Tag: review

ANOTHER ‘OUT FOR LUNCH’ TIME

Have you visited Bluegrass Bar and Grill yet since I’ve blogged about it the last time?

You should by now, as I believe they serve great food and for me, it’s very important that they serve good coffee too. Lately, (don’t know why) I’ve been craving for pasta and other Italian dishes. So at my (I lost count) last visit to Bluegrass Bar and Grill, I decided to try pasta. Browsed through their menu, I chose Angel Hair Pasta with Jumbo Prawn for the main course and shared Bluegrass Nasi Campur with my lunch buddy, Miranda.

If you love spicy food like me, you’ll die for the Angel Hair Pasta. It was well seasoned (as in enough salt and chili flakes) and the jumbo prawn was fresh and huge. Too bad they served only one prawn (LOL). The pasta was al dente, perfect! The Nasi Campur was very Bali in style. Fish Balado was not as spicy as I thought and it didn’t smell fishy at all. I hate it when fish smell like fish. With Teri fish on top and sambal matah on the side, I can’t complain more. Check out that delicious looking grill oxtail too!

Lavender Blueberry Squash and Pink Lemonade were the choices of refreshing drinks. I love the crushed blueberries inside the pomegranate juice and soda water inside Lavender Blueberry Squash. Pink Lemonade was a bit sour to my liking, but other it was refreshing on such a hot day.

Boy…am I such a loyal fan of their Banana Cake. I always have this banana cake here. It wasn’t too sweet even though they put white chocolate on top it. They served it warm and I suggest you eat it while it’s still warm. Very heavenly taste with a sip of their original latte. Check out how they served their latte on. Cute, right?

Well, don’t judge the place by its’ name. Even though Bluegrass named as a bar and grill, they do serve more for you who don’t drink alcohol and not a big fan of grill dishes. Personally, I love the ambience (they look great at night time too!) and the nice people there. 

Bluegrass Bar and Grill
Komplek Rasuna Epicentrum, Bakrie Tower lantai GF, JL. HR Rasuna Said, Kuningan, Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 12710, Indonesia
+62 21 29941660

CALLING ALL JET SETTERS OUT THERE

This facial mask is a seriously must have.

You might have heard or read it somewhere that our skin suffered while flying. Yup that pressurized plane cabin is a total moisture-sapper. That’s why some people (read: me) thought it’s essential to not just apply moisturizer, but hydrating facial mask too (especially on those long haul flights). Unfortunately, most facial masks are so troublesome. The sheet ones look ridiculous when applied (don’t you agree?), and those hardening masks needs water for rinsing. 

Well, am I glad Beauty Box Indonesia sent me this product to try: Glam Glow THIRSTYMUD™ HYDRATING TREATMENT. It’s not just a mask, it’s a total treatment for extreme hydration. Unlike Supermud Clearing Treatment, this won’t hardened on skin, and (if you wish) no need to rinse. What I did: I wiped with tissue and massage the remaining all over the face and neck (yes, never ever forgot your neck). Don’t you think it’s so perfect for moisturizing while traveling on long haul flight? The texture is clear when applied, it just looked like my face was wet (look at my pic above). Expect a tingling sensation and It won’t hardened, so I can talk and laugh, and eat whenever I wish. And the best of all, no need to rinse. Now that person next to me wouldn’t think I’m a weirdo. The result? My skin looked fresh, glowing and I believe it looked more pinkish (look at the after pic above). It didn’t give me that tight feeling afterwards too, instead I felt my skin more supple.

Inside the packaging they recommended to use this 2-3 times per week or when needed. And for those who have drier skin even on the land, use this for a night time treatment. Apply thinly and just leave it on. See the ‘magic’ when you wake up. It’s also great for your man, to calm & restores post-shaved skin. 

Get more product infos (ingredients etc) here. You can buy this product at their boutique in Plaza Indonesia level 4, or at Beauty Box stores near you. 

TEA RITUAL IN A SPA

Yes you read correctly. Thanks to The Dharmawangsa, I was invited to experience a whole new unique spa treatment at their spa, Bimasena.

Named The Dharmawangsa Tea Ritual, it was a heavenly 2,5 hours tea based ritual spa treatment, using THEMAE Paris products, known for their passion in tea (FYI, THEMAE is a Japanese name for the tea preparation ceremony). There are 4 types of teas inside their products: red, white, green and black tea, combined with well-balanced spring water to keep its ultimate purity. Each tea bring their own benefits: red for soothing, white for regenerating, green for antioxidant, and black for stimulating. Currently, we can only get THEMAE’s products in exclusive spas (Bimasena Spa is the first in Jakarta to sell their products). 

