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.

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.

SASA has franchises throughout Hong Kong and Kowloon…read more Prices vary - you have to check how much things cost elsewhere. I found fewer Japanese skincare products at this location - a few years ago, Japanese skin care products were actually less expensive in HKG than in Japan. It was an ok location, nothing more. Research your prices, ladies!

There are Sasas everywhere in Hong Kong, and I think that they are a good place to look for asian…read morebrand cosmetics. They had an extensive mask selection at this one, and I felt that the collection was pretty complete in general. I would consider this similar to Sephoras in the US (but there were not as many of the popular US brands represented, of course). This location is just a few feet from the subway station, which was super convenient. I had been hearing a lot about japanese mascaras, and found the one I was looking for at Sasa. They take visa cards, and speak English.

Mi Ming Mart was founded by celebrity/ politician Erica Yuen. The Central store is the newest…read morelocation of the 5 stores. Despite the feminine interior design of the store, there are many things that are suitable for both sexes. I stumbled upon Erica's YouTube channel 4-5 years ago when I started watching beauty videos. Back then, she was probably one of the first few local celebrities or "beauty gurus" as the YouTube community calls it, creating videos introducing skincare, makeup and healthcare products in Hong Kong. I used to have skin allergy problems when I was younger. As such, I've always been careful with the skincare products I use. I always look for products that do not have artificial fragrance and chemicals. Erica's concept of choosing chemical-free products for her store is exactly what I've been looking for all these years. The skincare industry these days just use marketing techniques by giving you statistics and telling you they have this exclusive formula. Honestly, can you even search for these so-called exclusive ingredients and formula on the Internet and prove them right? What I like about Erica is that she hand-picks and introduces many different brands of products that are hard to find in Hong Kong. She also carefully studies the ingredients to explain to her viewers and customers why such natural ingredients are important and others are bad for the skin. If you watch her videos, sometimes it can get a bit scientific... but I'm convinced! Her products aren't cheap, but for something that gives me results these years and given her hard work on researching for products, I'm willing to pay a higher price. Mi Ming Mart is truly a "mart" as she doesn't just sell skincare or beauty products. There are also other products such as health supplements, healthy snacks, laundry care, home fragrance, etc. For those who are living overseas, they also have an online store!

As an ABC I really appreciate this store as they modernize and update traditional Chinese style…read more clothes and "hipsterize" traditional Chinese prints/items. For those that are familiar with HK pop culture they generally have some hidden gems. I try to get something from here anytime I'm in HK. They have a store at HKG also for those that are just doing a layover.

My husband read about this place while searching for locally manufactured gifts to bring home after…read moreour trip to Hong Kong. The store is beautiful and offers a wide array of different items, from clothing to arts and crafts and jewelry. Everything is made in Hong Kong and we loved the idea of buying something that is not mass-produced. I got some hair tube wraps, a t-shirt and some jewelry: prices are on the expensive end but I got very quality, unique items that I did not see anywhere else during my stay so all in all, it was a good trade.

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!

Don't even shop at Watsons or Guardian pharmacy. This place has it all and at half the price. In…read morefact, you can get some prescription drugs without prescription (shhh...). Anything you find at the major pharmacy stores, you can get here at approximately a quarter of the price. It is centrally located, literally located in the middle of central. If you looking for cologne / perfume, this is also the place to go to, if you are too lazy to hitch a ride to Shenzhen. An amazing shop, one has to wonder how they get everything so cheap. A shopping must, if you are looking for essentials!

This store literally amazes me. You can buy everything from old-school shaving foam to hardcore…read moreantibiotics here. Out of town visitors are always astounded that a prescription is not needed for the medicines you can pick up here. I discovered Fanda whilst at university as the frequent flights home for holidays left me in a near permanent state of jet lag I went in for melatonin and walked out with a pack zolief which knocks you out for a guaranteed five hours so that you can get enough sleep on the first night in a new city to function the next day. Years later you can still buy sleeping pills but I tend to pick up less extreme medication these days - paracetamols, decongestants and asthma inhalers to combat the effects of the city's pollution. I also rely on Fanda for buying make up wipes in bulk and picking up various supplements such as giant jars of fish oil capsules. They also have a great range of nail products including stickers which are perfect for holidays when you need to hide chipped polish. The counter is always busy so if you don't want to share your business with the world, write down your shopping list and pass it to the staff - they'll discreetly bag up the items so that no one need know what your ailment is.