Tag: indonesia

NEW BEAUTY BOUTIQUE IN TOWN

Shout out to Kiehl’s fans in Jakarta, come visit the 9th Kiehl’s boutique inside GLOW Living Beauty, Plaza Indonesia.

The celebration of their Grand Opening on May 18, 2013 was attended by a very special guest, Todd Anthony Taylor. If you watched Asia’s Next Top Model, he was one of the judges alongside Nadya Hutagalung. Some of lucky Kiehl’s guests and customers who attended the event got the chance to be photographed by the handsome fashion photographer himself.

Like the other 8 Kiehl’s boutique in Indonesia, the number 9 boutique also represents the unique apothecary ambience which was inspired by the first ever Kiehl’s boutique in the world, located at East Village, New York. The bricks, mosaic entrance door, vintage photos, chandelier, product testing hub and their icon, Mr. Bones were there to greet Kiehl’s loyal customers. Surprisingly, I’ve been told that 30% of their walk-in customers are male. I strongly believe that it must’ve been the Kiehl’s décor which looks attractive universally without intimidating the different kind.

Congrats to Kiehl’s Indonesia, hope for more boutiques to come.

 

NEW BEAUTY BRAND IN TOWN

Inside the much anticipated Galeries Lafayette in Jakarta, Indonesia, there’s one beauty brand worth to check out…

…especially if you’re one of those ‘return to nature’ type, very into natural skincare and searching for the very best for your skin and yourself. Then, you’ll love ALPURE. Made entirely in Switzerland (known for their quality and purity), their counter in Galeries Lafayette Jakarta is the first in Indonesia (so exclusive, even Singapore and Hong Kong haven’t carry this brand yet).

So what differs ALPURE from their competitors, other Swiss’ brands? This high end skincare products are the first skincare line with 100% natural ingredients from the Swiss Alps. Ingredients cultivated in strict accordance with Swiss organic standards. More than 20 species of endemic plants with effective cosmetic properties, are used to create a unique and rare cocktail, together with a special Glacier water. OK, imagine Switzerland with their white top (covered with snow) mountains like all the time. Actually not, they’ll melt on summer (usually in July and August) and that’s the perfect time for ALPURE to collect these precious water.

Currently, they have three lines in Indonesia, named Bio-Alpine (Anti-Ageing line), AltiSource (Hydration line) and Systeme-Pur (Preparation line). Silky and gentle textures with subtle fragrance, ALPURE offered a simple skincare range and affordable luxury Swiss product.

New brand fascinates me all the time, and the best way to try them is going for their best seller products. Turned out, ALPURE has three best sellers from each range, 3in1 Toning Cleanser, Anti-Ageing Eye Cream and Intensive-Hydration Re-sourcing Mask. I can see why they become best sellers, the cleanser is truly a three in one product, combining cleansing milk, toning lotion and purifying gel. It cleansed non waterproof makeup perfectly, leaving skin soft and purified. And the Anti-Ageing Eye Cream is so cooling when applied, thanks to its’ decongestant effect. Good for puffy eyes, those swollen looking eyes when we wake up each morning. It’ll also help smoothen those wrinkles & fine lines, and the enemy of all beauty states, dark circles. Another cooling product is their Intensive-Hydration Re-sourcing Mask. They remind me of those butter spread packaging when you have breakfast in the hotel. With their ice-cube effects, it’s the answer for very dry and dehydrated skin. Put it inside the refrigerator (not freezer) for 10 minutes before applying and feel the cold sensation on your face and neck. Leave for another 10 minutes then wipe, this non-masking mask can also be leave overnight if you fell like your face are that dehydrated. Just apply thinly and leave them to work overnight.

ALPURE price range is quite affordable for such quality, they go from Rp 450.000 (for 3in1 Toning Cleanser) up to Rp 975.000 (for Firming Cream). Good news, they’re having their opening promotion until June 12, 2013. When you buy any ALPURE product, they will give you an AltiSource trio sample card (with their best seller mask inside). Hurry to their Galeries Lafayette’s counter (at Ground Floor) while stocks last.

 

 

WHEN THE WEATHER CHANGES

For me, changing fragrances is not just to suit my moods.

