"Fabulous" Chewing Gum from Japan

Lotte, a confectionery manufacturer from Japan (equivalent to Wrigley in US), came out with a chewing gum called "Glamatic" that will make you ashamed of your Orbit chewing gum in your fashionable tote.

[Photo credit: http://gamublog.blog108.fc2.com/blog-entry-48.html]

Glamatic chewing gum is available in three flavors: mixed-berries flavor (black packaging), lychee flavor (pink packaging) and muscat flavor (green packaging). They all have very unique and tastefully pretty packaging to match your taste of fashion.

[Photo credit: http://gamublog.blog108.fc2.com/blog-entry-49.html]

A Japanese blogger suggested that the black and pink versions of Lotte Glamatic Gum are reminiscent of the beloved cosmetics brands, Anna Sui and Jill Stuart. I think the black version does remind me of Anna Sui Cosmetics.

[Photo credit: http://gamublog.blog108.fc2.com/blog-entry-74.html]

Have you tried them? I haven't tried any of these yet, but I think the packaging is really princessy and dreamy. I hope they taste good too. They are available at jbox.com for $1.50 each.


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Glamorous USB Drive!

Product Review: EcoTools Cosmetic Brushes and Bath Accessories

EcoTools is one of the eco-savvy lines on the market devoted to promote the green consciousness and earth-loving products. In conjunction with Earth Day (April 22), I am bringing you a review of some EcoTools cosmetic brushes and bath accessories.

Launched in March, 2008, EcoTools features a collection of makeup and bath accessories. Every detail of the collection is naturally chic:

• Makeup brushes: the handles are made of bamboo. The brushes are made of animal-free synthetic taklon bristles. Ferrule is made from recycled aluminum.
• Bath accessories: they are primarily made of natural plant or vegetable like ramie (a flowering plant as one of the oldest fiber crops), loofah (made from natural vegetable fibers), 100% cotton and bamboo. Bathing sponge is made from recycled plastic bottles

In addition, EcoTools will donate 1% of its annual sales to "1% For The Planet", an organization committed to leveraging their resources for a healthier planet.

EcoTools Makeup Brushes from the Left: Powder Brush, Blush Brush,
Foundation Brush, Eye Shading Brush, Eyeliner Brush, Lash & Brow Groomer

Review on EcoTools Makeup Brushes:
There are 6 sort of brushes in the EcoTools collection, including Powder Brush, Blush Brush, Foundation Brush, Angled Eyeliner Brush and last but not least, Lash & Brow Groomer. Compared with my other brushes made of natural hairs or synthetic bristles, I am amazed how soft EcoTools makeup brushes feel on skin. These bristles not only are dense and thick for picking up shades, they are also very durable. They are very easy to apply and efficient to blend colors.

EcoTools Makeup Brushes from the Right: Powder Brush, Blush Brush,
Foundation Brush, Eye Shading Brush, Eyeliner Brush and Lash & Brow Groomer

I like all of them except the Lash & Brow Groomer. Compared to other brushes in the line, the bristles of Lash & Brow Groomer are less dense. So the brush is a little too thin to work the job for my brows. Second, the bristles are a little stiff for my skin.

EcoTools Makeup Brushes

My favorite pieces from the line are Powder Brush, Blush Brush and Eye Shading Brush. I love the soft, fluffy texture the brushes feel on skin. The sizes and shapes of these bristles work efficiently setting makeup. They help deliver an even finish.

EcoTools Bath Accessories from the Right: Bamboo Foot File,
Bamboo and Loofah Facial Buffs, Ramie Bath & Shower Mitt and Loofah & Cotton Body Buff

Review on Bath Accessories:
The Loofah & Cotton Body Buff, Ramie Bath & Shower Mitt and Bamboo Foot File do a good job exfoliating the skin. Loofah has a coarse and hard texture. I find loofah buffs feels a little too hard on my skin even after soaked wet. My skin is dry and sensitive, so I normally don't use a facial or body buff on a daily basis.

