Style News: Makeup By Mario at Sephora, Father’s Day-worthy scents

Makeup By Mario arrives in Singapore

Popular beauty brand Makeup By Mario, founded by American-Albanian celebrity make-up artist Mario Dedivanovic, has made its long-awaited debut here at Sephora.

Known for flawless contouring and creating camera-ready looks, Dedivanovic shot to fame as reality-television star Kim Kardashian’s make-up artist. He founded his eponymous brand in 2020, and it has since drawn a cult following in the United States.

Now you can attempt to recreate his work with iconic products such as the Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette ($102) of versatile neutrals, and complexion products including the SurrealSkin Foundation ($82) and matching Surrealskin Awakening Concealer ($60), said to deliver a creaseless, airbrushed finish.

But if there is room for only one product in your budget, let it be the Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick ($62) or Softsculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer​ ($62). Each borrows from his signature contouring technique to create natural definition that even rookies can master.

Info: Available at Sephora VivoCity, 01-178, 1 HarbourFront Walk, and sephora.sg

Get pampered at Fresh’s revamped Ion store

One small relocation within the mall later, American beauty brand Fresh has reopened its Ion Orchard boutique.

The new concept store was designed with references to Fresh’s flagship store – its first store – in New York City’s Union Square. These include the mosaic tile floor and a striking centrepiece fountain for experiencing the brand’s bodycare products.

A marble kitchen table displays scented bar soaps – which are Fresh’s first product, despite it being better known for its skincare today. A lip bar showcasing its Sugar Lip Treatment collection and a sensorial bar for fragrances round out the space.

There are also complimentary hand and facial services for keen shoppers. Sign up for a sit-down facial or pampering hand spa, utilising the brand’s range of products, at the cosy nook in a corner of the store. Appointments are encouraged.

Info: B3-55/56 Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn. Book a service at str.sg/DCif

Celebratory colognes for dad

If you are in need of a last-minute gift for Father’s Day, you will not go wrong with a fragrance.

Pick up L’Artisan Parfumeur’s newest scent, Il Etait Un Bois ($275 for 100ml), a woody unisex perfume inspired by a walk in an enchanted forest. With notes of buckwheat, vetiver and cedarwood, it comes off nutty and earthy, with a quiet refinement suitable for the reticent man.

For the loud and proud man in your life, the bold new Phantom Intense ($178 for 100ml) from Rabanne (formerly Paco Rabanne) is your answer.

Creamy and magnetic lavender heart notes blend with opulent vanilla and moss in the base to create a rich, sensual amber fragrance. Frosted orange blossom and lemon in the top notes keep this eau de parfum fresh.

Info: L’Artisan Parfumeur is available at B1-33A Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Road. Rabanne is available at Tangs, Metro and BHG Bugis

Valentino boutique gets new look

Italian maison Valentino has renovated its boutique at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

Gone are the Palazzo Vecchio-inspired finishings, warm-hued interiors and terrazzo flooring. The new concept is brighter, more modern and set up for shopping by product categories.

Front and centre are shoes and bags, before the boutique leads into the women’s and men’s ready-to-wear collections.

Decor-wise, there is still a play of materials present. The floors are composed of green onyx marble and black timber, while custom-crafted handmade ceramic door handles add a bespoke touch to the floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

This store is the first in South-east Asia to debut the concept of combining both men’s and women’s offerings.

Info: B1-16/17 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue

Raffles City’s beauty pop-up

Unlock free beauty masterclasses at this new pop-up in Raffles City, which in recent years has cemented itself as a destination for beauty lovers.

Until July 14, the space at the mall’s main atrium on Level 3 brings together nine luxury beauty brands, including fragrance houses Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Creed and Jo Malone London, and skincare brand Kiehl’s.

On one side of the pop-up, styled as a vault, is a gallery-like showcase of each brand’s signature product. On the other is a space for masterclasses the public can sign up for – led by the respective brands and covering topics such as make-up tips and fragrance layering.

This comes ahead of new beauty additions to the mall. Set to open in the third quarter of 2024 are boutiques from Armani Beauty and niche fragrance brands Frederic Malle and Kilian Paris.

Info: Until July 14 at Level 3, Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road. Sign up for masterclasses at str.sg/Bqy3j