Unboxing my first beauty box, the super sulit BDJBox!

Oh hello! I disappeared again! But I came back because I just had to tell you the coolest thing ever, beauty-wise: beauty boxes!

I've never heard of such a thing but it's the hottest thing these days. What you do is you subscribe to a beauty box service and every month you get a box of goodies, in sample sizes mostly, usually about 5 products. This allows you to test a few products every month and find out which works for you, without fully committing to a big bottle or tube. It's such a clever idea, I wonder why I didn't come up with it! I guess that's because I'm not clever enough!

My very first beauty box is fantabulous. BDJBox!!! I'll let the photos tell you why I'm so excited about BDJBox:

Meet the pretty box. You just know it's filled with goodies!

Oooh, tissue paper just heightens the anticipation, don't you think?

The theme of the October box is Parisian beauty.

Oh wow, so many goodies!

And all that for a mere P480! Yep, that's all you have to shell out. Subscription fee starts at an incredibly low price of P480 and you get a box na super siksik with amazing beauty products!

There are many subscription packages to choose from. You can try it monthly, for three months, six months and even one year!

Creating an account with BDJBox also gives you access to beauty tips and tricks from some of the best beauty experts in this country. I'm talking about my friends!

Erica and Nicole were beauty editors of the country's two top women's magazines, Kat was the fashion editor of the Philippine edition of the world's biggest women's magazine, Kate used to be the fashion and beauty editor of OK! (yes, my magazine!), Tara is a popular beauty blogger, and Barbi is one of the hottest makeup artists ever! The former editors have left their magazines for bigger and better careers and BDJBox was able to get them all as a team!

Now, who wants a BDJBox? You do? Well, BDJBox is feeling generous! You can win your own box and here's all you need to do:

1. Tweet your answer to this simple question: "What's your best beauty discovery?"

2. Follow @FrancesASales and @BDJBuzz.

3. Tag @FrancesASales and @BDJBuzz when you Tweet your answer. 

4. Use the hashtag #BDJBox in your Tweet.

So for example, I would Tweet this: "@FrancesASales @BDJBuzz My best beauty discovery is SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and Souq Organics Moroccan Argan Oil! #BDJBox"

Tweet contest ends on Wednesday, November 7, which happens to be my birthday. So yup, this is my birthday gift to one reader! I'll announce the winner at 6pm via Twitter and my Facebook page.

For more on BDJBox, click here.

Your first makeup kit: What should be in it

Mav Duran sent me this question:
I'm thinking of buying my first makeup set. What would you recommend I should buy first? I mean what are the essentials that I should be getting?

When choosing products for your first makeup kit (and forever afterwards!), there are just three things you need to know:

Set the base. 
Concealer hides a multitude of skin sins, foundation creates a smooth canvas to paint on and powder sets your foundation so that it won't melt and move around your face.

However, if you've been very good to your skin, you won't need to exhaust yourself on this first step. So the real first step is take care of your skin! Eat healthy, sleep well, have a good skincare regimen. If your skin is clear and glowing, you won't need to cover up your gorgeousness!

Add color.
Once you've set the base, the face can look flat and pale. Here's where color comes in. Color is really just needed on cheeks (for a pretty glow) and lips (for extra juiciness!). But since eyes are the oft-called windows to the soul, prettifying your peepers is a great idea.

Accentuate. 
This is simply adding structure to your face. Eyebrows must be defined, lashes curled and plumped, eyes lined  to make them pop. You can also use bronzer to contour cheekbones. These products are the dark products--blacks and browns--and are designed to ground your look.

So what do you need in your first makeup kit? Here's a basic list:
Base: concealer, foundation, powder
Color: eye shadow, blush, lipstick
Accents: eyebrow powder, mascara, eye liner

Yes, just nine products. That's the foundation of your makeup arsenal. Then once you become more confident, you can add these fun things: primer, correctors, highlighter, bronzer, lip gloss, fake lashes, and tons of various lip colors.

