Category Archives: Fashion and Beauty

Unboxing: Glamourbox for February 2013

As you might already know, this is my second month with Glamourbox. I posted a quick review of the contents of the January 2013 Glamourbox and I’ll be doing this every month to let you in on what’s inside their monthly box. For the Glamourbox February 2013, if you’d think there are makeup items included in the box, you’ll be disappointed.

Unboxing Glamourbox February 2013 - the contents

That’s exactly how I felt when I saw the contents of this month’s Glamourbox. I guess I had high expectations, so when I quickly went through the contents of their February box, my excitement turned to letdown.

As I carefully checked each item, I kept on reminding myself that the point of my subscription to their beauty box is to try out products I won’t normally buy or be interested in. Considering the amount of products in this box that I won’t actually be using, I wasn’t happy.

The contents of Glamourbox February 2013 box

HOWEVER, let me just say this: your reaction towards the contents of this month’s box may be completely different from mine. Why? Because we differ in needs and preferences. I just don’t find many of the items this month personally useful.

This month’s theme is Romantic Beauty:

Glamourbox February 2013 Theme - Romantic Beauty

I was looking forward to the February box because I really thought the romantic theme of the month will mean we’ll receive at least one makeup item. *sigh* Anyway, without further ado, check out what’s inside this month’s box, starting off with those that I didn’t like:

Glamourbox January Box : First for 2013!

Ever since I saw Ipsy‘s beauty subscription box (by Michelle Phan), I wished we had something like it here – a way for ladies to sample various beauty products, including the ones we won’t usually be interested in trying, in a sort of inexpensive way. When beauty curation boxes started launching here, I was ecstatic! However, only one extremely piqued my interest – Glamourbox.

Glamourbox - the best beauty subscription box to-date

I was tempted to try out the other subscription boxes – SaladBox and BDJ Box – but I decided to hold off on spending my money on them ’cause I wanted a few months to pass by to see the kinds of products they’ll include in their boxes. None of them excited me as much as Glamourbox did, so last December, after trying for a month to subscribe and religiously checking their Facebook page, Twitter and website, I finally got to subscribe.

Glamourbox is a beauty venture by Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2006 winner and international model Lia Andrea Ramos and her founding team. So far, they’ve impressed me with what they have offered to their subscribers the past months and upon careful consideration, I believe that they’re the only beauty box that can keep up with the hype and actually deliver.

Though Glamourbox is the most expensive beauty subscription box at Php 595 per month, from all the reviews I’ve seen, they give out unique and even full size items that are worth more than what you paid for. This is why I don’t see myself subscribing to the other boxes unless they start including products that are not easily purchased at the grocery store or health and beauty section of supermarkets. We’ll see if I’ll change my mind in the coming months though.

Now, on to what’s inside for the first month of 2013!!

Contents of January 2013 Glamourbox

Glamourbox January 2013 Box

Since this is my first box from them, let me share with you what I think of the total package. I’m glad they’re using very sturdy boxes. I’m a sucker for recyclable boxes (my bro calls it my hoarder side), so I’m giving Glamourbox props for this. They sent my box through Xend Express and I don’t see any problems with the products I received.

Unboxing of Glamourbox box - photos

The box itself was enclosed in another box, then wrapped in plastic too. Every month, they have a theme. And for January 2013, as expected, it’s “Beauty Resolutions”

Glamourbox January 2013 Theme - Beauty Resolutions

Review: Crumpler Headaitch Bag Medium Black

When shopping for bags, there are usually just a couple of things that I look for: durability and it should be black. This Crumpler Headaitch carry-on luggage covers both so it most definitely makes it to the top of my favorite bags of all time.

Crumpler Headaitch Tote Carry-on Luggage

As soon as I opened the package I received for my reviews, I heard myself shrieking like a little girl. “Blackkkkkk”. Yes, I love black. And I love bags. But, those are not the only reasons why I fell in love with this bag the moment I saw it.

It’s from Crumpler and I didn’t know they carry a bag that is designed like a tote. It does look simple from the outside, but as soon as you touch it and feel the durable and waterproof material that was used to make the bag, you’ll see that it’s no ordinary tote.

Crumpler Headaitch bag can be used as a tote

Since I usually go out with almost everything but the kitchen sink – DSLR, digicam, smartphone, umbrella, kikay kit with some makeup for touch-ups, brush, wallet, coin purse etc – I need a bag that can carry all that without hurting my shoulders or that fear that I might break it eventually. The Crumpler Headaitch never gave me those worries as I tried to stuff it with the usual things I carry. The shoulder straps weren’t a pain even when I packed all my heavy stuff in there.

Bang’s Tony and Jackey : Korean Hairstylist

Our hair is our crowning glory, and 99% of women would agree that our hairstyle can affect, not just our overall look, but how we carry ourselves and how other people see us. This is why it’s important to me that my hair is styled by someone who knows how to handle it. I’m not all for paying a premium to get the hairstyle I want, but if it’s going to be worth it in the end, why not? And that’s exactly how I felt a day after I got my hair cut at Bang’s Tony & Jackey in SM North Edsa, Annex.

Bang's Tony & Jackey at SM North Edsa, Annex

(Photo from their website)

First of all, let me make one thing clear. I’m not a KPOP fan (okay, except for Hyorin of Sistar), but I adore their hairstyles. I find them easy to manage and very stylish – no fuss. So, when my brother dragged me to Tony & Jackey to get my hair cut, I was excited, but at the same time wary about how my hair will turn out.

I can count with one hand the number of hairstylists that I trust with my hair. Actually, there are just 2 – one has been cutting my hair since I was in high school, and the other was more recent, but she did an excellent job, especially when I had my hair straightened. So, trusting a new hairstylist wasn’t something I easily do. I’m sure a lot of you understand this completely, right?

A bad hairstyle can ruin your mood and your look for months! I remember suffering for almost a year from bangs that were too short than the length I asked! My hair doesn’t grow as fast as others, so it takes a toll on me when I get a really bad haircut. That experience, from a pseudo, know-it-all stylist who didn’t listen, who felt like he knew what’s right for me, still annoys me when I remember it. I’ve learned my lesson.

But, since my brother was all giddy about me getting a haircut from Tony & Jackey, I finally did it. I was assigned Wendy, one of their senior hairstylists, and there were 2 others who assisted her. She’s a professional Korean hairstylist, so I felt like I’m going to be in good hands (see her profile here).

Getting a haircut with Wendy at Bang's Tony & Jackey in SM Annex

One of the assistants washed my hair. I wasn’t planning on getting a haircut that afternoon, so I washed my hair at home. But, after a day of commuting, shopping and walking around, I didn’t want the stylist to handle my hair in its condition, so I went ahead with the washing.