Hello everyone! Before going to work this afternoon, we dropped by SM Sta. Mesa to have late lunch. I have to say that SM Centerpoint has improved a lot since I saw it a few years ago. The stalls don't look so crowded now and the counters are well lighted. I also noticed new (to me at least) establishments like Etude House and The Body Shop.

 

I headed to their beauty section and found out they were giving away discount vouchers. Being the voucher addict that I am, I was lured into getting a few stuff to avail of the 50 Php off on transactions worth 500 Php. Here are some of the things I purchased.

Watsons Charcoal Toothbrush (39 Php)

Apparently, charcoal toothbrushes are a thing now. The sales rep told me that Colgate first came up with one but they got sold out pretty fast. Good thing Watsons made their own version with tapered bristles. If you're wondering what the charcoal is for, the label says it can improve undesired breath. I was hoping for more benefits like fights bacteria or whitens teeth to convince me choose this over other regular brushes but there were none mentioned. At least curiosity over something I've never seen or tried before got me to buy this. 

 

elf Eyelid Primer (129.75 Php)

This eyelid primer from elf has been recommended to me more than a few times by a friend who says it's the most affordable primer she knows that works really good. It preps your eyelid for smoother, long-lasting, crease-proof eyeshadow. More on this when I try it out in the next days.

 

Majolica Majorca Brow and Lash Colorist BR55 (595 Php)

I've been paying attention to my eye brows lately which is why I was lured into getting this brow and lash colorist. I initially wanted to get Benefit's Gimme Brow but after Miss Gladys of Majolica Majorca SM Centerpoint tried this on me, I immediately bought it. I love that it's more affordable than Benefit's Gimme Brow which retails for 1,300 Php. It's even cheaper when you avail of their bundle promo because you get this plus their Jeweling pencil (495 Php) for only 799 Php instead of paying 1,090 Php in total. Well it  doesn't stop there, use the SM voucher to slash off 50 Php more! Now I'm sounding like an infomercial but you can't argue with me when I say that it's really a good deal! 

 

Majolica Majorca Jeweling Pencil BK999 (495 Php)

This is a black eyeliner that comes with the bundle I mentioned above. It originally retails for 495 Php but you can get a great deal when you buy it with the brow and lash colorist. I'll keep you updated with a full review on this soon.

Shawill Magic Concealer 01 (125 Php)

I'm not into concealers but after attending basic makeup class by The Makeup Artistry I realized how they can be of great help in achieving a flawless finish. So after watching Miss Say's video on Shawill Magic Concealer, I finally decided to get one for myself. This wasn't included in the promo because I bought it separately but the affordable price is already a good steal. 

 

 

 

All these items except for the Shawill Magic Concealer were bought in the beauty section of SM Centerpoint for only 932 Php! This promo really ROCKS because you may use several vouchers to slash off 50 Php per minimum purchase of 500 Php. Let's say you bought a total of 1,000 worth of products, you may pay for them in two transactions and use a total of two vouchers. This way you get 100 Php off your total purchase, so the more you shop, the more you save!

 

 

 What are you waiting for? Go now and shop for your beauty essentials from the beauty section of selected SM Stores* valid on July 19 to August 19, 2013 and get loads of savings!

 

 

 

*Bacoor, Bacolod, Batangas, Cagayan De Oro, Clark, Cubao, Delgado, Dasmarinas, Davao, Harrison, Lipa, Makati, Mandurriao, Manila, Marikina, Marilao, Olongapo, Ortigas, Pampanga, Rosario, San Fernando, San Lazaro, Sta. Mesa, Sta. Rosa, Sucat, Taytay.

 

 

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TASTE CENTRAL: Good Taste Has Definitely Arrived

I've been a member of Deal Grocer since early 2011 but it was only a week ago when I learned of their official retail partner named Taste Central. Good thing I'm subscribed to Deal Grocer's email alerts because I  was able to get dibs on Taste Central's hottest promo.

Image courtesy of tastecentral.com

This is Shu Uemura's iconic Perfect Poreless Set consisting of (from L to R) the Porefinist Gentle Foaming Cleansing Water, Tsuya Youth Generator Essence and UV Under Base Poreraser Mousse. The set originally costs 2,500 PhP and it's really a steal for 750 PhP if you buy it from Taste Central so no wonder it was sold out immediately. I really didn't have my eye on this one but I'm getting a little tempted especially after realizing that the Porefinist Gentle Foaming Cleansing Water is Shu Uemura's newest cleanser that claims to remove all impurities to visibly tighten pores.

