stuff.

Ms Jacqueline Chan, 34, a research analyst, shops at Sa Sa regularly. “My friends and I have picked up several cheap yet interesting items.

We buy their facial cotton pads because they are one of the lowest-priced in town. We also bought miniature-sized black nail polish and blackhead remover cream.”

The department stores are also allocating a section for budget beauty buys. Last October, John Little launched StarDust by JL at its Plaza Singapura outlet.

Apart from familiar names such as Maybelline and L’Oreal, the range also includes newcomers like Lord & Berry (from New York), Do-Best (Japan) andLioele (Korea).

Ms Kate Koh, senior marketing executive at John Little, says: “StarDust offers customers access to quality cult brands that are hard to find in Singapore without breaking the bank. Customers are also encouraged to touch, feel and try the make-up and achieve different looks at the practical make-up stations, while our staff are available to render knowledge and assistance.”

StarDust by JL

StarDust by JL was conceptualised after makeup artist Andy Lee lamented that he had to scour all over Singapore for his favourite beauty products.

It features a wide selection of established and cult brands from all over the world over ataffordable prices.

Topsellers:
â–  L’egere — This Korean brand is best known for its skincare solutions. It is spearheaded by White Multi Blemish Balm Cream ($38.90), a multi-tasking marvel that serves as sun protection, makeup base and foundation.

â–  Canmake — The Perfect Black Eyeliner ($16.90) comes with a strong lacquer-like consistency to give greater definition to the eyes. It is also smudgeproof and fade-resistant.

Upcoming:
â–  Nature & Co, an organic skincare range from Japan, sought by women who want fairer and brighter skin.

StarDust by JL is available at John Little #03-11 Plaza Singapura.

Sheer Secrets

Launched in 2007, Sheers Secrets is the first skincare brand in Singapore with a formula containing sheep placenta, an ingredient that helps restore youthfulness and suppleness to skin.

It is also the first to offer both topical application and oral skincare ranges.The products are jointly formulated by the company and dermatologists in New Zealand.

Topsellers:
â–  Secret Water — Advanced Treatment Essence ($149, 50ml). It nourishes, hydrates and stimulates skin cell metabolism to kick-start skin cell regeneration and minimise the appearance of wrinkles.

â–  Placentra — Oral Sheep Placenta Supplement ($129, 30’s). Packed with ingredients such as rich amino acid, melatonin and nucleic acids, this oral supplement boasts exclusive formulation that helps protect skin from free radical damage and prevents pigmentation, age spots and uneven skin tone. It is also the first placenta supplement to be awarded the Halal certificate by MUIS Singapore.

Upcoming:
â–  Corrective & Preventive Serum, whose combination of placenta and marine collagen is enriched with concentrated Vitamin C for more protection against free radical damage.

It also helps to repair skin inflammation and acne. Enjoy 20 per cent off Sheer Secrets products during the Great Singapore Sale, valid until June 30. Sheer Secretsis available at BHG Bugis Junction and BHG Tampines Century Square.

Sa Sa
Founded in Hong Kong, Sa Sa is Asia’s largest cosmetic retail chain. Since opening its first store
here in 1997, it has garnered a strong following among the beauty-conscious.

The flagship store at Marina Square carries the full range of products and collections and a treatment room where therapists can provide facials for customers.

Topsellers:
â–  Sa Sa Super Dolly Powerful Mascara ($19.90) — Its non-clumping rubber brush efficiently picks up the amino acid-enriched colour, so you can achieve long and perky lashes without primers or curlers.

â–  BeautyTalk OxyMask ($98.80) — This highly acclaimed mask is a hit throughout Asia, for its ability to firm and “lift up” your face. It is a clear gel, which reacts with skin to release oxygen and then transforms into a layer of mousse.

Upcoming:
â–  Sa Sa Tea Tree Oil Skincare, based on the healing and moisturising properties of tea tree oil,helps reduce oil secretion and breakouts. The rangeincludes blemish control gel, mask, paper mask, cleansing gel and toner.

Sa Sa has outlets at major shopping malls in Singapore, including Marina Square, Junction 8 and Jurong Point.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.