I’ve learned my fragrance lessons 101 well throughout my traveling days. Some fragrances (even those with big names) suddenly failed on me when I bought them in colder climates cities, and wore them here in my home town which is hot and humid like all the time. They just smell…well…different. That’s why I started to believe that some fragrances are just best to worn where they produced….

….until this week I was invited to the launch of the latest Diptyque fragrance, named L’Eau Du Trente Quatre in The Papilion Duo, Jakarta, Indonesia. Seems like the good people at Diptyque can read my mind and needs, they created a new version of their original 34 Boulevard Saint Germain (named after their boutique address in Paris/the place where Diptyque was born in 1961).

A greener interpretation, more playful and definitely lighter, Diptyque L’Eau Du Trente Quatre is the perfect fragrance to accommodate warmer climate and suit our forever summery mood. Thanks to the green scent of birch tree leaves, a unique cocktail of bitter orange, verbena, lemon, grapefruit and lavender as top notes. A pinch of nutmeg, juniper berries and cinnamon tree leaves sets the floral heart of Egyptian geranium and tuberose. Last but not least are the base of Virginia cedar, patchouli, a hint of incense, Spain cist and bright musk which balance this genderless fragrance into one unforgettable scent.

Diptyque L’Eau Du Trente Quatre comes in a white cap with the same oval bottle as the 34 Boulevard Saint Germain (which comes in a black cap, by the way). And its’ box represent a more feminine side of the brand, to commemorates the grey and pink fabrics produced at the beginnings of Diptyque with a special Pretorien motif. Currently, they carry two sizes (50ml and 100ml) of Eau De Toilette, but let’s hope they will expand this versatile new scent to solid perfume and home fragrance as well. 

THE MORE, THE MERRIER

I’m talking about 8, yes 8 in one beauty product.

Dr. Christine Schrammek (she was a dermatologist which created the first ever BB Cream in the world) would be very proud to see that she had created a craze in beauty business. While the first BB Cream was used in German on 1960 to treat post-op patients, it was getting hipper when it was introduced in Japan and Korea in 1985. Many Korean Pop artists used it to create flawless and healthy looking skin and (boom!!!) every one wants it….

… including me. Personally I love using BB Cream more than foundation for its’ ability to cover spots, acnes and all. For some beauty brands, it has evolved from being just a base makeup to more multi tasking skincare product. Like The Body Shop Moisture White Shiso BB Serum Inside, which has 8 benefits in one bottle. Allow me to break it down to you:

  1. Brightening
  2. Instant Hydration
  3. Natural Finish
  4. Easy Blendable
  5. UV Protection
  6. Soothing
  7. Evens skin tone
  8. Lightweight

At the launch event in Moovina, Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta, last week, Astrid Indrasari, Training Manager The Body Shop Indonesia explained “This BB Cream has lighter texture than the previous All-In-One BB Cream. And it was specially design for Asian market, including Indonesia.” Also at the event, dr. Amaranila Lalita Drijono Sp.KK, dermatologist shared her thought about BB Cream. “I believe that the whole idea about makeup, is to enhance your beauty, not to cover them. Which exactly what BB Cream did, it’s not an ordinary foundation or base makeup, but it has active ingredients for skincare to protect the skin from UV ray and free radicals.”

Shiso (which widely used in Japanese food), believed to reduce early melanin-making signals for brighter and luminous skin acts as the main ingredient. The other formula is vitamin C, liquorice and Community fair trade aloe vera from Guatemala, promised to brightens, soothes and protects skin against UV with SPF 25PA+++.

So, how do I like it? As I already have a fair skin color, can you tell from my pictures above that I actually got fairer? But look at the flawless finish and its’ ability to cover my dark under eye circles without the help of any concealer. I used one pump for the whole face and apply the rest on my neck. I can feel the different texture with their All-In-One BB Cream which I’ve reviewed previously here.  

This BB Cream is smoother, lighter and creamier with one radiant beige shade suits all. With the help of setting powder for the final touch, I believe that my skin stayed matte longer. The Body Shop Moisture White Shiso BB Serum Inside is now available at The Body Shop Indonesia’s stores, or you can buy it online here. 

MIDAS TOUCH

Trust me, if you ever tried one of Kérastase’s Hair Rituals, you’ll forget there are cream bath or any other similar but not the same hair treatment.

