Tag: review

BE WISE WHEN IT COME TO SPOT(S)

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Thanks to my younger years when sun tanning was such a joyful thing to do, minus SPF skincare or so whatever. I believe my dark spots are not literally caused by those sun rays, but also signs of aging (sigh). The obvious one popped out near my cheeks, more obvious when I applied blush on. What to do, what to do?

Enter Sulwhasoo Snowise EX Whitening Spot Serum. Lately, I’ve been using more Korean brands’ skincare as I believe they react more on my Asian (read: oily & troublesome) skin. As the name stated, this is a spot serum so basically it’s recommended for those who have dark spots. Formulated with traditional Korean herbs (as you might already know, Sulwhasoo is big for ginseng ingredients), it’ll help to relieve dark spots from its source. It features white ginseng saponin to suppress the formation of melanin & prevent skin from forming more dark spots and Mulberry root extract to keep skin from drying and recover.

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Comes in a dropper, this is one clever bottle. Twist open and the knob will pop up with the filled in dropper. And if you close it again, it’ll go down automatically. No need to press manually to pick up the serum. 

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As for the scent, don’t worry about ginseng strong smell, as it’s very gentle and quite soothing. The texture is milky and liquid, so if you’re targeting on spots, just drop a little on your finger tips. In fact, I only use one drop for my spots. I was quite worried that it might left white residue, but it didn’t. It felt cool when applied and absorbed fast without no drying effect afterwards. And after a few days of wearing, I didn’t see my dark spots turning red, as I’ve experienced with other spot treatments. Oh yeah, I’m planning to use this on my acne scars as well, as they also stated so on the instructions leaflet inside the box. 

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Apply this spot serum every morning and evening after your face serum, by pressing on the spots for about 3 seconds using the index fingers. If you love to brighten the whole face and have no dark spots yet (lucky you!), try their whole whitening line, Snowise EX Whitening to enhance the strength of your skin against this harsh sun rays. 

Keep posted, as I’ll update you about the result on my dark spots after 28 days using this spot serum. 

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA 

DRY FEET BE GONE

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I have to admit, my legs and feet are the most neglected part of my entire body. Mostly, I scrubbed…but that’s all. Anyway, I rarely wear mini skirt, so why bother, right? 

Well, until GEHWOL Indonesia sent me this great product, I realized the importance of soft feet and legs. That’s why they have this ‘well-cared head to toe’ thing, right? More than just a scrub, it’s a peeling with natural bamboo granulate & jojoba wax. GEHWOL Soft Feet Peeling will gently scrub and thoroughly removes dead skin cells for feet & legs. 

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On the box, they recommend to apply the scrub to moistened skin. Maybe because some people will find it more easy to apply when they shower. But for braver ones like me (especially those who are familiar with lulur), I prefer to use it on dry skin before I jumped to the shower. If you can stand the lulur, you’ll easily pass this one too. It’s way softer and I found the sugar crystals worked their magic to remove loose skin scales. When applied, you’ll see this tiny green dots from the bamboo granulate (never mind my dry looking legs). 

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Massage them in, and you can see it turned crystal-ish. Unlike the body scrub that I usually use, it didn’t feel dry when I massage them on. In fact, check out the moisture left on my fingers. Yup, now my fingers are soft & smooth too. You can go all the way to your knees and the soles of the feet, which are often dry. 

Overall, I love this product. It did moisten well, even if you forgot to wear body lotion after you rinsed. Instantly I felt my legs (and my fingers who did the massage job) were softer & smoother. As for its’ scent, I found it a bit strange…maybe it was the strong bamboo scent? But after I rinsed and dried, it softened. So, yeah, I can bare with the scent. I recommend not to use body soap after you rinsed, just let them be, and feel the difference. Just like a face peeling could do, this feet peeling thing will reveal a fresh new set of legs. 

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

OH LA LASH

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Congratulations LAVIE LASH for their Beauty Bar Grand Opening in Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta.

Is it just me or this faux lashes thing lately become such an ‘it’ must have for beauty junkies in Jakarta? I know, I mean faux lashes are definitely not a new thing in beauty business for sure. But considering that some of the brands are relatively new, they did put a lot of consideration into their faux lashes products. Not just the faux lashes themselves, but the packaging and the services that follow. 

Last year, Lavie Lash was born. They started online and it was such a huge hit, now they open their own Beauty Bar in one of the most prestigious mall in Jakarta, Plaza Indonesia. 