Here's what's in my makeup kit:
Base: La Mer concealer, La Mer foundation, La Mer powder, Lancome pressed powder, La Mer lip balm

Color: NARS blush in Orgasm, shu uemura eye shadow palette, Bobbi Brown eye and lip palette, lipsticks from Avon, Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, Revlon, L'Oreal

Accents: ModelCo eyebrow kit, Lancome mascara, Stila eyeliner, Bobbi Brown bronzer

Hope that helped, Mav!

BIG BIG SALE! Beauty products for Mio!

If you're new here, I've been selling the authentic and unused beauty products we magazine editors get from beauty brands. We hope to raise money for Mio's chemo. So far, we've raised P36,482.32.

Thank you to the following--Leyda DC, Riza Jane C, Lanie B, Pilar C, Lee Shen G, Laurice C, Jenny S, Rorie C, Chris M, Ro-Anne V, Lana C, Carmina E, Gwyn G, Lizelle I, Gelyn SC, Lou M, Michelle G, Joanna F, Mai L, Rachelle M, Elaine N, Kristine C, Arlene S, Marcie L, Kaye E, Mariel C, Chi, Sharon P, Leslie L, Levy M, Tara C, Myrza S, Pauline J, Pete L, Jing L, Kat Von E, Kabbie R and Annie S!

To those not new here, here are some stuff for sale again! Because Mio still needs to continue his treatment and chemo can be very expensive. There is some good news though: Mio is already feeling much better and responding quite well to his medicines. In his mother Jasmine's words,

"Mio is getting stronger and smarter by the day, as if cancer was just a cough or a cold.
He frequently asks, "when are my teachers coming? Can I study now?"

See? We all have a part in his life! And we can continue to make it a better and healthy life. Praying for his recovery, supporting the other projects for him, and buying the stuff here will certainly help!

Thanks so much to the many editors who donated these new and yummy beauty products!

SOLD!
BEAUTY KIT
THE COLOR WORKSHOP
P1,500 (+ P80 shipping)
Includes 2 lip liners, 2 lip glosses, 2 eye liners, 6 eye shadow palettes, 3 blushes, 2 shimmer powders, 1 lip palette, 3 nail polishes, 1 face brush, 1 eye brush, 1 lip brush, pencil sharpener in a cute velvet hard case
SOLD!
DUAL EYESHADOW
BOBBI BROWN
P250 (+ P80 shipping)
Sorry, I couldn't find a photo on the web of the exact same BB one given to me.
But this Smashbox dual compact is exactly like the Bobbi Brown one that I do have!
SNOW JOB EYE SHADOW
BENEFIT
P250 (+ P80 shipping)
Sorry, the shade above is not the one I have (I couldn't find a photo on the web!).
The one I have is a pale pretty blue. Costs GBP 4.
SOLD!
GILDED COPPER EYE SHADOW
LAURA MERCIER
P150 (+ P80 shipping)
Okay, that's not exactly the shade either. The one I have is a nice shimmery coppery gold. Costs $22.
The outside of the case is peeling off, though. That's why I'm selling it for incredibly cheap.
SOLD!
LOVE CONNECTION EYE SHADOW DUO
MAC
P250 (+ P80 shipping)
Costs P840
REFRESHING BODY POWDER
ORIGINS
P300 (+ P80 shipping)
The Refreshing Body Powder by Origins is USDA certified organic and therefore nontoxic containing natural ingredients. Because it is free of hazardous chemicals, it is also efficient to produce, having a smaller overall impact because it does not require the production of additional chemicals. Costs $22.50.

