Imposter Perfumes part 2

I went to the nearest mall I could find here at the Fort which is market!market!. I am not going all the way to greenhills for this, at least for now. I checked out Criselda's on the first floor and the perfume kiosk at the new wing where you can find Maldita and Folded and Hung.  As I suspected perfumes at 1,800 (Incanto) and 2,300 (F for Fascinating) is just too good to be true. As I said in an earlier post I will be using the Incanto Shine as my experiment bottle. So here are my findings:

1. The cellophane wrapper is thicker than its genuine counterpart. Notice that if you try to carefully unwrap a genuine bottle of perfume its plastic wrapper will easily tear. Also, the glue in a genuine package is very light, almost not noticeable that once you unwrap it you probably cannot put it back. 

2. The bottle itself looked like the real thing! That is what sparked my interest in the first place. Upon closer inspection I realized that there were definitely more air bubbles in the glass compared to the real one. Also, the back part of the bottle where the design is located is a little rougher since the real Incanto bottles feel like nothing is printed on them. (I actually thought that the design was inside the bottle instead of outside and I accidentally scratched a part of the design out.) At least now I know that its actually outside, just printed really well.

3. The serial number will be a dead giveaway for sure. The serial number of the real Incanto is printed in white and the counterfeit ones look exactly the same except the serial number is printed very dark compared to the genuine one that is printed very lightly. Of course, serial numbers are unique to each bottle so if the store is carrying bottles with the same serial numbers just walk away. Remember that the serial number in the bottle should always match the serial number in the box. I doubt counterfeiters will bother trying to match those. One of the Incanto bottles I was looking at in the store had a typo. Instead of 3.4 it said 3,4. What a bunch of stupidheads! The bottle looked totally legit too!

4. Look at the bar code. In the back of the box there is a white rectangular strip wherein a bar code is printed. The fake ones have a sticker, the real one is printed. 

5. Look at the box. In the Incanto Shine box the flowers and dragonfly are made of a glossy type of ink, the fake one= not so glossy

Imposter/Fake/Counterfeit whatever you want to call them apparently do not smell like the real thing or if they do they are either diluted, does not last very long, filled with other chemicals, or all of the above and sometimes plus more. In my opinion buying fake perfume is not the same as buying a fake bag. (I would not recommend buying both) When you buy a fake bag you risk being terribly embarrassed but buying fake perfume makes you risk so much more than that. These perfumes can cause itching, rashes, burns, types of allergic reactions, and possibly other things. These so called original perfumes do not go through the same quality and health control the genuine ones go through. You have to know that these people care much more about money than about you. If I were you I would think twice before buying from stores like this. Is having a designer perfume (which isnt even real) worth that much to you that you need to risk your well being? You can always save up money and buy the real thing even if it takes a long time. In the end, you will have an authentic fragrance and no matter how much you argue with me I know knowing its the real thing will not only make you feel safer, it will make you happier. 

PS I heard from someone today that a place called "Cash and Carry" sells perfume for 1/3 the price but apparently this is a chain grocery sort of like S&R. hmmm... this sounds interesting. I will continue this investigation I promise!

xoxo

nat

Imposter Perfumes part 2

Has anyone ever tried buying perfumes from greenhills or discount type stores in malls? I think one of the popular ones is called Criselda's.  I may have to edit this later if I am wrong about the store's name. I really wonder if they are real or not. Of course, the salesperson always says its original but at 1,000-2,000 compared to the average bottle at 5,000 it seems to good to be true. I have a friend who is a local celebrity and she swears by this store in shoppesville that she claims sells the real thing. She (my friend) started to wear Lanvin Eclat which is one of my signature scents and I'm annoyed at the part that she smells the same except I spent 5,000 on my bottle of Lanvin.  

What makes me want to dig deeper into this issue is that there is a big possibility that these perfumes are coming from legitimate sources. Maybe these places get it from the same supplier as Rustan's or other big department stores without the big price tag. I have always bought all my perfumes from Rustan's and if these perfumes are real I am not the type to pass on a good deal. So boys and girls, I am going to do a little experiment. I just recently bought Ferragamo perfumes: Incanto Dream, Incanto Shine, and F for Fascinating. The Incanto bottles are harder to copy in my opinion so I think I'll use that as a basis. To make it more specific I will focus on Incanto Shine in particular. I will try to compare the two, meaning the one from Rustans and the one from the discount store to see if there is a difference. I will post an update as soon as I get home from the mall. 

xoxo

nat

Make-Up and Skincare

I spend a lot of money on make-up and skincare basically because I have to put them on my face. For many years up until my college days, I only used eye make up, a little lipstick, and bronzer on my cheeks when I feel like it. This is partly because I didn't need it and my fear that it will make me look cakey and unnatural. I did buy MAC foundation and powder during my college days and I did not think it looked bad until photos revealed my make up. Not attractive at all in my opinion. Unfortunately, I am getting older and my mom and dad's genes are starting to reveal themselves. My mom is very very fair, chinese-filipino fair. My dad has a spanish and french heritage but he is dark. (got it from his mom)  His undertones on the other hand are definitely on the pink side. The result: I am very fair with very pink undertones that show themselves when it is hot. Which is all the time in Manila. I definitely needed to find something that will agree with my skin--- and the camera. During one of my shopping expeditions with my mom, I checked out the Dior counter. I decided that out of all the make up items I have from the brand I was never disappointed. In fact, everytime I try something Dior I like it better than my older stuff. I have never in my life been more right.