Image courtesy of tastecentral.com

Now this Skin Radiance Set is what I wanted to buy but was also out of stock. I wouldn't be surprised because the Whitefficient Brightening Cleansing Oil alone is a surefire hit. Also included are the Tsuya Youth Generator Essence and UV Under Base Whitefficient Mousse. They also marked the price down by a whopping 70%, from 2,500 PhP to 750 PhP. What I love about Taste Central is they give you an option to include items in a wait list so they can notify you when stocks become available. They actually restocked this the last time I checked so you might want to get your hands on them before they run out again. You may click here to connect to Taste Central.

Image courtesy of tastecentral.com

Luckily this Summer Fresh Set was available so I didn't think twice in ordering. It has the Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil, Tsuya Youth Generator Essence and UV Under Base Tsuya Youthful Radiance Mousse. This set is originally 2,800 PhP and was discounted by 70% at 840 PhP. Although it costs a little higher than the other sets, seeing the products included got me sold right away. I'll be posting a separate review on this set in one of my future entries.

Overall, this is probably the best skin care deal I've ever seen and availed. I love that nowadays we get to try high end skincare products without causing a dent on our budget thanks to excellent and tasteful online deals provided by Deal Grocer and Taste Central. Not a member yet? Click here to be one and start opening your horizons to exquisitely amazing deals.

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Freebie Friday



Hey guys! I couldn't wait to tell you about my freebie Friday with a good friend yesterday. We were just hanging out in between breaks so we decided to drop by Trinoma to have lunch and do a little window shopping.

Luckily we were both Belle de Jour power planner users and certified voucher addicts so we got ourselves free samples from Kiehl's.

The sales rep already knew our intentions the moment we stepped in their boutique and uttered the words Belle de Jour. I love that the voucher doesn't require any purchase and that the sales rep didn't make us feel uncomfortable while claiming the samples. She lead us straight to the counter, looked at our faces, asked a few questions, handed us 3 sachets and instructed us on how and when to use each product. She gave me Ultra Facial oil-free cleanser, Acne Blemish Control daily skin-clearing treatment and Ultra Facial oil-free gel cream. I'll review these products after a week of use so do check back in when you can.

My other freebies were 2 sample bars of Light Skin Carrot Soap. These were passed along while we were looking around the beauty section of Landmark. I've heard good things about carrot soaps but never had the chance to try one. I'm so hooked on Kojic Acid Soap that I don't usually check out others on display when I go shopping for bath essentials so I'm really excited to use these and see for myself. Expect a full review in the following weeks.

How I wish I got this Ellana flat top foundation brush for free but there's always an exception to every rule and this is the one thing I bought from my stash of freebies. I wanted to include my review here but I think I need a separate post to really discuss how this brush fares in comparison to my other brushes from Sigma and The Body Shop. I also want to tell you how and why I chose this among others like Elf, Suesh and Charm brushes so please do check out my full review on this in my next post.

That concludes my almost freebie day. Just a shout out to all Belle de Jour power planner owners, go drop by your nearest Kiehl's boutique and get your free samples!!! To all those near Trinoma, go by the bath section in Landmark and you might just be given free Carrot Soap bars from Light Skin. Thanks for reading this entry and have a great day!

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Shu Uemura Voucher

          Hello girls and girls at heart! I just want to share this super cool voucher on Shu Uemura's facebook page. 

          They call it the Beauty Visa and this entitles the bearer to a 10% discount on all of Shu Uemura's spring/summer 2012 collection and cleansing oils, free consultation, make-over and eyebrow styling upon reservation (Rockwell 8978575 and Rustan's Makati 8133739) or first come first served basis at their kiosks in Trinoma Mall and Alabang Town Center. 

          

          To get one, simply like the Shu Uemura Philippines facebook page, like the Beauty Visa photo on their wall, share with your friends, print the image and present it to them on your visit. This promo is only valid in the Philippines until the end of March 2012 so go grab it and enjoy with your friends! 

Best VOUCHER Ever!!!

          You read that right, this is a review of the BEST voucher I purchased in 2011. Let me start off by saying I love Ensogo. This company has never failed me since the day I started buying their vouchers in 2010. At first I thought it was too good to be true, that vouchers will never be patronized in the Philippines. Knowing that we Pinoys don't easily trust advertisements or purchase products online without seeing them, I predicted that companies like Ensogo won't last in the market. But I was proven wrong, dead wrong. Vouchers have sprawled over the internet in the past year and is now the most talked about and supported form of advertisement in the country. This is why other companies that offer discount vouchers have sprung from everywhere. So much for that, now I want to get to the heart of this entry, my BEST voucher purchase in 2011, an Ensogo cash voucher for quality imported makeup from Tamera online for Php 399 valued at Php 1,000.

          I feel like Ensogo really makes sure that they offer coupons that are worth their clients' money. Imagine getting 60% off your favorite items that are not even distributed locally.

