Tag: launch

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. 

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. 

SEALED WITH A KISS, OPEN & BE SURPRISED

When it feels like opening a Pandora’s box with all the beauties inside. Read on.

As blogger, I’m lucky to try out different new beauty products before they even launch to public. But I can imagine being one that eager to try but spending cash for a full size beauty product which totally new (as in we never tried them ever before), is too much to ask. This familiar situation was read by Harumi Sudrajat, fellow beauty blogger and her friends.

On a beauty day out (a lovely pampering event) exclusively for Fimelahood Bloggers United last Tuesday, me and fellow blogger were introduced to Vanity Trove Indonesia. For those who’s unfamiliar with the Vanity Trove, allow me to put it this way: you subscribe monthly for a certain amount of money, and depends on how long you’ll subscribe, you’ll receive a package of sample beauty products from skin care to makeup at your very own door by the end of the month.

Previously available in neighbor countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, now you can subscribe for Vanity Trove Indonesia. “In Singapore, they already running for a year and currently sending out 6000 boxes every month. We want to take this beauty experience in Indonesia to the next level with Vanity Trove Indonesia. You can try out different beauty products without leaving home, by just a click away. The whole experience is that efficient and super exciting,” explained Harumi. She also chatted with me how she used to be a member of Vanity Trove Singapore, and she herself experience that excitement of opening the trove every month.

Vanity Trove Indonesia’s very 1st edition (for May 2013) will be available for 200 troves only, and here’s how to get your own trove of surprises:

  • Subscribe before 14th each month
  • Redeem your exclusive gift code (exclusive for my fabulous blog readers): “SHINTARO”. Click here.
  • Starting from 25th to 31st you can expect that pretty troves right at your door.

So, what are you ladies waiting for? Go on become a Vanity Trove subscriber and indulge yourself. 

YOUR EYE CREAM’S NEW BUDDY

If you feel that your usual eye cream was getting to slow to show that luminous eyes you’ve been eyeing for, afraid not. All you need is a booster!

Last week, I was invited to the launch event of the very first eye serum from Estee Lauder, named Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion at Seibu Premium Lounge, Grand Indonesia, Jakarta. It looks and sounds familiar because it is the new formulated Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum, but for eyes. Even the packaging looks similar like its predecessor. 

At the event, Erfan Haryando, Communication Executives Estee Lauder Indonesia, explained to fellow medias and bloggers about the clever eyes serum which will reach Indonesia’s counters by May 2013. “According to scientific research from Estee Lauder, our delicate eyes area is 40% more thin and five times more porous than facial skin. That’s why they are particularly vulnerable to environmental assaults, including ozone that caused DNA damage.” The increase of ozone pollution, especially for us who live in urban jungle, is getting more serious and might lead to visible signs of premature aging. Since eyes are more vulnerable, they need more tender love and care in a serum texture, which are well known for fast penetration.

Therefore, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion contains three powerful and high performance technologies:

– Anti-pollution technology that continuously repairing the appearance of damage to eyes area which caused by environmental assaults.

– Exclusive Chronolux Technology that support the natural synchronization of skin’s repair around the eye area at exactly the right time.

– A high concentration of soothing anti-irritants, a proprietary blend of antioxidants and high levels of proven Hyaluronic Acid which work together to repair and protect, also reduce the look of dark circles, puffiness and dryness around the eyes.

Erfan also explained, that just like face serum which needs layering with moisturizer on top, this eye serum will add more benefits to your usual eye cream. And… lucky me to get the first hand of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion before the press event, so I’ve got the chance to try it a week before. I also shared my testimonial with fellow medias and bloggers at the event. My verdict? It is a serum, so it’s very light in texture and scentless. I love that it comes in a pump packaging, very practical and less messy. Instantly absorbed, so I can add extra top layer of my usual eye cream immediately. The feeling is refreshing and hydrating, and after a week of using it twice a day (yes, you can use it in the morning too-despite its’ name), my under eyes area feel smooth and less dry, with no puffiness in sight when I wake up the next morning. I might say this is a perfect base/primer for under eyes concealer too as it seems to work well with creamy concealer (that cracked terribly for not having enough moisture). It filled the fine lines pretty good, so it acted like a filler without the needle for me. And I am positive it might reduce my dark circles sometime very soon (I’ll keep you posted). Overall, let me put it this way, if you’re using serum for the whole face, why not your eyes?

YOUR HAIR CAN BE GORGEOUS, PRONTO.

Thanks to Oscar Blandi & his range of hair care products which will hit his boutique in Plaza Senayan, Jakarta, soon.

Jessica Alba, Charlize Theron, and Katie Holmes are just a few famous Hollywood names included on Oscar Blandi’s celebrity clientele list. Even Jennifer Garner once said, “He’s better than anyone at making a woman look like a fancy version of her best self.”

