Tag: launch

WHAT’S NEW FROM …

SPANX. My favorite shape wear is keeping up with the (always) updating women’s need by adding new styles.

At Palalada, Grand Indonesia, Jakarta, me and fellow hosts Melaney and Gita, were sharing our experiences with the brand which started back in 2000 by Sara Blakely. I remembered my first ever Higher Power, which was bought online after I heard Oprah was talking about the magic of Spanx on her show at the earlier years of Spanx. And I was hooked ever since. I mean, how could someone dress up nicely, but to ignorance to shape her body? And if you put an effort to put a primer on your face before make up, why not with your body? 

Dress Up and Slim Down was the theme that afternoon, went along with the red dress code. Lauren from Spanx International was there to guide us and inform us about the latest styles from Spanx. Including the one that I’ve been waiting for: the denim leggings. And what I love about the latest arrivals: some of them come with cotton gusset, so we can wear them as underwear. 

Go find them at Sogo, Seibu, Debenhams and Metro Department Stores, and seriously, you’ve got to try Spanx to believe what they can do to that fat bulges, back bulges, whatever they called it. 

LIP SHADES TO BE ENVY

We’ve all been through that stage, when we look at others’ lips and wondering what were they wearing?

Last June, Estee Lauder Indonesia launched their latest lipstick, PURE COLOR ENVY SCULPTING SHINE LIPSTICK. Here in Indonesia, they have 16 available colors with Rp 320.000 price tag for each. Claimed as the first sculpting lipstick, these brand new lipsticks contain multifaceted pigments which create definition, so our lips will look beautifully shaped, sculpted & curvaceous. As for the hydration, a time-release Moisture Complex will help capture & seal in the hydration, so our lips will keep moisturized throughout the day. Oh great, one more lipstick to be envy about….

My beauty verdict (BTW, I was wearing shade #230-Pretty Perfect):

  • It was pretty perfect alright! High intense in a single stroke.
  • No need for lip liner as it really shaped well and no need for lip brush. 
  • Thanks to its’ creamy texture, no cracking in the middle of the day
  • I believe it made my pout look fuller (btw, I applied straight from the bullet without lip brush).
  • Love the luxurious packaging with magnetic closure that click perfectly.
  • What you see from the tube, it’s exactly what you’re gonna get when you applied on your lips. 

YOU KNOW YOU’RE WEARING THE RIGHT PERFUME, WHEN …

A person next to you said, “I love your scent. What are you wearing?”

That’s exactly what happened to me when I was wearing GRACE by Anggun. And if someone ever even bothered to give you compliment for the scent that you were wearing, (from my humble opinion) it’s already a winner!

It took two years for Anggun to create GRACE (by the way, that’s Anggun’s name if translated in English) with a renowned French fragrance master, BEL Perfumes. With sultry & refreshing top notes of ginger, bergamot and lime, enchanting & sophisticated heart notes of white tea, syringa and jasmine, sensual & relaxing base notes of amber, velvet musk and rice powder, GRACE embodies the elegance and confidence of a woman.

Just look at the packaging that embodies a woman’s curve. It completes this fragrance as a very womanly fragrance. Super feminine, sexy but not overpowering. Currently, I’ve been using GRACE on daily basis, more spritz for night time. And the best part: GRACE comes in Eau de Parfum 100ml bottle. Perfect for a woman like me who spritz fragrance like crazy (LOL) and demand more long lasting fragrance (because I’m just too lazy to do fragrance touch ups).

GRACE by Anggun is now available in Transmart, Carrefour, Metro Department Store and C&F Perfumery Indonesia.

ANOTHER WAY TO CELEBRATE BRAZIL

If you’re not into football and that FIFA World Cup thingy, the new collection from L’Occitane is a great way to put a colorful mood of Brazil for your body care regime. 