Shimmer Strips
(Php 443.56)

Perfecting Mineral Concentrate
(Php 620.99)

       
       
          In my case, I got Physicians Formula shimmer strips for brown eyes and perfecting mineral concentrate in translucent light. I paid the sum of Php 489 (Php 399 for the voucher plus Php 90 shipment fee) instead of the regular price of Php 1,154.55!

         

          I am so impressed at the endless possibilities that the shimmer strips can offer. It comes in 9 different shades but are actually grouped together in trios. The top 3 colors comprise of the "Natural" shades, next are the "Playful" strips and the bottom 3 are the "Dramatic" colors. This palette gives you more shades to experiment on so you're really getting your money's worth. It can be applied wet for a dramatic look or dry for a softer result. Again, this allows you to get different looks in just one palette. It comes with an angled sponge applicator which I surprisingly adore since I swear by using makeup brushes when applying eye makeup. The quality is nothing short of amazing. The colors are so rich that only a few gentle strokes are needed to get enough product on the sponge applicator. The texture is equally great and easily blends with your skin. It also gives off just the right amount of shimmer to make your eyes glow. The color stays on decently and doesn't crease the entire time. Had I known this product earlier, it would have won best eye makeup in my recent blog of current favorites.

          If you read my entry of current favorites, you'd know I didn't include foundation as one of the categories. It's because I have never encountered a foundation in any form, may it be liquid, powder or cream, that fits and compliments my face. Well now I do! It's like a dream come true to have finally found the right one after years of failed search and experimentations. My ultimate favorite foundation is Physicians Formula perfecting mineral concentrate. I've read about this product on makeup reviews in different websites and I have to admit they weren't at all pleasant. A lot of the reviews said that the "click pen applicator" as well as the micro kabuki brush were complete disasters and the product itself was a major failure. These reviews have led me to believe that this product wasn't worth trying. But as I was choosing which items to avail using my Ensogo voucher, I found it difficult to decide what else to get aside from the shimmer strips. I ended up buying the perfecting mineral concentrate, hoping it wouldn't be as bad as what others claim.

          When I first used this a couple of days ago, I discovered two important things. First is that, one of the critics' claims is true. The "click pen applicator" and the brush are horrible. They don't give you the "perfect dose flow-through system" that the package says. Instead, it gives you the dilemma of figuring out how to dispense and apply the product properly. I once shook it too hard that it dispensed so much I had to return the excess in the container. Also, the brush is so small that it looks more like an eye makeup brush than a foundation brush. But the nightmare ends there. The 2nd thing I found out is that this product is an amazing foundation that truly delivers its claims of having maximum coverage. It's a very fine formula that blends effortlessly and sets a natural matte finish with a hint of shimmer. It feels so light on your skin and it doesn't cake or crease. It's non greasy and long wearing that the formula stays in place throughout the day. Over all, this product is a very good foundation for me though this may not hold true for others. I will continue using this everyday and will buy more of them for future use. I highly recommend you to look beyond the flaws of the package and give this product a try. Who knows, you might be as surprised as I am when I tried it and found out it works for me.

          Needles to say that this voucher was a great buy not only because of the 60% off but also because the items I purchased using it were equally great. I would also like to commend Ensogo for delivering the best discounted vouchers from reputable establishments like YSA where I had my diamond peel sessions, Time Depot where I got my Solus watch and Tamera online for my Physicians Formula products. Tamera online also deserves 2 thumbs up for their excellent service and high quality products. Shipment was fast and items were delivered in very good condition.

          As a voucher addict, I still urge you to be careful in choosing the promos you want to avail. Think twice even thrice before you decide on purchasing a voucher. Stick to what you need and what you know. In my case, I needed facial treatment when I first purchased a voucher. Fortunately it was offered by an establishment I already knew (YSA Skin Care Center) so as expected, I was pretty much satisfied with it. This gave me confidence in purchasing more vouchers even from establishments I haven't heard of or promos given by other companies aside from Ensogo. As I said before in a previous blog, some vouchers do suck, so always keep your guard up and don't be blinded by big discounts. Again, stick to what you really need and what you already know. It doesn't hurt to be cautious sometimes.

VOUCHER ADDICTS UNITE!!!

     While checking out new deals from Groupon, I was happy to find out they were helping The Philippine National Red Cross gather donations. Whoever thought of this is a genius! Donating via voucher purchase is by far the most convenient (at least for me) and up to date way of helping. I already bought mine which shows that I'm really living up to my blog's title. So to all CO VOUCHER ADDICTS out there, before buying a coupon for yourself, purchase at least one for our calamity-stricken kababayans in Mindanao. 