So, Jakartans, rejoice. Now, we can look like a fancy version ourselves too. Yesterday, I attend the Oscar Blandi Sunset Rooftop Party in Ampera Six Commercial Building, Jakarta. A very cool setting for a hair care products launch where fellow press and bloggers can feel the afternoon wind blown through our hair.

Introducing the hero products, Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo range, Ina Balasong, Managing Director PT Kreasi Maharani (same group that bring Make Up For Ever to Indonesia) explained to us why they decided to bring Oscar Blandi. “We decided to provide the excellent choice of hair products. This is the only brand that aims the three main concerns of Indonesian women. We want our hair products to deliver fast result, smooth our frizzy hair and lifting our limp hair. This range of dry shampoo will deliver just that. We can be gorgeous in no time,” explain Ina.

At the event, they showed us a short presentation about who’s the man behind the brand, Oscar Blandi. A native of Naples, Italy, his father was also a hair stylist who started Oscar’s interest in hair design in the first place. For over than quarter century, Oscar has been an expert for hairstyling, known for his goal to make hair look sexy and natural. That’s why he’s loved by many celebrities for his full and natural styling. His inspiration for Oscar Blandi products comes from “old world” influences, as they use extracts from plants and organic elements combined with today’s technologies.

There are three dry shampoos from Oscar Blandi Pronto, Dry Shampoo Spray, Dry Shampoo and (my favorite) Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo (retail price Rp 225.000 and Rp 265.000). With the same goal to achieve gorgeously clean and fresh hair in no time, they have various textures and application techniques to fill different needs.

Dry Shampoo: comes with a powder texture and a pointy nozzle tip for instant root application. You can also apply this on a hair brush. Key ingredients are natural rice, oat and tapioca starches to cleanse the hair, Triclosan and Tea Tree oil to help fight dandruff.

Dry Shampoo Spray: a more convenient spray version of the Dry Shampoo. Spray directly on the root, or you can spray on your finger tips and apply. Added to the key ingredients are Vitamin B5 and E to strengthen and protect.

Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo: the latest innovation in dry shampoo with clear undetectable spray. Suitable for all hair colors, it also boosts volume with a very refreshing and cooling effect of Lemon Verbena scents. Spray directly on the roots before brushing thoroughly.

For those (like me) who suffered from an extremely oily scalp even though we wash our hair every morning and can’t avoid limp hair by lunch time, I really recommend to use dry shampoo. It’s an effortless way to get that clean feeling anytime of the day, without worrying about any dry ends. Not necessarily used at home, we can use dry shampoo for touch up during the day for that extra pick-me up. Click here on how to apply dry shampoo correctly.

 

 

 

 

STEP FORWARD IN PERFUMERY

If you choose a cashmere sweater from a high end brand because you think about the quality of the material and the longevity of having & enjoying it, then you’re already a step forward.

Are you also ready to take a step forward in your choice of perfume? Now, you can experience something entirely different and totally unexpected out of the Oud Mood collection from Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
Especially for the Indonesia’s launch of these unique perfumes, Marc Chaya, President &co-founder of Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris kindly shared with me and fellow press about the goods of Oud.
“Oud is a very powerful scent, used by people in the middle east,” explain Marc. He later explained that most perfumers mixed Oud with incense to make it more acceptable. “It’s not a DNA of French perfumery. French school of perfumery is all about floral.” Even though Francis Kurkdjian himself did resistant about adding Oud to his perfumer palette at the first place, this raw material become OUD, the embryo for Oud Mood collection in February 2012, after Marc convinced him.
“The Oud that we’re using, come from Laos when they’re growing naturally like a fungus. They’re like a disease which formed white resins around trees. Oud is the second most expensive essential oil in the world after Iris. It cost us US$65.000 per kilo, and we need 5 tons to make 1 liter of essential oil.”
Just like its’ predecessor, the trio in Oud Mood Collection are not all about Oud. We will only feel a fraction of Oud which wrapped with other interesting scents. “Rough and brutal Oud, wrapped up with the softness of rare and soft fabrics,” said Marc about the Silk Mood, Velvet Mood & Cashmere Mood, three extraits de parfum from Oud Mood Collection. No ordinary perfumes indeed, as they’re concentrated with 30% pure essential oil (that’s 10% more than ordinary Eau De Parfum).
Smooth as silk, Silk Mood is the lightest and the most feminine of them all. Created in Francis’ mind as a genderless perfume, this perfume extract wrapped up Oud with Bulgarian Rose, Blue Chamomile from Morocco and Papyrus. Expect to scent a very Oud scent became airy like a caressed rose petals on our skin.
Luxurious like cashmere, Cashmere Mood is definitely not for the faint of heart. Imagine walking inside an all leather store, as it’s very leathery, thanks to Moroccan Labdanum, Benzoin from Laos and Vanilla which enhanced the Oud. I imagine a very sophisticated man (with a nice leather shoes) owned this.
Mysterious like velvet, Velvet Mood is the purest and closest interpretation of OUD, the predecessor, released with cinnamon from Ceylon, saffron and exotic Copahu Balm from Brazil. It goes dark yet give those majestic and royal sense.
After attending the exclusive launch of Oud Mood in The Library at The Dharmawangsa Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia, I really believe that Oud is not for those commercial (read: mass market) type. For those who embrace life and of course, Oud fanatics, Oud Silk Mood, Oud Cashmere Mood & Oud Velvet Mood will be a permanent collection. Available in 70ml Extrait de Parfum (price TBA in Indonesia), it’s a perfect way to enjoy your fine life just like the cashmere parable mentioned above.

