Mercedes Benz STYLO Fashion Grand Prix 2014 opens with a Stylish Slumber last night!

Yesterday was Mercedes Benz STYLO Fashion Grand Prix, KL 2014 opening night. A Stylish Slumber featuring Men &... More Men theme was chosen as the fashion festival which is running into it's 7th year paying tribute to Men's Fashion at its opening event signalling recognition for a fast growing fashion demographic.

Mr. Roland Folger, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said that "Mercedes-Benz always understand that couture and cars are a winning combination. This year we continue to push our partnership with STLO to present the best in fashion entertainment."

Datuk Nancy Yeoh, president and CEO of Stylo International recorded her appreciation to sponsors and media partner. She said that " This year we continue to dedicate one entire night to honouring men's fashion. We have a myriad of really good menswear and designers here and all they need is just better opportunities on important platform such as this. 

The fashion festival this year themed "Wearable Fantasies" started with ball rolling with a series of high profile, tongue-in-cheek styled men's fashion show with pyjamas being the dress code requested of the stylish set.

"Fashion's merely the excuse" is Stylo tagline, this fashion entertainment festival expanded its theatrics this year to include uniquely created cocktails as the Poppy Garden night spot is this year's venue of choice. A fashion cocktail bar took centrestage. Sexy "stylo-tini cocktails lined up the fashion bar backed by interesting bartenders and models who served dressed in pyjamas besides the uber fashionable props added further to the festival's appeal.

Joe Chia , Mercedes-Benz STYLO Young Designer runner up in 2009 opened the night with 02 - the symbolic number of his new line.

The symbolism of the number goes , in fact , far beyond. 02 reflects the philosophy of fraternity, which urges one to unite with like-minds and like-ideals. 01 is the meeting point of culture and the street , traditiona and music inspired by lifestyles whilst connecting people and ideas.

The Tom Abang Saufi brand is well-known for its designs with no zips and no buttom. On yesterday opening night, the Tom Abang Saufi Homme brand was introduced, a menswear line created for the men with an adventurous steak. Unforunately Tom Abang Saufi could not make it to the event and her daugher took his place instead.

Seasoned designer Datuk Tom Abang Saufi showcased her signature batik, pua kumbu designs on sarongs worn by bare chested men, which was one of many highlight of  the night .

Love how the images behind the vest offers surprises when the model took off their coat. 

Newcomer Kinslageer, a German designed based in Malaysia presented his take on menswear with a 1920''s twist. This husband and wife team features designs and tailor-make shirts, trouser, jackets, vests, neckties and bowties to casual wear and golf wear for easy elegant and comfortable wear.

The highlight of the night was the when Quater Homme took the stage with its underwear showcase. Take a deep breath before scrooling down to look at those toned and stylised male models. 

Stop and wipe your saliva... don't drool on your keyboard or handphone! 

Quater Homme has emerged as a leading brand and is well known for their extraordinary comfort and latest designs for men's underwear.

Group photo of all the VIPS and designers at Mercedes Benz STYLO Fashion Grand Prix, KL 2014 opening night.

Stylo Fashion Grand Prix 2014 is now purely a fashion festival, which features all types of designs from current to even past collections, styled according to theme. Whereas Asia Fashion Week happening later this year is strictly B2B trade event featuring next season's collections where trade buyers meet and place order with designers to be manufactured and retailed later.

The STYLO signature during the opening night was evident throughout Poppy Garden was transformed into a French boudoir downstairs and Chinese boudoir upstairs at Passion under the theme "A Stylish Slumber"

Complete with big bed poster beds, bedside lamps, strategically placed partitions, fluffed-up pillows and sinful silk sheets to complete the look.

OOTN : I'm wearing Dorothy Perkins Pink Lace Dress

Although the dress code of sleep wear, party wear and under wear - only a small amount of people came in with the right attire and most of us went there "under dressed" ... Haha!

The Mercedes Benz STYLO Fashion Grand Prix 2014 runs from 24th - 29th of March 2014.  I will be there some of the nights to check out the collection! So stay tune! 

Review & Swatches : Maybelline New York Lip Polish by Color Sensational - A must pick up for lips lover!

Before Maybelline New York officially launched the new Lip Polish by Color Sensational I had checked them on Watsons on December last year. I went home to google and found out that it was named Maybelline Color Elixir by Color Sensational Lip Color in some countries like USA.

