Beauty & Fashion

Zen Zest: A Zest for Scents

It is in feeding vanity that Zen Zest thrives – in the observation that, “no matter how tough the economy gets, Filipinos still find the time and budget to hunt for and buy products that will make them look good and feel good.”

Published

16 years ago

September 4, 2009

Kiki Tan

Practical business sense.

That, says Michelle Dula Asence, was the impetus of the start of Zen Zest, a Filipino-owned body and bath company.

“When I began the business, the population of the Philippines was about 80 million. Now, if just one million Filipinos who take a bath and use scents, buy my products, then I’ll be rich. Lahat naman naliligo, ‘di ba? (Everybody takes a bath, right?)” Asence was earlier quoted as saying to Enterprise Magazine.

And it is in feeding vanity that Zen Zest thrives – in the observation that, “no matter how tough the economy gets, Filipinos still find the time and budget to hunt for and buy products that will make them look good and feel good.”

No wonder that just five years after the company opened, it already had 33 outlets in the country, plus outlets in Bahrain and Japan.

Good business sense can only go so far, though, as Asence proves – she, herself, has fondness for beauty products, particularly perfumes, something she attributes to have inherited from her late uncle, journalist Rod Dula, who had “all the perfumes that came out,” and who had about 300 bottles of perfumes when he passed away. Dula’s encouragement – and approximately P300,000 in capital loaned from her parents – helped bring Zen Zest into being.

That was in 2001.

After conducting a feasibility study, Asence discovered that there was no local brand of complete body and bath care products available in the market. “The imported brands were very expensive,” she recalled. “I’d buy an imported body scrub, but since it was so expensive, titipirin ko ‘yung gamit, hindi ko magagamit araw-araw. Ayaw ko ‘yun. Gusto ko ‘yung laging magagamit (I would use it sparingly. I couldn’t use it every day. I didn’t like that. I wanted a product that I could afford to use each time).”

Asence was not even discouraged by the fact that when she started Zen Zest, the Philippines was just recovering from the Asian financial crisis.

“Everything for me is an opportunity. There is no setback for me,” she said. “The Asian financial crisis was something good that happened to me. Ang mga tao, nagsimulang magtipid (People started to be more frugal), even in their beauty and body products’ expenditures. They could no longer afford the usual imported products so they shifted to local items. Like me, they looked for cheaper but good-quality alternatives.”

Perhaps a little-known fact is that Asence, herself, did almost everything when Zest Zest just started – e.g. after training for about three months under a chemist, she learned how to formulate and prepare concoctions that resulted in her initial products of cologne, hand sanitizer, lotion, perfume, and soap; and she, too, personally packaged the products, delivered them, and arranged them for display in her first outlet in SM Megamall.

Asence proudly claimed that she was able to grow the business from its initial investment alone, and, to date, she has not made any bank loan to support or expand the business.

After its opening in May 2001, Zen Zest already grew into five outlets by December of the same year. And to date, fragrances — body sprays, colognes, and eau de toilettes — account for about 50% of Zen Zest’s total sales. Female patrons, from seven-year-olds to grandmothers, make up the majority of its clients, though men are also a growing market.

Zen Zest has undergone numerous changes since its inception – mainly obvious in the reengineered labeling and packaging that puts it at par with imported brands [“Ang produkto, parang tao ‘yan (A product is like a person). Like a plain Jane, after undergoing treatment by a cosmetic surgeon, looks so much better. Ganoon din ang produkto — simpleng produkto lang (A product is the same—it begins as a simple item), but with an improved appearance and package, iba na rin ang dating (its quality goes up),” Asence said].

It is the re-imagined Zen Zest that broke the international market for the company, as it braved the markets of neighboring Asian countries, including Japan, where the cocktail collection of “night life” scents that are named after drinks such as Cosmopolitan, Margherita, and White Russia are big hits.

Yet another way for Zen Zest to grow that Asence realized is through franchising. “Franchising is also better because we’re like one big happy family, for my franchisees are my friends. Also through franchising, it would be easier for the company to focus on R&D, and other aspects of the business,” she said.

Franchising Zen Zest costs P150,000 (inclusive of a cart and P50,000 worth of items, offered at 50% discount to franchisees).

To keep Zen Zest on top, Asence believes in keeping its products affordable.