Feito no Brasil (made in Brazil) was born by L’Occitane founder, Olivier Baussan’s trip to Brazil. Not just the craze of Brazil, but also the artists, musicians, spices, perfumes & flowers. Two new ingredients was picked for this new range of body care products, JENIPAPO (fruit tree from Cerrado) and VITORIA REGIA (giant water lily from Amazone). Thanks to Brazil illustrators, Andres Sandoval and Joana Lira, the packaging looks’ are very very Brazilian indeed, with all the colorful designs. 

I was invited by L’Occitane Indonesia to their event at Skye on a very nice afternoon with all the Brazilian snacks and drinks, I felt I was in Rio. LOL. There were Capoeira and samba dancers too! 

VITORIA REGIA has two scents, made from two different phases of the water lily flowers. The Day Flower’s fragrance is fresh with green notes, mixed with orange, lemon & green apple. While the Night Flower’s fragrance is more floral and powdery with a touch of green notes and lime, hyacinth, peony, musk and sandalwood. 

JENIPAPO, also included a range of sunscreen for face and body, with fruity and floral scents, such as citron, watermelon, pinacolada, lily of the valley, frangipani, musk, sandalwood & vanilla. 

My favorite range is VITORIA REGIA Night Flower. I love how sophisticated the powdery scent from the Eau De Cologne. I wish they’ll make Eau De Parfum version of it. These range will be available in L’Occitane Indonesia stores just in time for the World Cup kick off, on June 12, 2014. Get ready to shop!

A CHIC TRAVELER’S COMPANION

Seems like my problem about having to carry a big glass perfume bottle for traveling is over. Thanks to Maison Francis Kurkdjian who just launched GLOBE TROTTER.

Yes, you’ve been there also right? You love to smell good while traveling, but you have to think twice to put your favorite perfume bottle (especially the glass ones) inside your hand carry bag due to those traveling regulations & standards. Not too mention, it’s fragile (hello, it made from glass, people!) and heavy with a chance of spilling all over your belongings. Ouch! Worry no more as GLOBE TROTTER come to the beauty rescue. GLOBE TROTTER from Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a savvy travel spray case (currently only available in Zinc color for Indonesia’s market), with a pack of three fragrance refills which sold separately (currently only available in Aqua Universalis Forte). Just slip a vial inside the case and voila! You’re ready to travel with this chic companion. 

Inspired by Francis Kurkdjian’s trip around the world, this special case can store an interchangeable glass vial of his fragrance. Fits perfectly in my hands, perfect for hand carry bag, too. Bonus point: this luxurious fragrance traveling case will securely holds the vial with a magnetic clasp and a chic fine leather pouch. 

For me, it’s very travel friendly and very good looking (thank God I’m not into girly stuffs). And I just can’t wait for others fragrance refills scents to be available here in Indonesia.

 

ESSENCE OF YOUTH

More skin care products are now made by cosmetic brands specifically for Asian Skin. And this product is one of them.

One more revolutionary product from Estee Lauder, Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion claimed to create a stronger more resistant skin foundation to make skin looks healthy & emanates the angelic glow of youth from within. Promising to activate the skin’s multiple pro-youth functions and sort of reset the appearance of skin. The key ingredient? Micro-Nutrient Bio-Ferment, which created through a highly scientific process that features a unique calibration of micronutrients & peptides with a precise blend of ferments. The inspiration? Extremophiles, a special type of living organisms, which are able to naturally survive & thrive in the harshest environment.

Yes, it is a treatment lotion not a toner, even though the liquid texture resembles one. We can use this with a cotton pad then apply by patting. Or directly pour a few drops onto the palm and pat. Me? Considering that it costs 1million rupiahs for 150ml bottle, I chose to use my hands instead of cotton pad. 

At the press launch party last April at Morissey Hotel, Jakarta, we were told that Micro Essence will work even better with Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery 2. They proved it on our back of hands, and no surprise that the one with Micro Essence applied first, absorbed the next product better. They also recommend to apply this light lotion for daily use, straight after cleansing, before serum and moisturizer. This product is great to tackle dehydration whatever your skin type is. I rejoice the fact that it was developed for Asian skin, so it’s definitely lighter and absorbs really well. Even my oily skin feels hydrated afterwards. As for the scent, it wasn’t as yeasty as I expected, so it’s really refreshing to use, especially in hot days like these couple of days. 

