MY NEW ADDICTION

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I called this a lighter version of my HG foundation, MAC StudioFix.

With MAC’s exclusive Marine-Bright Formula and Super-Duo Charge Water, the foundation is not the only one on the range.

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Yes, they’re all skin care with the latest in brightening technology in hand. The difference between the previous Lightful series and these is the potent addition of vitamin C. As you might already know, Vitamin C will boost that brightened effects on skin, resulting flawless look. Originally developed for Asian market, now they’re available globally with different packaging (previous one was dotty version, now they come in gradated silver holographic pattern). 

What’s missing in the counter is the Eye Cream, which was delayed (thanks to BPOM as always). But MAC Indonesia’s reassured it will come soon. But you can try others first, like their moisture cream, essence, softening lotion and cleanser. 

Being a huge fan of MAC StudioFix, I got my hands on their Foundation. What differs them? First, the packaging. It’s refillable. Yup, if you buy the foundation, it comes with the empty compact to house the foundation. Even though it’s more expensive: the compact costs Rp 160.000 and the foundation costs Rp 540.000 (compare to StudioFix which costs Rp 500.000 altogether), it’s all worth it! 

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Originally, I used NC 30 for my StudioFix, but they ran out of that shade (yes, already) for this Lightful C Foundation, so I try my luck with NC 25. Same like StudioFix, it’s very long wearing with medium to full coverage. It has different sponge though, thicker & double sided (so you can use this as a foundation or finishing powder, depends on which side of sponge you chose). 

Well, apparently I’ve found a new addiction. I feel this Lightful C Foundation works better on my oily skin. It stays matte longer than StudioFix, blends better, and feels lighter too. With crazy summer ahead, this will be my foundation arsenal for sure. 

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

GLAM UP

Rejoice, fellow salon lovers. There’s a new hair salon in town. And it’s a premium one too!

Last week I was invited to the launch of JOHNNY ANDREAN PREMIUM SALON in Plaza Senayan, Jakarta. Johnny Andrean was such an iconic hair salon owner. It was 37 years ago that he built his first hair salon, and this year, he and his wife, Tina Andrean launched their premium salon due to their client’s high demand for premium hair care services. 

So they renovated their previous salon on the same spot in Plaza Senayan, to match their premium services. It’s more luxurious and comfortable when I saw it and of course, the products they’re using will be more premium. Enter: Shiseido Professional The Hair Care. Yes, they’re using exclusive range from the Japanese brand (also a favorite of Tina Andrean). Targeting to customers with lifestyle in mind, you can also purchase your favorite hair care from Shiseido Professional’s corner at this premium salon. And, they’re using Max Factor for manicure & pedicure color service for that gel finish without using the UV lamp. 

At the event, they also launched their latest hair color trend, named INSTAGLAM. Inspired by “Tokyo Blend” (a hair stylist community from 9 of the most influential salon in Japan) and coffee, Johnny Andrean teamed up with Shiseido Professional for three color trends: Rose Coffee Roaster, Mocha Espresso & Cherry Latte. Be your own ‘barista’ and choose a color from these warm brownish based colors.

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

WHEN PLEASURE MEETS LUXURY

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 

BEING INDEPENDENT MEANS …

…writing one’s own story every day. Well written quotes from ITALIA INDEPENDENT, new eyewear brand available exclusively at OPTIK SEIS.

As you might know already, recently Paris Hilton visited Bali, Indonesia. And one of her instagram pic, showing her wearing sunglasses from Italia Independent. Apparently, she’s not the only celebs who love this brand. From Halle Berry to Lady Gaga, they’ve been spotted wearing this innovative Italian brand.

Yesterday, me and fellow medias were invited to their launch event at Hide & Seek Fairgrounds, Jakarta. Models were wearing clothes from local brands, Minimalism (for male) and Identite (for female). And they were carrying Italia Independent’s range named I-THIN METAL, I-PLASTIK, I-THERMIC, and I-PEACH. My favorite will be I-THERMIC as these frames carried the great technological innovations. Black metal or plastic frames turned colorful with different prints when exposed to temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. They showed us on the launch event, and it changed within 30 seconds. How awesome!

Launched on 2007 at the famous Luisa Roma fashion store in Florence, Italy, now we can get their complete range of eyewear collection right here in our very own Indonesia. Thanks to Optik Seis, you can get their latest Spring/Summer 2015 collection, both sunglasses & optical frames. You can also shop them online, here. (hint: nothing over 2 mio!)

PHOTOS: Shinta Rosvita

RED REVOLUTION

Congratulations to YSL Beaute Indonesia for the launch of their latest counter in Central Department Store, Grand Indonesia, Jakarta.

In conjunction with the opening, they also launch their new arrivals, “Danger Lips Collection”, “Forever Youth Liberator Y Shape” and Blush Volupte. Let’s start with the lips, shall we? With the latest collection, they offer four looks, “Daring”, “Edgy”, “Sexy” and “Rock”. Some Rouge Pur Couture Lipsticks are new, some are classic best seller like Rouge Pur Couture #52 (Rouge Rose), a most wanted lipstick shade (thanks to K-Pop madness). 

