Unwrapping Limited Editions' Beauty

The good thing about living in Riyadh is living tax-free so we all have this mentality that prices are cheaper and we can buy almost all we want and need. However, if you look closely, we are lacking many brands in the market that are otherwise very popular in other countries. The options here are enough, yes, but we are often left thinking if what we're getting is a good bargain if we buy it somewhere else. It looks as if most of the prices are jacked up, except when it's sale season where of course, we expect discounts and promos (but even this is up for debate). What's frustrating in Riyadh sometimes is we can't find what we're looking for most of the time. Brands and items are not as accessible. We need to shop online and that's not always a possibility to most of us who do not have credit cards (and those like me who don't trust ourselves with credit cards, haha!) But then again, there are so many ways to acquire stuff. You just have to go and look for these ways especially when it comes to beauty products. 

There are a lot of beauty products in huge cosmetics stores in the Kingdom. You've probably been to those one-stop stores like Debenhams, Paris Gallery, Faces, and Sephora. Found what you're looking for? Good. Didn't find what you're looking far? Too bad. But all hope's not lost. Online stores that bring make-up and beauty and wellness stuff in Saudi Arabia are opening in Facebook and they do cash on delivery! Have you discovered Limited Editions? I did! 

The Limited Edition/s Store

Limited Editions is an online beauty store selling the best cosmetics and beauty brands in Saudi Arabia. They offer options for us Riyadhizens to get our hands on the latest, trend-setting beauty products with an easy online ordering process and a quick and convenient delivery service. They carry popular brands like Urban Decay, Clarisonic, Olay, BH Cosmetics, Tarte, Stila, Beauty Blender, and other well-loved brands. I saw the Facebook page of Limited Editions when they were still fairly new in the business and now, as I perused their photo albums of products, I see that they've grown, offering over 1,800 products from 150 different brands and garnering more than 35,000 likes as we speak! So imagine my indecision just by looking at all these wonderful products available with just a click of a button. I thought I already knew what I will buy even before I clicked on Limited Editions. Sister was I wrong! 

Visit their Facebook page and satisfy your beauty (products) craving!

So I've always wanted the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette. I have a lot of eyeshadow palettes at home but I have a need to buy this palette. I have no idea where this irrational craving for a beauty product came from. Haha! Anyway, I visited Limited Editions and guess what I ordered after an hour of going back and forth the page? An Olay ProX Advance Cleansing System! Uhmn what?! Hahah! Told you, just by going over the hundred of albums of thousand of products in Limited Editions, my mind changed. I’ve always thought I wanted that rose palette since forever! Turns out I need a face cleansing tool more. Hahaha! 

Which ones are you buying?

The good thing about Limited Editions is that their photo albums of products are labeled. However, searching for the product you want (or think you need) is a bit hard, especially when a Search button (we're spoiled by Google) is not available in Facebook pages. But, it's also so simple to send them a message for any query that you have and you get your reply almost immediately. LE has a dedicated customer service that mans the messages they receive so feedback is immediate. 

Another con for most women might be the waiting period. We all know that when ordering online, it takes days to receive the products. But with LE, 8-12 days is not too bad of a waiting time. And you don't have to worry about the bureaucracy in the post office; you won't be left wondering where in the Kingdom your package landed or what happened to it or if someone too his sweet time going through your box. Anyway, if you have a low EQ like me (I hate waiting for stuff), you can always go to their On-Hand Products folder and look at the items that are immediately available and can be delivered in a matter of 1-3 days. 

Too many beautiful, bestselling, trendy cosmetics to choose from!

Another factor in considering when buying online is, of course, the price. LE's prices are higher than what most websites advertise because they also bear the local US/UK taes/VAT and shipping costs. I recommend you go for products that are not really available here in the Kingdom so you really get the best bang for your bucks. But then again, LE doesn’t usually carry the brands that are widely available in Saudi Arabia. If they do (like Smashbox, Bobbi Brown, Mac, etc.), it means these items are from a limited edition or special range and are not released in Saudi Arabia. 

Here are my suggested buys for you: Coastal Scents (wide range of eyeshadows in handy palettes), Sara Happ lip scrubs, Philosophy, Burt's Bees, Lime Crime (highly pigmented lippies), Cetaphil, and Clarisonic and Olay brush cleansing systems. Now, if you can't find the product you're looking for, you can always ask and request it from them. 

Popular brands at your fingertips!

