Tag: fragrance

THINK PINK

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Ever heard the phrase “the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, the key to a lady’s heart might be inside her bag!

La Clef de mon Cœur est dans mon Sac. That’s how we read the cute pink cards with a set of symbols above.

For its new ROSAVIOLA scent, DIPTYQUE collaborated with fashion designer known for her collection of embroidered book clutches, OLYMPIA LE-TAN. 

Just in time for upcoming Valentine’s day, Olympia Le-Tan interpreted Diptyque’s iconic packaging design in embroidered form which reprinted as the label and packaging for a quirky ‘trompe l’oeil’ effect. Expect the box with felt-made kisses, hearts and keys with ribbons. And yeah, they’re pink!

Available in candle, solid perfume and scented oval form, the Rosavolia fragrance is a lady’s treat by itself. Inspired by the mystery of what’s inside a lady’s bag, it’s a predominance of rose, traces of lipstick and the subtle warmth of leather. The rose-violet fragrance also smells powdery, very playful yet romantic, just like the Olympia Le-Tan’s style. 

The solid perfume is just too cute. Check out the petite cloth drawstring bag patterned in lipstick, rose, heart and kisses. Such a perfect gift idea for upcoming Valentine’s day, or might as well treat yourself and put these limited edition collection on your wish list. 

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

Check out their video!

WHAT’S IN A NUMBER?

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The latest fragrance from MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN contains special number 540. 

BACCARAT ROUGE 540. That’s the name of the fragrance.

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Why 540? Why Baccarat? Isn’t that the name of the super famous crystal manufacturer? Yup, this luxurious fragrance was indeed the result of collaboration between Maison Baccarat and Maison Francis Kurkdjian. In celebration of Baccarat’s 250th anniversary, they launched this luminous & intense EDP. With opening notes of jasmine & saffron, followed by ambergris & cedar, this woody amber floral fragrance did trick me at first whiff. I really thought that it has fruity (read: berry) scent, but actually not. Very unpredictable scent, it’s like a fine vintage perfume bottle. 

The name of this fragrance was actually inspired by the bottle manufacturing process. Clear crystal mixed with 24 carat gold powder was gradually heated to 540 degrees, resulting in a golden red color. And this limited edition bottle is based on a 1942 George Chevalier (Baccarat’s artistic director at that time) design.

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The one with the red box above is a limited and numbered Baccarat Crystal Edition. They only produced 250 of them (said to be price at 3000 Euros per piece), just the same amount of their anniversary year. The rumour has it: they will bring one out of 250 bottle to Indonesia, so keep an eye for it. Too glamorous not to own, if you don’t believe me, watch here for the video of how they made this single diamond-cut flacon. 

For the rest of us, we can still enjoy the same fragrance with simpler bottle (still, it’s Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s signature & iconic bottle) which will be available on this month, January 2016. 

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA & MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN 

DREAMING OF SUMMER IN RIO?

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Surrounding myself with the latest scent of luxury from BVLGARI.

Aimed for younger audience, OMNIA PARAIBA is the latest addition to BVLGARI’s Omnia Collection. From the color of the packaging itself, I can tell that this time around, Bvlgari might attract younger generation who’s looking for a more serious fragrance. 

Named after Brazilian semi-precious stone, Paraiba Tourmaline, which is known for their blue-greenish color, the fragrance is fruity and fresh at the first whiff, but will turn to soft & elegant woody scent at the end. 

Focus on the passion flower (check out the gorgeous pic I got from Bvlgari’s press kit above) known for their aphrodisiac properties, perfumer Alberto Morillas who created this fragrance, were also inspired by Brazilian jungle, beaches & ocean. So, imagine a very tropical scent that embodies a vibrant & joyful feeling. 

The fragrance is available in 25, 40 and 65 ml of EDT.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA & BVLGARI

WHEN EAST MEETS WEST

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Expect something intense & hypnotic with this latest fragrance from DIPTYQUE.

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OUD PALAO: when the magic of Laotian Oud mixed with Bulgarian Rose, Indian Cypriol, SriLankan Sandalwood, Somalian Olibanum, Madagascan Vanilla, Spanish Citus, and Indonesian Patchouli. Sounds very complex, doesn’t it? But actually, it is simply Oud, also known as liquid gold. It’s not bright as gold, but it’s dark & mysterious..just like the packaging.

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The packaging looks unisex, because it is a genderless fragrance. Legendary perfumer, Fabrice Pellegrin & Diptyque’s own Myriam Badault are the pair behind the creation of this deep fragrance. It took them two years to launch this sensual fragrance. Influenced by the Middle East, when fragrance (read: Oud) is such a huge part of their culture, Oud Palao is somewhat different. It has its’ own personality, like a precious gem. 