In Malaysia we have only 10 shades compared to oversea they had 20 shades. Comes in pocket friendly size, this Maybelline New York Lip Polish plastic packaging does not look cheap but as nice as those in beauty counter brand. 

From the look of the packaging you might be thinking this is just another lipstick but it's NOT. Maybelline New York Lip Polish is a 3 in 1 potion , combining a balm, lipstick and gloss. 

It claims that it has a perfect blend of sweet and sensual, the smooth, lightweight formula of Lip Polish delivers a moisturizing liquuid balm that prep lips for intensely rich color. 

Here I'm going to share with you the swatch and a detail review of Maybelline New York Lip Polish Glam 3, Pop 5 and Glam 6 shade.

One layer of swatch of Maybelline New York Lip Polish Glam 3, Pop 5 and Glam 6 shade. The colour is so pigmented! The magic lies in a formula that combines the ingredients found in a conditioning balm with rich, pure pigments and a high gloss topcoat.

The texture of Maybelline Lip Polish by Color Sensational Lip Color is creamy but NOT STICKY! Now I remembered that how I don't usually like lip gloss because its usually sticky and not comfortable to wear. 

Also Maybelline New York Lip Polish is unscented and compare to the review I read on Maybelline Color Elixir which has creme brulee scent. Personally I do not like my lip product to have any scent so was glad to find that our formula is a little bit different from those in USA.

The applicator wand is quite unique, from the front it looks like a leaf shape and it can bendable up to 180 degree. A dose of creamy balm cling

I quite like their bristle as it picks up the product nicely and very easy to apply it smoothly on my lips. For darker shade, need a little more technique though. 

Maybelline New York Lip Polish Glam 3 review -I t's  bright orange colour with micro shimmer. 

Maybelline Lip Polish Glam 3 on my lips

I applied 1 layer of Maybelline New York Polish Glam 3 and it was good enough. Super shiny and spot the micro shimmer on my lips.

Out of the 3 shades that I would be reviewing,  Maybelline New York Polish Glam 3 is the easiest to carry and it would match any skin tone and any ocassion. And if you wanted to give Maybelline New York Lip Polish a try, this is one shade I would definitely recommend!

Maybelline New York Lip Polish Pop 5 review - sweet pink shade 

Maybelline Lip Polish Pop 5 on my lips

I applied 1 layer of Maybelline New York Polish Pop 5 and it was good enough. If you notice this has no shimmer. 

Maybelline Lip Polish Pop 5 shade is very sweet and I feel young wearing them.

 Maybelline New York Polish Glam 6 review - is a deep berry shade 

 Maybelline Lip Polish Glam 6 on my lips

This colour needs a little bit effort in applying effort in applying as among all other shades this is the most pigmented one. No shimmer spotted here too.

I don't usually fancy shade like this as I feel kinda a little mature/old wearing them. However with the right occasion and makeup (i.e light makeup on eyes) this shade is quite classy to carry. 

Maybelline Lip Polish does live up to the expectation that it does not make my lips drying. The color is smooth,  intense and captivating too! Generally the lighter shade of Maybelline Lip Polish such as Glam 3 and Pop 5 lasts for a few good hours before I need to re-apply them. And this 2 shades does not leave any stain on my lips. 

As you can see Maybelline Lip Polish Glam 6 shade is the most pigmented one among three. And after 10 hours of wearing, even though the gloss is gone but it would leave a very nice berry stain on my lips. Mind you, you can't remove this using warm water and proper lips makeup remover is needed here.  

Maybelline Lip Polish by Color Sensation is so far my favourite lip gloss and out of 3 shades here, I am carrying Maybelline Lip Polish Glam 3 in my handbag daily.

Which Maybelline Lip Polish shades do you prefer ? 

Maybelline Lip Polish by Color Sensational is selling in Malaysia for RM32.90 . In Malaysia we have a total of 10 shades. Maybelline is sold exclusively at all Watsons, Guardians, Sasa & Caring pharmacies. And ocassionally they will have 10-15% discount, so do keep a look for it. 

I think I'm going to pick out more shades to try because it's really affordable and live up to the expectations and raves that I have been hearing! 

Swatch & Review : L'occitane Sublime Essence and L'ocittane Sublime Beauty Cream

I been having this for quite some time and finally I got time to do a full review on this 2 items i.e L'occitane Iris Angelica Sublime Essence and  L'occitane Sublime Beauty Cream SPF30. 