After deciding on the Olay ProX, I messaged my order on Tuesday afternoon and received a reply in less than 10 minutes. They informed me that the product will be available for delivery on Thursday, 9:00AM to 3:00PM. After that, they asked me for my address and contact number. On Thursday morning, I received a call from the delivery guy and he delivered the product to me after 30 minutes (the guy gave me a wrong estimate time of arrival; he kept saying "10 minutes.") I gave the money, signed the receipt, and voila! The product is in my hands! With a free L'oreal lipstick and a Patchi chocolate to boot. They all came in a Limited Edition paper bag that makes this online business really professional-looking. Goes to show how committed they are in their work. 

My loot! Yeyyy!

LE offers free delivery within Riyadh and SR 19 shipping fee for those outside Riyadh. They deliver to Gulf countries too for a minimal fee. 

Here's the good news, when you buy any stuff from Limited Editions, mention the code PINKTARHA in your message to them and you'll get 5% off in your order! This is valid from June 1 to June 15, 2014.  

Promo code for you gals!

Don’t forget to check out Limited Edition’s Facebook page for ongoing promos! 

So, are you ready to be mesmerized with thousands of beauty products you don't even know are available to you? Go for it! Quench your thirst for cosmetics. You don't get a second chance in making a first impression, so buy and wear that gahd darn lipstick! Happy shopping and be your own kind of beautiful! ;) ~ Sundrenched

LIMITED EDITIONS

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

W: http://www.limitededitionsksa.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/LimitedEditionsKSA

Twitter: @LimitedEditionsKSA

Email: LimitedEditionsKSA@gmail.com


Disclosure: The Pink Tarha was given a 20% discount for a one-time purchase in Limited Editions online store.

A Beauty Shop in a Boheme Basement

Picking up from the last beauty post, The Pink Tarha is bringing to you a beauty store that opened last month. I wouldn't even discover it if it weren't for the Pecha Kucha event I attended last night with a friend. We went to Maison Bo-M in Nujoud Mall to attend the event and also to check out the latest metallic satchels from Cambridge Satchels Co. and some washi tapes (decorated Japanese masking tapes). I saw from Maison Bo-M's Instagram that they have a beauty shop already. Apparently, it's not just beauty corner... it's  rustic, charming room in the lady's section basement that's filled with huge mirrors surrounded by lights. While the collection of available make-up and beauty products are not yet as extensive, the brands are really worth raving about.

Iconic wallpaper on the stairs going down the basement

On soft opening...

Rustic and intimate store for your beauty needs

How huge are the mirrors in that wall?! :P

The Beautyblender (SR 80) is one of the must-have beauty products. It's the ultimate make up sponge applicator! The elliptical shape of this tool makes the application of foundation foolproof and even. It fits the contours of your face and works efficiently that it's been awarded the Allure's Best of Beauty Award Winner for four years. 

The perfect blender

The new kind of blender in the block.

Maison Bo-M also offers the Beautycleanser, the perfect companion to the Beautyblender.

Another award-winning brand is Essie, the nail polish launched in 1981 that still gets massive raves nowadays. This nail polish brand is a favorite of Hollywood stars. While the collection in Maison Bo-M features mostly safe colors, there are a few bottles of fashion-forward colors that pop up every now and then from the racks (SR 40 each).

For your tips and toes.

What color are you sporting today?

I do love the subtle colors though because they're wearable and suitable for the office. Essie also has a full range of products that take care the nails. I wasn't too excited seeing Essie because I've already seen it in more accessible pharmacies in the city... however, there's one brand I'm quite excited to see in this store...

Butter London is a welcome addition to the nail lacquer brands available in Riyadh. Founded in 2005 by British entrepreneur Sasha Muir, Butter London has now a cult following and is always present in Fashion Week. The colors of Butter London are vibrant, bold, and rebellious. They're perfect for night outs and glamorous events.

London has arrived!

Bold colors for the adventurous you!

If you're passionate for nail polishes, share the love with your little girls! That way, they can enjoy the mani session with you too. Little BU is a nice introduction to the world of nail polishes for your little girls. The nail polishes created by former New Yorker and current London resident Patricia Dente Haimes are contained in a cute little bottle and has the sweetest colors! The polishes are water-based and are created with a non-toxic formula.Yup, they're totally safe for nail biters! (SR100 each)

The little girls will love these!

Maison Bo-M also brings Japanese brand Komenuka Bijin NS-K to Riyadh. Komenuka Bijin (Beauty Within) uses rice bran in their products for the skin and hair. Rice bran is believed to give Japanese women luminous skin and hair. The available NS-K products in Maison Bo-M will make a good test to this claim.

For your skin and mane

This following line will totally save you from fashion emergencies...

