The worst shopping experience I've ever had. The sales…read moreassociate -- I think her name was Judy or Jedd -- was incredibly pushy and made the entire visit uncomfortable. She followed me around the store, constantly pressuring me to make a purchase and even tried to rush me to the checkout. She repeatedly misled me about a VIP promotion, claiming I'd get a coupon I could use right away. When I asked if it applied to the lipsticks I was interested in, she said yes -- but conveniently failed to mention it was only valid on a $150 minimum purchase and limited to certain brands. After I spent time carefully picking out items, the cashier informed me the coupon couldn't even be used on most of them. It felt like the whole thing was just a tactic to boost her commission before the end of her shift. I honestly don't understand how a major store would hire someone like that -- dishonest, aggressive, and clearly not focused on customer experience.

While I typically stay away from Sasa stores here in Hong Kong as I find them chaotic and not…read morestocked with product brands and lines I am seeking, this particular location is a game-changer. So what puts the 'Supreme' in this Sasa outpost? According to their website, it's a concept store providing a comprehensive cosmetics selection in addition to beauty and styling services. What I noticed: an open layout, tons of space to roam without bumping elbows with anyone, so many more products than the regular Sasa stores, and better product availability within certain cosmetic lines. I didn't end up going home with any cosmetics (I tend to prefer department store lines), but I did find my beloved Nuxe line and at a very competitive price offering. I took home a large shower gel and a shampoo for about $225 HKD - not bad for this French line that smells sensual yet fresh (in a 'warm' kind of way) at the same time. I also have the perfume (purchased in Paris) and so many strangers stop me to inquire about my fragrance. It's a good one! I'll definitely be back when it's time to get my hands on more Nuxe goodies.

There are locations everywhere but this one was fully stocked and easy to shop. This is a cosmetic…read morecompany with products made in Korea, what seems especially popular are the lip products. There are people swarmed around the lip section as there are so many choices to choose from. The packaging is cute and the prices are cheap, especially for Canadians. We love the lip tints as they are light in colour and texture, and stay on but not after eating. Koreans are into light colours and the trend is the gradient lip which is light around the other lip and gradually gets darker in the centre. They also have a large selection of eye shadows in single colours and a few palettes. Koreans do not use blues, greens and purples or super dark colours so you won't find any of that here. They have their own fragrances but after testing a few, we found that they do not last on the skin very long. The staff are not pushy here and let you roam about. On the other hand, they don't really offer any service unless you ask. It's a fun place to shop and don't spend too much money!!

I stumbled upon Kawaiiland by chance when I was in the HK Airport and was in need of some skincare…read morethat I did not pack with me. The store offers all foreign branded makeup mainly from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and such. Most of their skincare products are reasonably priced and in total from getting cleanser, toner, moisturizer, skin lotion, and makeup wipes, it was only about $40USD which was a steal! They even gave me additional discounts which was a promotion they had at the time. They have a membership card that you can join to rack up points when you make purchases. The sales woman that helped me was very helpful and was knowledgeable about the skincare product. Most of the brands they carried were the top brands in Asia and after using their products for some weeks now, I feel that my skin is more hydrated and well taken care of than before. I would go back here again.

Sasa is the HK equivalent of Ulta. That being said, IMO it is less makeup and more retaining your…read moreyouthful skin. Lots of face masks and serums to keep you glowy and tight skinned. I was overwhelmed by all the options and ended up going with the Neutrogena masks which I couldn't find in the US. Ended up being about $1 USD per mask whereas Amazon had them at $4 USD.

SaSa cosmetic is chain store company that selling cosmetics, personal care, skin care and etc. It…read morelocated all over Hong Kong especially at tourist area. There are many aisles devoted to skincare products and I have found that these are cheaper (though not considerably cheaper) than the same brands bought in my hometown. I stocked up some make up accessories and lip balms too. I would say the staffs were very helpful and well-trained for selling technique. Just be aware the product expiry date if any.

Bonjour is one of the main cosmetics chains in Hong Kong. Sasa is the other one. This location is…read morelocated on Bute Street in Mong Kok next to the footbridge that connects Grand Century Place/Mong Kok East Station with Mong Kok Station. The store actually has three different entrances since it takes up multiple storefronts. While Bonjour is known for their cosmetics and fragrances offerings, it has commonality with the two drugstore chains, Mannings and Watsons. While cosmetics are the main offering, Bonjour has a nice selection of drugstore products. Particularly Chinese medicines and healing oils. And the prices seem to be the same or better at Bonjour than at the two drugstore chains based on a product comparison I did on a few items. The store also has a nice food and snacks selection including some that are imported. There is even an area here in the right side back of the store that is full of Japanese snacks and groceries. The only issue with this store is that the aisles are small and the checkout location seems to be oddly placed near the middle of the store. If you are looking for a drugstore item, you should check out Bonjour to see if they have it. You might save a few bucks here rather than going to one of the drugstore chains.