Both these products are under L'occitane Angelica, where it's a hydrating range. Angelica is an exceptional plant that grows incredibly fast due to its hydration capabilities. L'occitane has placed the amazing Angelica plant at the heart of a complete face care range to intensely rehydrate and revitalise the skin. Both Angelica essential oil and angelica water, which help restore the skin's natural beauty, have been used in their face care collection. L'occitane Angelica collection has a complete skincare range from facial cleansers, toner, scrub, hydrating moisturisers, skin perfector treatments and sunblock. And to be honest, I quite like this range especially their cleanser, toner and mask and I love the freshly cut grass scent! 

L'occitane Sublime Essence - RM195 for 30ml 

L'occitane Sublime Essence is a  silicone-free skin-perfecting serum which is made with organic extracts from two angelic flowers: white iris and angelica. A symbol of pure beauty, the velvety and luminous white iris offers its powers of sublimation. Known for its incredible hydrating properties, angelica gives the skin vitality. It enhances the natural beauty of all women’s skin by acting at the heart of epidermal cells. 

Its unique ultra-velvety texture helps to correct six skin irregulaties: 

1. Skin's texture is visibly smoothed and refined 

2. Pores look instantly tightened 

3. Redness and blemishes appear reduced 

4. Complexion is more radiant and even-toned 

5. Skin is hydrated and plumped 

6. Skin touch is ultra soft and velvety 

This patented, silicone-free formula serum promises to leave skin looking and feeling sublime.

Texture : Smooth velvet texture that absorb into the skin within second 

Scent : Light floral 

Review of L'occitane Sublime Essence texture is really lovely, very velvety and smooth. And because of this texture it gives an immediate effect of smoothening on the skin's texture and I felt my pores appeared smaller. And yes this sounds like one of ours skin perfecting primer with silicon.  But this is not the case here, because L'occitane Sublime Essence does not contains silicone! 

Although the texture was lovely, my skin did not feel much different with this serum and felt not moist enough to be used alone with moisturiser. Hence I prefer to top up another layer of treatment serum before sealing it with a layer of moisturer. I felt that this essence is targeted at young people with not much skin's problem and if you want an essence for maintenance purposes, well this is a good one to try. 

Even thought this is an essence but because of the texture I have tried using it as a primer and it works pretty well. And this serum is pretty pricey and I would prefer to invest in a treatment serum that works.

L'ocittane Sublime Beauty Cream (RM135 for 40ml) is a do-it-all BB Cream that cares, refines and protects for a flawless finish.

The Sublime Beauty Cream is made with a patented combination of two angelic flowers: white iris and angelica. A symbol of pure beauty, the velvety and luminous white iris offers its powers of sublimation. Known for its incredible hydrating properties, angelica gives the skin vitality. Organic extracts from these two flowers leave skin looking and feeling perfect.

Offering all the benefits of a moisturizer and foundation, this BB cream does it all: 

- Gives the complexion a fresh, natural and even look 

- Visibly reduces the look of pores, redness and blemishes and pores 

- Hydrates and smoothes the skin 

- Provides SPF 30 sun protection 

Available in 2 shades: Light and Medium. 

Remember must always shake before using because this Sublime Beauty Cream consists of essence. And in the even if you don't shake before using you will see the product is separated from the oil.

The texture is thick and creamy and has light floral scent.

Review of L'occitane Sublime Beauty Cream  

L'occitane Sublime Beauty Cream is a BB cream, not sure why L'ocittane want to named it as Beauty Cream instead. When I first found out that this is a BB cream, I did not have much expectation on this because I am not a big fan of BB cream at all. Usually BB cream in the market comes in one universal shade and it's often too fair for skin or appear greyish. L'occitane Sublime Beauty Cream comes in two shades i.e light and medium and was surprised when I found that their medium shade suits me perfectly! 

A quick look at the picture above, I felt that L'occitane Sublime Beauty Cream works like a magic wand that gives my skin a beautifying effect like in photoshop. Maybe that's why it's named as Beauty Cream not Blemish Balm cream.

What I like most is that the coverage is pretty good considering this is a BB cream and not a foundation, it covers my pores, redness nicely and gives an immediate radiant effect.The coverage can be build up depending how much you use the product.

L'occitane Sublime Beauty Cream feel comfortable on my skin as it keep my skin feeling supple. It stays for a few good hours before fading off slowly. Although this comes with SPF30, I would still suggest you to put on a layer of sunblock and I usually had SPF50 before going out.

