Tag: skincare

SOLID GOLD

Leave a comment
image

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. 

image

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.

image
image

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! 

image

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

Leave a comment

‘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

Leave a comment

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. 

image

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

PHOTOS: Shinta Rosvita

CHEERS TO A FLAWLESS FUTURE

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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. 

Leave a comment

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE…

With SAMPAR The Impossible C-Rum. 

My upcoming beauty resolution for 2015 is to take care of my skin more. Not that I neglected doing so this year, but smarter moves for better skin is very much needed. After all, healthy and flawless skin will always be a perfect base for any great makeup, right? 

But first, let me share some skin facts according to SAMPAR which might freak you and make you want to run to get this serum, stat!

  • Starting at 20, each woman will lose average 1% of collagen each year.
  • Skin aging starts silently around 15 years of age, become visible starting 30 and accelerates by 40-50.
  • Every day, the skin loses 1/3 hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid diminishes by 50% starting at the age of 50 years.

For the everlasting search of a perfect serum, search no more as SAMPAR The Impossible C-Rum reunites 5 serums (hydration, first wrinkles, deep wrinkles, anti-age spots & complexion radiance) in 1. A super concentrated serum with both preventative and corrective powers that promised to reprogram facial youth. With four patented active ingredients, Skin Youth Reverse Peptide, Liposome Encapsulated Vitamin C, Glucosamine-6 and Adenosine, it said it’ll intuitively adapts to cells regardless of our skin age. 

This smart serum comes with a dropper (great hygienic factor) and a light milky texture which absorb quickly. It didn’t leave any oily filmy residue and skin reactions for me. Usually, I use 2 drops for face and neck in the morning and night time after cleansing and before moisturizing. I’ve tried this for about 2 weeks, I feel my skin is brighter, firmer and more toned. 

From the product’s info, this serum is dedicated from 20 to 60+ years. SAMPAR The Impossible C-Rum is now available at Sampar Boutique, Kota Kasablanka, Jakarta and Beauty Box Stores near you. 

Leave a comment

FROM THE LAND DOWN UNDER…

… comes JURLIQUE. And their story began in 1985.

This beauty brand actually is a phonetic combination of Jurgen & Ulrike Klein, a German couple who migrated to Australia. Jurgen is a biochemist and Ulrike is a botanist with the same vision to create the purest skin care on earth. Combining their knowledge, they knew that in order to do such, they need earth, water, air and sun at their most pure. And they found the perfect place for Jurlique’s first farm, the pristine hills surrounding Adelaide. There, they foster richer soil, grow healthier plants which are free from synthetic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and insecticides to create more efficacious skincare and body care products. Once picked and sorted by hands, their ingredients will go through a unique extraction method called the “Bio-Intrinsic” process, a three-stage process to create a highly potent extract without any plant material wasted. They do follow strict organic and biodynamic (certified by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia) farming principles. And last but not least, they do not test their products on animals. 

Now sold in more than 20 countries around the world, they still grow their potent herbs and botanicals in the Adelaide Hills. Their Rosewater Balancing Mist is the first Jurlique product I’ve tried, especially needed when I travel by air. I love the relaxing scent of rose and it hydrates practically (just spritz!). Gladly, now I don’t have to buy Jurlique in Singapore anymore. Yes, Jurlique has officially opened in Jakarta, Indonesia this December 2014. Located in Plaza Indonesia, me & fellow press were invited to their first concept store cutting ribbon ceremony. 

The store itself stays true to Jurlique’s natural concept with wood materials used for its exterior and interior. I love the warm and calming atmosphere they created and how easily we can browse through their products according to the scents/ingredients and specific needs. It’s as simple as their packaging. In the store, I also spotted their latest skin care range, Rose Moisture Plus, made specifically for dehydrated skin. And, since it’s almost Christmas, they have several gift boxes to choose too! I can’t wait to try Jurlique’s other products, stay tune for my reviews.

Leave a comment

I’M IN FOR ….

Revolutionize my cleansing routine with the latest mask from GLAMGLOW, POWERMUD™ DUALCLEANSE TREATMENT.

Having oily skin, applying makeup almost everyday, can really caused havoc to my skin. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel my skin can’t even breathe (same feeling with the nails blocked by gel nail polish). And yes, I still getting acne, the ones that they called adult acne. I believed it happened because of those buildup from oil+dirt+makeup that somehow trapped inside no matter how clean I cleansed. 

Thanks to Beauty Box Indonesia, they sent me GLAMGLOW POWERMUD™ DUALCLEANSE TREATMENT to try. And boy this is not an ordinary mask. Uniting the power of mud & oil, this deep cleansing and gentle mask was aimed to release those weekly buildup (they recommend to use this mask once or twice a week). Powerful yet gentle natural ingredients were used to make this revolutionary mask. To cut things short, the ingredients are four clays blend and four cleansing oils, velvet mullein leaf and a complex mix of cleansers, astringents & exfoliators. You can read more about the ingredients, here. 

Different from GLAMGLOW previous masks that I’ve tried, the texture of this mask is way thinner. Applied on clean, dry face, it’s as tingly as the other GLAMGLOW masks, but (for sure) the lightest of them all. And what really differentiate this mask from the others is the removal method. I left it for about 10 minutes to dry, apply small amount of water and start to remove the mask with circular motion. Along with its’ fruity smell, I can feel the exfoliating sensation and how it emulsified itself to cleansing oil texture. Beauty verdict: it’s refreshing, it’s practical (it’s sort of combining mask, exfoliator and cleansing oil in one!), and it’s softening. Definite must have for those who love to do weekly treatment and detoxifying your skin.  

