If a friend offers to buy you something from abroad, what do you ask for? Easy as it seems, it can also be challenging, if not overwhelming.

The tendency is to say, “Whatever you find cool there.” But this may turn out to be a souvenir key chain, though it can be really useful.

It all depends on how close you are, but if your friend really means it, you can be smart about it.

It’s wise to research where your friend is going. If what you want is found among the makeup aisles in shopping centers, go for a brand that’s not yet available in the Philippines.

While opting to just buy online is fine, think about taxes and shipping costs.

At the moment, there are seven different makeup items I swear by and have personally given to friends as pasalubong. I also call them my makeup discoveries, since I appreciated them only upon trying them out.

 

 

Cult following

First is Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow. It’s that signature glossy and shiny lip gloss that Rihanna released when she introduced her makeup brand. It’s got a strong cult following. I highly recommend it because it suits different skintones and can be used on top of matte lipsticks. It’s also very hydrating.

 

 

Next is Kat Von D’s Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick in Lolita. By this time you’re probably sick of hearing that it’s one of Kat’s best products ever. But I’m sorry to say you’re not going to hear the end of it. I bought it for myself and can see why the creamy formula and flattering lip shade make for a must-have item.

 

 

For the curious makeup hoarder, I think you’d get a kick out of the Hourglass Curator Lash Instrument. The thin, screwdriver-like wand is for those who get frustrated that full brushes can’t exactly reach the base of their lashes.

 

 

If you love cool-girl types of brands, think RMS Beauty. I picked out for myself the chic and classic packaging of its Lip2Cheek cream blush and lip stain. It’s perfect for touch-ups on the go. The shade I went for is named Promise, which is a warm salmon pink that’s easy to pull off.

 

 

At the same time, I think you won’t go wrong if you ask a friend to pick up the Jillian Dempsey Lid Tints. With a finger, you can add some color to your eyelids. It also has skincare ingredients like organic jojoba oil, organic shea butter, marula oil, vitamins E and C.

For a treat, there is the Natura Bisse Diamond Mist. It’s a wonder face mist, which explains the eyebrow-raising price. It’s not just for hydration, but also stimulates cell growth, and protects your skin from harmful elements.

I won’t be surprised if your friend likewise picks up a bottle, as it seems quite the thing to have on your flight back home.

 

 

Lastly, and this is one of my true favorites, ask your friend to buy the Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow. It’s a face primer, but it’s also something that gives a dewy look when worn on its own during no-makeup days. It may seem like a small luxury, but it may just be a new necessity.