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It started with a strong whiff of Oud, then it dries down to more woody scent. Definitely a fragrance for the charming & the daring.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

THE NEW KIND OF SCENTS ‘LIBRARY’

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Check out the new and latest DIPTYQUE’s counter!

Set like a library, this is exactly what you’ll see if you go to their store in Paris (only smaller). Located at The Papilion Duo, Jakarta, you’ll find range of candles, fragrances, home fragrances and their latest skin & body care. 

Me and fellow press met Estelle Omnès, Diptyque’s Area Manager for Asia Pacific and she shared interesting facts about Diptyque.

  1. Diptyque’s founders: Christiane Gautrot, Desmond Knox-Leet and Yves Coueslant opened their first shop on 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain to display their artsy fabrics & wallpaper designs (the same wallpaper can be seen on this store!)
  2. Candles made them well known at first, but 7 years later, the very first fragrance was launched, L’Eau.
  3. Celebrating 50 years of anniversary, they launched 34, fragrance inspired by their first shop’s scent.
  4. Their best selling fragrance around the world is PHILOSYKOS. It was actually Greece words mean: Fig Tree. It smells wonderful, very fresh!

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA (except the Philosykos)

FOR THE BEST SUMMER NIGHTS

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This is the second version of AQUA VITAE by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, named AQUA VITAE FORTE.

The first version was actually launched two years ago, and this year Francis went stronger. A genderless fragrance with richer and fuller scents of Bergamot & Lemon from Calabria, Cardamom from Guatemala, Cinnamon from Ceylon, East Indian Sandalwood, Mandarin from Sicily, Orange Blossom from Tunisia, Pink Szechuan Pepper, Vetiver from Haiti and Ylang Ylang from Madagascar. 

Inspired by the meeting of water & sun, notes of woody fragrance is what got me the most (could be from the Vetiver and Sandalwood). Unlike the first version which is more citrusy and great for day use, AQUA VITAE FORTE is more a day to night transformation scent. I can imagine wearing this while watching the sunset and enjoying the night after. Very warm and long lasting scent, AQUA VITAE FORTE comes in 70ml Eau De Parfum. 

A CLASS OF THEIR OWN

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Do you remember your very first fragrance?

Well…mine is “White Linen” from ESTEE LAUDER. I remembered the scent till now, the refreshing and clean fragrance. I guess I was always fell for those kind of scents. Launched in 1978, White Linen is still available until now. 

The fact is, for over 50 years, Estee Lauder has been launching many fragrances. The first one was YOUTH DEW. Introduced in 1953, it was actually a scented bath oil that could also be used as perfume (they said it was a taboo for women wearing perfume at that time, whaaatttt?). 

This year, they launch THE HOUSE OF ESTEE LAUDER CLASSIC PARFUMS COLLECTION. Consist of 8 fragrances, they’re bringing back the classics, like: ESTEE (from the year 1968), AZUREE (from 1969), ALIAGE (from 1972), CINNABAR (1978), SPELLBOUND (1991), TUSCANY PER DONNA (1992), INTUITION (2000) and BEYOND PARADISE (2003). Their packaging are new, but the scent stay the same.

ESTEE is the second fragrance that Mrs Estee Lauder created after Youth Dew. So, imagine the history of this fragrance. This took 7 years to make, FYI. 

AZUREE is a very warm fragrance, inspired by the Mediterranean. 

Since the 70′s style is back, ALIAGE will be the perfect scent to reflect that era. Cool & energetic.

Very oriental, CINNABAR (now pronounced: China Bar) is mysterious and sensual.

Imagine the first feeling of falling in love, that’s SPELLBOUND.

One of the very classic, TUSCANY PER DONNA (Tuscany for Women) was inspired by the Italian Countryside. 

 Created by Evelyn Lauder, INTUITION is one warm & very feminine scent.

Last but not least, the very addictive BEYOND PARADISE. The most modern scent from all of 8 (maybe because it was created not too long ago), this scent reminds me of all things tropical. 

My favorite? ESTEE. I believe I have an old soul trapped inside, LOL. Classic without being too powerful (we have to admit some of the classic fragrances tend to have very strong unforgettable scent). I love the fact that this was created by Mrs Estee herself, inspired by the light she saw from two crystal chandeliers shimmering in a glass of champagne. It’s a very wonderful scent, perfect for day use in this hot weather. 

PRODUCT PHOTOS: ESTEE LAUDER (except the last one was taken by me)

BEYOND LOVELY

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I live for the weekend.

And what a weekend indeed, yesterday I received this lovely box from BEYOND INDONESIA. Thanks, gals.

Just look at that cute box, I love how this Korean brand put on cuteness on each and every products they have. 

Inside the box, there are two products: BLOOMING LOVELY MAGNOLIA BODY LOTION & BLOOMING LOVELY MAGNOLIA SHOWER COLOGNE.

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And yet again, the packaging had me. Love the illustration! 