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Located on level 4, this feminine style Beauty Bar is not only selling Lavie Lash’ beautiful luxurious lashes (I heard Agnes Monica is a fan), but they also offer beauty services, like how to apply their lashes, eye makeup and facial wax!

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Judging that I was not an avid user of faux lashes, because (previously) I found them hard to apply and made me hard to blink naturally (duh to synthetics), Lavie Lash might changed my lashes future to the best. Carefully handcrafted using 100% premium sterilized human hair, produced (handmade) by the same factory as leading eyelash brands (I think I know what brands they meant), I’m relieved to know that they’re using top quality materials. After all, these faux lashes will literally glued close to our precious eyes, right? Another plus points are their prices. A single pack including adhesive costs under Rp 50k, and their value pack with five different faux lashes in a box costs Rp 168k. Considering that they can be used up to 8 times (if you took care of them nicely), Lavie Lash will be a beauty investment you might want to start asap. Shop for their collection online, or visit their Beauty Bar now.    

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

SOLID GOLD

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How to do your own Hammam body care ritual at your own bathroom.

This week, I was invited to experience the latest body care range from The Body Shop, WILD ARGAN OIL. Inspired by the Hammam Body Care Ritual (wildly known as The Turkish Bath), they divided the total 10 available products into 3 wide categories: Bathing, Moisturising & Final Touch. 

This range was infused with Community Fair Trade Wild Argan Oil from Morocco. What’s so special about the this organic argan oil? Reportedly, the oil was extracted from the best argan nuts which were hand-cracked by Berber women. Then, the kernels are pressed & filtered slowly over 48 hours to extract the purest oil possible and delivered the most sublime radiance for our skin. 

Having a really dry body skin, I’m quite picky and careful when it comes to choosing body care products. And let me tell you, this range is perfect for those who have extra dry skin who long for that golden glow and skin radiance (think J-Lo’s bronzed skin). My treatment that day started with exfoliation, using “Wild Argan Oil” Rough Scrub. Don’t be intimidated by the word ‘rough’ as the texture is not as stated. I thought the granules were from sugar, but apparently they’re argan shell. With gel texture, the spa therapist applied it on my dry skin and instantly my skin felt softer & smoother. 

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After I showered to rinse the exfoliator, the spa therapist recommended me to mix “The Radiant Oil For Body & Hair” (in a spray bottle packaging) and “Wild Argan Oil Body Butter” for body massage, because my body skin was so dry. I love how the combination felt on my skin, buttery yet velvety.

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After body massage, I sank into a bath full of bubbles from “Wild Argan Oil Bubbling Bath”. I was recommended to stay in for 15 minutes, to make sure my extra dry skin got the perfect hydration. And for the final touch, I applied “Wild Argan Oil Body Lotion” allover and the latest “Wild Argan Oil Miracle Solid Oil for Body & Hair” on my (also) dry hair. I love this new innovation from The Body Shop. Placed in a tin can, this multi-purpose solid oil came in a balmy texture that surprisingly not sticky. Yet, it glides beautifully when I rubbed it on my hair end, and also on my elbows & knees. Put on a small amount to avoid looking greasy, though. And I believe this work wonder on cuticles too! 

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The WILD ARGAN Oil range already available in The Body Shop Indonesia’s stores and an insider told me they just displayed it for about a week and they’re flying off the shelves! Great news, this range will be a permanent body care collection. For more about the products and to shop them online, click here. 

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA

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‘CRAZY’ IN A GOOD WAY

Crazy for good skin tone, hydration & protection, but need them all in one bottle?

SAMPAR seems to deliver the needs of urban ladies. Yes, we’re very needy, especially when it comes to great skin care and beauty regimen. Juggling between work, family, friends and taking care of oneself are (hell!) not easy. Consider yourself lucky if you can manage your ‘me time’.

Thanks SAMPAR Indonesia for a chance to review their latest product, ‘CRAZY CREAM’. Such a brave name for a beauty product, but I can relate to the ‘crazy’ word really well, as sometimes I can go ‘crazy’ looking for the perfect beauty product which suit my skin needs, or went even ‘crazier’ when it didn’t work. LOL. 

Crazy Cream is perfect for those who are looking for tinted UV-defense cream with no worries of chalkiness or the smell of sunblock. New to SAMPAR COSMAKEUP range, CrazyCream is the first tinted moisturizer that promised to hydrates for 24 hours & stimulates the skin’s self-protection against photo-aging UV rays. It can also correct redness, thanks to the two shades available, NUDE & TAN. SAMPAR Indonesia sent me the Nude shade (the lighter one), perfect for my fair skin. When used for the first time, the first three pumps came out in white color. 