It’s a ritual like no other, it didn’t just make my hair look good, it made me feel good. Gorgeous healthy hair that bounced with glory every time I walk, will definitely made my day. I bet you too.

After the marvelous launching event of Kérastase Elixir Ultime Grands Crus (see it here), Kérastase Indonesia invited me and a few other bloggers yesterday to experience their latest Hair Rituals, 24 Carats Ritual. Just like its’ name, the pure and fine gold measurement, the ritual itself is really a luxurious experience. Tailor made, just like the other Kérastase’s hair ritual, but this time using Kérastase Elixir Ultime’s range, including the predecessor Kérastase Elixir Ultime and the latest addition: Sublime Cleansing Oil Shampoo, Beautifying Oil Mask and Grands Crus.

Frankly speaking, I was being skeptical at first as I have super oily scalp and the thought of washing and treating it with oil didn’t thrill me. But, boy…was I wrong. The shampoo effectively cleansed my scalp without weighing my hair down. The mask, which actually looks like a thick cream mixed with gold flakes crushed, nourished my hair completely, leaving them with a lustrous looking shine. As for the Grands Crus, it completed the whole ritual by its’ divine scent. If they did ‘magic’ to my short hair, imagine what they can do for longer hair.
Let me share my 24 Carats Ritual’s experience at Irwan Team Hair Design, Grand Indonesia, Jakarta.

  • First the therapist applied Elixir Ultime Oil to the scalp and shafts on dry hair (pre-shampoo), and massage for 5 minutes.
  • Then, shampoo with Sublime Cleansing Oil Shampoo.
  • The therapist blend about two spoon of Beautifying Oil Mask, two drops of Elixir Ultime and Grands Crus (I personally picked THÉ IMPÉRIAL for the colored hair) and he applied them generously on the shafts.
  • Cold steam for about 10 minutes, while the therapist did hot stones massage on my back, hands and feet.
  • Rinse without shampoo and preparing for blow dry with a drop of Grands Crus THÉ IMPÉRIAL.

As you can see from my pictures above, my hair looks like they have just been revamped. Though I don’t have Giselle Bundchen’s long shiny locks, I’m quite happy with the way they bounced healthily and most of all smell incredible. “Your choice of Grands Crus is actually inspired by Chanel fragrance’s, Coco Mademoiselle,” said Caroline Dery, Group Product Manager Kérastase.

After our 24 Carats Ritual’s experience, a beauty luncheon was held and Caroline explained more about the Grands Crus line. “ROSE MILLÉNAIRE suited for the passionate moods, MORINGA IMMORTEL for the elegant in you, THÉ IMPÉRIAL for the romantics and ELIXIR ULTIME for the glamorous.” If my choice (THÉ IMPÉRIAL) was inspired by Coco Mademoiselle, MORINGA IMMORTEL was inspired by Kenzo Flower, while ROSE MILLÉNAIRE was inspired by Aromatonic from Lancome. Yes, everyone would be able to find an elixir suited for their hair type or just to suit their mood.

But, don’t just take my words for this special hair ritual. Seriously, you have to feel it yourself to believe it.

 

YUP, THEY DID IT AGAIN

After the first and biggest exhibition in Senayan City, Jakarta, Indonesia last March (check about the previous event here), Optik Seis did it again.

The second Ray-Ban and Oakley “Are you Rock or Sport” exhibition were celebrated last Sunday in Mal Taman Anggrek, Jakarta, Indonesia. The exhibition was opened for public and we were entertained by the performance of Maialicious (DJ Maia Estianty and Live PA MeiChan) and fashion show of Ray-Ban and Oakley Eyewear by JIM Models. At the event, there were a red Vespa and one Oakley watch (worth Rp 20mio) to be win for the lucky draw.

Even though last Sunday was the last day for the exhibition, no fret, because you can still check out the latest collection of Ray-Ban and Oakley in Optik Seis stores near you. You can check about their promotion on their facebook page.

Crème de la Crus

If a brand expanding their previous product and providing us with new variants, it must be that good.

Apparently so good, Kérastase Elixir Ultime which was launched last year reportedly one being sold every 2 minutes worldwide, and it’s Kérastase’s number one best selling product. This exclusive hair oil is the answer for growing demand of high performing hair oil for its’ benefits and the luxurious feel.