“I’d rather have lower profits than no sales at all. Last Christmas, we offered gift packs for only P99. Mahirap gawin ‘yun, ang ganda pa (That was hard to do, and the pack were so nice to look at). We had to sacrifice our profits; at least, the Christmas shoppers bought from us and not from the more expensive competition. In this business and in this country, the businesses can’t demand from the customers. Dapat kung ano ‘yung kaya nila, ‘yun dapat ang bibigay namin (What the customers can afford, that’s what you should give them),” Asence ended.

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Beauty & Fashion

Posh Skin Co. launches new pimple patch designs

Posh Skin Co. reinforces its commitment to making acne skin solutions more accessible, fun, and confidence-boosting than ever as it launches new designs of its innovative pimple patches.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 7, 2025

ZestMag.com Staff

Posh Skin Co. levels up its skincare game as it steps into a new era with a clean new look. With this fresh transformation, Posh Skin Co. reinforces its commitment to making acne skin solutions more accessible, fun, and confidence-boosting than ever as it launches new designs of its innovative pimple patches.

Trendy, Effective, and Fun Pimple Patch Designs

Posh Skin Co.’s rebrand also brings in a new lineup of pimple patch designs, crafted to meet different skincare needs while offering a fresh and fashionable take on blemish care. The new designs include yellow star patches, multicolored star patches, metallic foil patches, for a fun, and comfortable acne treatment experience that lasts all day. The ultra-thin daytime patches provide a discreet and seamless coverage for all-day wear, while the nighttime rescue patches are designed to accelerate blemish healing while you sleep.

The pimple patches now come in new packaging with a sleeker, more minimalist look, following Posh Skin Co.’s rebrand.

“We took on a cleaner and simpler packaging approach to let the pimple patch designs speak for themselves,” said renowned fashion stylist and Posh Skin Co. partner, Charmaine Palermo. “We wanted to highlight what truly matters—effective skincare that empowers people.”

Formulated with the same powerful ingredients, these new pimple patch designs offer users improved coverage, comfort, and effectiveness, and make acne care more wearable and confidence-boosting than ever.

A Fresh, New Chapter

Posh Skin Co.’s new look aligns with the brand’s vision of expansion in the Philippines. Not only is Posh Skin Co. adding new designs to its pimple patch offerings but will also be providing new, versatile acne solutions that fit effortlessly into any lifestyle.

“Acne care should be as dynamic as people’s lives because breakouts can happen at any time,” remarked Palermo. “We wanted to offer more options to treat and prevent breakouts effectively, so we are expanding our line with acne solutions that can easily integrate into any skincare routine.”

With inclusivity and accessibility still at the brand’s core, Posh Skin Co. ensures that the skin treatment they offer will still be a stress-free and empowering experience for all users. As it broadens its pimple patch offerings and develops new skin treatment solutions, Posh Skin Co. continues to deliver innovative skincare to Filipinos.

Say “Bye” to Blemishes, and “Hello” to Confidence with Posh Skin Co.® Pimple Patches

Look good and feel confident while treating your blemishes with Posh Skin Co. pimple patches, available for PHP199 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and the official Posh Skin Co. website and select Watsons stores nationwide.

Beauty & Fashion

PUMA drops 3 colorways of Palermo

Published

2 months ago

February 17, 2025

ZestMag.com Staff

When it comes to footwear, some styles stand the test of time. PUMA’s iconic terrace shoe, the Palermo, is one such classic that has captured the hearts of both sports fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. Originally birthed from PUMA’s deep roots in football, the Palermo continues to evolve and offer an exquisite balance of sports-inspired design and modern fashion aesthetics.

This month, the PUMA Palermo gets an upgrade with three new eye-catching hues that will undoubtedly let anyone make a bold statement wherever they go. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your fit or seeking the perfect casual pair for everyday style, there is a PUMA Palermo shade to match your vibe.

Which PUMA Palermo Colorway Fits Your Style?

Retaining its premium, classic charm with a luxurious suede base and a leather formstrip complete with foil printed PUMA branding, the PUMA Palermo gives sneaker buffs and fashion fans alike plenty of options to express their personal style with its fresh new colorways.

