I have a deep respect for makeup artists who can transform their clients’ looks and make them even more beautiful. I am sure fellow non-experts would agree how hard it is to apply makeup seamlessly to achieve a flawless look. 

Of course, anyone who loves wearing makeup likes being updated on the latest trends and keep learning from the masters. Like many popular makeup artists, a lot of us also enjoy checking out the latest and hottest products, which can be easily found at The SM Store Beauty Section. 

As the Philippines’ biggest beauty retailer that carries numerous global brands in its impressive interiors, The SM Store Beauty Section lives up to its status as a haven for everyone longing for a unique beauty experience.

makeup industry icons: Fanny Serrano, Bambi Fuentes, and Jesi Mendez

This past week, over 200 of the best makeup artists in the Philippines flocked to the SM Beauty Section of SM Makati to join a Glam Session event and shopping party that celebrated the long and solid relationship between SM Beauty and its clientele. As a token of appreciation, each makeup artist guest received an SM Beauty PRO-Card that entitles them to enjoy 10% discount on purchases, other perks from the store, first dibs on new collections, and exclusive invites to events.

Part of the activities was a contest/demo on creating “the mermaid look” in partnership with BYS Cosmetics. Three talented makeup artists took on the challenge and, while all the creations turned out to be amazing, MJ Nubla bagged the top spot and won some awesome prizes. 

SM Beauty Pro-Card for make up professionals

The SM Store Beauty Section is the biggest store in the country offering “So Much Beauty” with its wide range of cosmetics and fragrances. In fact, the flagship store in SM Makati spans almost 2,500 square meters, housing almost 200 of the most esteemed local and global beauty brands.

Some of the brands to be found at the Cosmetics and Skin section include Dior, MAC, Clinique, Aveda, Kiehl’s, Glamglow, and more. Luxury fragrances, on the other hand, boasts of Prada, Nest, Lalique, Atelier Colognes, Thiery Mugler, Guerlain, Jean Patou, etc. SM Beauty moreover carries notable names such as BYS, Happy Skin, Pixi, Ofra, K-Palette, Nyx, The Body Shop, and many others.

master makeup artist Jigs Mayuga, beauty queen Shamsey Supsup, and Jing Monis

Whether you are just starting your journey in discovering the benefits of makeup or are already an expert in creating the perfect look, do explore the world of SM Beauty where you can find the best of the best from makeup and skin care to fragrance brands. Don’t forget to bring your SM Advantage, SM Prestige, or BDO Rewards card as these are also entitled to exclusive discounts and promos at The SM Store Beauty Section! 

When asked what cities in the world connote sophistication and elegance, many of us would most likely think of Paris, France. And why not? French women, after all, are known for wearing chic outfits and stylish accessories. They are also said to be adept at layering their favorite fragrance to make it last longer.

enchanted by Enchanteur Paris photo credit: Ed Uy

Enchanteur Paris was recently launched by Watsons Philippines to enable Filipinas be her own Parisian woman. The brand offers a range of high quality and timeless French-inspired fine Eau de Toilettes (EDT) and fragrance-infused body care products for young women. 

Ladies who love to smell nice can now choose their signature scents from Enchanteur Paris' line of quality but affordable products. The four fragrances, created to cater to different personalities, were inspired by the romance of Paris, the City of Lights, and the chic aesthetic of French women:

a touch of Paris

Magique is for the carefree, confident, and adventurous girl. It has a mix of apple, magnolia, and praline that is perfect for a day out with one's sweetheart as you try fun and new things together.

Belle Amour is for the romantic sweet girl on her first date with a special person. With a captivating blend of apple, melon, blackcurrant, and pink rose scents, this scent would make her date's heart beat faster.

Magique EDT with Mon Amie Double Moisture and + Belle Amour set

Mon Amie is for the fun, cheerful, and charming girl. This breezy scent of fresh citrus, red apple, and pink peonies is perfect for those exciting adventures with friends.

Adore is for the elegant, graceful, and adorable girl who likes the sensual scent of wild jasmine, pink mimosa, and golden pear. This alluring fragrance evokes glamor and sophistication. 

Mon Amie Light and Fresh + Adore set

Honestly, it's hard to pick just one scent because they all smell really, really good. All four Enchanteur Paris fragrances strike the perfect balance whether you want something light, fresh, sparkling, elegant, or sensual. 

