Blushing Sneakerhead – by Mariah Christhel: Shopping

First Shopping Experience at Sephora Philippines

I am just a girl, in her twenties, still exploring her options for skincare and makeup. And in this modern time, a lot has changed in the beauty community. Besides relying on physical stores like before, we now have the option to utilize online shopping. Another popular store I had my eyes on for the longest of time is Sephora. The brand name itself is quite intimidating at first, I know. So on today's blog, I'm going to share with you my experience plus tips for shopping at Sephora on your first time.

Shopping Review by ayacheei ft. Sephora Philippines

Sephora is a beauty-retail store founded in France in the 1970's. It is not only the leading chain of perfume and cosmetics store in France, but also very popular worldwide. And in 2016, it is finally brought here in the Philippines! With over a hundred beauty brands, Sephora is certainly a girl's dreamland.

The Sephora website is very easy to navigate. As you can see on their homepage, there are ten categories. It is also further sorted out in sub-categories namely Best Selling, Newest, Top Rated and according to price. You can easily find what your looking for whether the best selling skincare products or the least expensive makeup.

How can I make a purchase?

-You need to have an account first. Sign-up, then log-in to https://www.sephora.ph.

-To add items in your cart, click on "Add to Cart" for the item you want to purchase.

-To review the items on your cart, click the "cart logo" located at the top right of the page. You can also review the items in your cart.

-If you have an applicable "promo code", enter it and click on "APPLY". The updated total price will be shown down below.

-For first time shopper like myself, you can download the Sephora app (android or apple store) and use the code "ONLINE10". This code may only be used once so think wisely on using it.

-Fill in all necessary details for your shipping details, then click on "Proceed to Purchase" to choose the mode of payment.

What payment options do I have?

-Credit Card

-Paypal

-COD is now available nationwide! Applicable on purchases of value 10,000 pesos and below.

-Dragonpay (Online Banking, Cash Over the Counter,etc.)

How much is shipping?

-Shipping fee is 330 pesos for orders below 999 pesos.

-Shipping fee is free, for orders above 999 pesos.

**You may track your order/s via http://www.aramex.com.

How long do I have to wait for my order/s to arrive?

-Expect your order delivered in 5-10 business days, since it will be shipped from Singapore. Saturdays, Sundays and Singaporean Public Holidays not included.

As for my shopping experience itself, it was quite easy and short. I placed my order last September 6 and my package arrived on September 14 (after six business days). There was no hassle whatsoever and it arrived safely. In the Sephora app, you can also see quickly the status of your order, so you don't have to worry about anything, since you can check everything in a snap. Their customer service is also very responsive, so if you have any questions you can ask them freely.

Benefit Cosmetics Philippines Soft & Natural Brows Kit

I chose to order the Soft & Natural Brows Kit by Benefit Cosmetics, since I find this kit very worth the price - you have two full-size brow products and one travel-size brow product. The kit also contains instructions on how to achieve the perfect brows.

Storewide, Sephora offers different kinds of deals and bundles, which is really worth the price. And if you do not want to splurge on a certain product you haven't tried yet your whole life, you can also purchase travel size products, that is way cheaper than the original size.

Another tip for you girls is to spend 999 pesos and above, since other great deals are offered by that price. You will be able to avail free shipping, as well as basic or deluxe samples. In my experience, I got the chance to get the Pixi Rose Flash Balm for free.

If you want more information about Sephora, you can follow their social media sites: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or their website Sephora. You may also contact them at contact.ph@sephoradigital.com. Happy shopping!!!

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Online shopping has grown its popularity over the years. It is because of its convenience to the consumers, not to mention the deals they offer that is well publicized, here and there on social media. And sometimes, due to these awesome deals, shopping had become troublesome to our wallets. So on today's blog, I am going to share with you an online shop that offers affordable products of variant, tosave.com — a site perfect for people who wants to save money while still having the joy to shop.

Tosave.com is an online company that offers tens of thousands of categories-products including consumer electronics, clothing, accessories, makeup and so much more! With the best prices and ready to ship at lightning speed, purchasing from tosave.com has been that convenient! With more 10-70% off than other online shops, you'll be able to spend your money wisely while still shopping. And the best part is at tosave, they offer free shipping! Yes, FREE SHIPPING!

Now moving on to my shopping experience, it was actually pretty good! Although this was a collaboration post, tosave still made me choose the items that I got. And these items were sent to me within 15 days. I was very happy that the package delivered got all the items in it because some online shops tend to send items, one package at a time, which is quite annoying. I also got the package at our Post Office and paid 112 pesos for it. But I ain't complaining because I know I have to pay those taxes.