 

UNIQUE EVENT, COMFORTABLE FASHION

Not proud of becoming a citizen of the number 4 most populated country in the world, but if it means top fashion retailers are aiming to open here in Jakarta, then I’m good.

One of those fashion retailers is Uniqlo, brought to us by Fast Retailing Co, a global retailer company from Japan.

Personally, I like their Designers Invitation Project when Uniqlo collaborated with top designers around the world. I had Paul & Joe, Vena Cava, Orla Kiely and their latest Lulu Guinness. I found Uniqlo as one of my favorite casual fashion brand, as they’re very affordable and super comfortable. And I practically collected their HeatTech collection, which are perfect for layering, especially if I have to travel to countries with winter season.

A day before Valentine’s day, last week, Uniqlo celebrated Fashion’s Night Out, when they announced their plan to open their first store by mid of 2013. Reportedly will be one of the biggest store in South East Asia, their first store will be located at Lotte Avenue Shopping Store, Kuningan, Jakarta, Indonesia. With a store that huge, they promised to bring in their complete collection, for men, women, kids and baby.

At the event, they also announced their brand ambassadors, Indonesia’s very own young musicians, Vierratale, the beautiful actress, Shireen Sungkar and footballer, Bambang Pamungkas. Celebrated in Prive, FX, Jakarta, there were fashion shows from Uniqlo SS 2013 Collection and the most fun part for fellow medias: Free Clothes. Yes, Uniqlo was giving away free Uniqlo clothes for all guests that night. Excited? You bet. Mr. Yasuhiro Hayashi, Chief Operating Officer of PT Fast Retailing Indonesia said there’ll be more Uniqlo’s fashion events before the opening of their first store. Wow, more fashion parties. I’ll keep you updated.

 

FROM A LAND DOWN UNDER

 

A range of natural products from Australia just landed here in Jakarta, Indonesia.

What an interesting name, MooGoo. I was invited to their launch last week and found out a lot more exciting info about the Australian brand.

It was made when the founder adapted a cream used to heal cow’s udders to keep them in good condition for milking, to help a family member with a skin problem. And if you’re into that natural products, you’ll be relieved to know that there are no petroleum or chemical based ingredients in MooGoo products. And, they listed all their ingredients on their products as well.

So natural, their lip balm is edible (but, seriously, I won’t eat it out of curiosity). Claimed to have effective ingredients designed for people with skin and scalp problems, like eczema, psoriasis and acne, I was eager to try the Skin Milk Udder Cream given to the guests at their launch event.

Well, it’s the original udder cream that started it all. But unlike the legendary cream that was thick and greasy, this udder cream is more light and non greasy at all. It contains Milk Protein, which claimed to increase skin elasticity 20% more than ordinary cream. First applied, the texture feels like a mixture between balm and cream, but surprisingly absorb really well. The scent reminds me of baby cream mixed with vanilla ice cream. I applied it on the back of my hands (the most dry part of all) and it made them feel soft and smell good like a baby. And yes, even your baby can wear it too, it’s recommended for easily irritated skin for all ages.

We can get them online, or in Watson’s Mall Kelapa Gading 3, Pondok Indah Mall 2, Mall Kota Kasablanka, Lippo Mall Kemang, Super Mall Karawaci, and Summarecon Mall Serpong.

 


WHAT WENT ON? WHAT WENT ON? 

This is how Dorothy Perkins Indonesia celebrate Kardashian Kollection’s launch.

The dress code is gold and glam. So what better outfit to party than the gold drape dress from Kardashian Kollection that I wore yesterday evening for the event. The beautiful Indonesian celebrities hosts: famous trio singers, B3 (Nola, Cynthia & Widi), actress Wulan Guritno and Carissa Puteri looked stunning with their own choices from the Kollection.

Fashionable party people flocked up in Dorothy Perkins’ store at Grand Indonesia, Jakarta, sipping “Kardashian Kocktails”, and checked out 30 fashion and 8 bags Kollections in store. Reasonably price under Rp 900.000 each, there are some things for everyone, even for real people like me and you.

In Jakarta, Indonesia, the Kardashian Kollection will be exclusively available in Grand Indonesia and Central Park, with 25 pieces sold for each style only. So, you’d better hurry before they sold out. 

For more pics from the party, click here