TOTALLY PURE DEODORANT
ORIGINS
P300 (+ P80 shipping)
This product uses organic vinegar as an antiseptic with scents of lemons, lavender,
mandarin and ginger. It’s a unisex product but certain woodsy aromas tip it
in the masculine direction. Costs $14



NUTRITIOUS VITA-MINERAL ENERGY LOTION
ESTEE LAUDER
P100 (+ P80 shipping)
A powerful treatment lotion that revitalizes your skin, detoxifies skin as it neutralizes
skin-damaging free radicals and boosts cell metabolism & visibly reduces fatigue, dullness.
This is a sample size of just 1oz/30ml.
SOLD!
ULTIMATE WHITE WHITENING ESSENCE
KIEHL'S
P1,000 (+ P80 shipping)
Costs P1,950 at Kiehl's Greenbelt 5. Here, it's almost 50% off!
ANEW FACE-LIFTING CREAM
AVON
P700 (+ P80 shipping)
Costs $28 (P1,330) online. Here, it's 50% off!

ANEW LIFT & TUCK LOTION
AVON
P765 (+ P80 shipping)
Costs $32 (P1,527) online. Here, it's 50% off!
BELLA BELARA BODY LOTION
MARY KAY

P200 (+ P80 shipping)
Costs P432.45. Here, it's 50% off!

SOLD!
MANGO BODY BUTTER
THE BODY SHOP
P480 + (P80 shipping)
Got very dry skin? Mango seed oil moisturizes
your skin fast! Costs P960 in shops. Here, it's 50% off!
SOLD!
BURITI BABY BODY LOTION
THE BODY SHOP
P397.50 (+ P80 shipping)
Tickly tummy softening lotion for gentle giggly moisturization, enriched
with oil from the precious Amazonian buriti tree. Costs P795 at shops. Here, it's 50% off!
SOLD!
SHEER FREESIA BODY SPLASH
BATH & BODY WORKS
P220 (+ P80 shipping)
Apparently, this is what Bella Swan smells like. Well, if it's enough to drive
Edward Cullen crazy, then maybe you should get this cologne!

MIROIR DES SECRETS PERFUME
THIERRY MUGLER
P4,780 (+ P80 shipping)
1.7 fl. oz. Costs $199. Here, it's 50% off!

KENZO AMOUR PERFUME
KENZO
P1,730 (+ P80 shipping)
1.7 fl. oz. Costs P3,460. Here, it's 50% off!

Please send an email to frances@topazhorizon.com if you wish to buy. Tell me the product/s you want, your name, delivery address and phone numbers. Please also tell me how you wish to pay.

I accept PayPal, G-Cash and deposits to my BDO bank account. Once payment is received, I will send the beauty products straight to your doorstep. Yes, I combine shipping! Thank you for your generosity and happy shopping!

Buy more beauty products for Mio!

To my generous donors, you are helping a little boy with leukemia in his battle... and you're helping him beautifully! So far, we've raised P26,193.89. This is very good but our battle to save Mio Mendiola from cancer is costly so again we knock-knock-knock on your hearts!

If you're new here, I've been selling the authentic and unused beauty products we magazine editors get from beauty brands. We hope to raise money for Mio's chemo (see here and here!).

If you're not new here and you've been waiting for the new stuff, well... I haven't updated my blog sale here because I held the sale for my fellow co-workers this week so that I won't have to collect payment and ship products for a while. My schedule's pretty packed, you see, and I can't always send off the products bought asap (sorry to the blogger friends who got their stuff late!). I feel terrible for sending them late! Please be patient with me!

Anyway, here are some stuff for sale! Thanks again to the many editors who donated these!

SOLD!
RED ROSES COLOGNE
JO MALONE
P1,320 (+ P80 shipping)
1 fl. oz. Costs $55. Here, it's 50% off!
SOLD!
NUTRI-GLOSS HAIR MASK
L'OREAL ELSEVE
P556.50 (+ P80 shipping)
Costs $22 (P1,045) online.
YOU SAVE P488.50
SOLD!
GLYKEROS CLEANSING CREME
VMV HYPOALLERGENICS
P750 (+ P80 shipping)
Costs $25 (P1,188) online.
YOU SAVE P438

Please send an email to frances@topazhorizon.com if you wish to buy. Tell me the product/s you want, your name, delivery address and phone numbers. Please also tell me how you wish to pay.

