Spotlight / BodyCare: Sumber Ayu - Lulur Mandi (Rose)

OK, I’m blogging via mobile. So, pictures will come later. My mum’s Indonesian client gave her a tub of this and I’ve been using this product for the past 2 months. 

It’s weird that I hadn’t blog anything about it since I totally love this body scrub!!! It doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin and my skin always feel so smooth after using it.

So, what exactly is Lulur Mandi?

Patron of Indonesian spas should find this term familiar. Although the Lulur Mandi that I had in a spa is somewhat different from how this product is used.

 

Mandi Lulur means “Lulur Bath” and it originated from  the island of Java. In Javanese, “Lulur” means “to coat the skin”. It is a traditional pre-nuptial ritual for brides-to-be; to achieve fair, smooth, soft and radiant skin.

The “Lulur” helps to stimulates skin cells regeneration,  promote better blood circulation, reduce water retention and of cause, like all exfoliating products, help smooth the skin.

In conventional Indonesian spas, whereby we pay more; a paste mixture of sandalwood, turmeric, ground nuts, rice and other scented woods is spread on the whole body and left to dry.  

This is part of the exfoliation process and the dried mixture is then gently rubbed off. A yoghurt paste is then smoothed over the body to restore balance, and finished off with a flower scented bath.

However, the tub version is very much different from the spa counterpart. This product is rice-base and is used in the same way as a regular body scrub. Simple and cheap (SGD3.00) for home DIY, without paying the exorbitant spas fees.

I’ve been careful in using the product as I like it a lot, switching between this and my more expensive, yet less desirable scrubs.  

I had no idea how to replenish once this tub ran out since it’s an Indonesia product. That was until I had an “Aha” moment while showering yesterday and googled the brand. 

Turns out that Sumber Ayu is big name in Indonesia and there is a good following right here in Singapore. They even have a Facebook page. The best part is, there are shops in Singapore that are selling the whole range!

 

I’m going to check out one of the aforementioned shops this evening and if I can secure a steady supply, I’m going to use every week!

Here’s a summary of why I love this:

• Cheap! Prices I’ve seen quoted online ranges from SGD1.60 to SGD3.00 
• Leaves skin feeling smooth and moisturized. 
• Whitening effect

My only grouse is the scent. Can’t really place it but it reminds me of cheap perfume. But no worries, it’ll be masked by my nice body moisturizer.

Spotlight / Tool: Unii Cosmetics - The Unii Palette

I read about this on ParisB's My Women Stuff and the more I found out about it, the more interested I became.

So, what is a Unii Palette? In essence, it's an empty palette whereby you can consolidate all your depoted items into one. Gone are the days whereby you carry multiple plattes in your cosmetics pouch for the sole purpose of touch-ups. No more fumbling and digging.

How does the Unii Palette works? It's definitely not rocket science; and someone out there may be using the exact method right now. All it takes is an empty palette lined with a metal sheet and adhesive magnetic sheets to do the "magic". Simple and you can even rearrange or change to another Unii Palette with minimal effort.

I'm starting to really like this product although I admit that many would regard this as a good to have item; given the retail price of USD29.00, exclusive of shipping charges. But I really like the look of this product and there's even a cute movable thumb-grip.

So, any Singaporeans interested to get this too? I think I might want to organize a spree to bring this item in.

Spotlight / Skincare: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate + Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++

My best friend is an ardent supporter of Kiehl's and they invited her for their movie night-out at Orchard Cineleisure on 25th Jun 2010. They were screening Knight and Day and since I had been lemming to watch the movie after watching the trailer, and with promise of a goodies bag, I agreed to accompany my friend for this event.

As part of the goodies bag was the sample for Kiehl's latest 2 products that was launched in Singapore. There was a lot of hype on the Midnight Recovery Concentrate and I was glad I was given a sample to try, without having to purchase the product.

Actually, I had forgotten about it until I was reminded by ParisB of My Women Stuff. Like a rabbit, I went to dig through my wardrobe and managed to find the "goodies bag"  (a little crumpled nevertheless).

From Kiehl's website, the product is described as an omnipotent product that is paraben-free and produces results by the very next day. Not to mention the fact that MUA rated it an average of 4.4 while ParisB of My Women Stuff gave it a good review too.

So, I'm really looking forward to trying out the sample and in the process, discover a new HG (If possible).

Of course, I'm also keen to try the sunscreen. But the Midnight Recovery Concentrate is the one that gets me so excited with...

