Shopping for Beauty in Bangkok
Blame it on the old-world charm and vibrance of this capital city, I have been shamelessly lazy to write a post. From snazzy shopping malls to luxury spas, there is just so much of distraction around. Anyways, with the husband off to work, I decided that I would take a break from all the shopping, eating and spa-hopping that I have been indulging myself in, and do a post on a few of my favorite beauty buys so far here in Bangkok. There is a lot more to beauty brands in Thailand than the 5 that I am featuring here on this post. And I will share my finds, as and when I try them as feeds on Instagram.
Home to some of the finest beauty ingredients like Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime, Papaya, Ginger Tamarind to name just a few, one is spoilt for choice while shopping for beauty in Thailand. From their daily diet to beauty routines, Thai women are completely aware of how to incorporate these local treasures. I have always been an ardent fan of the calming and refreshing aroma of Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime, but it’s only now that I am learning more about their healing and detoxifying properties. I have done a fair bit of shopping from a few of the local and international brands available here and I am on the lookout for more. Most of my purchases are of Skincare and I haven’t really spent much money on cosmetics. Most of the cosmetic brands here are the ones that I would easily find in other parts of the world, so I am putting my money on the local treasures.
In no order of preference or priority, these are a few of my best buys so far.
THANN
Now this is one Thai brand that I knew about before getting here. I have used one of their body scrubs earlier and I was sure that I wanted to visit their stores in Bangkok. THANN Sanctuary, the spa offers a wide range of spa treatments, and the brand's natural skin and haircare products are available for sale in over 16 countries worldwide. Inspired by the concept of Aromatherapy and scientific findings on the benefit of various plant extracts, the brand offers over 5 distinct collections to choose from.
My pick: Oriental Essence Exotic & Comforting Aromatherapy Salt Scrub, Oriental Essence Rice Extract Body Milk, Revitalizing Face Mask
Website: https://www.thann.co.th
HARNN
HARNN is another Thai favourite for natural body and skincare. Using the finest natural active ingredients, along with the Asian holistic approach to wellbeing, HARNN’s products are created to help restore the natural balance of the body and mind. From Jasmine to Oriental Herbs, each collection has products ranging from shampoos and conditioners to hand creams. With the uplifting aroma of Siamese Jasmine and antioxidant properties of Rice Bran Oil, the Jasmine collection is my favorite from the brand.
My pick: Jasmine Body Oil spray, Jasmine & Pomegranate Hand Cream, White Mulberry Skin Perfector Brightening Serum
Website: http://www.harnn.com
PAÑPURI
With an exceptional spa-inspired natural skincare range, PAÑPURI offers products for head-to-toe pampering, packaged in luxury. All products are parabens and sls-free and the scents are from pure plant extracts. The brand has partnered with some of the finest spas, hotels, airlines and resorts around the world including an exclusive in-flight kit designed for premier class passengers of Bangkok Airways. The products smell simply divine and are also great gifting options.
My pick: Siamese Water Uplifting Body Polish, Scarlet Rouge Awakening Body Butter, Signature Collection Hand Cream Trio
Website: http://panpuri.com
Shu Uemura
I first heard of the brand while I was doing my makeup course in Dubai. The trainers at the studio spoke volumes about the eyelash curler from the brand and I have always wanted to get one for myself, ever since. Shu Uemura is an iconic Japanese beauty brand with a huge cult following. They do not have store presence in the Middle East or India, so imagine my excitement when I found a store in Bangkok. Like many of the other international beauty brands, Shu Uemura has skincare as well as makeup offerings. I did a fair bit of reading up on the brand before deciding on what I would buy from the brand.
My pick: Eyelash curler, Anti/Oxi Skin Refining Cleansing oil
Website: http://www.shuuemura.com/_en/_ww/home.aspx
SEACRET
We stumbled upon this fascinating brand from Israel at Siam Paragon, one of the biggest malls in Bangkok. With initial hesitation when asked by one of the brand representatives to just try out the product, we gave in to the request eventually. Oh boy, ain’t we happy that we checked it out. Enriched with Dead Sea minerals and natural oils, the husband and I were absolutely thrilled about how our skin felt after the trial that we had to buy a few products.
My pick: Salt & Oil scrub, Body Butter
Website: http://www.seacretspa.com
I am yet to scout for the drugstore favorites here. There are two brands, Watsons and Boots that are frequented by Thai women for some amazing affordable beauty buys. I hope to visit them soon and promise to keep you all posted too. And oh yes, Thailand is a paradise for those who enjoy spa rituals. One could pick from very affordable foot reflexology sessions to uber luxurious signature spa treatments. So if you are traveling here, make sure that you indulge yourself. If there is anything else that you would want me to write about, do leave a message and I will get back to you.
Till the next time, Sawasdee Ka :-)
