The uprising is complete, one can’t deny the allure of the East no more. Where good rewarding vacations no longer require a ten hour flight but rather speedy air travel that takes you to the best spots in Asia. And if you are thinking of going big, think China—with Shanghai as a buzzy start. The global financial hub has all of it down pat, with state-of-the-art buildings, exceptional cuisine and most of all, a beauty fiend’s ultimate checklist. At times, abundance can be a good thing, and Shanghai proves just that.
After all, you would expect no less from the birthplace of beauty trends that have populated on Douyin and Xiaohongshu, China’s equivalent of TikTok. Its cosmetics scene is booming that’s for sure, but what’s special is that amidst playing in a commercial field, Chinese brands have managed to uphold local heritage with its repertoire of products. From the look and feel to the actual formulas, they’re distinctively original. Simply look to the fragrance scene to tell you this much—rivalling the likes of South Korean giant Tamburins and French maisons—by imbuing scents and notes that are signature to Chinese culture. The same can be said for its make-up stockist—with main players like Florasis and Catkin paving the way. Beyond the retail, there are the experiences—which go from luxurious 24-hour spas to insightful make-up classes with techniques harnessed in the country. In a city where technology and innovation go hand in hand, there’s only up from here on out.
Below, Vogue Singapore spotlights the best beauty addresses to visit when in Shanghai, China.
1 / 6
Qu Shui Lan Ting
Hote or spa? You can experience the best of both worlds with Qu Shui Lan Ting, a 24-hour establishment where Eastern wellness meets the creature comforts of a luxury hotel. It’s immaculately designed to be soothing with fluid curvatures around the property; a calm and quaint oasis in the midst of the city hustle. Think an unlimited spread including caviar, alcohol and fresh fruit whilst you hop from various steam rooms and saunas. For the beauty girlies, the make-up rooms here are stocked with Chanel Beauty, Dior Beauty and Dyson hair tools. And of course for entertainment, the day will quickly go by with the spa’s movie room and PS5 gaming haven.
2 / 6
Beast
Like its name suggests, entering this gold plated haven could feel pretty consuming but inside its opulence, lies a treasure trove of lifestyle and home products. A signature that many return for? Its perfumes and home fragrances that inhibit Eastern influences—think bestsellers like Oriental Beauty and Osmanthus Oolong. The brand currently only has one atelier, which resides in the historic Xintiandi Shikumen Block in Shanghai.
3 / 6
Bini Makeup House
The locals know it best; if you ever want to slip into another dazzling self, get your make-up done in Shanghai. At Bini Makeup House, they start off with a colour analysis service before going into the make-up whilst dropping tips along the way. Last but not least, you finish off with a professional photo shoot in studio to memorialise your transformation.
4 / 6
Florasis
Beyond opulence and glamour, Florasis grounds itself on craft and tradition—all of which transcends in its luscious product lines. Love Lock Lipsticks that are encased within a a grandiose, gold-embossed case with configurations and chains that represent ancient Chinese locks. Detail is also dutifully paid with the brand tapping on Chinese locksmiths to ensure accuracy and authenticity. This level of craftsmanship is also extended to its other beauty products—from its powders to eyeshadow palettes.
5 / 6
To Summer
Undoubtedly, one of the top players in the Chinese fragrance scene right now. To Summer’s fame has superseded the realm of Chinese social media channels and has now breached the confines of TikTok. Priding themselves as a brand who produces Eastern scents, its focal fragrances revolve around botanicals like osmanthus (that has since gone viral), gardenia, orchid, honeysuckle, citrus and bamboo.
6 / 6
Harmay Shanghai
Dubbed the Sephora or Olive Young of China, Harmay’s influence has expounded all throughout the country—with a signature warehouse aesthetic grounding their stores. Stocked with mostly beauty products that are sample-sized, the fun lies in picking out a multitude of options for yourself. If you’re ever tired post-shopping, there’s also an in-house cafe to seek shelter in.
