Smart Potions?! Fake Victoria Secret Lotions and Sprays

Tweet This is not an expose'. Or maybe it is. I am not working in a government agency, or part of media. I was just surprised that immitation and knock-offs are spreading like cancer in the world at this time. I personally dont dig fakes and knock-offs. I would rather use a local brand. Something with no tags or brand name emblazoned on its exterior.

We have seen alot of fake Gucci's, and Prada's, and Nike's around the market. What so funny is that these items have their avid followers. I was even surprised to see that even the famous Victoria Secret scents have their own clones too. Surprising.



I am an online trader and I do alot of shopping and selling online. But before I do hit the "purchase" button, I do some research on the product I would buy. It's a relief that when I purchased some Victoria Secret items from independent retailers, Google presented me zero match for my "fake Victoria Secret, lotion, spray" search. Or maybe there isn't any brave soul at that point who is willing to tell much about this story.

Yes, fake Victoria Secret lotions and sprays exist. I am not sure if I had been a victim, or maybe I wasnt that too aware. But now I remember I received my lotion from a seller in Ebay - the consistency of the lotion is runny, and thin. Although its scent does last long, and its bottle does look authentic. But the product itself is screaming to me. But I have never given much attention on that matter then.

Alot of sellers are selling these items in Ebay. These items are from Hong Kong, and the selling price ranges from Php120-250 each ($2.5 - $5.3), it's way cheaper compared to original Victoria Secret scents. Some sellers are even selling these by lots of 8 or 12 bottles. I would praise those sellers who admit that their products are not authentic Victoria Secret scents. But I am not really impresed on how they do business. And for those who claim theirs is authentic, I would have to say, God bless them. Further research landed me to more information about these products. These items are actually from an Asian country who produces and mixes lotion which resemble the scent of Victoria Secret (I am not quite sure if the main point is to immitate). The target market of this company are online sellers and distributors.

If you will do the math, light bulb above your head would say that you will save alot from buying these items. But then, think again. We never know what kind of ingredients were used for these "potions". Users may develop some skin diseases from using these items. And what's more embarassing is consumers who would think that they would use these items as gift. What kind of impression would this make if the receiver finds out that what were given to them are fakes? Who would ever want that?

I am not working for the marketing department of Victoria Secret. I don't even think they even need one anyway. Alot of ladies are true devotees of Victoria Secret, and I know gentlemen who would even form groupies to show their appreciate for the brand (I am not quite sure if this is because of the wonderful and sexy ladies who grace the Victoria Secret catalogue each month).

The main point of this rant/rave/review/ramble is to remind consumers of their responsibility. I have presented the facts; we just have to make a choice.

Relationship in 2009

Tweet How hard it is to be in a long distance relationship? And they say that with the technology advancement is it easier now to keep an open communication with the person you love, no matter how many miles you are away with each other, and despite time zone differences.



Trust and respect. Two things that should always be present. And love and being faithful will then follow. Forget paranoia. How would you defend yourself against unjust accusation? How would you defend yourself using the kilobytes traveling in every wire and connection you pay monthly.. with the help of this dusty keyboard, being touched and caressed by your fingers and hands who long/crave to hold the person you are trying to get intouch with..

Year-End Sale: New Year Sale Experience (Phase 1)

Tweet I only have 2 days, and back in the battlefield again - workload waiting on Monday. We took the chance yesterday and went to SM Megamall to check out the Year-end Sale. Going to malls, and just plain window-shopping (if not shopping) are one of my bonding moments with my mom. I am so itching to check and buy new shoes. I have read and heard alot about Year-End Sales, and I know it's the best time to get good bargains from stores.

It's been a long while the last time I was in Megamall. The management practically stripped the MegaStrip; and expanded the mall interiors. I honestly miss the old Megamall.. (or maybe I am just being nostalgic, and rejecting changes). I saw alot of US and UK brands sprouting in the mall spaces (Gap is opening soon, and Promod is currently open and on sale at 30 - 50% OFF).

The Year-end Sale is not something I was expecting. I only see some signs posted on stores screaming 50% OFF, and some standies marked with 10%. Probably store owners are not fully dropping the prices just yet. If there are buyers who would take the bait of the 10% discounts, at least there's a little more sales for them. And I am one of those buyers. I bought 5 new pairs of shoes (and bought 1 new pair for my mom). You can't blame me, I have big shoe size, and once the shoe fits, I have to get it! And I get them all! Thanks to the debit system of BDO, i don't need to fall in line at the ATM machine to get cash. It's a swipe settlement without worrying for your next account statement arrival.

The Year-end Sale will run until January 11th. So maybe by next week, if there are still some items left for each store, that's the time they will give out everything at even lower prices. I would expect store and clothes racks on the Lower Ground floor and floor walkways. And that makes me want to return next week.