I accept PayPal, G-Cash and deposits to my BDO bank account. Once payment is received, I will send the beauty products straight to your doorstep. Yes, I combine shipping! Thank you for your generosity and happy shopping!

IMPORTANT: If you arrived here from a link, please check more recent posts. All products here have been sold and I most probably have other and newer sale posts for Mio. Thanks!

More products for sale!

I have sooooo many product updates, I don't know where to start! Guerlain, Lanvin, Make Up For Ever, Revlon, Kerastase... I promise to update with beauty news soonest!

So busy! It's just that I've been wrapped up with the October issue of OK! magazine and taking care of my sick rabbit, leaving me emotionally exhausted. I've also been collecting donations from my fellow editors to raise money for little Mio's chemotherapy. I have a TON of stuff--the editors have been extremely generous in giving me their new and unused beauty products.

If this is your first time to read this blog, let me tell you about Mio Mendiola--he's an adorable, smart and talented 5-year-old boy who is fighting leukemia. A group of people are trying to help Mio win his battle and people--strangers from all over the world!--have helped donate to this cause. I'd like to thank Lee Shen G, Lanie B, Pilar C, Riza Jane C, Laurice C, Lizelle I, Chris M, Ro-Anne V for purchasing products and thanks also to those who sent money to help fund Mio's chemo.

I'm putting up a few products on this post. Again, all proceeds of the sales made in this blog post will go to Mio's leukemia treatment. I will be adding more products in the next few days so watch this space! Pleeeeease be patient while I research descriptions, prices and photos.

SOLD!
7-IN-1 ANTI-AGEING CREAM (GENTLE)

OLAY TOTAL EFFECTS
P500 (+ P80 shipping)
Fight the seven signs of aging with this cream! Costs P700.
YOU SAVE P200

SOLD!
LASH BLAST MASCARA
COVERGIRL
P237.50 (+ P80 shipping)
Get a blast of lush, volumized lashes! Lash Blast's patented volume-boosting formula
and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash,
leaving you with the ultimate big lash look. Cost $7
YOU SAVE P101.72

SOLD!
COLORSTAY LIQUID EYE PEN
REVLON
P402.50 (+ P80 shipping)
No-mess liquid eyeliner creates a precise line from soft to dramatic. Felt tip controlled
application. Smudge-proof lasting color that wears up to 16 hours. Costs P575.
YOU SAVE P172.50

SOLD!
INTENSIVE CONCENTRATE FOR STRETCH MARKS
STRIVECTIN-SD
P2,500 (+ P80 shipping)
This revolutionary stretch mark cream is clinically proven to reduce
the appearance of stretch marks! And it's also used by some
men and women on their wrinkles! Costs $135 (P6,596.10)
YOU SAVE P4,096!

SOLD!
LASH BLAST MASCARA
COVERGIRL
P237.50 (+ P80 shipping)
Get a blast of lush, volumized lashes! Lash Blast's patented volume-boosting formula
and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash,
leaving you with the ultimate big lash look. Cost $7
YOU SAVE P101.72

SOLD!
TOUCH OF FOUNDATION
OLAY TOTAL EFFECTS
P500 (+ P80 shipping)
Fight the seven signs of aging and combine the flawless finish
of foundation with this cream! Costs P700.
YOU SAVE P200
SOLD!
SOFT SHIMMER LOTION
JERGENS
P100 (+ P80 shipping)
This looks amazing on bronzed/tan/morena skin! It leaves a golden sheen
on your skin. I think this is about P250 in SM Dept Store.

SOLD!
LIGHT MILKY LIGHTENING TONER
GARNIER
P100 (+ P80 shipping)
Enriched with pure lemon essence, this creamy toner lifts off dead
skin cells, smooths and lightens skin, helping a translucent complexion
and a soft supple skin to resurface.

SOLD!
VITA LIFT DOUBLE ACTON EYE CREAM

L'OREAL MEN EXPERT
P250 (+ P80 shipping)
Developed to restore and rejuvenate the look of the eye area thanks to its unique technology
which combines 2 formulas in 1 action to treat men's sagging eyelids, bags, crow’s feet, wrinkles.