I realised this L'ocittane Sublime Beauty Cream has become my beauty staple on weekends as usually I want to let my face to rest from foundation. I love how this BB cream is so easy to blend and the coverage is pretty decent too that I could forgo my concealer. Definitely will be picking this up when I ran out of this tube! 

L'occitane Sublime Essence (RM195 for 30ml) and L'ocittane Sublime Beauty Cream (RM135 for 40ml) are available in all L'ocittane stores nationwide 

For more info visit

www.facebook.com/loccitane.my 
www.loccitane.com.my

Happy 10th Anniversary to L'occitane Malaysia!

L’occitane who is founded in 1976 in Provence, France is now in over 80 countries and with 1,899 stores worldwide. And just last month, L’occitane Malaysia celebrated their 10th anniversary here in Kuala Lumpur.

Nancy Ferriman, South East Asia General Manager of L’Occitane said that “We’re pleased with the strides we’ve made in Malaysia. We understand that uncompromising premium products and a penchant for subtlety over flash is what have been our key driving initiatives every time a new range is conceptualised. We want our products to speak for themselves through the pleasure and radiant glow of the woman who uses L’OCCITANE in ways that shows that beauty is more than just skin deep.”

She shared that her favourite is Almond Shower Oil where it pampers her skin after a long day at work. It's my favourite too! 

A celebration would not be complete without cake-cutting ceremony.

Here are the 10 key L’occitane Malaysia’s milestones over the 10 years 

1. The very first L’occitane Boutique’s opening ceremony in KLCC, Kuala Lumpur back in 2004.

2. In July 2006, L’occitane Malaysia brought 3 press members to Provence, the home of the brand, for an exclusive Lavender Discovery. 

3. In 2007, L’occitane Malaysia branched out from Kuala Lumpur and opened its first outlet in Queensbay Mall, Penang; followed by the first L’occitane Boutique in East Malaysia at The Spring, Kuching. Two other outstation outlets were opened later in Mahkota Parade, Melaka and Suria Sabah, Kota Kinabalu to bring Provencal lifestyle to more parts in Malaysia. 

4. In 2007, L’OCCITANE Malaysia re-launched its bestselling anti-ageing skincare collection, Immortelle Precious formulated by its signature everlasting flowers – Corsican Immortelle. 

5. 2009 was an exciting year for L’occitane Malaysia as we launched their first premium anti-ageing skincare product, Divine Cream. 

6. In line with L’occitane’s CSR endeavors, the brand’s first local charity fundraising initiative was launched in 2009. A total of more than RM150,000 was successfully raised over the years and donated to the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB)to equip the association’s different projects to empower the visually impaired with knowledge. This noble effort has become L’occitane Malaysia’s annual affair, where funds are raised each year to help the visually impaired. L’occitane Malaysia was proudly be commended by Foundation France in year 2013 on its local efforts in helping the visually impaired. L’occitane Malaysia takes pride in its efforts to help these people have a better, brighter future, and they are proud of the award as it encourages them to strive even harder.

 7. In 2010, in line with going green, L’occitane Malaysia introduced its first eco-friendly green house concept Boutique in Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur and eco-Refill packaging was also introduced to reduce the usage of plastic bottle. 

8. The first Melvita flagship boutique was opened in Suria KLCC end 2010. Melvita, L’occitane’s sister brand, was founded by Mr. Bernard Chevilliat in 1983, and offers a wide selection of organic beauty care products developed and formulated in France, featuring bee products as its key ingredients. The grand opening was officiated by Mr. Chevilliat, the founder itself. 

9. In 2012, L’occitane Malaysia relaunched its popular hydrating skincare collection, Angelica. Selected members of the press were invited on an exclusive discovery trip to Salagon Garden, Provence. 

10. Today, in 2014, L’occitane Malaysia has rapidly expanded its wings over a short period of time. From one humble boutique in Suria KLCC to 18 boutiques nationwide, and from 10 staff to a team of over 150 dedicated employees, its success story continues to grow and flourish…

Last but not least, Happy Anniversary L'ocittane Malaysia! 

 Although L’occitane is more well known for their body care, their skincare worth a mention because it actually works pretty well on me . As much as I love their body care, I do like their L'Occitane Immortelle Precious where I did a review 2 years ago and it works wonder on me!