Mango has that 70% OFF display on the store panel, but I didnt bother check as I have my mind set to buy shoes only. I am betting the clothes and buys arent that good, I only see few people checking out the racks and leaving the stores empty-handed. I see some perfumes in SM Department Store on a Buy-One-Take-One offer (Salvatore Ferragamo, etc.). I would want to take advantage of the offer, but my scents are not on the list (Kenzo, or Gucci Envy, or Issey Miyake).

All stores are practically on sale (with at least 10% discount on regular priced itms). Maybe they are just being cooperative with SM Management. By the time they are done with their inventory, they might (and I hope) be willing to dispose all other items at even lower prices. The idea excites me even more. I would definetely check out other malls and stores for more good buys.

I forgot to mention that the SM Department Store had a total make-over (I am not sure if this had been renovated months ago), but I am impress that there are Restrooms and seats inside the Department Store now. We just bought a new pan from Sunnex (got it at P967, original price is P1,200 someting) and more Lock and Locks. Speaking of Lock and Locks, I noticed that Lock and Lock is now offering installment arrangement for buyers. This company/product line is now doing big huh?

Here is the list of the Year-End Sale Schedule:

*Ayala Malls Welcome 2009 Sale. Mallwide from January 2 to 18, 2009.

*Glorietta: The Big Handover Sale (Glorietta 1 to Glorietta 5). Discounts and prizes up to December 31, 2008.

*Araneta Center / Gateway Grand Clearance Sale. Up to 70% off on items up to January 18, 2009.

*The Body Shop Year End Sale. Up to 50% off on selected items up to January 8, 2009.

*Cinderella Year End Sale. Up to 60% off on items from Esprit, U2, British India, Clarks, NafNaf, Oshkosh B Gosh, Pierre Cardin, Seventeen, C Women, and Cinderella Kids up to February 1, 2009.

*Celebrity Bazaar at Festival Supermall. Multi Exhibit Network, Second Level Mini Trade Hall up to December 31, 2008.

Include the Watson's Promo, get a make-up organizer for every P700 worth purchase (with specified product purchase). I bought some razor refills, lotion and Lorel Make-up Remover. Being the shopaholic that I am, I wont let this promo/freebie/gift pass, so I bought a wet tissue to make my purchases eligibile, and bag that one make-up organizer.

I am hating myself somehow.. Im back on my old self of being shopaholic and impulse buyer (aside from the purchases I made yesterday, I also have some online purchases awaiting payment and shipment). I promised myself (and my mom) I would be good next payday. There are no excuses. I don't know what triggered this behaviour again. Should I blame the Shopaholic movie coming up on theaters this year?

Welcoming 2009! Certified Belle De Jour!

Tweet Wishing everyone a better year for 2009!

Our family always celebrates and welcomes new year in a quiet way, and this year, I only have my mom, dad and I. I get used to the idea of just having dinner, praying and waiting for the clock to strike twelve; and be thankful that it would be a quiet morning for our family. We decided to just have a simple dinner last night. What's the point of cooking and making yourself tired in the kitchen when there are just three people in the house? Besides, we always get to cook every meal or dish we want anytime of the year.

Sometimes I wish I were a part of a bigger family.. (actually, ours is a big family, it just so happen that my siblings are in different parts of geography). Tonight, we just feast our eyes on fireworks displays (and I took alot of videos, haha). I cannot believe the people in our place, they still can afford fireworks and firecrackers. And I mean every house here, except ours. We dont want to risk our lives and (body parts) for cheap big bangs.

I just hope this would be a better year for me and my family. The best blessings we have received last year are good health and safety; and I wish these would still be on top list this year amongst the other many blessings which were given to us that we never really asked for.

X:O:X:O

The only thing that excites me for this year is my new planner!

Tadah!!! I got a Belle De Jour Planner, and I just sooo love it! Last year, I missed a copy of this planner so for this year, as early as October when they announced that they are getting pre-orders for this planner, I immediately reserved and paid for one! But ladies no need to worry, for I know for 2009, the makers produced alot of copies for this craze. You can get one at Powerbooks, and even from resellers in Multiply.

The prints and materials are so nice, and sections include menstrual tracker, expense tracker, vacation planner, to-do lists, and articles about wellness, health, fashion, etc.. It seems as if I am reading Cosmo. A real two-thumbs up for the makers of this planner!

What's the bomb is that it comes with so many coupons from nice stores and restos. The discounts and the freebies are worth ten times its price ($11.96).



As early as January 2008, I know I'll have Belle De Jour for this year. This planner is making a lot of good raves and waves from ladies in Manila, that should give Starbucks some worries on its promo (the Starbucks planner for 2009 is not that impressive by the way.. better buy a generic planner from your local bookstore, or rely on your company's giveaways OR GET A BELLE DE JOUR PLANNER!).

And yes, I have a lot of friends who I converted to be Bellas!

This planner is just so fab that now I am worried, this planner might give me reason less posts for this blog huh?