Hollywood Fashion Secrets provides invisible tricks, fabulous extras, and little secrets that will save you from any wardrobe malfunction. Their most popular product in the Fashion Tape. It's available in Maison Bo-M along with Silicone CoverUps, Temporary Hem Tape, and Garment Shields. Now, if you're really such a clutz (like most of us when we're tensed before a big event right?), there's the Fashion Emergency Kit that contains 14 fashion emergency savers.

Fashion fixes

Stash this up!

The highlight of Maison Bo-M's beauty store is the Valerie Beverly Hills cosmetics. The brand didn't ring a bell for me at first because I wasn't exposed to it before and I wasn't really exposed to a lot of makeup brands (so I tell you, I am not an expert in these beauty stuff, lol). I haven't seen it so I am surprised to find out that it's quite popular! Made by celebrity makeup artist Valerie Sarnelle, Valerie cosmetics has a long list of celebrity clientelle from Nicole Kidman, Debra Messing to Mile Cyrus and Hillary Duff. So if you're into trying new cosmetics, go for Valerie. The stuff are a bit expensive but who knows? Your holy grail makeup might just be this.

Organic and safe for your sensitive skin

Cute testers for blushes!

Lippies and glosses

I enjoyed browsing Maison Bo-M's beauty shop. Though the brands featured are not as numerous like the beauty stores in the malls, they feature fresh and interesting brands that makes this atelier the indie venue to have a pleasurable shopping experience. True to the 'boheme' vibe of Maison Bo-M, the beauty store is perfect for the lady who strays once in a while from the prim and proper, standard path of the fashion and beauty world. Check out Maison Bo-M for quirky finds and the breezy, airy, bright cafe at the first floor. ~ Sundrenched

Maison Bo-M
Nujoud Mall (beside Intercon Hotel)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
T: +966-1-202-1205
E: info@maisonbo-m.com
FB: www.facebook.com/Maison.BoM
Twitter: @MaisonBoM
Website: www.maisonbo-m.com
IG: instagram.com/maisonbom

PS. I didn't get the prices of some products. Sorry! If no price is indicated beside the product name, that means you need to call Maison Bo-M to inquire. ;)

What's in Whites {1/2}

Every person has a place they consider their "candy store." These are places which, if given a chance or brought about by some luck, you'll choose to be stuck in for a long period of time because you enjoy yourself like a "kid in a candy store store." That would be hypermarkets and book stores for me. Leave me in those places for a few hours and you won't hear me complain. 

Eyecandy and I found another place which we can put under that category... Whites Pharmacy. Yes, a pharmacy and more! We were toured by Ms. Haifa Alhumaid, Whites' marketing executive, in one of their biggest branches and boy are we lucky! We get to check out the products they offer and you're also lucky because we're sharing the information to you! At least now you'll have an idea where to get the stuff you'd been asking us about! We found really interesting brands and products that we'd like to buy for ourselves. We tell you, Whites Pharmacy is one of those places you'd choose to get stuck in.

Welcome to Whites!

WHITES is a group of retail shops and pharmacy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that brings you health and beauty products. Most of these products you won't find anywhere in Riyadh. They offer exclusive brands that are of high quality and guaranteed to bring results.

You may now begin your shopping spree.

I have to make two entries because Whites Pharmacy has so much wonderful products I might cause your computer to freeze due to the many photos I'll be uploading. So this is part 1 and I'm doubtful I can categorize it into beauty first and then health next. But let's just think of it as such. :)

What's the most problem-prone area of one's body? The skin, of course. That's why it's necessary to have the right skin care products before even using makeup and cosmetics that can cover the problem areas. Prevention is better than cure, yes?

Let's start with one of White's most popular brand, Avene, the leading skincare line in European pharmacies. Avene carries everything from facial wash, lotion, and creams to toners, scrub, and serum. Whatever your skin needs, Avene has it. Lines include Hydrance (for regular use), Cleanance (for acne-prone skin), Eluage (anti-aging), and a lot more. Although a little bit more expensive than what most of us are paying for our daily skincare regimen, Avene promises to be worth every single riyal.

Have you tried Avene?

More Avene.

Up next is a brand whose packaging caught my attention first. Greenland uses very minimal designs on their packaging yet it's one of my most favorite ever. Greenland is a line of bath and body care products that are based on natural and organic ingredients. They have ranges from Pure and White, Balm&Butter, Milky, Fruit Emotions (uses essential oils), and Fruit Extracts. Our favorite scents are coconut and tangerine and papaya.

From singles to packs, Greenland has it!

LOVE Greenland!

Whites exclusive!

Greenland packs perfect for gifts.

