Thursday, September 14, 2017

MFO Gift Guide: One Earth Organics


If I told you that you can give yourself or a loved one the gift of light and smooth underarms and it's no joke, you better believe it. Because we are talking about the highway out of armpit hell.

I met Tyff Short and her partners Ria Olonan and Cha Diaz a few weeks back and loved the story of how they started.


Ria, myself, Cha and Tyff

It all began many years back when Tyff had gotten so self-conscious about her underarms that she couldn't even raise her arms. She had tried all the commercially available products in grocery store shelves but nothing worked for her.

So she developed her a line of underarm products with the help of friends, a natural deodorant, whitening cream and underarm moisturizer which over a course of time, finally solved her underarm darkness, chicken skin and sweatiness. She realized she was on to something and decided to invest her son's tuition fee, the only money she had saved in the bank, to fund her business venture.

She started selling them in bazaars where it quickly gained a cult-following and that was the beginning of One Earth Organics, a homegrown line of FDA-approved organic and plant-based beauty products. 


Apart from the best selling Antibac Whitening Deo Spray, One Earth Organics also makes plant-based moisturizers, body scrubs and masks

Her initial foray into underarm products simply spread by word-of-mouth because it has helped a lot of women, especially young girls undergoing puberty to no longer worry about or be ashamed of their underarm issues. 

She has since branched out to acne and whitening products as well as soaps and oil serums.

Clarifying, Restorative, Milk and Facial soaps by One Earth Organics


This Rosehip Oil Serum is meant to repair and rejuvenate the skin

The scents are pleasant and the moisturizers don't leave a greasy afterfeel

The full line of One Earth Organics products are now available at select Beauty Bar stores such as Shangri-la Plaza, Rockwell Power Plant, Century City Mall, Glorietta, Central Square in BGC, Robinsons Magnolia and Midtown, Lucky Chinatown Mall and Ayala Cebu.



  and online at www.beautybar.com.ph as well as www.beautymnl.com.


P.S. I have been using One Earth Organics Antibac Whitening Deo Spray since I discovered it in August and I would definitely continue to buy it from hereon. I'm trying out the Miracle Light Advanced Whitening Serum for the brown spots on my face (I refuse to call it age spots haha) and have yet to see results but will be happy to share about it once I can vouch for it.

Monday, September 11, 2017

MFO Gift Guide: Aloore

Let's say you have a Php500 max budget for holiday gifting and you don't want to give the same old candles, box of brownies, and last year's flavor of the year - salted egg potato chips. What do you get this time?

Something different that your people have never gotten before, of course.


Aloore by Mrs. Minkle's is made in the spirit of Aesop's Post-Poo Drops, meant to be neutralize smells post number-two. But instead of being packaged in a bottle with a dropper, it comes in a spray bottle, so you can use it as an air freshener as well as to sanitize seats.



It's way cheaper too. Php295 to Aesop's $29.

Apart from the pocket-friendly price, here's another feel good factor. When you buy Aloore, you support a homegrown brand.



Plus points - Aloore Loo Sprays are developed by a Grasse educated perfumer who trained with the nose of Hermes scents. Inspired by fresh, crisp citrus and floral smells (the Lavender & Jasmine variant like mine, was inspired by the perfumer's year long stay in Provence specifically), the scents really are a deviation from grocery store air fresheners.


Once you discover the allure of Aloore, you'll never look at aerosol spray fresheners and scented gels ever again.

Aloore is available locally at Lanai Manila, seektheuniq.com and flowretreats.com. For more about Aloore, Like Mrs Minkles on Facebook and follow @mrs_minkle on Instagram.

Wednesday, September 06, 2017

MFO Gift Guide: Jo Malone


You want a no-fail gift idea? Trust Jo Malone to take the guesswork out of the equation.

I've been into Jo Malone for 2 decades now, back when I was still a student in college and the scent that I shared with my sister was only an in-house cologne Jo Malone made for French Connection. 20 years later, her scents still have never lost their appeal, even now that I'm a wife and mom with three kids. It is just one of those classics that stand the test of time and will continue to do so for decades ahead. It also reminds us that whatever our role in life may be, we are women, and we deserve to enjoy everyday luxuries.

While the classic scents in their signature bottles are always a welcome treat, the special Limited Edition collections like Cologne IntenseThe Bloomsbury Set and the newly launched Rare Teas Collection will please anyone from the everyday scent enthusiast to the hardcore Jo Malone collector.

Dark Amber & Ginger Lily is my favorite scent from the Cologne Intense Collection. Calm and relaxing, it is also heady and intoxicating. It's a perfect evening scent, and I associate this with dressing up in fancy dresses and heels.


These do not look like your typical Jo Malone bottles, and that's the point. The Bloomsbury Collection is inspired by the free-spirited artists who lived in their legendary country house in Sussex England.