     To start donating you may log on to http://www.beeconomic.com.ph/deals/metro_manila/philippine-red-cross-emergency-alert--tropical-storm-sendong-donate-p100-to-the-victims-of-tropical-storm-sendong-today/715926326. A hundred bucks might seem small but when grouped together can make a BIG difference! If I'm not mistaken, that's what Groupon is all about anyway right?

Some Vouchers DO SUCK!

     I know by now most of you have heard of or purchased vouchers from websites like Ensogo, Cashcashpinoy, Groupon, Metrodeal and many more. I for one have been an avid follower and client of such sites since October 2010. Initially I was very hesitant to try it but when I found a very good deal on Ensogo with a skincare clinic I know and have trusted for eternity (YSA Skincare Center), I went ahead with my first voucher purchase. 

     The service I got from YSA was the same thing they do with regular clients. I'm sure of this 'cause I've been one since I was in college. This successful transaction gave me confidence in purchasing more vouchers but I kept my guard up on some deals offered by unfamiliar establishments. I was thinking, sooner or later, some of these deals are bound to suck. That day came when I bought a Metrodeal voucher featuring a Hydro Jet Facial Treatment at Skin U Love in Mother Ignacia Avenue, Q.C.  

     Scheduling an appointment wasn't at all a problem since their staff was accommodating on the phone. On the day of my visit, the staff immediately offered me an additional service of facial cleaning (as expected). She explained and insisted that facial cleaning was recommended before a hydro jet facial for best results. I just had facial cleaning with acne surgery 2 weeks prior and I really didn't like to have another that soon, especially in a clinic that I'm not familiar with, so I declined. But she kept on insisting which lead me to just tell her I didn't bring extra money. That was when they showed their true color. They were LOUDLY speaking to each other in their dialect which I found very rude and unprofessional. They just pointed me to the treatment room and assumed I knew what to do next. The so called REVOLUTIONARY treatment was over in less than 15 minutes. I really got my money's worth because their service was as CHEAP as their voucher. As for their staff, they were UNPROFESSIONAL and very JUDGEMENTAL. They already labelled me as a VOUCHER HOLDER instead of a client. I couldn't believe such POOR service existed in a clinic that looks reputable from the outside. I didn't show them my disgust, instead I waltzed out of their so called skin clinic without giving any tip, besides, they don't deserve a single centavo.

OBAGI: Signature Facial Treatment

     While browsing the net last september, I stumbled upon a Groupon deal offered by the House of Obagi. They were offering their signature facial treatment for 50% off, from Php 3,500 down to Php 1,750. Knowing I couldn't get any other chance like it, I immediately succumbed to the offer and bought one.

     Two months after purchasing the voucher, I decided to avail of the offer and gave their Trinoma branch a call for reservations. The attendant I spoke to was very accomodating and was suggesting the best possible time for me to visit their clinic. She immediately confirmed that I was on their list and can drop by the next morning with the voucher.

     On the day of my treatment, they made me fill up an information sheet and in less than 5 minutes I was being lead to one of their treatment rooms. The room, as expected, was impressive. It was quite small but cozy and very private. Miss Julie, the nurse who assisted me, was very nice and made sure I was comfortable. Unlike in other skin care clinics, they didn't ask me to wash my face clean before the procedure though I came in prepared without any make up on, just a thin layer of sunblock on my face. When the treatment started, I realized why they didn't ask me to wash my face before the procedure, because they do the cleaning for you. They massaged my face for what seemed like forever with different Obagi products. Miss Julie was telling me what the products were before each application. Then came the most dreadful part of all skin cleaning procedures, the acne surgery. She was telling me how the procedure may be painful but I assured her I was prepared. True enough the acne surgery made me teary eyed but over all, the pain wasn't different from the last procedures I had. What I did like about it was the equally long facial massage and application of different Obagi products including vitamin C and a moisturizer with spf 30. They also used a machine which visibly reduced my skin's redness due to the surgery. In effect, my face wasn't too flushed or swollen after the procedure. Another thing I found unique with their service was the arm massage while waiting for my face to dry up. Finally, after the treatment, they didn't woo me into buying their products and suggested a skin consult with their in-house Dermatologist (which comes free with any procedure). The reason why they don't sell the products directly to clients is that the Dermatologists are the only ones authorized to prescribe them after examining your skin's condition. I find this very impressive and it definitely sets them far apart from many other skincare clinics who freely dispense skin products without an expert opinion.

     My experience with Obagi has been heavenly and though it was still expensive despite the 50% discount, the service they offered was worth every penny they charged. I may not be coming back often but I will certainly return when I feel the need to pamper myself with the best quality service, the Obagi way.