Well, the Elixir Ultime has new families now. Kérastase Elixir Ultime Grands Crus combining the same original base formula, Oléo-Complexe (a fusion of Maize Oil, Argan Oil, Pracaxi Oil and Camellia Oil) with natural extracts of Rose flowers, Moringa and White Tea. Three variants are created with different scents and tailor made to deliver specific results for each hair needs. “Back in my country, Grands Crus means the ‘best’ for wine and such. This time we brought the best care with the special fragrance to suit every mood,” said Michel Toth, General Manager Professional Products Division L’Oreal Indonesia at the Indonesia’s launch of Kérastase Elixir Ultime Grands Crus. Celebrated at SKYE Bar, Menara BCA, Grand Indonesia, Jakarta with fellow journalists, salon owners and hair enthusiasts, Kérastase Indonesia also introduced the new hair care ritual, named “24 Carats Ritual” (which I’ll experience personally soon and for sure I’ll keep you updated).

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Grands Crus are:

Rose Millénaire (purple): Perfect for fine hair. Rich in vitamin E to protect fine hair from UV radiation and pollution. Flowery scent for those who longs for passionate mood.

Moringa Immortel (green): Made for weak hair. Rich in vitamin and nutrition to revitalize hair condition. Woody and citrus scent to fulfill elegant mood.

Thé Impérial (pink): Designed for colored hair. White tea extract will protect colored hair from fading and reflect hair shine to the fullest.

What differs the trio from the predecessor (comes in gold)? They’re lighter so they won’t make our hair limp, sticky or (worse) weigh them down. The scent reminds me of luxurious French perfumes and they’re so multifunction. We can use it before shampooing, before styling, as leave-in conditioner, as finishing touch and for retouching. From my own experience (my favorite is Thé Impérial, by the way) it is the hair oil without the oiliness, it didn’t even leave oily trace on the palm of my hands afterwards. I only use one pump for my short hair and I like to use it to retouch throughout the day. It gives my hair that shiny (not oily) and healthy bounce with fragrant hair as bonus.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Grands Crus are now available in 127 leading salons nationwide in Indonesia. 

DO YOU FIT TO THESE CRITERIAS?

Controversial, Edgy, Dare to be different?

If you do, then you’ll love Yves Saint Laurent Beaute. Originally launched in 1978, the makeup line known for being extravagance through their palette of textures and colors has been marketed in Indonesia for five years under L’Oréal Indonesia. According to Novi, Brand Manager YSL Beaute Indonesia, the brand voted as Indonesia’s highest growth beauty brand last year. No surprised, considering they have their best selling products like Touche Eclat (reportedly sold one every 10 seconds in the world) and very strong demand in lipstick category.

Last Tuesday, I was invited to the Media Gathering where Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Indonesia announced their collaboration with Gusnaldi, one of the top makeup artist in Indonesia. He’s the most sought after makeup artist among our local celebrities and his works can be seen on many of our top local prints as well. Back in the print days, I used to worked with him a lot, and I can see why he fits to the YSL’s criteria. He’s definitely the one that can be in line with YSL’s signature makeup, edgy, couture and sexy.

Gusnaldi reinterpreted three looks which was originally created by Lloyd Simmonds, Creative Director Makeup YSL Beaute. As makeup are reflected perfectly by lights, then these looks are all about experiencing the magic light, created by YSL’s best selling products. Named Studio Lumiere, the light belongs to Yves Saint Laurent, check out the steps to the beauty ritual above. And…as expected, Gusnaldi worked his magic hands by giving summer colors a bold boost, through his “Parisian” look, artsy and very fashionable for his “Couture” look and set smoky eyes with different strokes for his “Tuxedo” look.

The exact steps of the exclusive global ritual were followed by Gusnaldi on his two models at the event. Prepped the skin with Forever Youth Liberator and according to Gusnaldi “will make pores look smaller”,  diffusing the light with the Le Teint Touche Eclat “foundation inspired by Touche Eclat”, sculpt the light “it’s highlighting not concealing” and set the light with additional tools like powder, lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner and blush. Gusnaldi loves to pile on lips, he used lip gloss first to moist and add lipstick on top, then another lip gloss to make lips look healthy and keep the lipstick last longer. Hmmm…good trick. 