WHAT’S NEW FROM THE HIGH STREET’S DARLING

Like chicken & eggs, which come first? 
For me, number one is comfortable factor, followed by style. But for this particular high street brand from UK, I can have them both. Plus added bonus, their easy to mix n match factor. 

Earlier this month, Dorothy Perkins Indonesia launched a Style Essentials collection in Penang Bistro, Grand Indonesia, Jakarta. With fellow bloggers & press, we were able to see all of the pieces that you’ll love for Spring Summer this year. Well, this season, there are 10 must have pieces: 

  1. The Statement Shirt
  2. The Block Heel 
  3. The Jumpsuit
  4. The Maxi
  5. The Midi
  6. The Cami
  7. The Boyfriend Jean
  8. The Mini Bag
  9. The Soft Trouser
  10. The Lace Top

Judging from my lifestyle, my favorite will be: the soft trouser, the boyfriend jean, the statement shirt, the maxi and the midi. And what I love about this Style Essentials Collection, even though they add Spring Summer 14 to its’ name, they’re actually fashion pieces that will last longer than that. And do you know that Dorothy Perkins Indonesia didn’t carry that much of items on every style? For example, the mini bag didn’t even reach 100 pcs available in stores. So consider them a (very) limited edition. Hurry down to Dorothy Perkins stores to get them, and while at it, do join the competition (see pic above) to win shopping vouchers (Yeay! More shopping). For more infos, follow their twitter account, here. 

ARTWORK ON GLASSES

Earlier this month, Optik Seis invited me to the launch of Dolce & Gabbana Mosaico Eyewear Collection, in conjunction with Fashion Nation in Senayan City, Jakarta.

This could be the first time someone would ever think of applying the art of micro mosaic on eyewear. The tradition of Italian craftsmanship lie since ancient Rome, so no wonder Dolce & Gabbana honors that through their latest eyewear collection. 

Delicate, yet extravagant..the micro mosaic created exclusively for this collection, involves masterly expertise in the spinning of Murano glass. And those tiny tiles were accurately laid by hand by skilled craftsmen. Take a look at the all over mosaico eyewear pic above. Well, it was created with around 1000 micro tiles that embellish the front and temples, with beautiful composition of flowers like pansies, plumeria, gerberas and lilacs. There are only 70 pieces of these Limited Edition items in the world. And…tadaaa! Indonesia had 2 of the precious Limited Edition, only available at Optik Seis. 

I bet by the time I posted this, they already ran out of that two Limited Edition items. But for mere human beings like us, no worries. They have a more commercial options, either sunglasses or optical frames, with bold colors and lesser micro-tiles to adore. My favorite will be the bold red glasses (see pic above). What a statement eyeglasses.You can discover the complete Dolce&Gabbana Mosaico Eyewear Collection only at Optik Seis. 

AN EYECONIC SOIREE

One lovely afternoon me & fellow beauty and fashion bloggers were invited by Wardah Beauty & Fimela.com to celebrate the launching of two Wardah’s latest eyeliners, set at the chic Portico, Senayan City, Jakarta.

Since 1995, Wardah has been accompanying every Indonesian women with beauty products which are made with all natural, premium, halal and safe ingredients. Once a favorite for Moslem women, the brand now revamped to be favored by broader public. And in conjunction with Fashion Nation Event last end of March, 2014, Wardah Cosmetics launched their EyeXPert Series, consists of two eyeliners, Staylast Gel Liner & Staylast Liquid Liner.

Being a fan of gel textured liner for most of my beauty life for its’ consistency and easy to apply formula, Wardah Staylast Gel Liner caught my attention first. My beauty verdict of this liner:

  • Great texture, it’s very soft & creamy so it made easy to apply (especially if you’re a first timer gel liner user).
  • What a black. I mean, really pitch black! Perfect to achieve those bold or cat eyes lines.
  • It’s matte, waterproof & smudge proof! Come on, with our hot & humid weather, what else do we expect from an eyeliner product, right?
  • The packaging is very compact, the brush provided on top.