Like I mentioned above, Enchanteur Paris draws inspiration from the French women's secret to making fragrances last longer. Use the brands complementing products such as the Eau de Toilette with the Parfum Lotion, Parfum Serum, Deospray, and Hand Cream so your scent will linger for hours.

Enchanteur Paris' Joana Marie Atienza and Krishna Kulkarmi

Exclusively available nationwide at all Watsons stores and The SM Store's Beauty Section, Enchanteur Paris products are available with the following prices: P100 - Hand Creams, P129 - Deosprays, P210-275 for the Parfum Serum and Parfum Lotions, and P400 - Eau de Toilette.

I haven't been to the Divisoria area for years so when I had the chance to visit the place last week, I excitedly looked forward to the trip, knowing quite well there will be shopping involved. After all, the area is known for its really affordable merchandise items.

the revitalized Tutuban Center

That morning, my husband and I went straight to Tutuban Center, the bargain hunter's paradise. It recently underwent a number of renovation work and building improvements just in time for the coming Christmas season and the changes are really good!

Here are five reasons why you should go there to do your Halloween and Christmas shopping:

1) Re-live history at the Tutuban Center Main Station, a heritage building with the Bonifacio Shrine across its entrance. This is where the original Tutuban train station built in the 1800s first stood. I love that steps were taken to preserve its history, which included repainting based on the heritage color palette as well as improving lighting for its facade's details. The building has also retained features like brick walls and century-old wrought iron pillars that lead all the way to the food court.

in front of the heritage building

Scents can give us a way to control how we feel whether we'd like to boost our mood or take away the stresses from a long day. JAC Tripon, a marketing practitioner turned scent crafter, is a firm believer in the power of aromas. It was her dream to provide the Philippine market with quality and long lasting scents at affordable prices.

This is why she decided to start FAVORI, a handcrafted home fragrances brand that allows customers to create a favorite feeling through their selected scents. FAVORI means favorite in the French language. It was chosen to express JAC's desire to capture every individual's preferred scent in each variant she designs.

"I want my customers to be able to identify with a scent that they can call their favorite," shared JAC who understands that scent preferences vary depending on a person's personality, mood, lifestyle, and specific needs. 

Channel some cool mediterranean inspiration with  the FAVORI Rain Dance and Olive Branch Aroma Oils

Being a woman in these modern times is a great thing. We have the freedom to take on challenges that females in bygone days were not even allowed to do. It's definitely something to celebrate about!

Wearing many hats and successfully accomplishing as many tasks as we can, it's only fair that we treat ourselves regularly to activities that provide respite from all the busyness. This is because even the simplest of indulgences can give us enough boost to face the next day with a renewed sense of energy.  

For many women, a great "me-time" can be in the form of a shopping spree on a payday weekend, an occasional visit to the spa, or having a cup of coffee with close friends. However, despite the many things we go through daily, we should still get an indulgent treat at the end of the day and LUX is providing the solution!   

Atkinsons has a history as rich as the fragrances it carries. Established in 1799, the British perfume house created scents for royalty and fashion-obsessed aristocrats. It was considered the Chanel of its time having clientele such as Napoleon, the Duke of Wellington, the Tsar of Russia, the King of Italy, Sarah Bernhardt, and Beau Brummel, father of modern menswear, among others. 

Now also available in the Philippines, Atkinsons has brought in classic and contemporary concoctions that are set to transport your senses to England in an era of your choosing. 

I had the pleasure of attending the Atkinsons launch yesterday in Pangea at the City of Dreams where guests were treated to an elegant afternoon tea time while infusing our olfactory senses with lovely scents for both men and women.

Presenting Atkinsons' new line of fragrances …

THE EMBLEMATIC COLLECTION - 24 Old Bond Street

In 1800, James Atkinsons invented the English Cologne with an uncommonly fresh yet textured and tenacious scent akin to the confidence of the British Empire. Because of this breakthrough, Atkinsons was proclaimed Official Perfumer to the Royal Court of England by King George IV who, needless to say, loved the scent. This brought Atkinsons to its new headquarters at 24 Old Bond Street.

a touch of the Orient

The British Bouquet

The Nuptial Bouquet

Oud Save the King

Fashion Decree

ART of SCENT City of Dreams