SOLD!
BLACK GARLIC EMULSION

SKIN FOOD
P300 (+ P80 shipping)
This toner/serum from the Korean beauty brand contains allicin from
fermented black garlic extracts to moisturize and smoothen skin.

Please send an email to frances@topazhorizon.com if you wish to buy. Tell me the product/s you want, your name, delivery address and phone numbers. Please also tell me how you wish to pay.

I accept PayPal, G-Cash and deposits to my BDO bank account. Once payment is received, I will send the beauty products straight to your doorstep. Yes, I combine shipping! Thank you for your generosity and happy shopping!

IMPORTANT: If you arrived here from a link, please check more recent posts. All products here have been sold and I most probably have other and newer sale posts for Mio. Thanks!

Beauty can help fight cancer

A little boy named Mio is fighting the battle of his life. The enemy is leukemia and Mio is all of 5 years old, so we desperately need your help.

As a magazine editor, I get a lot of beauty products sent my way. I hope my friends in the beauty industry will understand what I'm about to do--I will be selling beauty products here at 20% to 50% off of their retail price to raise funds for Mio's chemotherapy treatment. These are all brand new, unused and authentic.

UPDATE: I've run out of beauty products to sell so thank you to the other magazine editors and beauty writers who gave me their products--the proceeds of which will all go to Mio and Jasmine! They don't want to be identified but thank you, lovely ladies!SOLD!

ABSOLUTE C RADIANCE MOISTURE CRÈME
REVLON
P554.80 (+ P80 shipping)
This instantly hydrates and energizes dull skin. Its sensational lightweight
texture leaves no stickiness and keeps skin glowing, moisturised and
silky smooth all day. Costs $22.71 (P1,109.61)
YOU SAVE P554.80 (50%!)

SOLD!

BLACK GARLIC EMULSION
SKIN FOOD
P300 (+ P80 shipping)
This toner/serum from the Korean beauty brand contains allicin from
fermented black garlic extracts to moisturize and smoothen skin.

SOLD!
SPLIT END MENDER
CITRE SHINE
P200 (+ P80 shipping)
This leave in treatment replenishes vitamins and nutrients that repair and
strengthen split ends, leaving your smooth and full of brilliant shine.
Daily use prevents new split ends from occurring by 90%.

SOLD!
WILD CHERRY BODY SCRUB
THE BODY SHOP
P684 (+ P80 shipping)
Leave skin radiant and subtly sweetly scented with a gentle
exfoliating scrub enriched with wild cherry. Costs $20 (P977.20).
YOU SAVE P293.20

SOLD!
OLEO-RELAX SLIM
KERASTASE
P954 (+ P80 shipping)
This leave-in conditioner for thick, dry, rebellious hair is designed to reduce
volume and leave hair silky soft and super sleek. Costs GBP 17 (P1,362.61).
YOU SAVE P408.61

SOLD!
OLEO-RELAX NUIT
KERASTASE
P1,369 (+P80 shipping)
This rich mask is a nutri-disciplining night treatment for dry and
rebellious hair designed to reduce volume and leave hair silky soft
and super sleek. Costs GBP 24.70 (P1,957).
YOU SAVE P588

SOLD!
MANGO SHOWER GEL
THE BODY SHOP
P500 (+ P80 shipping)
Smell yummy after every shower with this deliciously
scented shower gel. Costs P625 in shops.
YOU SAVE P125

SOLD!
SOFT SHIMMER LOTION
JERGENS
P100 (+ P80 shipping)
This looks amazing on bronzed/tan/morena skin! It leaves a golden sheen
on your skin. I think this is about P250 in SM Dept Store.

SOLD!
VITA LIFT RE-TIGHTENING MOISTURIZER
L'OREAL MEN EXPERT
P100 (+ P80 shipping)
FOR MEN: This is a 2-in-1 treatment. Action 1: GEL retightens skin
on face and neck. Action 2: CREAM reduces the appearance of wrinkles

SOLD!
PURE & MATTE MATIFYING TONER
L'OREAL MEN EXPERT
P100 (+ P80 shipping)
FOR MEN: The salicylic acid and algae extract dries out
imperfections, tightens and clarifies pores.