Leave a comment

SKINCARE BASED ON ART?

For those of you who are still unfamiliar with Diptyque, it was a brand started by three friends with the same artistic mind and creative passion in Paris, way back in 1961. That alone explained why they have such well thought packaging, right down to the fonts. 

Diptyque might be super duper famous for its luxurious scented candles (thanks to Jennifer Lopez who demanded Diptyque candles be placed in her dressing room) but this year, they introduced the latest range of products, skin care.

Named L’Art du Soin for the Face (by the way, they had them for body care as well), the total 5 products is quite a small range for based on the art of infused skincare. Inspired by ‘phytotherapy’, an ancient practice meaning ‘to treat with plants’, every product was formulated with plant and flower infusions for beneficial effects on skin. The range offers to bring out skin’s natural radiance for a complexion glowing with well being. There are 5 items available: Infused Facial Water, Nourishing Cleansing Balm, Radiance Boosting Powder, Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay & Protective Moisturizing Lotion. The main product from this range is Infused Facial Water, enriched with Damask Rose scent. Very multi tasking, as you can use it as a toner, a mask (just soak cotton pads with it) or mixed it with the other products from the range like Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay, Radiance Boosting Powder or Nourishing Cleansing Balm for cleansing purpose. In Jakarta, the price range for this luxurious skincare products, starts from Rp 800.000 – Rp 1.000.000. 

Tested them myself yesterday at The Dharmawangsa Suite, I personally love the textures. All of them, including the most heavy one, Nourishing Cleansing Balm, surprisingly felt very light upon contact with my skin. Mixed with Infused Facial Water, it metamorphosed into cleansing oil texture, which is perfect to remove makeup for dry skin. Radiance Boosting Powder is another favorite of mine. The white clay powder combined with powdered rose, jasmine and neroli petals, not only hydrate my skin. It turns into a creamy lather for face cleansing when mix with water and the black ball sponge provided inside the packaging. This can also be mixed with Infused Facial Water, and the good news is, it may not be rinse if you don’t feel like you have to. Trust me, I’ve tried not to rinse them, and it didn’t feel sticky or itchy. Just wipe the rest of the foam on your face and left it there. 

Coming from the brand that’s well known for their elegant scents, expect the same for this skincare range. And of course, they’ll beautify our bathroom cabinets as well. 

FROM KOREA TO THE WORLD

Yes, another Korean ‘beauty invasion’, please.

As a little girl, raised by a mother who truly believed in the power of ginseng as traditional medicine, Korean brand SULWHASOO had me at their main ingredient alone. Founded by Sung-Whan Suh (that really sound like the brand, don’t you think?) who as a young boy lived in Gaeseong, Korea, a city known for quality ginseng, SULWHASOO is known as a holistic skin wellness regimen drawn from Korean Herbal Medicine.

Having tested mostly all skin care brands which available in Indonesia, I am a firm believer of Asian brands, as I do believe they’re more skin-friendly to Asian skin. And SULWHASOO is one of them. At their website, I read something interesting: “In Korean Herbal Medicine, it is believed that the body undergoes internal changes every seven years. At each milestone, energies within the body change. Historically at the age of 35, vital energies begin to taper and fall out of balance. As vital energies diminish in the body, the skin becomes prone to dryness, dehydration, and significantly more vulnerable to the aging process.” I started counting my seven years itch after I read those, but relieved to know that SULWHASOO blends the Korean medicinal herbs with science to balance those inner energies of the skin for that final results we’ve all longing for: nourished & healthy complexion.

Thanks to SULWHASOO Indonesia, I’ve got a chance to try their products and one of the brand’s best seller ‘First Care Activating Serum’ (released in 1997). Currently, 9 bottles of SULWHASOO ‘First Care Activating Serum’ is sold every minute. This is not a typical serum, it also a booster to assure optimal skincare results by amplifying the effects of treatments that follows. If you are like me, sometimes you feel like all those serums & lotions didn’t absorb well and stay on the surface only, you’ll love this. The texture is very light and clear, it instantly absorb to the skin without any filmy feeling. As for the scent, I found it relaxing (thanks to those natural herbs such as lavender & ylang ylang). The star product of SULWHASOO is recommended as the first step of skin care after cleansing.

And talking about cleansing, I found my favorite cleansing oil in SULWHASOO, ‘Gentle Cleansing Oil’. Honestly, I was skeptical about cleansing oil as I’m an avid fan of Micellar water. But that changed after I tried the product. Unlike any other brands that I’ve tried previously, it’s not that oily (surprise, surprise!), it doesn’t sting my sensitive eyes and it cleanse well. And unlike any other brands, I don’t have to mix it with water to create that milky texture, just massage to clean the whole face, including eyes area. My beauty verdict: it’s a winner in cleansing oil category.

I also tried SULWHASOO ‘Essential Firming Cream’. Another winner from SULWHASOO Essential Line, for skin refining effects. No feeling of tightness after I applied and the slightly balmy texture didn’t feel heavy at all. It glides easily and absorbs well! Claimed to stimulate collagen for a long term lift, this product can also be used day and night to promote elasticity & detoxify as well.

As I wrote this post, SULWHASOO has two counters in Jakarta, Indonesia: Seibu Grand Indonesia & Sogo Plaza Senayan. Check out my pics above from their counter at Sogo. Well well well, they do carry ‘Men’s Line’ as well as their base makeup line, ‘Evenfair’. They have different lines for specific skin needs, such as ‘Time Treasure’ for anti aging and ‘Hydro-Aid’ for extra hydration. So, make sure you pick the right line for your need.