Top Picks in Hong Kong (Shopping)
Quintessential Causeway Bay (to shop where the "locals" shop)
Housing perennial favourites like Sogo. A must stop to pick up SK-II products. Upon computation of exchange rates (S$1 : HK$5) , prices appear nearly 35% cheaper than Singapore. Picked up a forming cleanser for S$45 whilst my friend picked up the Signs Eye Treatment Mask for S$90+. That's a steal. Be prepared to battle the crowds though.
Sogo Food Hall
A must-stop to pick up HK snacks and tidbits. I particularly like the Egg Rolls here & especially the Pastelaria Koi Kee (Made in Macau) brand - Seaweed with Pork Floss flavour. Yummy. Do note that on Hong Kong Island, this brand is only available @ Sogo Food Hall.
Lane Crawford (Times Square)
Home to cult makeup brands such as Benefit, Nars, Models & Co., Fresh, etc. Prices are slightly higher than if you buy these products directly in the USA but considering shipping and convenience etc (don't forget HK is tax-free whilst the USA does levy sales tax and the amount depends on which state you are in) it's still worth buying here. Plus, Nars blushes last soo long and are incredibly pigmented. I swear the colour stays on even after 14 hours!! For HK$225 (~S$45) I cannot resist.
DHC (Japan)
A stand-alone boutique just opposite Times Sq. You cannot miss it. I do believe several products are good here and have received much praise. Best sellers include the DHC Cleansing Oil which I do use. Hint: Store is having a "3 200ml bottles for HK$586" promotion which is an extremely good deal since it only works out to HK$195 (~S$39) per bottle. Even if you do not need so many bottles, share with a fren! =)
Beverly Centre
A shopping centre just opposite Sogo with nearly 7 floors of cul-de-sac shops selling trendy shoes, clothes, accessories and pretty much everything else. Cutting edge fashion that updates very rapidly, in fact, you shd be able to find many replicas of runway fashion! I enjoy browsing the shops but after a while some might find the merchandise repetitive. Be forewarned that you will need loads of stamina and energy just to make it to the 4th floor. I have only managed to cover all floors once despite my repeat visits!!
Granville Street(TsimShaTsui)
A narrow street with shops lining both sides of the road. Some shops stock overruns from major US brands (Abercrombie & Fitch, Old Navy, Gap, etc). An easy browse for shoppers but be prepared to dig through stacks of clothes / stuff to find pieces catering to your taste. With patience I am sure you will find something!
Prada Outlet ( Directions: Take a taxi from Central MTR. Costs around HK$95)
This is my maiden visit to the Prada Outlet and I am glad I went as I managed to pick up a pair of patent beige-pink mary-jane style stilettos for HK$1500!
Prices here are not rock-bottom as compared to Prada Outlets in Europe but definitely there are still savings for those who do not mind last seasons' overstocks. If you are extremely lucky, you might even find signature pieces amidst the crowd!
(Hint: Ever wonder where the "creme de la creme" stock end up? To acquire the best pieces, there are 2 alternatives: 1) make cosy acquaintance with the sales ladies so that they will inform you when stock arrives or even reserve pieces for you; 2) best to patronise at the start of the month 'cause the sales lady hinted that new stocks (in limited pieces) arrive around then!)
Soho
I spent half a delightful afternoon browsing around the quaint shops in Soho. I like the atmosphere and the merchandise but don't expect prices to be cheap! End off a visit with coffee / tea in a trendy cafe!
Have fun in Hong Kong and get lost in the hustle and bustle of the city that never seems to sleep.
Shall I get this product???
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