The ritual begins with a tea foot wash (as you can see above), followed by Nepalese Style Tea Exfoliation. Using THEMAE’s Gommage The Au Nepal, a creamy body exfoliant, my therapist began to make an eight strokes on any possible areas. It was a fast movement making (literally) number eight, very funny feeling yet it didn’t feel harsh at all. The treatment continued with another one hour of Oriental Massage, which I prefer rather than deep tissue massage. Very gentle movements, yet I can feel the lightness of my body afterwards. Using fingers and forearms, the technique that the therapist got after 3 months of full training at THEMAE is not to leave the customers unattended. That means, hands on all the time during the treatment. And they didn’t use massage oil at all, which is great because most of the time, they just left a sticky feeling all over. Instead, they’re using THEMAE’s Baume Des Quatre Thes, body massage balm. Very rich and creamy, it didn’t leave any stickiness so no need to rinse. Bonus: a nice scent of vanilla! The treatment ended with Instant Glow Green Tea Facial, to bring radiance to whole. And the Tibetan Bells’ sound reminPlease make a reservation if you want to try this awesome treatment as well. You can contact Bimasena Spa (021-7258668 ext.8300).

After the spa (sadly) ended, the PR Team of The Dharmawangsa (thanks to Lira and team), invited me and fellow press to have a HEALTHY GOURMET LUNCH. Served only on Wednesday at The Dharmawangsa’s JAKARTA Restaurant, it was a healthy buffet, perfect companion after a spa treatment. 

FLAWLESS FACE IN A QUICK & EASY WAY

Concealer used to be my best friend, until I tried this.

EVENFAIR PERFECTING CUSHION by SULWHASOO, a renowned Korean beauty brand changed my whole beauty regime in a flash. First, I’m not really a fan of liquid foundation in a bottle. I found them too hard to apply if I’m in a rush, and to blend them perfectly, I need a master degree. And here it is, a cushion foundation, not liquid, nor powder. It reminds me a lot of Laneige BB Cushion, but Perfecting Cushion is not a BB. It’s a multi cushion foundation with skin care benefits (anti-wrinkle/whitening/UV protection) which will gives perfect coverage and that flawless look. 

Thanks to Sulwhasoo Indonesia, I had a chance to get my hands on this awesome product before anyone else (no worries, they’ll launch this upcoming September). I decided not to apply anything before Perfecting Cushion, as it already contains apricot seed herbal moisturizer to help promotes skin resilience and leave it moist all day. And I didn’t put any sunscreen too, as it already has SPF 50+, PA+++. Last but not least, I also skipped my darling concealer as it promised to give a perfect coverage. So in total, I skipped three products: moisturizer, sunscreen and concealer. Just remember to always apply on extra clean skin. 

Inside the packaging, there’s one refill available, and I use the puff provided to apply. It’s a thin puff, but don’t underestimate the power of it. The puff released just the right amount of foundation needed with just one press. Press once in the middle, and it should be enough for the whole face. Nadia from SULWHASOO Indonesia suggested me to start from the middle of the cheeks, then pat over the whole face. Once applied, I can feel the texture is very light. It is nothing like liquid foundation. Very easy to blend and it didn’t look cakey. One pat for each area is recommended though, as over applying will make the skin look to bright. And what a coverage for such a light texture! It did cut my makeup time (sorry concealer, see you again).

I also believe my skin look more radiant and glowing after I finished patting the whole face (check the pic above). Even though the Koreans like to put it that way (just the Perfecting Cushion and nothing else, said Nadia) I did put extra powder to set, because I still prefer matte finish for the final makeup result (thanks to my super oily skin). And if you like to apply powder blush like me, you need to use face powder or else the blush will streak. But if you want to use it like the Koreans (or you’re blessed with drier skin than mine), you can simply pair Perfecting Cushion with cream blush for that healthy dewy look. 

As I mentioned earlier, Perfecting Cushion will be available in SULWHASOO Indonesia’s counters at September 2014. They have 4 shades to choose (BTW, I used number 23/Medium Beige) and reportedly will be priced Rp 680.000. 

SULWHASOO’s Counter: Seibu Grand Indonesia (021-23580179), Sogo Plaza Senayan (021-5730929), Sogo Mall Kelapa Gading (021-51329829).

PURE PERFECTION FACIAL

Literally, I did. Thank you to Sampar Indonesia, I was invited to try their facial.

Quite an experience, really, I was dead tired after I finished my shooting contract, and that tiredness shown all over my face. Just check out my ‘before’ facial face. Dull, blemishes everywhere and those dark circles were just really really bad, thanks to lack of rest (read: sleep). 

I didn’t know that Sampar Boutique Store in Mall Kota Kasablanka, Jakarta, Indonesia had a booth for facial. Now I do know that they have one inside the boutique. But caution: you have to book your facial days before as they only have one room to accommodate your facial needs. If you know your skin type, then you just mention it to the therapist. But if you’re clueless, the therapist will check your skin condition and decide what kind of facial will be perfect for you.

Since I have the oiliest skin one can only imagine, I was offered a PURE PERFECTION Facial. The name came from one of the SAMPAR’s range especially created for blemish-prone skin. As most facial, the therapist started with cleansing, toning, peeling, massage and masking. I love how they use hot towels between those steps and the face massage (it went through the back, arms and legs too!) was heavenly, I felt so relaxed afterwards. And I really did enjoy the essential oils scent which the therapist applied while massaging (FYI, she said that the oils were not for sale in the boutique).