Before I end my post, a sneak preview of my next product review on L'occitane Sublime Essence & Beauty Cream. Do check out later to see how it flares on my skin :)

Exclusive interview with Yu Heng as the Freshel’s Ambassador in Malaysia

Last week I had an exclusive interview with Yu Heng ( 宇珩 ) who is the newly appointed Freshel's Malaysia Ambassador.  Yu Heng a very talented Malaysian songwriter & singer hailed from Bentong, Pahang is now based in Taiwan has written many songs for herself and other singers including Z-Chen, Twins, Fish Leong, and Ding Dan.

Yu Heng said that she is happy with her collaboration with Freshel Malaysia because she finds that Freshel skincare really works for her. She said that she doesn't like to complicate things and prefers to keep things simple. When it comes to beauty, the most important thing to her is hydration.

Freshel comes in 3 main ranges ; i.e Whitening, Moisture & EX-Moisture

Personally I have tried some of their skincare last year June and do think that their products are pretty simple to use and glad to find that some their products do not have fragrance or colorant.

Yu Heng's favourite product is Freshel’s time-saving skincare range which is the All-In-One Gel Moisturizing Gel, which has a five-in-one concept in a unique gel formulation that quickly penetrates in just five seconds.

Yu Heng who just got married recently said that the weather in Taiwan always changing and it affects her skin condition where she is now having combination skin type. Her cheek areas are dehydrated while her T-zone is oily. And she shared her beauty secret that in order to balance up her skin she apply an extra thick layer at night especially on her T-zone. And she felt that her skin condition has improved after using it for a few months. 

Freshel Perfect Gel Series comes in three formulas – whitening, hydrating and extra hydrating – allowing you to choose the most suitable formula for your skin. The thick & penetration formula delivers ingredients quickly. It serve as a lotion, essence, emulsion, cream and moisturizing makeup base.

Freshel Whitening Gel - RM67/80g
- consists active ingredient Vit C which will helps to control melanin generation and prevents spots & freckles

Freshel Moisture Gel - RM67/80g
- consists double collagen and hyaluronic acid which will help to moist, smooth and increase elasticity of the skin.

Freshel EX-Moisture Gel - RM82/80g
- consists of coenzyme Q-10, alpha lipoic acid, double collagen and hyaluronic acid. This is an intensive moisturizing care with an-anti aging skincare formula.

Freshel has 4 types of Mineral BB cream which all consist of skincare ingredients. It can be served as essence, emulsion, cream, sunscreen and tinted makeup base. Comes in 2 shades natural beige and medium beige.   

Freshel Mineral BB Cream (UV) - RM59/50ml

- Comes with SPF 41 PA++

-A smooth & non-sticky texture that will helps to reduce the visibility of spots.

Freshel Mineral BB Cream (Moist) - RM59/50ml

- Comes with SPF 28 PA++

- A moisturizing mineral gel cream that spreads well and is absorb quickly by the skin to create a natural and beautiful finish.

Freshel Mineral BB Cream (EX) - RM67/50g

-Comes in SPF 32 PA++

- An extra thick and moisturizing mineral BB cream that is rich in texture that covers visible skin problems. 

Freshel Mineral BB Cream (Pore Cover) - RM59/50g

- Comes in SPF 30 PA++

- Reduces visible pores and provides a smooth, non-sticky finish

- This is my favourite and I have tried it personally during the previous event. Love how my pores looked smaller and face is smoother after applying it. The shade medium beige matched my skin perfectly 

At the event also, we have a special preview of the new Kanebo Freshel CC Cream. Unlike the BB Cream, CC Cream stands for colour correction cream is a skincare cream that corrects visible skin colour tone by evening it out and reducing dullness. It's usually more watery, smoother, lighter feel compared to BB Cream. Although it can be removed with a regular face wash, I would always suggest to double cleanse the skin. 

Freshel CC Cream which comes with SPF20 PA++ has 5 functions all in one ie. essence, emulsion, cream, sunscreen and tinted makeup base. It also helps to camouflage dullness and skin colours to attain bright, natural skin without applying base makeup. It has moisturizing effect with double collagen and hyaluronic acid. 

Kanebo Freshel CC Cream is not available yet as this product would be only be officially launched in May 2014.

She shared that besides using Freshel daily, she usually warmed up the products with her palm before she massage into the skin for better absorption. 

During the interview, Yu Heng told us that she is coming back to Malaysia this May for Freshel's event and I guess is the Freshel CC Cream launch. 

A group pic with Yu Heng

Yu Heng & me 

Freshel products are available in selelcted Watsons & SaSa store. 

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/FreshelMalaysia or http://www.kanebo-my.net