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR PAYCHECKS FOR MAKEUP?

I believe many of you would love to spend a lot for a piece of that designer’s lipstick.

Who doesn’t? But for those who are still looking for an affordable way to get our makeup products change in a fast period of time (personally I called this “Beauty Itch”), fret not. Wet n Wild is our access to get that ‘itches’ gone in no time. Beauty brand originated from Los Angeles, USA, is now accessible for Indonesia’s market.

Good to know that most of their products are gluten free and vegan, plus they are one of the PETA-certified cruelty free brand (hello, that means they never test on animals). Their latest collaboration is with Fergie to support amfAR (that’s American Foundation for AIDS Research), and yes, Fergie is their latest Global Beauty Ambassador as well. Too bad Fergie’s collection is not available here in Indonesia, but you’ll be glad to know that their products won’t cost you the world. For nothing cost more than Rp 150.000 each, getting your hands on the new colors of eyeshadows, lipsticks, lipglosses, blushers, eyeliners and nail colors won’t be that exhausting for our dear wallet.

And thanks to Wet n Wild Indonesia, I’ve got picked as one of their official Beauty Ambassador and I’m honored. See my first ever Wet n Wild’s look above created with Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio #380B Walking On Eggshells (it cost Rp 89.000), Mega Liner #E861 Black (Rp 79.000), Mega Slicks #E568 Bronze Berry (Rp 69.000).

And the verdict? No fuzz eyeshadow trios, as they were embossed on each color. Very thoughtful ideas, don’t you think? So beginners who are clueless about which color goes where, will know exactly where to put the Browbone, Crease and Eyelid color where it belongs. A bit shimmery yet pigmented colors glide on easily and they last until I took them off at night. The colors look very natural, perfect for day look.

Even though I’m not a big fan of liquid eyeliner and brush that usually comes with it, but I love their Mega Liner. Like the eyeshadows, it’s very pigmented, glides on easily and long lasting. Look how I managed to achieve those thin strokes?

As for the Mega Slicks, I have to say the color looks very very natural on me. First application might be a bit shimmery but after blending, it sets quite well to give me a full looking lips without the chapped. My lips did look healthier and plumpier. It has the scent which reminds me of overcooked caramel, sans the taste.

Being a first timer using this beauty brand, now I’m not surprised why Wet n Wild has built their reputation over the last 30 years and noted as one of the leading authorities of color in the mass beauty market.

Visit their Indonesia’s online store to view the complete range.   

 

 

HEY, OMBRE!

Celebrating Spring Summer 2013 with a new hair highlight. Me likey.

Last week, I attended the launch of Ombrés Nature, the latest Spring Summer 2013 Collection from L’Oréal Professionnel in the new hotel in Jakarta, JS Luwansa. Collaborating with local fashion label, Alex[a]lexa, all the floral prints seem to fit in for the hair creations by four Hairdresser Ambassadors of L’Oréal Professionnel Indonesia (Andy Lie from Lie Salon Medan, Arie Hidayat & Bambang Harryono from Arie Harry Salon & Bridal Surabaya & Bali, Irwan Doke from Irwan Team Hair Design Jakarta and Lie Kuang from Lie Kuang Salon, Semarang). Check out their fabulous Ombrés Nature creations above.

Thanks to Gisele Bundchen (which I personally think was born with that gorgeous hair), ombré became a huge hair trend, celebrated by many (celebrities or not). From time to time, this trend evolved and become more subtle than the previous technique like those dip n dye spotted on Jessie J. And thanks to L’Oréal Professionnel for bringing this trend more applicable to us, mere mortals from a tropical country, I think I’m super ready for rocking their latest trend, Ombrés Nature. By the way, I am so into “Cool Nature”. Don’t you just love those messy bob style with warm highlights?

Very natural and very Spring Summer, it’ll reflect naturally when hit by lights, making our hair look more multidimensional as the technique is more in highlight terms rather than those bold and obvious lines. Which one is your favorite out of three Ombrés Nature trends made to life by James Pecis  and Nathan Walter (from Trevor Sorbie Salon in the UK)? Sophisticated, Cool or Pop Nature?

People, it’s 2013. Time to concentrate on the technique for hair trend, instead of just the color itself.