New Product / Makeup: Benefit - Magic Ink

Got this via email today. Benefit just released a new product call Magic Ink (USD20.00). So, what does this little magician do? Line your eyes to give it that perfect cleopatra look.

In conjuction with the launch, Benefit is offering free International Shipping for orders above USD85.00 instead of the usual USD115.00. Use Promo Code EYELINER. Offers valid from 10th Aug - 16th Aug 2010.

Spotlight / Makeup: Kanebo Kate @ Watsons

OK, I’m posting this via mobile mode. So no fancy pictures and stuff. Will add more details when I’ve access to a nice computer.

This is so exciting. I just got a mailer from Cozycot announcing that Kate, Kanebo’s drugstore makeup line is now available in Singapore, at selected Watsons.

Some of the star products of Kate would be the Gel Eyeliners and the Diamond Cut eyeshadow palettes.

I’m not sure which Watsons will carry the range but I have a feeling that the one at Ngee Ann City would probably carry the full line since it’s like the flagship store for their Japanese Drugstore Makeup lines.

To learn more, visit the Kate website: www.kanebo.sg/kate

New Brand / Skincare: Shiseido Aqua Label + Heme

I'm happy to announce that another 2 new brands has been launched in Singapore and available thought Watsons.

The first one would be a familiar name to many. It's Shiseido drugstore brand, Aqua Label. There have been hype around this product and there was a soft launch at Tampines Mall between 21 - 27 June 2010. There are 4 lines of product.

1. Aqua Label White (Blue Packaging)
2. Aqua Label Moist (Red Packaging)
3. Aqua Label Anti-Acne (Green Packaging)
4. Aqua Label Anti-aging (Purple Packaging)

Only the first 3 lines would be launched in Singapore while the anti-aging would be launch in 2011, according to Mag from MakeUpStash.

To know more about Aqua Label, you can refer to the below for more information.

Aqua Label Facebook

Mag's Aqua Label Write-up

Mag's Aqua Label Pre-View
Mag's Aqua Label Price List

Next up is Heme. This is definitely one of the brand that I've been lemming for since I first saw Kevin老師 introduce it on 女人我最大 back in 2007. Finally, it has made it's way to Singapore!!!

This is a Made-In-Taiwan brand and endorsed by Taiwanese girl-band, S.H.E. So fans of S.H.E should find this brand familiar.


Brief summary of the brand's story based on  Heme's Website:

Heme was first launched in 2005. The brand name came from the combination of He+Me, targeting at the skin problems of young Taiwanese males and females. Focusing on skin issues surrounding the ages of 15-24, with simplicity as main consideration.

I'm not sure what products Watsons has brought in but I'm definitely looking forward to the star product below.

24hr Hydrating Detox-White Night Jelly
This was the product that piqued my interest. According to the product description, this product firms, whitens, hydrates and even brightens. The usage of this product would make the skin smooth like baby's skin the next morning. 

Hmmm, sounds a little too omnipotent to the point of being too-good-to-true to me. But given the price, I think it's still worth a try.

I think it's time to go shopping at Watsons again. Hopefully one day, Singapore Watsons will carry ranges that would match (Yes, match and not rival. I don't think they'll ever get to rival) their Hong Kong and Taiwanese 屈臣氏 counterparts.

New Product / Skincare: NARÜKO 愛慕可 by 牛爾

Picture source from NARÜKO Official Facebook Page

http://www.naruko.com.tw/

NARÜKO (愛慕可) is the latest brainchild of Taiwanese top skincare guru, 牛爾老師. Fans of the top Taiwanese beauty show, 女人我最大 should not find him unfamiliar. He's the authority beauty advisor for the show and previously had several of his own skincare lines sold under PayEasy.

According to the brand site, the main motivation for 牛爾老師 is to come up with skincare that is both good for the skin and wallet. So, after much research and preparation, this new skincare brand was conceived.

Currently, there is only one line of product which is the Narcissus. This line is suitable for all skin types and focus on preventative and repair care. But knowing 牛爾老師, I believe we'll see more lines and formulas being released under this brand.

On the first look, the main attraction would be 牛爾老師, being so famous and well-known in the Taiwanese beauty industry. In addition, the formulas are a result of his expertise and collaboration with a Japanese lab.

On top of that, I like the clean image whereby the products are free of parabens and preservatives. And they put in effort to use organic certified ingredients. But wait, the best thing is that, the packaging of NARÜKO is so well designed that it can actually be reused for other purposes instead of being chucked into the bin.

