Top 7 spots to shop for perfumes at Changi Airport

There is no sense as psychologically and emotionally evocative as smell. A whiff of some freshly cut grass is enough to trigger recollections of childhood picnics in parks; fragrances hold the subtle but compelling power to convey feelings and moods, from desire to authority, from playfulness to comfort. It’s no wonder a whole industry, that is, the perfume industry, is built around the power of the olfactory experience.

Perfume is the perfect final touch to enhance any outfit, and quote Gianni Versace, “an invisible extra that completes a man and a woman’s personality”. Whether you need a pleasant and fresh scent for daily use or something sweet and dramatic for special occasions, shopping at Changi Airport is the sure-fire way to find The One (as in, the right perfume) for yourself or your loved ones in Singapore.

We’ve taken the research off your hands to put together a list of the top spots to shop for perfumes at Changi!

1. The Smell Lab

From aromatherapy to skincare and bodycare, The Smell Lab has a diverse range of product types that guarantees you an olfactory adventure. On top of that, this local, homegrown brand is exactly what its name implies. They have a DIY lab space that allows you to unleash your inner alchemist and create your own bespoke Eau De Parfum fragrance (50ml) at S$50 per person – perfect for date nights, bonding with friends or family, or for individuals who simply want their own unique scent. Beyond fragrances, they also organise workshops for making hand sanitisers, shower gels and lip balms, as well as blending essential oils!

For those who prefer classic scents, The Smell Lab also offers 17 different fragrance oils such as jasmine, lavender and rose at an affordable S$7.90 for a 10ml bottle.

Website: www.thesmelllab.com

Location: Jewel Changi Airport, #B1-219

Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00am to 9:00pm, Friday, Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday: 10:00am to 10:00pm

2. Victoria’s Secret

Think Victoria’s Secret and its world-famous runway shows and illustrious lineup of top supermodels will come to mind. However, the American label is not only the leading specialty retailer of lingerie! It’s no secret that it also offers a diverse collection of fashion-inspired fragrances and cosmetics.

On brand with its all glitz and glamour image, Victoria’s Secret perfumes ooze seduction with its alluringly-named perfume lines. That is, single-word dynamites like Bombshell (its top-selling perfume), Temptation and Tease as well as ethereal-sounding names like Angel Gold that exude luxury, and many more perfume collections guaranteed to make you feel like the ultimate #girlboss.

If you’re new to the world of fragrances and not looking to spend too much, you can go for Victoria’s Secret’s fragrance mists, which are very affordably priced from S$16.90 to about S$25. Besides these, they also offer scented lotions and body washes at equally attractive prices.

Website: https://victoriassecretsg.com/

Location: Jewel Changi Airport, #B1-287

Opening hours: Open daily from 11:00pm to 9:00pm

3. Kiehl’s Since 1851

Imagine merrily strolling along in Jewel. You see happy shoppers, satisfied diners, laughing children and out of the corner of your eye, a skeleton in a doctor coat. Wait... what?

If you’re familiar with the realm of premium skin, hair and body care and men’s cosmetics, you’d know too well about the boney mascot of Kiehl’s displayed outside every one of its outlets in Singapore and all over the world, beckoning you to come in. Established in 1851 as an apothecary in New York City’s East Village neighbourhood (and now a subsidiary of L’Oreal group), Kiehl’s products are made from all-natural ingredients and backed by 170 years of cosmetics, pharmaceutical, herbal, and medicinal research and development.

Conceived from their special Musk “recipe”, Kiehl’s signature scent is the Musk Eau de Toilette Spray (S$84 for 50ml), a deep and sophisticated scent which reveals its many layers as it dries down over time. Beginning with a burst of fresh citrus scents, it morphs into a harmony of gentler floral notes, including rose, lily, ylang-ylang and neroli and finally dries down into a woodsy and oriental finish. Marketed as a fragrance for both men and women, this animalistic-floral scent is clean and not too overpowering, perfect for those looking to try a musk fragrance for the first time.

Website: http://kiehls.com.sg

Location: Jewel Changi Airport, #B1-285

Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00pm to 9:00pm, Friday, Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday: 10:00am to 10:00pm

4. GIFT by Changi Airport

Miss the comforting and distinct smell of travel and Changi Airport? Or just a really big fan of Changi? This one’s for you.