We love our teas, to drink and not to wear us a scent. So imagine giving this to your tea-loving aunt or mother-in-law, cousin or best friend. She'll be thrilled that you thought of something personal without being too predictable.

The Star Magnolia Collection has got to be my most favorite limited edition collection and it is SOLD OUT in other countries. It is so light and fresh and best of all? It comes with a Hair Mist. I always feel so special when I spray it on my hair not only before I head out, but throughout the day. Who's afraid of poorly ventilated restaurants? Not me. Totally pang-donya hacks.


You can take that love for scents further with Jo Malone candles for the home. Last Christmas, I received a Pine & Eucalyptus scented candle from Erika Reyes and Camille Flores Soloan, the lovely ladies at Jo Malone Philippines and I loved it! Lighting it up not only set the mood but also made our living room smell like Christmas indeed.


It would be interesting for you to know though that Jo Malone actually started out her business not with colognes or candles, but with bath oils. Her first creation was a Nutmeg & Ginger Bath Oil that she gave to her clients as a thank you gift for their business (she was a facialist known for her skillful hands and amazing fragrance combinations). One client ordered an extra 100 bottles to give to friends, 86 of whom called to place further orders of their own. 

It's that level of good. When you're open to trying out something different from the store, go for the Jo Malone bath and body line consisting of shower oils, body scrubs, shampoo & conditioner, soaps and lotions.



Just imagine my surprise when I got home from Pilates and this big box of bath treats was just waiting for me. It felt like Christmas in August. That's the kind of reaction you want from the recipients of your largesse.


Worth checking out as well are the diffusers plus room and linen sprays for the home. These make excellent hostess gifts and housewarming presents and is just something different to give to someone who loves to make her home hygge.


In the Philippines, visit the Jo Malone pop-ups at malls, and stand alone boutiques at

Jo Malone Greenbelt 
Ground Level, Greenbelt 5
Legazpi St., Ayala Center
Makati City
Tel: +632 729 9491

Jo Malone SM Aura
Upper Ground Floor
SM Aura Premier
26th Street Corner McKinley Parkway
Taguig City

Sunday, September 03, 2017

Aerin Beauty Now in the Philippines


I first learned of Aerin Lauder from reading Vogue and Vanity Fair, plus seeing her in one of those now defunct New York society websites - more of the fawn-y Park Avenue Peerage than catty Socialite Rank. Because she's cool like that.

It is hard not to notice her. She's blonde and elegant. If Truman Capote were alive to day, he'd have named her one of his swans. 


But unlike the socialites of old, she's not only a tastemaker and philanthropist, she is a working doña.

The granddaughter of beauty visionary Estée Lauder, she continues to work for the company where she has held various executive roles, including Senior Vice President and Creative Director. Currently, she is Estée Lauder’s Style and Image Director. 

After all, who else can interpret that effortless elegance the company's brands are known for better than her? 


So it was not surprising that in 2012, she eventually started her own global lifestyle brand, AERIN.  Based on the premise that living beautifully should be effortless, the brand develops curated collections in the worlds of beauty, fashion accessories, and home décor. With her passion for art, travel, fashion, and design, Aerin's own lifestyle serves as a focal point of inspiration for the brand. 

Itsie-Bitsie in Rockwell carried AERIN. My gorgeous leather sandals that I still wear to this day is from her Spring 2014 collection. I feel like a donya when I wear it, which is I think Aerin's point. The same goes for her scents, which I'll tell you more about below.

For Aerin, every piece by AERIN is created to make life more beautiful, with a sense of ease and refinement. Like my summer sandals which I got from Itsie-Bitsie in Rockwell in 2014 and now, from the AERIN scent and lotion which has finally made its way to Manila.



Because if we can't have her Hamptons beach house, then we can at least look and smell like we own one, heehee.



The AERIN Fragrance Collection launched in November 2013 with five distinct scents, Gardenia Rattan, Amber Musk, Lilac Path, Ikat Jasmine and Evening Rose, each evoking a sense of luxury, lifestyle and personal experiences.

In February 2015, the first parfum of the Premier Collection, Rose de Grasse launched in key markets. Two additional fragrances, Waterlily Sun (which is what I have - so dewy and fresh, even with a hint of musk) and Iris Meadow, joined the Fragrance Collection in November 2014, followed by Mediterranean Honeysuckle in February 2016 and Tangier Vanille in August 2016.

The AERIN Rose Collection, an edited assortment of bath and body products with a signature floral infusion, was initially introduced in September 2012 and now features nine distinct products, notably the Rose Lip Conditioner and Rose Hand & Body Cream.

Today, AERIN Beauty is available in 25 countries worldwide. In the Philippines, it is available at Rustan's Makati. 

Saturday, September 02, 2017

MFO Gift Guide: Soleil et Lune


Every year, especially around this time of year, I already have a list of items to add to my gift repertoire. While I always have my classic reliables that never fail to delight and somehow still surprise family and friends, I actively look out for products to add to my list year round. 