Online selling starts tomorrow but I've a feeling they dont ship to Singapore.. Nevertheless, this is a brand that is worthed taking a look into..

Spotlight / Makeup: Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion (UDPP)

Item Name: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (UDPP)
Price: S$32.00
Available at: Sephora @ Orchard Ion

Price: US$18.00
Available at: beauty.com


*Picture source from Urban Decay Website*







For makeup mavens and fanatics, I believe this is not a new product. This product is considered the holy grail / saving grace for many people who have oily eyelids. It is touted by many that eyeshadows do not slide, crease or smudge as long this was applied as the base.

And actually, there are enough raves on the WWW that I do not see a need to add on more information. So, today I'm going to touch on something else that I came across by chance.

This small item retails at S$32.00 a pop at Sephora Singapore for a mere 10ml of stuff. It works to $3.20 per ml. Not cheap at all, considering that my Clarins Moisturizer costs less per ml.

So, you finally bought that whimsical genie bottle but do you know that due to the design of the bottle, you probably wouldn't be able to get the maximum mileage out of your purchase? Even though the wand has already been improved and revamped, there is still a limit to how much product you can reach. Not to mention that repeated pumping action introduces air and bacteria, drying out the insides much faster.

And so, I found a good solution. But it involves the extremely heartbreaking action of cutting up that pretty cute bottle, some mess and a little miracle worker.



Brittany from Clumps of Mascara showed us the steps to cutting up the pretties and the outrageous amount of product left after the bottle was cut up.

And Enkore showed us a better way of storing the decanted product that is both hygienic and allows the product to last longer. I like watching Enkore as he's very detailed, friendly and always on the lookout for better products and solutions.

So, the next time you think you have ran out of UDPP, think again.

Click here for Brittany's demo for the major op.

Enkore's video below. Click to purchase the Empty Twist Up Lipgloss Pen ~ Brush Tip mentioned by Enkore.

Spotlight/ Bodycare: Crabtree & Evelyn - New Hand Therapy Collection: Citron Honey and Coriander

*Picture Source: C&C Website*

Went down to Orchard Paragon to cancel my mobile Broadband since I am now jobless and have no use for mobile broadband. Passed by the Crabtree & Evelyn store and saw that they have a Hand Therapy collection. Intrigued by the words "Citron" and "Coriander", I walked in to find out more since I'm a sucker for citrusy products...

There is a full range of hand products for this line and below is the product description from C&C Website:

"Drawing on our rich botanical heritage, the range features extracts of lemon, honey - known to soothe dry, irritated skin – coriander and myrrh, which has been shown to help condition nails and cuticles. In addition, a unique blend, including thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, tea tree, golden seal, and willow bark, works together in the rich formulations to leave hands feeling softer and looking younger.

The range is free of parabens, lauryl sulfates, mineral oil, and propylene glycol."

So not only does it smells good, it's also natural and anti-aging. Anyway, I totally fell in love with the scent and I dont really care what other good it gives.. But I restrained myself.. I still have like 4-5 tubes of handcreams in my stash... So, buying new items is a no no for me.. So, my motivation now is to quickly use up my stash so that I can buy more.. Muhahaha... Of course, securing a high paying job is the crux of the matter..

Update 19 Mar 2010: I couldn't resiste myself today and yes, I bought. Despite having more than 5 tubes of handcare items at home..

Spotlight/ Makeup: Givenchy - Phenomen'Eyes Mascara

Saw the episode of 女人我最大 that was originally aired in Taiwan on 12 Jan 2009. 小凱老師 was using this on one of the guests on the show. The transformation of the lashes was pretty amazing. Did some googling and found some really good reviews on it.
For the novelty and supposed raves, I am seriously considering buying it. Hmmm, thinking...

* Picture source from Givenchy Website*

Spotlight/ Makeup: Estee Lauder - Turbolash

Got the Estee Mailer and Cozycot Email on this supposedly revolutionary mascara. This little self-powered vibrating mascara encapsulates all a girl wants in her Mascara. Volume, length, curl and separation.

Whoa, from the flash, I cant help but feel amazed by what I saw. There is a demostration of the Turbolash at Orchard Paragon Lobby between 6 - 19 Feb 2009.

Retails at S$50.00, which is comparable to Estee's other makeup range but too steep for someone like me who dont apply makeup most of the time.

Website

* Picture source from Cozycot Mailer*