And now, to my shopping haul...

Crystal Flower Drop Hoop Earring at tosave.com

The first item that I got is the Crystal Flower Drop Hook Earring. I love how fancy looking these earrings are so I got these. I've been obsessing over gold accessories so I went with the silver ones instead for a change in jewelry. This pair of earrings costs $1.26.

The next item that I got is a Women Crochet Beanie Hat. I always wanted to have this kind of beanie hat that is almost a beret looking one, so I got this in pink. You can choose other colors too. The beanie hat costs $1.95.

The next item I chose is the Handbag Replacement Strap in Khaki Plain Basic Mini Short Dress Date Dinner. Thick straps are becoming a trend these days so I, myself, wanted to have one. I chose this pattern because it is quite colorful, perfect with plain color outfits like this. This strap is also available in other designs. The replacement strap costs $3.47.

Granite Marble Case Cover iPhone (6) at tosave.com

The next item I got is a Granite Marble Case Cover iPhone (6) in white and pink. I love anything white and pink so I chose to get this. There are other designs too, if you want something else. This marble case cover costs $2.34.

Another strap that I chose is this simple Chain Leather Strap in black. It reminded me of the straps of a Gucci crossbody bag, and just the simplicity of it dragged me on buying it. Upon using it, I was actually surprised of its quality. It looks simple but fancy at the same time. The chain leather strap costs $4.53.

And the last item that I got is the Knot Bracelet in gold. I'm into dainty jewelry (except for earrings!) and I love how minimalistic this bracelet looks and so far, I also love the quality of it since the color gold hasn't faded yet and I've been using it quite a lot. This bracelet costs $0.86.

OVERALL, my shopping experience with tosave.com is a great one! Despite their website being unorganized, I still were able to purchase cool items for an affordable price. To know more about tosave, you can visit their website at tosave.com.

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Huge Korean Skincare Haul ft. Althea Korea Cult Favorites

Annyeong haseyo! Welcome to the blog. Finally, I am going to share with you guys my latest skincare haul from Althea Korea - the largest online shop for Korean cosmetics and skincare! This was a highly requested post by my followers, so I decided to show you the unboxing plus a mini review of each of the "cult favorites" that I chose and have tried using already. Cult favorites are things or products that are popularly loved by many. And the products that I will be mentioning are some of Althea Korea's cult favorites a.k.a. best sellers. So with everything said, let's get started!

NOTE: Althea Korea sent me $50 to spend on their site, but this is not a sponsored post.

SIDE NOTE: I have a sensitive, combination skin. Products mentioned on the blog may work for me but may also not work for you, or the other way around.

I placed my order last November 4 and five days after, I received the confirmation e-mail. I was expecting my package to arrive at around November 16 or later since that week was the ASEAN conference and it was declared holiday in the Manila area. But my package arrived on November 13, so I was pretty happy about it. The package was also directly shipped into my home and that was very convenient in my part.
And these are what my Althea boxes look like. I was pretty excited in opening the package that I forgot to take pictures before completely opening it (haha sorry). Before opening the boxes, they were completely covered in bubble wraps, as well as each of the products, making sure Althea Korea won't provide you damaged goods. Fun! And after a few bubble wraps pop... here are the products that I chose on their website. Like I said before, these are some of their most popular products. But of course, I still made my own research.

CALMIA CLEANSING TISSUE. 60 pesos

The first product that I got is the Calmia Cleansing Tissue. I haven't use this yet because I normally use micellar water on removing my makeup. But I purchased this because aside from being relevantly cheap, I read so many good reviews about it. It completely removes the makeup and at the same time moisturizes the face, so we'll see.

Althea Korea Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam. 370 pesos

The second product is the Innisfree Jeju Volcaninc Pore Cleansing Foam. I've been using this for weeks now and I'm pretty impressed about this product. The Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam contains Jeju Volcanic Scoria that absorbs the excess sebum and washes away the pore-clogging impurities. It also removes the excess makeup left from the first cleansing. If you have a combination skin type, I would recommend you to use this three or four times a week because it feels a bit tight on the face after use.

Althea Korea Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner

Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner. 440 pesos

The third product that I chose is the Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner. Back in third year college, I became so addicted with this product. I stopped using it after that year. But my sister recently purchased a bottle and after trying it again, I remembered how good it was. So I went with this purchase. The Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner cleanses away the dirt while balancing the pH levels of the skin. It also tightens the pores, that controls sebum production and leaves a seemingly pore-less skin. What I love about this product is that it has this cooling effect and it is really moisturizing. I just wish Althea Korea, had the bigger version of this with the pump, who's with me?!