People who knows me knows that I am not a person of high maintenance; I don't spend a lot on skin…read morecare products nor do I spend much on fragrances. Not spending does not necessarily mean that I am not interested, rather, it is more like i don't have the extra money to spare; in other words, there are thing more worth the while for my money. LUSH is an interesting shop to me at least in such a way that you can tell there's a shop round the corner before actually seeing it; the scent is so distinct that you can tell right away that it's LUSH. The fruity and often candy-like scent of the shop pride itself in making all the product out of organic fruits, vegetables and essence oils without using animal testing; the environmental friendly approach of the production of their product line is said to ensure best possible effects on the skin. Other than the handmade soaps of different flavors that look more like cake, another signature product of theirs would be the bath bombs. Don't get panic because of the name, these are basically fizzy balls that you can put in the bath. The ball will give off bubbles and "flavor" the water before you go in. It's a shame that I don't use the tub often otherwise it would be so much fun watching the bomb to "explode" under the water. LUSH has also been a good place for me to buy presents during Christmas or birthdays of someone special. Nowadays people seem to distaste the idea of giving flowers and sometimes food for presents, buying toiletries or skin care products as presents is a sign of care and thoughtfulness of that special someone. If you have no idea where to start or what to buy, there are even gift box sets that have a little bit of everything; perfect for those who have trouble making up their minds. Now you ask how come I know about that? Well...that's because I'm one of them

Even if you've never heard of this Korean beauty company, you'll most likely be attracted the the…read morecute facade. If you've never seen it, it's the most adorable pink doll house and what it houses is a myriad of beauty items that will enchant you. The prices are fair, although honestly speaking it's a lot cheaper in Korea haha. Due to its location, it's almost always packed with beauty junkies. Staff is okay, I suppose. I endorse their sheet masks and lip tints!

The Etude House is one of those places where once you walk in, you'll never know when you'll walk…read moreout. I remember when they first opened in Hong Kong last year, you had to wait in line to get in. Even into the late hours of the evening there is a line to get in on a weekday. I thought i was the only one on vacation and didn't have to work the next day. Their products are affordable, and they sell items from face mask to nail polish to hair products. I go crazy over their nail polish..I love how they have the graduation nail polish sets where you can give your nails an ombre look. They also sell tools for you to make designed for your nails. And when you checkout, they give you samples. Their face mask leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. There's just so much in this store it's hard to decide that to buy. You also don't want to go too overboard. The place gets really pack and they do have crowd control when it gets super busy. I always make a trip to come here everytime I'm in Hong Kong. I absolutely love this place and i'm really hoping they will open on in SF soon.

Every girl knows Sasa - hell, every girl loves Sasa. Sasa is home to affordable skincare, makeup…read moreand everything in between. They even sell toiletries like cotton wipes and toothpaste - seriously, Sasa's got everything. I think one thing people don't know is that besides affordable products that are mostly imports from Korea and Japan, Sasa also stocks high-end brands like La Prairie and La Mer. They're way in the back of the store and displayed behind locked cabinets, so you will have to ask the sales ladies to help you with them. The advantage of buying high-end products here is that they are usually cheaper than if you buy them at the actual stores. Products from brands like these are no doubt expensive, so why not get the exact same thing for cheaper? The disadvantage, though, is that you don't get the A-list treatment that you would if you were shopping in, say, Lane Crawford. You probably won't get to sit down in a lush chair and allow the sales lady to let you try all their products, knowing you have your eye set on just one thing and nothing else. You likely won't be able to leave with free testers either - but who cares, if you're able to buy something with about a $100 knocked off its price? My mother has bought skincare gifts for friends from here before and they have no idea she got a better deal for them at Sasa! I've found that the sales ladies at Sasa aren't the most helpful people on earth - for example, I've asked for their cotton pads and they just kind of point vaguely in the direction that it's in. If I'm in a hurry, I usually have to try my luck and ask for where something is rather than scanning all the aisles and looking for myself because Sasa is quite big and if I'm not familiar with that particular branch, it would take me a while to locate what I want. All in all, I would choose going to Sasa over Watsons and Mannings any day. The items are cheaper, and for things like makeup, there's a much larger variety for you to choose from! However, speaking of price, some things are cheaper at their competitor, Bonjour. Bonjour isn't as varied as Sasa though and between the two, you're more likely to find what you want at Sasa!