Moving on to the second eyeliner, it’s Staylast Liquid Eyeliner. Surprisingly, even though I was never a big fan of liquid liner as I found it harder to apply and longer to dry, this product had me at its’ first stroke. This will be the perfect eyeliner for party look as it’s more glossy and a bit shimmery when applied. And thanks to their volatile solvent formula, it dries faster than other liquid liners I’ve tried, without those tight feelings.  

Above all, these two eyeliners are recommended for their performance and very affordable prices. FYI, currently I’m also an avid user of Wardah’s lipsticks for their soft and non-drying formula (I’ll post about their lip palette soon).

For more infos about Wardah, you can follow their Instagram & Twitter @wardahbeauty.

 

 

EVEN INES LOVES UNIQLO

Ines de la Fressange: French fashion icon, once a muse for Karl Lagerfeld, star model for Chanel for 7 years in a row, now collaborates with Uniqlo.

Parisian chic style really gets me. I mean, come on, dress like a Parisian is so elegant yet effortless, who wouldn’t love it? And one thing for sure, we don’t have to live in Paris to achieve our very own Parisian chic style. Thanks to a special collaboration collection of Uniqlo & Ines de la Fressange, just in time for Spring Summer 2014.

Last Wednesday, March 26, 2014, I was invited to the launch of Uniqlo Spring Summer 2014 at Ice Palace Theatre, Lotte Shopping Avenue. There were special guests at the event, Daniel Boey and Pevita Pearce, Indonesian actress. Yasuhiro Hayashi, President Director & COO Uniqlo-PT Fast Retailing Indonesia also commented on why Uniqlo use the tagline ‘LifeWear’. “It actually came from our customers. Something to wear everyday, it’s not sports wear or casual wear. It’s LifeWear.” I totally agree, as I found Uniqlo as very comfortable for Jakarta’s harsh weather, and very affordable as well. Linen and Supima Cotton are just two of their premium materials, fabrics that offer a comfortable experience for those wearing it, everyday. So comfortable, Ines de la Fressange, the style icon herself, is indeed a real customer of Uniqlo before her collaboration collection launched. The Ines de la Fressange collection comprises four lines, “Petite Parisienne”, “Bleu, Blanc, Parisiennes”, “Note Parisiennes” and “Souffle de Parisiennes” in total about 70 items which will arrive gradually in Jakarta stores. Meanwhile the first line already in stores since March 26, 2014.

At the launching event, I also got a chance to meet Daniel Boey. You might recognize Daniel from his works for Asia’s Next Top Model, and he worked for celebs like Tyra Banks, the gorgeous supermodel Bar Rafaeli and Adam Lambert. The ever humble Daniel shared his tips on fashion styling for everyday wear, “We need a strong foundation of basic items, which we can find easily with attractive prices at Uniqlo. And always dress for yourself, don’t pick up the trend just like that. Pick a fashion trend that suits you.” He shared his inspiring ideas to mix and match the LifeWear 2014 Spring Summer Collection. Three looks to be exact: Denim on Denim, Eclectic Mash Up & Athletic Chic (see the pics above).

Denim on Denim is my personal favorite. Daniel recommends to play with different colors of denim or texture, add some accessories like suspender. Foremost, is to feel confident on the look. For Eclectic Mash, you can start conservatively like a simple basic T-shirt then mix and match prints and colors. The point is to go bold without being over the top. And Athletic Chic screams sporty not sloppy. Add feminine touch like a scarf and accessorize to make this look appropriate for work.

Fellow bloggers, fashion students and stylists were asked to join the styling competition at this launching event as well. Two bloggers won the competition, chosen by Mr.Yasuhiro, Daniel & Pevita as the judges. And the other fashion students won favorite style, chosen by the guests. After the event, all of guests were invited to Uniqlo store, just downstairs of the venue, for a store tour. Fun fashion day, indeed.