Believe it or not, today was my first time to purchase something online from the US! I’ve always been afraid of using my credit card online because of hidden charges, ridiculous rates and credit card fraud. But since I’ve been a loyal user of G-Cash since 2005, I was confident in doing my shopping using my new G-Cash American Express Virtual Card!

Even though I’ve been receiving tons of makeup from brands since I started blogging, I still have a lot of makeup in my wish list; especially those that aren’t available in the Philippines. So I found myself browsing Sephora.com all afternoon, looking for the best deals and limited edition sets. I got a plum Sephora lipstick ($5), Bronzer set ($7), Benefit Stay Don’t stray set ($26), Dior Show Mascara set ($20), Ciate Caviar Mini Bar set ($29), Sephora Primer ($15) and a whole lot more.. Aren’t the prices ridiculously cheap?!?! My eyes were literally glued on my laptop as soon as I entered the website.

You can shop online hassle-free by applying for a G-Cash American Express Virtual Card too! It’s a great way to hide expenses from mom or your hubby because there will be no physical card (or evidence) unless they see the package itself. *You didn’t get this advice from me! :))

Before anything, you need to be a GLOBE SUBSCRIBER and apply for a GCash Wallet. It’s like a vitrual wallet linked to your mobile number. I’ve had mine since 2005 because I had a really busy online shop back then and I was still in college so I didn’t have time to go to the bank everyday. It really made things easier for me to juggle work and school at that time.

Next, you have to go to WWW.GLOBE.COM.PH/GCASH-AMEX and register for a virtual card. You can also get more information about this offer there. All Globe subscribers will get a 1 month free trial so give it a try now! If you’re happy with their services, which I’m sure you will, you can subscribe for a year for only P250!

Afterwards, a link to a PDF file will be sent to your e-mail. It’s password protected so your virtual card and personal details are safe. You can get the password via text or *143. Afterwards, you have to log in by inputing your details at MY-SHOPPINGBOX.COM.

G-Cash Amex has a tie-up with My Shopping Box. They will do all the shipping and handling for all packages and will deliver it STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOORSTEP! No more hassle of claiming it from pickup points or getting charged with ridiculous taxes by customs. I haven’t received my billing from them since it takes 3 days for Sephora to deliver to their US address (you have to input theirs and not *your* address during check-out) but I heard that they charge really cheap. My friend had a Kindle Fire shipped to her Philippine address for only $25!

Now is the perfect time to get yourself a G-Cash American Express Virtual Card because it’s almost time for the Black Friday Sale. (image: scottanfilippo.com) A lot of items will be marked down with crazy-almost-giveaway-prices and you don’t even have to be harassed by long lines or crazy shoppers!

1st Prize: The oh-so-famous Sephora Color Daze Blockbuster makeup set ($49.50). It comes with hundreds of various eyeshadows, lip colors, blush, contour and even colored eyeliners!

2nd Prize: Mini Sets! I didn’t want to spend on too many regular sized products since they’re a bit pricey so I combined a Ciate Caviar Mini Bar nail polish set ($29) and a Smashbox Try It Kit ($19). These are one of Sephora.com/s best-sellers. I also got a Ciate set for my mom since she’s a nail-a-holic.

3rd Prize: Sephora’s Arch-it brow kit ($25). Who doesn’t love perfect brows, right?

4th Prize: Sephora Blinged Palette ($15) this is originally priced at $30 so I immediately placed it in my cart. I opted for this one instead of the Urban Decay palette since it has lipstick colors and a blush in just one compact. It’s also called “blinged” for a reason. The case has huge crystals on it which makes it look really classy and expensive despite the cheap price. :>

HOW TO WIN?

1. You MUST be a GLOBE Subscriber.
2. Leave a comment below with the following details:
   - ANSWER THIS: “What and where will be your first online haul from the US as soon as you get a GCash American Express Virtual card?” 4 best answers will win the products above.
   - Full name & E-mail Address
   - Links to your “shares” of this blog entry.
3. Share this blog entry~ www.marjsia.com/Gcash-Amex on the following sites:
   - TWITTER: “I want to win Sephora makeup from @DearMarjSia’s blog www.marjsia.com/gcash-amex #GcashAmex”
   - FACEBOOK: “I want to win Sephora makeup from @Makeup by Marj Sia’s blog www.marjsia.com/gcash-amex #GcashAmex”
   - FOLLOW BOTH @DearMarjSia on Twitter & Instagram (IG is optional) and Like “Makeup by Marj Sia” on Facebook.
4.  Contest will end on November 30, 2012, 12:30am. This is open to GLOBE subscribers in the Philippines only. Shipping fee must be shouldered by the winners.

Good luck and happy shopping!!! :)

<3,

Marj

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Update as of 11/20/2012 We have added Disqus to the comments section! :D If you are still experiencing difficulty to post a comment, feel free to CONTACT ME.