If a friend offers to buy something for you as he or she goes on a trip, what do you ask for? I find that thinking about what you want them to bring back home is challenging. It can be overwhelming. It can be met with the tired “Whatever you find cool there” which is greeted my a cliche souvenir keychain. Not that those aren’t handy from time to time.
Depending on how close you are to said friend and if they really mean their offer to buy something for you, you can be smart about it. My advice is to read and research where they are going. Especially if they are hitting up the makeup aisles and shopping centers, go for a brand that can’t be found here in the Philippines just yet. Sure, online is always an option. But think about the tax and the shipping costs. This is what you call making good decisions when shopping.
Right now, there are eight different makeup items I swear by and have personally given to friends as my “pasalubong” abroad. I also call them my makeup discoveries as I only truly got to appreciate them when I tested them out.
First is Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow. It’s that signature glossy and shiny lipgloss that Rihanna first released when she introduced her makeup brand. The cult following to it is strong and merited. I highly recommend it as it does suit many different skintones and can used on top of matte lipsticks. It is also very hydrating.
My next one is Kat Von D’s Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick in Lolita. Maybe by this time you’re sick of hearing how it’s one of Kat’s best products ever. But I’m sorry to say you’re not going to hear the end of it. I bought it for myself and can see why the creamy formula and flattering lip shade is a must-have item.
For the curious makeup hoarder, I think you’d get a kick out of the Hourglass The Curator Lash Instrument. The thin, screw driver like wand is for those who get frustrated that full brushes can’t exactly reach the base of your lashes. When you to tightline with you mascara for a fuller effect without falsies, consider this an investment worth getting.
A lover of the cool-girl kind of brands, think RMS Beauty. I picked out for myself the chic and classic packaging of their Lip2Cheek cream blush and lipstain. It perfect for touch-ups on the go. The shade I went for is named Promise which is warm-salmon pink that’s easy to pull off.
In the same thread, I think you won’t go wrong if you ask a friend to pick up the Jillian Dempsey Lid Tints. With you finger, you can pop on some color on to your eyelids. It also has some skincare ingredients in it like Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Marula Oil, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C.
If you’re up to treat yourself there is the Natura Bisse Diamond Mist. It’s a wonder face mist if you ask me, that’s why the eyebrow-raising price. It’s not just for hydration as it also stimulates cell growth, and protects your skin from different environmental factors. I won’t be surprised if your friend picks up a bottle also as it seems quite the thing to have on your airplane ride back home.
Last, but perhaps one of my true favorites, go and have your friend buy the Charlotte Tillbury Wonderglow. It’s a face primer but also something that will give you a dewy look when worn on its own during your no-makeup days. It may seem like a small luxury but given how light sup the skin and gives it a soft focus effect, it may just be a new necessity.