The star product that I personally believe made my pores shrink instantly is PORELESS MAGIC PEEL. As Sampar didn’t believe in harsh scrubbing (and so do I), I love how the creamy texture glides smoothly and made my skin felt smooth and looked poreless (just check out my ‘after’ pic above). And two thumbs up for no pimples pinching at SAMPAR. Yeay for that!

I really recommend this facial by SAMPAR, if I can go once a week as the therapist recommended me, I so would. So far, they have four treatments available: Essentials for normal to dry skin, Pure Perfections for oily and blemish-prone skin, City of Light for brightening and Age-Antidote for anti aging. If you’re into facial that much, go for the packages as it’s really worth it. 

SAMPAR at Kota Kasablanka
Upper Ground Floor
021-29488725

PUT SOME COUTURE LOOK ON YOUR EYES

Inspired by the Mondrian dress created by Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent back in 1965, YSL Beaute presents COUTURE PALETTE.

Currently in Indonesia, there are 7 color palettes to choose. And thanks to YSL Beaute Indonesia (hi mbak Venny), I was given #7 (Parisienne) to try. A Parisienne at heart, I love the soft & romantic colors from taupe, soft pink and plum on the palette. Look at the gorgeous palette above, the top left shade is the base shade (but still, I recommend to use eye primer). The top right shade is the highlight for the brow bones. And the darkest one of all in the middle palette is great as liner. The two bottom shades are great for blending and mixing with each other. 

I really recommend this palette for beginners. As I remembered, my first encounter with eyeshadow palette was not a walk in the park. I didn’t know which color to put where, and how to blend them together. But now, thanks to Couture Palette, they do come with a step by step instruction inside the famous golden packaging. Really, really easy to use, just as they named this palette a ready to wear color palette. 

As any other YSL eyeshadows, they’re really intense and long wearing (even without an eye primer). The bonus from this specific palette: we can create three signature look with ease (BTW, I tried the signature look number 2 for my photo above). It’s a mix between matte & satin shades with a little shimmer for the highlight. Yet, they’re getting better after a while. Don’t be afraid to add up the colors, as they’re very soft and less dramatic than I thought they’ll be. Just remember to always blend, blend, blend to make your look more effortless. 

NOT YOUR TYPICAL KIND OF BRUNCH

If you love ribs as much as I do, you’ll love this brunch.

Beef, lamb, and pork. Choose your selection of ribs or just have them all at Blue Grass Bar & Grill. Located at Komplek Rasuna Epicentrum, Bakrie Tower Ground Floor, Jakarta, Indonesia, you’ll have the brunch of your life. 

Like me, I started with two choices of eggs, cheese omelette and poached eggs with pork bacon. Yum! Then go to the salad bar and spoiled yourself. Off to the main menu, ribs. Personally I love the taste of pork ribs, for their softness and texture rather than the beef & lamb. I believe they were marinated not only with imported barbecue sauce, but with Indonesians’ herbs as well. Just look, they served the ribs with sweet soya sauce with cuts of shallots and chilis. 

Complete the food feast with a glass of Sangria Tinta. Red wine with cuts of strawberries & apples. It was stronger than I think, but perfect to wash down the ribs I just had. 

Last but not least, desserts! For the sweet teeth like me, enjoy banana stick dipped in chocolate or waffles. The waffles texture is really fluffy because they made it from the solid (not liquid) dough. Add with chocolate sauce or maple syrup and vanilla ice cream. That should complete your Sunday Brunch. I remember I was so full that day, I skipped dinner altogether. 

 

FOR FULLER LOOKING LASHES

I have to admit, I’m so into eyelashes. Before I did my extension, I was so desperate to get fuller looking lashes, I’ll do anything.

From curling with the (so called) best eyelash curler, applied the (so called) best mascara, and finally I did my eyelash extension. But after I did my eyelash extension with their ups and downs (they fell off easily, they tangled easily, and I can’t shower on my face liberally), I realized that like skin and makeup, your makeup will look better on healthy skin. So, yeah….I need eyelashes care for my eyelash problem. STAT!

That’s when APOT.CARE Lash Enhancing Serum came in. Available at Beauty Box Indonesia’s stores and online, this serum is the ultimate solution to improve the length, thickness and fullness of eyelashes. This innovative lash serum uses a highly effective P226 Polypeptide combined with a moisturizing and nutriment-packed Optiwide complex to ensure rapid, even & lasting eyelashes growth, deep conditioning & optimal protection of the lashes. What’s great about this product: it’s also paraben free and save for those who wears contacts! 

I gave it a try for 28 days (morning and night) and see the result on the pic above. My beauty verdict:

  • Very easy application, thanks to the tiny & precise brush.
  • Its’ clear texture (more like gel) made it easier to absorb too. Just make sure it dried fully before you put on eyeliner or mascara.
  • It didn’t sting, yet it felt really cooling when applied. 
  • I gave it a try on the bottom lashes too, see my pic above and you’ll see the difference, especially on the bottom lashes (they’re longer and fuller, YEAY!).

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.