So what’s inside the Body Lotion (pink bottle)? Plant Moisturizer. It gives elasticity for the skin without any irritation. I’ve tried other body lotion from BEYOND, and I simply love it. I felt like since it was made in Korea, they understand our Asian skin better. Their body lotion smells soft, not overpowering and their absorbency level are magnificent. They didn’t leave any stickiness behind, which was great for our humid & hot weather here (summer for 365 days). And this BLOOMING LOVELY MAGNOLIA BODY LOTION feels like other BEYOND’s body lotion: refreshing & comfortable on skin. With soft magnolia’s scent, it’s a winner for me! 

Next, BLOOMING LOVELY MAGNOLIA SHOWER COLOGNE. I have to admit that I rarely use body mist. But, this body mist completes the body lotion with the same soft & romantic scent. So, yes…layering! Perfect for spray retouch throughout these never ending summer days. Somehow, it felt cool when sprayed. 

Best part, they’re very affordable. Nothing hit more than Rp 250K. Actually, they have body wash in this range too. If you’re a softy like me, you’ll love this range. 

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

NOSTALGIA IN A BOTTLE

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This latest fragrance from DIPTYQUE will definitely brighten my mood for unbelievably long hot summer days..and nights…

Created in hazy tribute to the childhood memories of Christiane Gautrot, one of DIPTYQUE’s founders, FLORABELLIO is truly a homage to summer days. Collaborating with a fine art photographer, Terri Weifenbach and a writer, Philippe Claudel, check out the fine art works from FLORABELLIO’s press kits.

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Also on the press kits, a cute flower repair patch by The Mason & Lesquoy.

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I love how Diptyque really put an effort to create a concept and story in each of their fragrances. And just to have that gorgeous bottle sitting beautifully on your makeup drawer, it already defines who you are. You are unique, you love nostalgic moments, you feel comfortable to wear something you’re familiar with and you smell beautiful. Enough said. 

FLORABELLIO features notes of sea salt, apple blossom, coffee and toasted sesame. Every note blended effortlessly to create a subtle light airy scent. First whiff might seem citrusy but when it dries down, I can smell that slightly sweet coffee scent. Not your typical summery fragrance, FLORABELLIO is energising and caressing without being too floral or fruity. Now available in Jakarta (yeay!) and it comes in two sizes, EDT 50ml and 100ml. 

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PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

WHEN PLEASURE MEETS LUXURY

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This week, I was invited to the exclusive luncheon event of SERGE LUTENS fragrances. It was a great event, they turned the second floor of Tugu Kuntstkring, Jakarta, into a SERGE LUTENS exhibition. Once I entered, they displayed his biography, some of his works (including his two rare books), and (of course) his fragrances collection. 

I think I remember these Shiseido’s ads. In his biography, Serge as a photographer, signed on for a collaboration with Shiseido in 1980. Later in 1982, he conceived “Nombre Noir”, his very first perfume, also for Shiseido. Ten years later, in 1992, he led his first true olfactory revolution in the field of perfume through his creation “Feminite du bois”. And his creations continue until today. 

Currently, Serge Lutens in Jakarta’s stores (Galeries Lafayette and Central Department Store), only carry Eaux and Spray Bottles’ range. Not very complete range, but not bad for first timer. I found some scents are so not me, I also believe some are too strong for this climate. FYI, Serge Lutens doesn’t differ femme & homme fragrances, so you can say they’re genderless. Yup, Serge believes that feeling good has nothing to do with gender and one fragrance can’t simply belong to one gender or the other. My suggestion, search for one that suits you best.

After many sniffs at the event, am I glad I found one that suits me best! “L’Eau Serge Lutens” from EAUX range. Created by Serge in 2010, he calls this creation, an anti-perfume, a connection between perfumes & literature (no wonder I felt such a strong connection towards this specific scent). Leaving a very clean scent, just like when you slipped on newly washed clothes, or lay your cheeks on newly changed pillow sheet, it’s exactly what prompted Serge when he created “L’Eau Serge Lutens”. On the release given to media, Serge said “This creation is my response to a world that is over-scented”. Whoa!!! Exactly my thought. There were times when I just want to smell clean not artificial, and I can say it did a superb job. I recommend this for those who just realized the importance of wearing fragrance (read: beginners), and for those who (this might be a bit harsh, but do spare me) anti-perfume. Trust me, (I copied this from Serge’s statement on the release) “It’s like a breath of fresh, oxygen-filled air”. Clean air one, of course!

Check out the bottle and the packaging. As I’m a firm believer that luxury doesn’t have to scream out loud, the simplicity of Serge Lutens’ bottles had me. Slim and very portable, they can be applied with the stopper like cologne or for the girl on the go (like me), every purchase came with the sprayer option. Save the royal ritual of splattering cologne at home and bring the sprayer to go.  

 PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA