Sephora in Singapore

The new issue of Elle Singapore had a preview of the brands that will be available at the Sephora store. Items shown in the pic are (I've listed their prices in the US in brackets):
1. Sephora Body Scrub in Ice Mint $16
2. Sephora Bubble Bath in Curacao $18
3. Sephora Colorful Palette in Sherlock 08$32 (US$24=S$35.80)
4. Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter S$32 (US$12=S$17.90)
5. Jack Black Sun Guard Oil Free Sunscreen $24
6. Federic Fekkai Pomade Cristal $48
7. Smith's Rosebud Salve $12.90
8. Too Faced Shadow Insurance $45 (US$17=S$25.30)



Looking at the price difference of the Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Singapore versus the US, it looks like Singapore consumers are getting majorly ripped off if this is the indication of how much prices are going to be marked up over the US. And Too Faced isn't even one of the most lusted-after brands on Sephora!

I walked by the store in Ngee Ann City today and got a glimpse of the store interior. And the brands I saw were ... *drumroll* Estee Lauder, Lancome, Clarins, Biotherm, Clinique! My first thought was: FAIL. Major FAIL. Why would anyone buy these brands at Sephora when they can already buy them at major department stores with their store card discounts or regular sales such as Metro when Metro has their regular 20% storewide sale? What a waste of space! Another two brands that will reportedly be available at the Singapore Sephora are Becca and Bare Escentuals.