Local beauty brands take on the world

OFTEN touted as being "recession-proof", the global beauty industry remains perennially popular despite turbulence in financial markets - a possible catalyst for the rise in homegrown beauty brands in recent years.

Despite the competitive nature of the industry, the local market has seen a growing wave of smaller skincare entrants, alongside established homegrown predecessors like Skin Inc and L.D. Waxson Group, the latter known for its Ginvera and Bio-essence brands.

At least 15 local beauty and skincare brands have popped up here in the last four years.