My new make-up regime:

FACE

1. Dior Capture Totale Liquid Foundation

The lady at Dior put foundation on half my face and the results were dramatic. I could not feel or see the make-up but it hid my imperfections and importantly, the redness in my face. I don't even notice it throughout the day. My boyfriend loves this because he does not even know its there until I wipe it off with make-up remover at night. Tip: Use a brush instead of the foam because it tends to suck all the foundation up and you would not want that since this stuff is a little pricey. 

2. Dior Capture Totale Loose Powder

This is not necessary really but this can be used on top of the foundation or alone on a good day. It has little crystal like particles that gives a dewy radiant glow. I love it. 

3. Dior Skin Flash

This is a very light concealer that can also be used as a highlighter. If you have more things to hide or did not get any sleep than you should consider using the actual concealer or try the YSL counterpart called Touche since its consistency is thicker. 

4. Dior Blush

I like their line of blush because it comes with two complimenting colors instead of one. I use Sunkissed Cinnamon because of its pink-bronze color.  Although I do like NARS multiple in Portofino topped with South Beach. In fact, sometimes I still use South Beach for a bronze glow. 

EYES

1. Shu Muera Eyelash Curler

It is still the best curler out there. If you have no time in your hands at least curl your eyelashes and put a little mascara. It makes a world of difference. 

2. Dior Iconic Mascara

This is the best mascara in the market. It instantly volumizes and lengthens. I believe this has been Sephora's best seller for many years.

3. Dior waterproof eyeliner

This has solid color, lasts long, and easy to put on. It also comes with a smudger and a sharpener. I use brown during the daytime and black at night.

4. Dior 5 Colueurs eye shadow

This just makes more sense. It comes with five colors that compliment each other. No useless gross colors. I don't usually wear color during the daytime but Dior's eyeshadow have the best pigments out there. You don't need to use a lot and what you see is what you get. I like Incognito, Elegante, and Stylish Move.

LIPS

1. Dior High Shine Lipstick

If you are like me and you like putting lipgloss over lipstick this is a must have. It has very light colors with a whole lot of shine. Now I don't have to mix stuff together.

2. Chanel Lipstick

If you like matte, rouge-like finish then Chanel is the classic go to for that

SKINCARE

1. Shu Muera Cleansing Oil

I use this to take my make-up off. Sadly, I can't use this as an all in one cleanser like a lot of people do because its oil content makes my skin break out. If oil based cleansers are not your thing try Neutrogena make up remover cloths. They are very good too.

2. Proactive Solution

Yes, I know I'm a follower but this stuff works. The change in weather when I first moved to LA made my skin breakout and I could not fix it. My roommate then recommended it. It fixed my problem and I still use this every night before I go to bed. 

3. Olay Foaming Wash

I stumbled upon this in S&R and I use this in the morning when I wake up. It is hydrating, it smells good, and it makes you feel fresh and awake.

4. Cetaphil Cleanser

I use this to take of eye make-up. It takes the stuff right off and the best part is it is so gentle that it can come in direct contact with your eyes and you won't feel a thing!

Dior is exclusively distributed by Rustan's, Shu Muera and Chanel is also found there. If you want a good experience visit the Dior Team in Glorietta. They are uber fun and friendly you'll enjoy yourself. I even visit them once in a while even if I don't buy anything. Also, has anyone tried the Armani line of make-up? I heard its good, some even favor it more than Dior. I doubt it but my mind is always open to new things. Until next time.

xoxo

nat

Cyma (Shangri-La Plaza)

My mom invited me for Lunch yesterday at Cyma located at the Shangri-La Plaza. After a few minutes of complaining about how far edsa was i finally gave in and i'm glad i did. i usually like hole in the wall places because they usually have the best food. This holds true in my book for Thai, Chinese, and Sushi places but Cyma was definitely a good experience. 

What we ordered:

1. Taramosalata: greek caviar with salted fish roe served with pita bread

2. Roka Salata (salad): arugula, romaine lettuce, sun dried tomatoes, candied walnuts. shaved parmesan, and greek vinaigrette. 

3. Steak Kabab: skewered beef tenderloin with vegetables

4. Splenda Lemonade and Iced Tea

The Verdict

1. This was really yummy! i love eating salmon with capers on top of crackers and this tasted like it except with really good pita bread. extra points since cyma uses whole wheat.

2. The salad was very fresh and they didn't skimp on the toppings either. I suggest you order it with added blue cheese because that will make the salad even more authentic. My only disappointment was that I found the dressing to be too sweet for my liking. I like tasting the balsamic vinegar when i eat a greek salad but that is just my opinion. I was looking around and most people seem to really enjoy this salad.  

3. I usually base my liking of a greek place on how good the yogurt sauce is since i use plenty of it. Cyma's sauce is to die for! i finished the entire serving of sauce they gave me and i didnt even eat the pita bread. The beef was very tender but it has some type of sauce on it, it was not plainly fire grilled like other places. It did not really bother me since the beef was actually really good. Although, I would prefer it just grilled. 

4. Anything with splenda that tastes good i like. One of the things i hate about dining in Manila is that aside from diet coke everything else is loaded with sugar. I don't have the genes to take in that much calories and not get fat. 

Check out their menu as well as contact details:

www.cymarestaurants.com

xoxo

nat