But after three pumps, it turned to Nude shade with brownish speckles. 

I have to remind you that Crazy Cream is not a CC Cream. It’s way easier to blend with fingers (no need for brush) as it’s really lightweight. And it offers sheer not full coverage (I recommend to apply this for base prior to foundation). Even though they named it a cream, might as well think of this product as the next generation of tinted moisturizer. Unlike CC Cream, which (sometimes) I found too dewy for my already oily skin, Crazy Cream gave me this healthy skin tone without the feeling of heaviness. It even gave me that tan looking skin! Check out the difference between my left hand (Crazy Cream applied) and my right hand (sans Crazy Cream). 

Like other SAMPAR products, it’s also paraben free! Crazy Cream (Priced at Rp 560.000 for 33ml) is now available throughout Beauty Box Indonesia’s stores, SAMPAR Boutique at Kota Kasablanka, Sephora Indonesia and Central Department Stores, Grand Indonesia. 

PHOTOS: Shinta Rosvita

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NOT AN ORDINARY MUSHROOM

DUUX Ultrasonic Air Humidifier is a definite must have for your kid’s room.

My first thought when I saw this cute thing, TOAD. Yup, that Toad from Super Mario Bros. Well, this mushroom turns out to be an ultrasonic air humidifier with a soothing night light. Thanks to DUUX Indonesia, when I brought this home, my youngest son (age 10) couldn’t wait until I turned it on in his room. 

Ultrasonic technology creates cold mist within seconds, with the additional nightlight which is great for kids’ room. To scent the room, add essential oil inside the water basin. When I turned it all on (humidifier, nightlight plus aromatherapy), the water basin glows, the mist went out, then the scent filled my son’s room. He even called it magic mushroom. LOL. 

They came in two colors, red and green. And this humidifier (originally from The Netherlands) offers a bevy of kids-friendly benefits like healthier skin and happier nose. The facts that it uses about 80% less power than other humidifiers, no filter to change (just need to clean the reservoir) and it’ll automatically shuts down when the water level is too low, won me over after its’ cute design. It comes with an easy to install and cleaning instructions, too. So make sure you follow the instructions to keep the device working correctly. 

PHOTOS: Shinta Rosvita

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MY BEAUTY ADVENTURE WITH…

PAC, International high quality premium cosmetic brand, made in Indonesia.

I was given three products to review, their Powder Eye Shadow, Liquid Eyeliner and Lipstick. And my beauty verdicts are:

  • Powder Eye Shadow (No 6/White)
    I’m very practical when it comes to makeup, especially on daily basis. So powder eye shadow was never an option for me to purchase. However, this loose eye shadow’s texture is silky and easy to blend. For this particular color, I applied as highlight on brow bones. Don’t over do, as it’s very intense, a bit is enough to give that sparkly glow. 
  • Matte Lipstick (Indian Red)
    The most usable from all three products that were given to me. When I read the label I was thinking Pantone Color of the Year, Marsala. Apparently, it was more terracotta-ish. I love the earthy tones, perfect shade for day look, as it’s not a bold nude which sometimes can look too pale for me. Don’t be intimidated by the matte texture, it won’t be as drying as you thought, as long as you prep your lips with lip balm. Need to reapply after food & beverage session, though. But I don’t mind at all, this lipstick is so comfortable to use and I like the color very much. 
  • Liquid Eyeliner (Bazaar Gold)
    Not a big fan of sparkly gold for my eyelids, but maybe for any event that require va va voom look? I applied on the back of my hand, and I found the brush is quite good to create the flick. Always apply primer and wait a couple of seconds for this eyeliner to dry. 

PHOTOS: Shinta Rosvita

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NEEDLE OR NEEDLE-LESS?

Thank you to Nano Philosophy, now we have choices and much safer alternatives beauty treatment. 

Once in a while, I found myself in need for an instant result, even though I’m a firm believer of a great skincare regimen. Especially when it comes to my everlasting problem with my under eyes area, just the thought of banishing those dark under eyes in a snap was really tempting indeed. Since I have no fear of injections, I decided to try both Nano Philosophy’s face treatments. 