It's the fragrance of Cottage Body Care line that piqued our interest the most. Trying the caramel scented lotion and scrub is like literally rubbing real caramel on your skin, minus the stickiness. Eyecandy was happy to find a peach-scented body care line too as she's been on the lookout for quite a while. Cottage takes pride in its scent as they work with the best perfumers in the world to find original and natural tones and strive to make the scents last in the skin as long as possible.

Lots of choices!

Smells so sweeeeet!

Both Greenland and Cottage have organic lines. If you're new to "organic" products, you might be wondering what "organic" means to body care and skin care brands. Basically, these products indicates of being animal or vegetable origin. For the products we're specifically discussing here, they're of vegetable and fruit origins and are not only skin-friendly but also environment-friendly. Other organic brands in Whites are Marilou Bio and Miessence.

Every thing organic right here!

An entire shelf is dedicated to organic products.

Organic lip balm anyone?

Miessence and its minimalist packaging.

Next we go to one of the most important product range for people living and working in Saudi Arabia... sun protection! It's one of the most neglected part of our daily routine, thinking that we should only use them products with SPF when we're on the beach. Wear sunscreen everyday and we mean that advice. Whites carry Vichy, Coppertone, and Malibu. Take your pick! For those who are looking for tanning lotion, Whites has it! ;)

Protect your skin from the sun.

Good for the out of town trips, and everyday use.

Tanning lotion and oil spray

Now, after taking good care of your skin, there are products that can further enhance your beauty. Whites has an extensive beauty section which carries our favorite makeup brands like Revlon, Maybelline, Max Factor, L'Oreal, Bourjois, and Rimmel.

The beauty bar

Familiar brands

One of the best finds in Whites Pharmacy is Essie Nail Polish. It's a line of multi-awarded nail lacquers that started in 1981. Through the years, Essie has been known as one of the world's best nail polish for its vibrant color and consistent finish. Whites does not only have Essie nail polish (SR 30 each), they also carry its nail care products.

Vibrant Essie, SR30 each

Essie nail care

Have you heard of Shellac? The long lasting nail polish that lasts for weeks? Well, Whites doesn't carry it because you'll be needing a UV lamp to use it... but Whites carry the regular polish created by CND, maker of Shellac. They have the usual colored nail polish and the ones that you put on top the regular ones to provide an effect (ex. pearl, shimmer, sparkle). CND nail treatments and essentials are also available.

CND's regular nail polish line

Additional nail and hand care products from CND

Whites is also introducing a new beauty brand in the Riyadh market, Polish cosmetics brand Bell, which produces high quality cosmetics using modern technologies and techniques. They have a lot of products for the face and among their bestsellers are Diamond Eyes (diamond mousse eyeshadow), Milky Shake (yogurt lip glosses), and Push Up mascara. Their range of lipstick are also nice and comes in various classic, timeless shades.

Try something new!

The bestsellers!

Eyebrows are one of the most important parts of our face which we tend to ignore most of the time. If you've been reading The Pink Tarha for a long time, you'll know how obsessive Eyecandy and Sampaguita Pride can get on their eyebrows. I, for one, can't be bothered by it (seriously, I have no skills in drawing an eyebrow) so I'm delighted to find this eyebrow makeup kit by Christian in Whites. It contains 3 stencils that help design a thick, thin, or natural-shaped eyebrows, a two-way ended brush, and a water-resistant powder which comes in various colors. This kit makes putting on well-defined eyebrows effortless and guess what, no touch-ups needed!

Eyebrow saver.

After wearing makeup the whole day, it's time to take them off. Seriously ladies, you shouldn't go to bed with a gunk of makeup on. These makeup removers exclusive to Whites are easy to use and won't take an hour wiping off that grime and dirt caused by cosmetics.

Wipe that makeup off!

Let's talk about tattoo. A few readers have been asking us where they can get one. Well, permanent tattoo makers are hard to come by in this side of the world but you can always opt for something temporary, just in case you change your mind. Would you believe Whites carry Tattoo Yourself, a line of temporary art tattoos that you can put yourself? They have the stencils and the ink.

Get inked! For a few days.

And that's not all. How about some body jewelry? They have a case full of jewelries for your piercings. Cool eh?

Belly? Ear lobes? Eyebrows? 

Have you tried any of the products we've listed above? We'd like to know your feedback! The comment section is very much open for your mini reviews. ;)

Whites Pharmacy has more products but we don't have space on this entry anymore. Fret not though. We have a second entry on Whites and its products up in a few days! :) In the meantime, visit Whites Facebook page and follow them on Twitter for faster updates. ~ Sundrenched

Whites Pharmacy
Mecca Road, Takhasussi (near Panda)
For more branches, click here.
E: customercare@whites.net
T: +966 1 288-6877 / 489-5994/ 489-7750/ 489-7751