Want Mask-Proof Lipstick? Check Out This Singapore-Based Beauty Brand

Having worked in the beauty industry for 20 years, Samina Malik, Founder of Singapore-based beauty brand Sceptr Cosmetics, has long witnessed the ugly side of the business.

“The beauty industry increases insecurities among women and young girls,” explains the U.K. expat, who moved to Singapore from Dallas, Texas, with her family in 2012. “As a responsible mother and sister, I wanted to stop this.” So what did she do? The mum of four and founder of beauty brand Sceptr Cosmetics set out to change the beauty industry’s persistent focus on perfection. “I created Sceptr Hood, a community dedicated to helping women become better versions of themselves,” says Samina, who is one of The Finder’s recent Expatpreneur eAward winners. As such, she organises regular discussions and other efforts – both IRL and online – to encourage women to embrace all facets of themselves.

Products Made with Love

First, though, let’s talk about Sceptr Cosmetics, Samina’s makeup brand that’s about female empowerment. In fact, Samina named her 16 product hues after real women in her life – from an ultra-wearable red Nicole to the versatile nude Aliah. Both colours are part of her popular Sceptr Power Matt Liquid Lipsticks – perfect lipsticks for mask wear!

Beyond just being vegan-, cruelty-, gluten and paraben-free, the products really work. For instance, the lipsticks are waterproof, transfer-proof and can also be used as creaseless cream eyeshadows. As one satisfied customer noted, “I find matte lipsticks drying. However, my sensitive skin loves this easy-to-apply lipstick, and the colour has strong staying power!”

Giving Back

When coronavirus cases were at their peak in Singapore, Sceptr Cosmetics – with the help of HOME (Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics) – put aside 10 percent of all profits to provide hand sanitisers for migrant workers staying in dormitories. Also, through Sceptr Hood, Samina has held Instagram Live talks on topics such as staying fit during Covid, practising self-love (that included Miss Singapore Universe 2019’s winner as a guest) and speaking out against racism with guest and expat Andrea McKenna Brankin.

For these reasons, plus her commitment to making women feel confident during her years as a makeup coach, Samina won the special Pay-it- Forward Award in The Finder’s 2020 eAwards. Other than The Finder, her kids are also big fans. “I’m very, very happy that all of my children are proud of what I’m doing,” she shares. “I hope to be inspiring them to see that anything can be possible if you try.”

Ready to stock up? You can purchase Sceptr Cosmetics at TheAC Boutique at Raffles Hotel, The Salon by Viva at Sentosa and Keppel Bay and The Big Blow in Cluny Court. Alternatively, you can visit the brand’s website which also offers a three-month installment plan!