After first consultation with their in-house female doctor Jeklyn Ruvina Amelia Bee, she recommended injection for my sunken eyes and dark circles. For face lifting, I decided to try Nano Needle-less Delivery System. Before the injection begins, there’ll be allergic test on the hand to see any reactions to the serum. But no need to worries, as allergic reactions are very minimal, thanks to the safe & natural ingredients such as Marine Algae. This injection with growth factor will stimulate cell growth and build up collagen naturally. And dr.Jeklyn said, the result will be instant and even better looking after a week.  

Anesthetic cream will be applied and left for about 15-20 minutes before the injection procedures. After the skin felt numb, injections started. I got 7 shots for each eyes, including for crow’s feet. Great, I didn’t feel any pain. But since I had easily bruised skin, I got one bruise spot below my right eye. For the rest of the eyes area, just barely noticeable ex-injections spots. Everything can be covered easily with the power of concealer. Right after the injections, antibiotic cream will be applied to prevent any infections. 

As you can see above, I took before after pics, right after the injections, so you might see the difference instantly. After a week, I took another pic and I did see a very significant result for my under eyes problem. Well, result speak louder than words and I’m a happy client. 

Then I moved on to another treatment, perfect one for those who don’t want to see any needles shot onto your face. Using the latest European technology, Nano Needle-less Delivery System will penetrate the special serum with no pain of needles shots with the same result but lesser lasting time. In fact, it was kind of nice warm experience, as they’re using the thermotherapy machine, with ultrasound & thermage technology for that deeper infusion into the dermal layers of the skin. Ten minutes rubbed on each cheek and jaw, it felt lifting and I did see my cheeks got less chubby. This treatment is also perfect for those who need to go to party after the treatment, without the worry of bruises. 

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For more infos and locations, visit Nano Philosophy’s website, here. 

PHOTOS: Shinta Rosvita

CHEERS TO A FLAWLESS FUTURE

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I remembered back in the days when my dear mother sat in front of her dressing table, applying her Ceramide Capsules by Elizabeth Arden. It was one of those beauty highlights of my teenage life, learning a skincare routine from mom. That’s why this brand held a special place in my heart. 

Their latest launch here is FLAWLESS FUTURE Powered by Ceramide™ Caplet Serum. Catered for early signs of aging, dullness, fine lines, uneven skin tone and enlarged pores, this is an unique liquid serum with mini-beads caplets. Looking like pearls, these beads will activate themselves when dispensed. Very lightweight and feel so refreshing once applied. Perfect for tired, stressed skin as it will rejuvenate them for a more energized complexion. It dried down quickly (thanks to the clear light gel texture), creating a smooth finish on cleansed face and neck. Plus, it didn’t have any scent. Yup, the formula is fragrance-free. Perfecto!

One single pump for each area, forehead, cheeks and chin is needed every morning & night before your moisturizer and night cream. It went well with my daily moisturizer as it’s way less oilier than the original Ceramide Capsules. Recommended for more normal to oily/combination skin, as somehow it did make my pores seem smaller. And I am pleased by the ideas of a freshly activated serum for every pump. Make sure to keep this out of reach from children, as I believe they’ll be intrigued by the look of the floating caplets. Yes, it’s that appealing. 

Photo: Shinta Rosvita

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BECAUSE LIFE’S A PEACH 

One fine Friday night spent at Majapahit Lounge at The Dharmawangsa with friends and Martini. 

And not just a simple Martini. It was a special Martini, shake and mixed in front of guests. Wait until you know what they named their Martinis. From James Bond movies and his Bond Girls! They stated the names and the movies on the menu with the complete description of their ingredients, too. 

Last night, I decided to try “Pussy Galore”, inspired by the fictional character from one of the classic Bond movie, “Gold Finger” way back in 1966. Vodka with Peach Liqueur, Cranberry, shaken & served in a chilled martini glass with a lemon twist (that’s the description on the menu, by the way). It was still quite early to have a stronger Martini, so I decided to have a fruity one. Plus, I love peach and cranberry. The cranberry juice lend their color to make the martini looks tempting, and a lemon twist balance out the sweet taste of peach liqueur. The girly (pinkish and peachy color) plus the not to sweet yet refreshing taste made me wish I was in the Bahamas! It was totally refreshing on stifling evening. Me and my best pals decided to nibble as well. We ordered banana fritters with chocolate & cheese on top, served with melted brown sugar sauce and one hot plate full of beef & chicken satays.  

Remember how James Bond himself prefers his martinis shaken not stirred? Well, the whole experience of having Bond’s favorite drink was very tempting, indeed. 

Photo: Shinta Rosvita