All about Shopping!

I was introduced to Adambeauty.com by a friend in Hong Kong. Adambeauty is a Hong Kong based company with an online presence, that stocks many brands of Japanese beauty products.

The range of Japanese cosmetics sold on Adambeauty is wide with many brands being “Japan only” brands. These include Sony CP, Lavshuca and Majolica Majorca to name a few. These are fast turning into cult brands among the beauty afficionados simply, I feel, because they are so hard to come by. Therefore, being able to own a piece of makeup from any one of these exclusive Japanese brands is an achievement in itself.

But with a site like Adambeauty, anyone anywhere in the world now has access to these hard to find Japanese brands. I think that’s awesome.

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Tags: Beauty, Online shopping, Where to buy? by ParisB
6 Comments »

I used to sell on Ebay and have dabbled in it both locally in Malaysia (where listing is free) and on international Ebay. I can safely say that there is nothing more irritating or frustrating to the seller than when a buyer fails to contact them before the auction ends, about any queries they may have about the item, and then raise a ruckus when they receive the product.

Sometimes, the seller may not have many pictures of the item up in the auction for reasons of fees. So, if you want more pictures, email the seller and ask. Usually the sellers will oblige. This is especially important when buying used clothing or bags or shoes. You want to see every possible angle of the product before buying and contacting the seller is the best way to do it.

If you query the origin of the product, or its age, contact the seller. If you want to see the item in natural light, contact the seller. If you do not and raise issues after receiving the item,  you will not only make life difficult for yourself, but also for a genuine seller.

My philosophy as a buyer on ebay is always to contact the seller if I’m in doubt. My questions have ranged from the seller’s international shipping costs, to asking for additional photos and in most cases, the sellers are always polite. After all, its a business just like any other. And as a seller, I am more than happy to answer any query from an interested buyer. It helps clear up doubts and helps everyone have a happy Ebay experience.

So, the next time you have doubts about an Ebay auction, or if you just want more information, click on the contact the seller link and ask your question. You have nothing to lose and maybe a bargain to gain!

Tags: Ebay by ParisB
1 Comment »

Giddy Tiger over at Kaki Shopping asked me what I have found that is cheap and good, preferably for RM10 or under. Well, GT, I couldn’t come up with anything that I have found locally under RM10. There have been but I cannot come up with anything off hand.

However, one of the cheapest and best black eyeshadow I have used is by Milani Cosmetics, which isn’t found in Malaysia. The colour is Storm which is a dark black shadow with multi-coloured shimmer. Its really awesome.

This was purchased for me by a friend for about US$1.99 (RM6.80) so that puts it in the under US$10 and under RM10 category I guess And here is how I use black eyeshadow. If you or a friend has access to Milani cosmetics, grab Storm. Its cheap and excellent!

~ Start Copy ~

Name something you have bought that was worth every penny you spent, and add it to the list below. Feel free to spice it up with a photo or two. The catch is that the amount must not exceed 10 units in whatever currency you are using.
e.g. If you shop in Malaysia, list down something good you’ve bought for RM10 or less. If you shop in US, list down something you’ve purchased for US$10 or less.

1. Gorgeous ethnic earrings from Beadszone (3 pairs for RM10) - Kaki Shopping

2. Excellent black eyeshadow by Milani Cosmetics - All about Shopping!

~ End Copy ~

I’d like to know how these other shopping girls fare in the budget department so, here’s on to you:

• Tine
• Beetrice
• Doris 

Let us know of your fab finds under RM10!

Tags: Beauty, My Buys, Star Buys by ParisB
1 Comment »

Do you fall prey to this? Do you find yourself wanting a bag just because everyone you know has it or because everyone wants it?

A classic example is the by now infamous I’m Not a Plastic Bag bag by Anya Hindmarch. I fell prey to this madness and even tried to get it in KLCC when it was launched. Fortunately, sanity reigned and I opted not to queue up for it.

So, my little bit of advice for everyone thinking of buying a branded bag is to get one that is classic and that will never go out of style. Don’t buy a brand or model just because its famous or because some star was seen carrying it. Remember, celebrities and socialites can afford to change their bags every so often once they tire of it. Its a lot harder for the rest of us to do so. Above all, don’t encourage the madness that Louis Vuitton has tried to foist off on us by creating this monstrosity from scraps of cloth.

A classic design in a branded bag will last you through the years. A trendy design will merely date you in the future and if its no longer in vogue, it will simply be money wasted.

Also, you don’t have to own a branded bag to be cool. A cheaper option in a lesser known brand might look just as good, provided its well made. I have lots of bags, both branded and of smaller brands, and I sometimes find myself carrying the lesser brands’ bags more simply because the designs might be more practical or simply because I want to attract too much unwanted attention. But this will be the subject of a discussion another day perhaps?

Tags: Discussions, Fashion, Warnings by ParisB
4 Comments »