The PUMA Palermo in Team Light Blue

For those who prefer cool, understated tones, the Team Light Blue colorway is a prime choice. A sleek, understated classic, this is a fabulous match for those who lean towards timeless fits, this cool blue hue pairs effortlessly with vintage denim, crisp white tees, and a chill, confident attitude.

(Photo from PUMA PH)

The PUMA Palermo in Rose Mauve/Dark Crimson

Meanwhile, the Rose Mauve/Dark Crimson colorway is fitting for those who want to stand out. The deep crimson adds eye-catching detail into the shoe’s classic silhouette, making it the ultimate option for those looking to make a statement while still embracing the heritage of the Palermo. This shade goes well with tonal layering or as a pop of color against a monochromatic ensemble.

(Photo from PUMA PH)

The PUMA Palermo in Pink/White

The Pink/White colorway adds a playful twist to the terrace staple, perfect for trendsetters who love a fun, sporty vibe. With a punchy pink base complemented by crisp white accents, this colorway effortlessly bridges the gap between athletic wear and high fashion. It’s youthful, vibrant, and undeniably stylish. Paired with either relaxed joggers or tailored streetwear fit, this colorway keeps things light, modern, and adds a little extra flair to your wardrobe.

Must-Have Addition to Any Sneaker Collection

The PUMA Palermo’s new shades prove that some things never go out of style — they just get better with time. Step out boldly with the PUMA Palermo in Team Light Blue, Rose Mauve/Dark Crimson, or Pink/White, now available for PHP 6,000 in PUMA stores at Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta, Bonifacio High Street, Shangri-La Plaza, Eastwood, Venice Grand Canal, Capitol Central Bacolod, and Ayala Center Cebu.

Follow PUMA Philippines’ Instagram account to know the latest news and updates.

For more information, please visit www.puma.com.

Beauty & Fashion

PUMA opens two new stores in PH

PUMA is bringing its collection of sportswear closer to more Filipinos with a back-to-back opening of two new stores in the Philippines. With new stores at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig and at Caltex Mega Station in Pampanga, the renowned sports brand continues to offer high-quality and innovative gear for all sportswear, and even streetwear, needs.

Published

5 months ago

November 6, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Get All Your Footwear Needs at New PUMA Store in Bonifacio High Street

(Photo from PUMA PH)

Last October 29, PUMA opened the doors to its new store located at Bonifacio High Street. The store will exclusively feature iconic shoes from PUMA, including limited pairs of the PUMA Speedcat OG in the black and white colorway, the PUMA All Pro Nitro, and the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3, the shoe worn by Filipino Pole Vault Olympian, EJ Obiena while training at the Paris Olympics. Marking the store’s opening, customers will receive free PUMA merchandise for purchases worth at least PHP 8,000. Promo runs from November 1 to 7, available exclusively at the PUMA Bonifacio High Street store.

From shoes perfect for upgrading your streetwear to high-performance running and basketball shoes, PUMA’s new Bonifacio High Street store is the top spot for sneakerheads and sports enthusiasts who want to add a unique piece to their collections.

Buy One Get One at PUMA PH Biggest Outlet Store in Caltex Mega Station

(Photo from PUMA PH)

The following day on October 30, PUMA also unveiled its new outlet store at the Caltex Mega Station. Located at South Bound NLEX in San Fernando, Pampanga, the store features an expansive selection of PUMA goods.

(Photo from PUMA PH)

To celebrate the opening, the PUMA outlet store is kicking off with a special “Buy One, Get One” promo, giving customers more value for their purchases at the store. With all the top-quality, high-performing PUMA gear available, the new PUMA outlet store at Caltex Mega Station is set to become the prime destination for all your street and sportswear needs.

Drop By the New PUMA Stores Today

(Photos from PUMA PH)

As PUMA Philippines continues to expand its presence in the country, the sports brand persists in making its line of sporting gear and footwear easily available to Filipinos. Both stores offer unique shopping experiences and exclusive collections for fitness enthusiasts, sneakerheads, and trendsetters alike.

Cop a new pair of shoes today at the PUMA Bonifacio High Street Store, located at BGC, Taguig. Enjoy the exclusive Buy One Get One promo at the PUMA Caltex Mega Station store, located at South Bound NLEX, San Fernando, Pampanga. See the latest updates and releases exclusively on PUMA PH’s Instagram page.