Cosmetics chemistry has come a long way from your grandmother’s cold cream, and that’s for the better! Nowadays, beauty aids abound in the market, with each brand out promising the other in terms of effectiveness, exclusivity, and sometimes, economy. Due to its obsession with refulgent countenances bereft of imperfections, Thais have become one of Asia’s biggest consumers of cosmetological potions. For this reason, counters upon counters around the country supply a stockpile of the latest innovations and guarantees from the flourishing beauty industry. And nowhere else in greater Siam is there a better place to get all your fixes than in Bangkok; the most vainglory city of them all. In this informative article, we take a look at quality contrivances that can not only deliver but are easy to get to for ease of purchasing.

Paula’s Choice

One of the best skincare companies in terms of overall products is the chemistry-loving and cult-favorite brand, Paula’s Choice; with a fully stocked boutique in Siam Discovery – a leisurely stroll from BTS Siam – Thai fans can have glowing skin all year round. Almost all of their fragrance-free products can claim to be “best-sellers”, but those that are particularly adored include the following: “Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant” (with its light as toner-consistency, this leave-on exfoliator goes on to immediately unclog pores and removes dead skin cells, revealing a dramatically smoother and softer complexion; bonus: BHA has antibacterial properties, which means less unsightly blemishes!); “Resist Super-Light Daily Defense SPF 30” (an exceptionally pleasing lotion that is gentle enough to be applied on the eyelids; moreover, the white cast typical of physical sunscreens, is masked by a subtle neutral tint); “Moisture Boost Moisturizer SPF 30” (a broad spectrum chemical sunscreen that protects your delicate skin from wrinkles and brown spots; to crown all, it is laden with skin-identical ingredients, which help to keep the epidermis stay hydrated throughout the day); and “Resist C15 Super Booster” (versatile and impactful, add a few drops of this 15% vitamin C product to your preferred serum or non-SPF moisturizer, to advance existing results and brighten a dull aspect).

Adjacent to Siam Discovery, and located within the eclectic Siam Center, is a stand-alone Estée Lauder store. The brand is practically an institution, so you can be assured that many zeroes have been poured into the research and development of their elixirs. The best from the range is: “Nutritious Rosy Prism Radiant Essence” (a toner-like product with a lightweight serum consistency; this essence is slightly hydrating and contains a good dose of plant-based antioxidants, which can assist in smoothing skin and improving uneven skin tone); “Perfectionist [CP + R] Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum” (a sensational-silky serum loaded with skin-repairing ingredients, an exclusive blend of peptides, and wrinkle-fighting elements, combined, will help to correct and prevent daunting signs of aging); “CyberWhite HD Advanced Spot Correcting Essence Serum Correction” (if hyper-pigmentation from sun damage are of concern to you, then this skin-lightening concoction is a worthy choice to add to your current routine); and “Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Synchronized Complex II” (note that you don’t need a separate moisturizer for the eye area, but if you stubbornly insist, then this hydrating and fragrance-free eye lotion will not disappoint).

Beauty Hall

For a buffet worthy of choices, only a few paces away is Siam Paragon’s Beauty Hall; wherein the world’s most notable maquillage-makers have representatives stationed in here. At the glitzy Shiseido counter, consider the “Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36 PA++” (a mix of synthetic and physical sunscreen actives makes this the perfect parasol for your lips; effectively shielding it from both UVA and UVB rays; moreover, the buttery emollients and the inclusion of anti-irritants keep your pout moist and soft). For the man who persists on having a product that claims to be made specifically for his sex – note that this is just marketing, as the ingredients required to make skin look young and act healthy are genderless – then head over to Estée Lauder’s brother, Lab Series, and ask for “Max LS Overnight Renewal Serum” (most of the products designed for men are quite abominable, but this serum is an exception; it’s loaded with potent antioxidants, all of which research has demonstrated to furnish skin with what it needs to create a handsome complexion).

When it comes to luxury creams, it doesn’t get more chichi than La Mer; the Rolls-Royce of skincare. The legendary brand has a freestanding boutique at the gargantuan mall, Central World; an easy stroll from the latter ritzy department store via a connecting sky-bridge. To apologize to your hands for your frequent negligence, why not pamper them with “The Hand Treatment” (rich in plant oils and conditioning agents, it is pure decadence for the overly washed palms and enervated fingers). If masks make you happy, then call it Christmas and splurge on “The Hydrating Facial” (six masks, each application seeped in a solution that provides ultra-moisturizing benefits by dint of an exclusive brew of intriguing algae, fatty acids, and proven cell-communicating constituents). But for those that refuse resplendence in favor of parsimony, then The Body Shop is an alternative community to indulge yourself in: “Vitamin C Facial Cleansing Polish” (a merciful scrub that doubles as a good cleanser, imparting a clean face that appears revitalized); and “Aloe Protective Serum” (this is an aloe-based serum with a gel-like texture that is perfect for those struggling with sensitive skin).

Emporium

The Boots at Emporium is a superb shop to buy the more ordinary and affordable remedial balms; who said fabulous skin couldn’t be achieved on a budget? The coming recommendations are ones to look out for: “Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Wash” by Cetaphil (this is a truly fantastic body cleanser if you have dry skin; the intensely creamy and ultra-hydrating formula treats skin to a gentle and soothing rinse, leaving it clean and well-conditioned, thanks to shea butter and mild deterging agents); “Gentle Foaming Face Wash” by Olay (this fragrance-free, water-soluble cleanser rinses your face exceptionally well without drying it out; a boon: it’s cheap!); “Ceralip” by La Roche-Posay (its thick consistency does not feel overly waxy on the lips, and provides prolonged protection against the harsh environment; to crown all, it’s flavor-and-fragrance free!).

For a seamless trip to all of the aforementioned establishments, a sojourn at a hotel that is in the Pathum Wan district, and moreover, within easy reach of a BTS station – such as Mercure Bangkok Siam – so that you’re only a few minutes away from attaining dreamy skin. On an end note, be sure to invariably protect your skin with a well-formulated sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher. All the peptides in the universe won’t make a dramatic difference if your face and body are left exposed to the injurious and pro-aging rays of the Sun. It’s a boring variety, but sunscreen is actually the only thing in the entire beauty business that comes close to having a fountain-of-youth-like effect!

Ensure you’re taking good care of your skin and replenishing it with the nutrients it needs to remain young and glowing. Visit one of Bangkok’s better supermarkets – such as Villa Market, or Central Food Hall – where you can pick up top-of-the-line health supplements for the skin.

In conclusion, Bangkok has something for everyone when it comes to skincare products and treatments, from high-end luxury spa centers to affordable drugstore items. With a little research and know-how, you can easily pamper your skin!

Be sure to make the most of your time here by treating yourself to some magnificent skincare goodies and making your stay unforgettable.