Why I just bought half a year’s worth of tampons in Berlin

Whenever I’m in Berlin, I go a little crazy shopping for makeup, skincare and other self-care items. It’s a joy to report on products popular in other places to widen my understanding of the beauty industry.

My first stop was Rossman, one of the major drugstores found in every corner of the German capital. Their in-house brand For Your Beauty offers makeup brushes, sponges and other beauty tools below 10 euros. This is a good stop in case you forget to pack something in your travel makeup kit, or if you simply need a re-up for your vanity.

I got a silicone mask applicator for 2.47 euros (P147). A silicone mask application is helpful if you’re a fan of tub face masks, to keep them sanitary. It also helps you apply the mask evenly all over the face.

I also got a bottle of Essie’s Treat, Love & Color polish in Nude Mood. The one-step care and color polish helped strengthen and protect my nails when they became brittle after I removed my gel polish. The polish dried quickly, too, so I didn’t fuss over it. It’s something I will bring with me on my next vacation.

And then I proceeded to the personal care items to get some tampons. You can get a big box of 56 o.b. tampons for around 4 euros (P226). I bought three boxes that will see me through till the end of the year, yet my feminine hygiene expenses totaled less than P1,000.

You can also easily avail yourself of a menstrual cup in Rossman for around P700. I still haven’t gotten around to using a menstrual cup, but it’s something to consider, as the cup is environment-friendly.

Zit-zapping

Next stop was Aesop. Going to the branch at the corner of Forster Street in Kreuzberg has been a ritual for me. I went to the same branch last year where I got my favorite zit-zapping Aesop Control.

This year, I picked up the In Two Minds Facial Cleanser and the Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Mask. Both were recommendations of the helpful sales attendant who took the time to discuss my combination-oily skin issues. He also stocked me up on samples of other products, and even gave me a pump for my facial cleanser!

The In Two Minds Facial Cleanser is unique for a facial wash. Instead of lathering it up and then rinsing it off immediately, you wait for it to dry on your face a bit. This helps the witch hazel, salicylic acid and sage leaf decongest the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.

High-end selections

For more high-end selections, there’s Douglas, where you can have your pick of designer makeup and skincare items, along with body care and perfume.

The branch near Checkpoint Charlie is where I picked up a bottle of Chloé Eau de Parfum. The fragrance is an Allure Best of Beauty 2018 pick for its classic and clean scent. The perfume has been around for 10 years, the signature fragrance of the stylish set.

I was worried that it wouldn’t suit me or it would be overpowering. I’m glad to report that it’s a subtle fragrance, a powdery blend of peony, rose, honey and cedarwood which blends better with your skin as the day goes by.

I love it so much that I’m considering spending a ridiculous amount on the Chloé Perfumed Deodorant Spray and the Body Creme. They can cost around at least 30 euros (P1,700) each, so it’s a big splurge. Maybe on my next trip?