December 8, 2006 | 12:00am
Perhaps most consumers are not flippant princesses or extravagant divas. However, they are not yodeling cow-milkers either! In the real world, women like to look for quality and variety without breaking the bank. This Christmas there isn’t a better place to find reasonably priced but thoroughly pampering products for your smart and savvy buddies than in Essenses and in Rustan’s Cosmetics. Perfect gifts for everyone – some are even great for true-blue non-metro straight men!
Quality means skimming things to the great essentials! When traveling make sure your friend gets the very best using a Houndstooth travel bag by LX2 (P1,850, Essenses). It has compartments for bath essentials and even makeup! For that special buddy who dreams of traveling to delicious places but just does not have the time, give her the spirit of the French Riviera with a trio for Comptior Sud Pacifique in Vanille Abricot, Vanille Passion and Amour de Cacao (P5,950 for three, Essenses). Take it from me, these are my favorite scents in the whole world! The aluminum case keeps the fragrance potent and rich, and just a few sprays will last the whole day.
Most savvy people have lots of business trips on their hands and not all of them are happy travels. Make the most of your journey with some great travel companions. The LX2 travel kit (P2,550, Essenses) and computer case (P2,450, Essenses) make your home away from home warmer and, not to mention chicer. For those boring biz dinners (yawn) bring a mini party with you with Awake’s color cosmetic set for the holidays (P2,450, Rustan’s Cosmetics), you can even save luggage space because the case converts into a sexy handbag! To keep your energy levels up without the caf, carry around a bottle of Apvita Energy Eau de Toillete in Ginger Lime (P1,150, Essenses). A quick fix for those long days!
Celebrate Christmas with thoughts of spring! A great unisex gift is the Theirry Mugler fragrance set (P1,950, Rustan’s Cosmetics) which is light, refreshing and perfect for the sultry tropical weather. Also for the boys and girls, pick up some Amande candles by L’Occitane (set of two for P1,800 at L’Occitane Essenses). They last practically forever and emit the neutral but delicious scent of almonds. Perfect for relaxing after the holiday rush!
For your jet-setting buddy, make sure they always travel in style with Heathecote and Ivory travel toiletry set in Bamboo and White Tea (P445, Essenses). Everyone hates cheap hotel shampoo! For your overworked friend, L’Occitane’s Honey bath (P1,750, L’Occitane Essenses) set is sure to transport her to many happy places. Throw in some delicious Eye Tea Bags (P345, Essenses), tea bags you soak in water and place on your eyes to soothe them after a tough day or a rough night. For your friend who lives for the details (architects and interior designers), try giving the Woods and Windsor drawer liners here in Lavender (P395, Essenses). It also comes in Lily of the Valley and Forget-Me-Nots.