SOLD!
PURE & MATTE GEL
L'OREAL MEN EXPERT
P100 (+ P80 shipping)
FOR MEN: The anti-sebum complex will give you long-lasting
shine control for pure, clear and healthy-looking skin.

SOLD!
WHITE ACTIV MOISTURIZING FLUID
L'OREAL MEN EXPERT
P100 (+ P80 shipping)
FOR MEN: The Melano Block gives you fairer and more even skin tone.
With SPF20, it helps prevent against skin darkening.

SOLD!
JAPANESE CHERRY BLOSSOM PUREE BODY LOTION
THE BODY SHOP
P539 (+P80 shipping)
This lightweight lotion softens and smoothens your skin with extracts
from the Japanese cherry blossom. Costs P770 in stores.
YOU SAVE P231

SOLD!
WILD CHERRY BODY BUTTER
THE BODY SHOP
P672 + (P80 shipping)
With cherry oil that's filled with Vitamins A and E, pamper
your skin with this cream! Costs P960 in shops.
YOU SAVE P288

SOLD!
DNAge ANTI-AGE BODY LOTION
NIVEA BODY
P132.50 (+ P80 shipping)
Tighten, smoothen and tone your neck, decolletage and arms with
this lotion packed with folic acid and UV filters. Costs P265 in shops.
YOU SAVE P132.50

SOLD!
DNAge ANTI-AGE HAND LOTION
NIVEA HAND
P132.50 (+ P80 shipping)
This lotion uses tourine--the skin's own natural amino acids--to restore
moisture to dry skin and prevent aging. Costs P265 in shops.
YOU SAVE P132.50

SOLD!
EYE SHADOW PALETTE

LUNASOL
P200 (+ P80 shipping)
This is from the Japanese beauty brand. I don't know how much this
costs but I know it's available at Rustan's and it's not cheap.

SOLD!
EXFOLIATING BODY SCRUB WITH CORIANDER
KIEHL'S
P847 (+ P80 shipping)

This body scrub has coriander extracts to slough away dead skin cells and
prime your skin for moisturizing. Costs P1,210 at Kiehl's Greenbelt 5.
YOU SAVE P363

SOLD!
SEAWEED MATTIFYING DAY CREAM
THE BODY SHOP
P539 (+P80 shipping)

Extracts from the bladderwack seaweed will help control your
skin's oil spills! You stay matte all day. Costs P770 in stores.
YOUR SAVINGS: P231

SOLD!
SEAWEED PORE PERFECTOR
THE BODY SHOP
P675 (+ P80 shipping)
Extracts of the bladderwack seaweed and seaweed from the
French Coast help to balance oil and clear skin. Costs P965 in stores.
YOU SAVE P290

SOLD!
MUSE PORTABLE MAKEUP BRUSH SET
SHU UEMURA
P2,800 (+ P80 shipping)
This portable makeup brush set is from the Muse Collection. Includes
a face powder brush, blush brush, eyeshadow brush and a lip brush.
Made of goat hair, pony hair and sable. Costs P3,500 at Shu Uemura Power Plant.
YOU SAVE P700

Please send an email to frances@topazhorizon.com if you wish to buy. Tell me the product/s you want, your name, delivery address and phone numbers. Please also tell me how you wish to pay.

I accept PayPal, G-Cash and deposits to my BDO bank account. Once payment is received, I will send the beauty products straight to your doorstep. Yes, I combine shipping!

All proceeds of the sales made in this blog post will go to Mio's leukemia treatment. I will be adding more products in the next few days so watch this space! Thank you for your generosity and happy shopping!

IMPORTANT: If you arrived here from a link, please check more recent posts. All products here have been sold and I most probably have other and newer sale posts for Mio. Thanks!