One such product that made the cut, and I suggest you add too, are scents from Soleil et Lune

Yes, it sounds French, and expensive but don't get intimidated. I'm telling you as early as now, it's affordable and will fit into our gift budget, so read on. Heehee. 

It comes in two sizes, and retails for Php780 for the 30ml and Php1,180 for the 50 ml

Soleil et Lune is French for Sun and Moon, but it is 100% Filipino. 

A Mother's Day gift that I received from Kristine and her partner Beth, a bottle of Soleil et Lune  Brigitte surrounded by gorgeous flowers arranged by The Cherry Berry, a flower shop in Quzon City owned by Kristine's favorite Korean florist who trained in Europe

My friend Kristine Dee started the business with a close family friend, Beth Supetran. They have been traveling together with their families for years, and borne out of those travels was a desire to create something that lived up to their appreciation for high quality and authentic ingredients.

Kristine and Beth shares that they wanted to create a high quality perfume brand that will cater to the tastes and unique style of the modern, well traveled Filipina, much like themselves

They came up with scents, largely because of their trips to France. They though of creating scents  that were not too heavy, and would be appropriate for our tropical weather. True to their brand name, the scents may also be worn from day to night.

The partners spent two years to get the right compound for scents that are perfect for everyday use. Committed to their cause, they worked directly with one of France’s top perfumers, selecting from more than a hundred essences from Grasse, to make use of the finest oils and essences. 


The scents come in this gorgeous packaging, and that strip of color 4/5 of the way down the box identifies the scent.

Pink is for Audrey, infused with red apples, peonies and jasmine

While they initially launched with 3 scents, they now have a total of six signature concoctions to capture different moods and personalities. 







All the scents are light and refreshing, and while my personal favorites are Brigitte and Dominique, all six scents certainly feel like an everyday luxury. 

Soleil et Lune scents are available at:

- 3L Power Plant Mall, Rockwell
- The Park, 4L Shangri-la Mall
- Firma Greenbelt 3
- Chimes Boutique Davao
- online at www.chicify.com

 

For more about Soleil et Lune, follow @soleil.et.lune.ph on Instagram and visit www.soleiletlune.co

Friday, September 01, 2017

Nespresso Now in the Philippines



Yes it's true. Gone are the days when we have to allocate precious luggage space for the machines and pods because family and friends have asked us to buy for them, or requested for it as pasalubong. 

I don't know though if this will lessen the allure for Titas and Lolas who like stashing unused pods from the hotel Nespresso machine and bringing them home, heehee.

Because Nespresso really is finally here.

What better way to welcome Nespresso than with a Coconut laced coffee drink care of Chef Sunshine Puey

One fine afternoon, I had the pleasure of meeting the Nespresso Philippines Team led by Patrick Pesengco. Together with Ms. Lai Ching Kok, Nespresso Regional Head of B2C Asia, who joined us for coffee, sandwiches and sweet treats, Pat explained that while Nespresso B2B (Business to Business) was already up and running, they had to prepare and set-up the right infrastructure for a seamless B2C (Business to Consumer) experience.


I am happy to share that it is definitely worth the wait. Here's why:

1) While the first Nespresso Boutique in the country is set to open in December (which should be as fun as going to the one in Ion Orchard in Singapore or Champs Elysess in Paris), we can already start buying the machines and pods at Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Shangri-la and Abenson's BGC.

2) Because we are dealing with machines here, they've set-up a Customer Hotline where Nespresso Coffee Specialists can offer consultation and receive orders

3) Wherever you are in the country, you can get your Nespresso fix, because we can all now order online at www.nespresso.ph


Customers who register their information online automatically become Nespresso Club Members, allowing them exclusive perks and privileges. One such perk? Nespresso Club Members are provided a temporary machine when they have their machines serviced so they don't have to go crazy missing out on their morning coffee.

I registered to become a Nespresso Club Member on the spot, it only takes a few minutes

If you are wondering about price points, prices for pods range from Php31 to Php36 and machines cost anywhere from Php6,500 for the entry level Essenza to Php26,300 for the Lattissima Touch.



Currently, the Nespresso website carries 9 machines.



24 kinds of capsules.


And 11 accessories covering cups and glassware, milk frothers and descaling kits.


I know disposable coffee pods can be a hot topic, and if you are concerned about sustainability, Ms. Lai Ching Kok shares that because the pods are made from aluminum, these are recyclable. Just peel of the foil, take out the coffee grounds and use it for compost, wash the emptied pods and set aside to be sent to a recycling facility. My friend Kat Holigores shares that her aunt sends their used Nespresso pods to a local organization to be repurposed. Patrick also shares they are currently working on finding partners so these pods can be recycled more efficiently.

For more about Nespresso in the Philippines, visit www.nespresso.ph. For more about Nespresso's commitment to sustainability, visit https://www.nestle-nespresso.com/nespresso-sustainability
Related Posts with Thumbnails