The newest addition is Blush Volupte (Rp 680.000), available in 9 colors. There are two ways to apply this blush, mixed together as blush or apply separately to sculpt. As for skincare, they have Forever Youth Liberator Y Shape, perfect to achieve that Youth Shape look. Comes in Creme (Rp 1.800.000) and Concentrate (Rp 1.850.000), these duo will work hand in hand to restore lost volumes and redefine Y-shape contours on face, neck and decollete. 

Well, beauty enthusiasts…what are you waiting for? 

UNEXPECTED, LUXURIOUS & NEXT GENERATION

That’s what Marc Jacobs Beauty all about….

at least according to Tiana Lukette, Marc Jacobs Beauty Education Specialist from the US at the launch of this most anticipated makeup line. Me and fellow bloggers were invited to the launch event at The Immigrant, Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta. And boy, did we have fun trying them all. From Genius Gel Foundation, Remedy Concealer Pen till LoveMarc Lip Gel. Yup ladies, Marc Jacobs Beauty is finally available throughout Sephora Indonesia since this January 2015. This breakthrough brand debuts 126 products, assortment of 16 innovative complexion & color cosmetics, plus makeup brushes.

“Beauty is youth, beauty is energy, it’s something that you attracted to,” said Marc in his short video played at the event. In the video, he also mentioned about how he personally love the blackest of black, the shiniest of shine, the mattest of matte which he created for his beauty line. And I just love how Marc really gets his hands on all the products, from the ingredients to their names. Even his tattoo “Shameless” was the inspiration behind the brand’s bold blushes. 

If you think the ritual of putting on cosmetics, choosing your clothes & shoes is a part of your joyful life, then Marc Jacobs Beauty is for you! Get them exclusively at Sephora Plaza Indonesia and Kota Kasablanka, Jakarta, Indonesia. 

JUST LIKE EDELWEISS

Small and white, clean & bright. This well-known mountain flower is the active ingredient for the latest eye care product from THE BODY SHOP, DROPS OF YOUTH EYE CONCENTRATE. 

Yesterday, me, fellow bloggers and medias were invited to the launch at Hotel Mulia, Jakarta. To refresh our memories, Drops of Youth was actually a part of Nutriganics skincare series which was launched back in 2012. Remember their Drops of Youth Concentrate? Apparently, this face serum which carried the plant stem cells technology from rare Criste Marine is doing very well, The Body Shop decided to create a whole skincare range, Drops of Youth. 

Instead of Criste Marine, Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate enriched with Edelweiss plant stem cells from the Alps and Community Fair Trade Babassu Oil from Brazil. As edelweiss plant stem cells possess renowned skin renewal properties, this unique and innovative eye concentrate will refresh the eye contour (including the lids), smoothes out the appearance of lines, bags & fatigue. Perfect for those who long for younger-looking eyes (read:me!). 

It was great to be there at this launch event, as I got some serious knowledge from The Body Shop Indonesia and dermatologist dr. Amaranila Lalita Drijono, Sp.KK. Some of the important points that she shared were:

  • We should always differentiate skin care with eye care, as eye area are more sensitive. She said, a lot of women still use one same product for the whole face. What? Face cream for eyes? Hello???? I’ve used eye cream since I was 17.
  • The way we apply our beauty products is also important. Tugging, rubbing and those high pressure will age us faster. She said, maybe you’ve picked the right products but the way you applied them also counts. 
  • Thank goodness for the technology, as we now lived in an era of Cosmeceutical, cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients to help us repair our skin problems. Imagine those days when skincare only delivered moisturizing properties. 
  • Make sure your eye care product is not only dermatology tested, but also ophthalmology tested, as eye products will come close to the eyes (even entering them).

“Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate is ophthalmology tested,” said Ilya Kamelia, Training Manager & Skincare Expert from The Body Shop Indonesia. At the event, she also demonstrated on model how to apply it. Firstly use, you might need two to three pumps to deliver the concentrate on the roller ball (after the first use, one pump is enough). Then, roll in a figure of 8 motion around the eye area (not just under eyes, but also on the lids). Gently pat afterwards with your ring fingers to help the absorption. She recommends to apply before moisturizer or eye cream on a clean face. But if needed (let’s just say you stare on your computer all day), you can apply it on top of your makeup for instant eye refreshment. You can read the usage instructions from the packaging as well (see above pic).

Available throughout The Body Shop Indonesia’s stores since January 8, 2015 for Rp 439.000 with the rest of the Drops of Youth series (can’t wait to get my hands on them too). Oh yeah, you can also get them online, click here

GREAT NEWS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Now, there are active anti-aging care range from APOT.CARE Paris. 