It's Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effect. 390 pesos

The next product that I got is the It's Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effect. I chose this product specifically because I have pimple marks and Vitamin C serums are well-known to heal acne scars and and blemishes. The It's Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effect contains the Vitamin C that brightens the skin. It also reduces redness of the skin and other discoloration, giving you a more vibrant skin. I've been using these for weeks and I can already see improvements on my skin. It feels healthier and brighter. I use this after toning, during night time. I highly recommend to use this product at night because Vitamin C is not ideally good when exposed to the sun. But if you want to use on the day, you better put some sunscreen on. I also recommend not to use this with any products that contain AHA/BHA in the same routine because it cancels each others effect. Do not also use this with products that contain niacinamide because they work best in different pH levels.

Althea Korea Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask. 560 pesos

Another product of my choosing is the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask. It is a 6-in-1 pore clay mask that contract pores, controls sebum, exfoliate, deep cleanse, brighten tone and cools the skin. What I love about this product is that it chemically melts the impurities of the face, leaving a smoothen-out skin. I normally use this once a week after toning, but whenever I feel like my skin had become oilier than normal, I use it more often.

Guerisson 9 Complex Cream. 520 pesos

The next on the list is the Guerisson 9 Complex Cream. The Guerisson 9 Complex Cream is a moisturizer formulated with a complex of peppermint, apple mint leaf, sage, rosemary, lavender flower, Melissa officinalis leaf, chamomile and Monarda didyma leaf extracts that soothes irritation while improving cell metabolism. With niacinamide and adenosine, this cream also brightens the skin, making your skin look glowy and radiant. I normally use this whenever I feel my skin needs hydration during night time because even though it claims it doesn't leave behind any oily residue, it does! Maybe it is more ideal for dry skin types.

Althea Korea Boomdeahdah Everyday Mask (Berry)

Boomdeahdah Everyday Mask (Berry). 20 pesos

Althea Korea Purederm Deep Purifying Black O2 Bubble Mask

Purederm Deep Purifying Black O2 Bubble Mask (Charcoal). 70 pesos

Althea Korea Tony Moly Panda's Dream Eye Patch

Tony Moly Panda's Dream Eye Patch. 50 pesos

I also purchased these random mask sheets: Boomdeahdah Everyday Mask (Berry), Purederm Deep Purifying Black O2 Bubble Mask (Charcoal) and the Tony Moly Panda's Dream Eye Patch. I haven't use any of this so I'll update you guys whenever.

Althea Korea Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. 980 pesos

And I kept the best for last! The last product that I got from Althea Korea is the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. This product had won many beauty awards already and there is a reason for it! The Laneige Water Sleeping Mask has SLEEP-TOX™ technology that purifies the skin during sleep, keeping it in optimum condition. With its intensive hydration properties, it leaves the skin so moisturized the next morning after washing, that it feels so soft and bouncy. This is by far the best skincare product I have tried. It is on the pricier side, but it is definitely a must try!

There you have it! These are all the products that I got from Althea Korea. Stay tuned for Christmas adventures on Althea's website as they whisk magical adventures on their site this coming holiday. Thank you and have a great day ahead!

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Try Before You Try with Sample Room PH (Zenutrients, Ponds, Belo SunExpert, Cream Silk)

Have you ever experienced regrets on buying products that did not work with you? Well I have! Good thing there are websites nowadays that will help you with such dilemma. One of these websites that I came across a lot of times before, is the Sample Room. And in today's blog, I'll be informing you more about it!

Sample Room is the first ever beauty and lifestyle sampling website in the Philippines. It is an interactive online community that offers free samples while having the chance to share your own thoughts about these sample products to beauty lovers alike. Each of these opinions matter. And with such information on their site, us beauty lovers would think twice on purchasing full-sized products.

WITH SAMPLE ROOM...

...YOU DON'T NEED TO:

Take risks on purchasing a full-sized product that may not work for you

Rely solely on reviews that might not work with your skin type (as you can try these products for yourselves)

Waste money on products that might not work for you.

...YOU WILL ABLE TO:

Patch-test and road-test products you are interested on purchasing in full-size

Experience the product and decide afterwards whether it is right for you or not

Read reviews from beauty lovers who have the same skin type as yours

Enjoy your purchase, as it was a well-researched and well-informed purchase.