GIFT by Changi Airport offers perfume oil infused with Changi’s signature scent of Orchid Tea, which is diffused in many areas of the airport, including the main doors at departure halls and along 64 of the airport’s gangways. Inspired by Changi’s many gardens, the scent is a unique floral blend of orchids, Damask rose, Asian spices, a variety of plants and calming essential oils. A whiff of this soothing aroma  evokes a sense of wanderlust and is priced at an affordable S$23.30 (30ml). If perfume oils aren’t exactly your thing, the Orchid Tea scent is also available as a reed diffuser, scented candle and hand sanitiser.

While you’re here, you can have a look at (or whiff of) other scents of alcohol-free aromatherapy sprays offered by GIFT by Changi Airport too. Alternatively, all these items are available for purchase online at duty-free prices on iShopChangi. 

Location: Jewel Changi Airport, #04-233

Opening hours: Open daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm

5. The Body Shop

Step into any The Body Shop outlet and a glorious mix of fruity and floral scents will immediately hit your nose. With a plethora of fragrance, hair, body and face mists, scent oils, perfumes (both Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette), The Body Shop truly lives up to its name. Whether you’re someone who prefers fragrances with a singular, dominant note or those with a harmonious blend and fuller accords, you’re bound to find a scent you like at The Body Shop. Its collections are modestly priced between S$15 and S$53 and friendly to most noses, making it the ideal place for anybody’s first venture into fragrances.

It’s worth noting that their signature fragrance range is their original White Musk®, a “light, sensual, floral fragrance with staying power”, which is available for both him and her as an Eau de Toilette, fragrance mist, deodorant and more. Plus, if you’re striving to be a more conscious consumer, they also have a modest range of vegan fragrances, which includes the White Musk® Flora Eau De Toilette and White Musk® Flora Fragrance Mist.

Website: https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-sg/

Location: Jewel Changi Airport, #B1-279/280

Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00am to 9:00pm,  Friday, Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday: 10:00am to 10:00pm

6. The Shilla Duty Free

No one can deny that the best part of shopping at the airport is Changi’s duty-free collection. Not only can you purchase your favourite items at lowered prices, but you will surely be amazed by the myriad of offerings they have.

You want it, they’ve got it! Cosmetics & Perfumes by The Shilla Duty Free boasts the widest ranges of beauty and skincare brands in Singapore and Asia-Pacific airports, with products from over 140 international brands. These include perfume houses like Gucci, Bvlgari, Tiffany & Co and more. You can easily snap up timeless classics or cult favourites like the Gucci Bloom series which is one of the most popular scents.

The Shilla Duty Free prides itself on its Best Price Guarantee policy, offering its products at competitive prices which are up to 40% more affordable. So, while you’re here, you can shop to your heart’s content knowing that you are getting the hottest and most luxurious perfumes at the best prices.

Even though you can’t fly through Changi and shop at its outlets across the transit terminals, you can conveniently purchase Shilla’s perfumes online on iShopChangi. They are running a special promotion on their beauty category, so be sure to use ISHOPBEAUTY15 to save 15% off your purchases from now till 10 August. (Psst... remember to join Changi’s telegram channel @ChangiAirport for more discount codes on top of these duty-free prices!)

7. Sift & Pick

Chanel No. 5 too “basic” for you? Sift & Pick’s curated collection of perfumes and scents might just be your cup of tea. What’s special about Sift & Pick is that they handpick under-the-radar, authentic, indie brands from all around the world and work with the original brand owners themselves to bring their unique products to you. This way, you’re bound to find a scent that not just about anybody on the street wears, all without having to do the hard work of scouring through other overly-saturated online marketplaces or small brick-and-mortar shops hidden in lesser-known alleys (whether in Singapore or overseas).

If that's still not unique enough, you can even get creative and make your own naturally perfumed products in the comfort of your own home with Natural Perfumery Kits (from Sonia Washburn Sydney) for sale at Sift & Pick. The kits come with 12 essential oils plus roll-ons/storage bottles/carrier oil and a storage box, complete with a downloadable e-booklet which includes an essential oil blending guide and recipes! If you’re looking for alternative places to shop for perfumes online in Singapore, this is it!

Website: https://www.siftandpick.com/

Whether you’re a novice making your first foray into the realm of perfumes or even a seasoned expert of all things scent-related, the sheer variety of scent profiles available at Changi Airport will certainly lead you to that "Magic Potion” suited perfectly for you or your loved ones.

 

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