Last week, me and fellow press were invited to the launch of Apot.Care skincare range. As I’ve tried their Optilash (lash & brow serum) to lengthen my lashes and thicken my brows, I was excited to try their skincare as well. If it worked for my eyes, it should work for my skin as well, right?

Well, turned out, Apot.Care skincare range really took the science and the principles of ophthalmology. That’s why they can be used even on the most sensitive skin. Ever got the feeling of your eyes sting when your face cream accidentally landed there? That wouldn’t happen when you use Apot.Care skincare range. Interesting, yes? 

What’s more interesting, Beauty Box’s stores do carry this complete anti-aging solution line. Let me break it down: 

  • Micellar Lotion (Rp 490.000): This is my favorite of all. As I’m an avid fan of the water-cleansing method for my oily skin, this wiped out my waterproof lipstick I’ve had on the event launch in one swipe only. Very good for makeup removal. 
  • Iridoradiant Cream Light & Rich (Rp 1.300.000): Recommended for those who like to try Botox, but not yet have the guts for it. This fine & silky emulsion have two textures, Light for combination & oily skin, and Rich for dry skin. Let just say, this two will give Botox-effect for tired skin.
  • Radiant Exfoliating Cleanser (Rp 420.000): A daily cleansing scrub with softer beads texture. Expect a fresh and comfort feeling after cleansing. 
  • Instant Radiant Eye Patch (Rp 460.000): Leave the patch for 15 minutes under the eyes to fight against signs of aging & fatigue.
  • Iridoradiant Eye Contour Cream (Rp 840.000): Enriched with NACA Cellular Complex, a powerful global anti-aging complex, this will soothe the delicate eye area. 
  • Iridoradiant Serum (Rp 1.400.000): The most expensive of all from this range, this powerful and high concentrated serum will help to iron-out wrinkle and boost radiance. 
  • Anti-Aging Hydrating Mask Treatment (Rp 560.000): Sheet masks with second skin medical technology. Rich in collagen and hyaluronic acid, perfect for instant hydration & replumping effects. 
  • Radiant Lifting Mask (Rp 700.000): Leave it on the face for 10 minutes or used it as a night mask. This triple action mask will tone the skin, restore a luminous complexion & tighten it. 

Now available at Beauty Box Stores, or you can buy them online, here

FASHION LOVERS’ MUST HAVE BOOK

Congratulations to BIYAN for his first self titled book launch.

His works are undoubtfully elegant. Indonesians are proud to have Biyan Wanaatmadja (simply known by his first name, BIYAN) as one of the very notable fashion designer globally. His feminine & fairy tale-like designs were spotted from the TV series “Gossip Girl” and available on the world’s premier online luxury fashion store, NET-A-PORTER. 

This year, to celebrate his self-titled fashion house 30th anniversary, he’d like to share his (many) experiences through a beautiful book. Published by RIZOLLI NEW YORK and written by himself & Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni (who also wrote Dior Glamour), this fashion book was edited by Marc Ascoli (the art director responsible for the image branding of Jil Sander & Yohji Yamamoto among others famous designers). This will be the perfect coffee table book to indicate the level of sophistication of its owner and to impress your guests, as every page delivered gorgeous pictures. And of course, in this book you’ll find out what drives him to create his everlasting ethereal elegance work for more than 30 years. Very fascinating, indeed. 

At The Dharmawangsa where we celebrated his private book launch yesterday, there were beautiful photo exhibition, gorgeous display of BIYAN’s necklaces on the centre of the ballroom, book signing session and small presentation of his latest work. Seriously, I tried very hard not to blink as they were all too beautiful to be missed.

IT TOOK 3 YEARS TO CREATE THIS…

….latest luxurious fragrances from BVLGARI, LE GEMME. 

Last week I was invited by L’Officiel Indonesia to witness the latest launch of these unique fragrances in The Bimasena, The Dharmawangsa Hotel, Jakarta. Inspired by semi-precious stones and their historical trade routes, they are named Le Gemme (that’s Italian for the gems). Six pieces of high end Eau De Parfums are: Lilaia (Peridot), Ashlemah (Amehtyst), Amarena (Tourmaline), Noorah (Turquoise), Maravilla (Citrine) and Calaluna (Moonstone). All were created by master perfumer Daniela Andrier and it took her 3 years to create these perfumes. Well, it wasn’t easy to create scents inspired by stones, don’t you think?

At the event, there were only 3 available scents (which apparently only these 3 are sold here in Indonesia): Ashlemah, Lilaia & Maravilla. From all 3, I was attracted the most to the purple bottle, Ashlemah. Inspired by the amethyst, it’s a symbol of perfect balance. The essence of lavender, iris absolute and musk are quite an elegant dream, considering the name Ashlemah was taken from “Achlemah” which means sweet dreams. I am sure I’ll dream about having this one day!

With the bottles inspired by the Roman urns, I wasn’t surprised by the pricing of these luxurious fragrance. I mean, it is Bvlgari, people!