HERE IS HOW SAMPLE ROOM WORKS:

01 REGISTER
Register and be a Sample Room member! Being a member makes you qualified to get free sample from the website.
02 GET FREE POINTS
Upon registration, you automatically get 100 points to start your Sample Room adventure! These points can get you samples based on the samples currently available.
*Click here to see the brands that work with Sample Room.
03 CHOOSE YOUR SAMPLE
There is a given number of points corresponding to each sample for you to be able to avail it. Use your points to get these available samples.
*You can get more points by reviewing the products you've purchased and tried. Click here to know more on how to earn points.
*You can also buy points!
04 CHECK OUT
Check out and pay for the shipping and handling fees. Click here to read more about the shipping and handling fees.
05 RECEIVE YOUR SAMPLES
Samples finally arrive on your doorstep! Time to road test these babies!

HERE ARE THE FREE SAMPLES THAT I GOT FROM SAMPLE ROOM:

01 Pond's White Beauty Detox Day Cream

The Pond's White Beauty Detox Day Cream (ideal for oily skin) protects the skin from the inside to fade dark pimple marks 3x faster for a rosy white glow. It also leaves a powder finish that you can instantly feel.

FULL SIZES: 20g / 40g

PRICE: PHP78.50 / PHP132.00

SAMPLE SIZE: 20g

POINTS NEEDED TO PURCHASE: 30 pts.

MINI REVIEW

My current skin care routine basically involves cleanser, toner, moisturizer and cream. And for the day, I've been using the Pond's White Beauty Detox Day Cream these past few weeks.

What I love most about this product is that it has SPF15, which is perfect for the day wear — it did protect my skin from UV. The Pond's White Beauty Detox Cream also leaves my face smoother and mattified, making it easier for me to put on makeup. It also leaves my skin pinkish and glowing.

What I didn't like about the day cream is that even though I have been using it for weeks now, I haven't noticed any fading of my dark pimples. But nevertheless, I would still purchase this product, for the reason that it is such a good makeup base!

02 Belo SunExpert Body Shield SPF60 and PA+++

The Belo SunExpert Body Shield SPF60 and PA+++ provides broad spectrum protection against UV rays with Cell Protect® Technology that strengthens the skin's defense system, maintaining healthy skin while preventing accelerated premature skin aging.

PRICE: PHP459.75

SAMPLE SIZE: 100ml (full-sized)
POINTS NEEDED: 125 pts.

MINI REVIEW
Last Summer, I already tried using this specific sunscreen and the rest of the Belo SunExpert line.
What I love about the Belo SunExpert Body Shield Sunscreen is that it has high SPF and it did protect my skin when I used it.
What I didn't like about it is that it's a bit sticky and heavy on the skin. I prefer the transparent mist and sheer spray more since it felt lightweight and less sticky. I'm currently using these two for my everyday.

03 Cream Silk Daily Treatment Conditioner Hair Fall Defense

The Cream Silk Hair Fall Defense Daily Treatment Conditioner is a conditioner and a treatment in one. It has more moisturizing and nourishing ingredients than your ordinary conditioner that increases the elasticity of the hair and reinforce weak areas to make the hair stronger and more flexible.

FULL SIZE: 180ml

PRICE: PHP140.50

SAMPLE SIZE: 1pc. 180ml (full-sized)
POINTS NEEDED: 80 pts.

MINI REVIEW
This is my first time to try the Cream Silk Hair Fall Defense since I normally purchase the Cream Silk Stand Out Straight before. I tried it for weeks.
What I love about the Cream Silk Hair Fall Defense is that it is a conditioner and treatment in one. It also smells nice and I noticed I had less hair fall when I was using it.
What I didn't like about it is that even though it has a treatment in it, I did notice my hair becoming a tad dry. I wouldn't purchase this anytime soon.

04 Zenutrients Gugo Strengthening Hair Serum

The Zenutrients Gugo Strengthening Hair Serum is a super serum that helps you fight hair fall and hair thinning by restoring scalp and hair strength.

FULL SIZE: 40mL

PRICE: PHP499.00

SAMPLE SIZE: 1pc. 40 mL (full sized)
POINTS NEEDED: 250 pts.

MINI REVIEW
What I love about the Zenutrients Gugo Strengthening Hair Serum is that after weeks of using it (during night time), I noticed that my split ends and hair breakage lessen. I also love its smell. Definitely going to purchase this again!

Overall, my experience with Sample Room was great. I can't wait to try more sample products! To keep updated, check out their social media sites: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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