Let’s admit it, we sometimes end up buying makeup for its eye-catching packaging and not because we really need it. Yup, consider us guilty! We can’t really help it, though, because we’ve noticed over the years that brands have been leaning into creating casings that make their products stand out from a sea of options. Usually, this involves collaborating with other popular brands — even food chains like Chipotle — or creating an exclusive collection featuring your favourite childhood show. In other instances, new collections hop on the latest trends on social media and in pop culture to attract new customers.
Regardless, we’re never at a loss for quirky beauty collections that make us pause and eventually add to cart. These are just some new releases that caught our attention.
ColourPop x Animal Crossing: New Horizons
ColourPop isn’t a stranger to quirky beauty collections. Case in point: last year’s Baby Yoda palette. So it really was just a matter of time before they tapped into the Animal Crossing hype like other beauty and fashion brands. Just like Nintendo’s best-selling Switch game’s cute design, ColourPop’s exclusive collection has adorable features like pastel packaging and the game’s iconic characters and logos. Check out its four types of mini eyeshadow palettes, two types of blushers, three lip tints, one Supershock Shadow, and an all-over glitter gel.
Our eyes are on: the flower tender Pressed Powder Blush (USD12), a vibrant coral blusher with gold specks that adds a soft, buildable flush on the cheeks.
M.A.C x Kakao Friends
Fresh from their collaboration last year, M.A.C and Kakao are once again teaming up. This time, the Powder Kiss and Lustre Lips Lipsticks will be encased in pastel pink casings with Kakao’s infamous characters. The collection will also include the Air Cushion Powder Studio Fix in two shades. While this collection is now available in South Korea (just in time for Valentine’s Day!), we’ll have to wait a little longer before it’s made available in our area later this year.
Our eyes are on: the M.A.C x Kakao Friends Powder Kiss Lipstick in “Have A Good Day” (KRW33,000/~USD29.48) for its bright coral red tint and comfortable soft matte finish.
ETUDE Milky Collection
Starts at SGD14.90/~USD11.20
Speaking of quirky makeup collections, who knew that there would be one inspired by banana milk? ETUDE’s special Lunar New Year collection, “Milky”, was designed to resemble your favourite flavoured drinks. Strawberry, banana, and blueberry milk were turned into eyeshadow palettes and blushers that you can use to get all dolled up, even under your face mask. Finish it off with a limited-edition ETUDE Milky Tone Up Base and the best-selling ETUDE Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream. The collection is now available on Lazada and Shopee Singapore.
Our eyes are on: the Play Colour Eyes in Banana Milk (SGD36.90/~USD27.71) with its muted neutral brown colours that we can use for everyday makeup looks.
Beautyblender Zodiac Collection
Speaking of makeup essentials, here’s a makeup tool that might pique your fancy. Beautyblender’s iconic sponges get a little astrological twist in the new Zodiac Collection. Each sponge is embossed with the 12 astrological signs, so you can grab the one that matches your sign.
Our eyes are on: all of them. But while we’re here, we’re going to manifest the on-point makeup look we’ll make with our Zodiac Beautyblender and the Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation (SGD30/~USD22.53).
Wunderbath CNY Treats
There are some skincare products that caught our attention too! Malaysian indie brand Wunderbath made a special Chinese New Year bath collection that is just too cute to ignore. Your typical bath bombs are turned into miniature Mandarin oranges, steamed buns, koi fish, and prosperity coins, among other lucky tokens for the Lunar New Year.
Our eyes are on: the Musang King (Durian) Soap! We can’t wait to have its honey-lemon scent fill up our bath at the start or end of our day.
Which quirky beauty collections caught your eye?
Next, check out these dainty necklaces inspired by your favourite TV shows like Bridgerton and True Beauty.
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