I do prefer to use Loofah & Cotton Body Buff once or twice a week for the elbows, knees and feet, and use the facial buffs to gently scrub my face in small circles once a week, prior to my moisturizing mask time. It is good to get rid of dead skin and allow facial mask to fully moisturize my skin. Ramie Bath & Shower Mitt, however, is perfect for everyday use.

Part of the EcoTools Bath Accessories

Overall, EcoTools makeup brushes are soft, pliable and easy to apply for a flawless makeup coverage. The bath accessories also work great exfoliating and cleansing the face and body.The brush accessories range from USD$2.99 to $10.99, while the bath accessories range from USD$1.99 to $5.99. The line is available at select Walgreens, Kmart and Ulta stores. The prices are a bargain! It is definitely easy going green!


*This sample is provided by EcoTools. However, this review is solely based on my personal opinions after using this product.*


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I am not a plastic bag!

Elle Charm by Yves Saint Laurent Beaute

A month ago, I came across a handbag charm with lip gloss and solid perfume by Yves Saint Laurent, Elle Charm, on Vogue January 2008 issue. I was immediately intrigued by its packaging design. This product wasn't readily available back then, but it is now available exclusively at Neiman Marcus.

Elle Charm ($56) is a bag accessory that features an Elle Yves Saint Laurent solid perfume and a lip gloss in pearly fuchsia. Elle Charm, including the metal chain, has a sleek golden finish. I like the lip gloss and solid perfume packaged in the gold color squares. The charm adorns the bag or anything with a sense of modern luxury.

Elle Eau de Perfume by Saint Yves Saint is a woody floral fragrance , and provides a feminine and contemporary scent. Check here to read more about the review on Elle.

• Top Notes: Cedrat, peony, lychee.
• Middle Notes: Pink berries, freesia, jasmine.
• Bottom Notes: Patchouli, vetiver, ambrette.

Smythson of Bond Street

[Photo credit: Smythson website]

Selecting a cosmetics bag to keep my beauty supplies organized is very important. To pick out a beautiful cosmetics bag that has the right functionality to carry all my favorite makeups is even more important. Since it is an everyday-use item, it has to be spacious, durable, and has to be aesthetically pleasing.

I came across Smythson's leather good last weekend on Harper's Bazaar's "A Fashionable Life" Fall 2007. The one featured on Bazaar's magazine was the leather brush roll from Smythson's Lilac collection. Its stylish design caught my eyes and I immediately dived into cyberworld to search for more information. I have had a ride browsing Smythson's website.

Smythson has a heritage of fine stationary, leather goods and cabinet work since 1887. Among its various collections, I am particularly fond of Aqua Adamo, Lilac, and Nancy Handbag Collections. The Lilac Collection, however, has impressed me the most. The design is simple, yet it is stylish and elegant. The Lilac color adds a soft and feminine touch.

Part of the Autumn/Winter 2007 collection, The Cosmetics Case ($225) from Lilac Collection is made of new soft Adamo calfskin. It is definitely a good quality that can withstand wear for years. The size is 18 x 11 x 7cm (7" x 4" x 2.5"). The Make-up Brush Roll ($510) is also fantastic. It is also made of soft Adamo calfskin and includes eight professional quality brushes and tweezers. The brush roll is 26 x 10cm (10.25" x 5"). These two beauty accessories are just added to my wish list for this year. I hope you also enjoy browsing the Smythson website!

Holiday Gift Idea 2007: for Beauty Lovers

Christmas is coming in just two weeks. Many of you might be trying to find the best deal and best gift for the loved one or just to pamper yourself for a working hard this year. Here are few gift idea, particularly for beauty lovers.

1. Estée Lauder Evening Elegance Powder Compact

The Evening Elegance Powder Com is inspired by Art Deco designs of the 1930s. I like its simplicity, yet stunningly elegant. The compact is patterned with golden wave lines. The closure is adorned with Baguette crystals. It is a refined limited edition collectible gift.

2. Shu Uemura Simple Drama Set

The Simple Drama Set includes a mini makeup palette and a compact brush set. The Compact Mini Palette has: Pressed Eye shadow Matte Powder Blue, Pressed Eyeshadow Iridescent Starry Midnight Black, and Glow On Blush in Pearlized Peach. The Holiday Compact Brush Set has: Blush Brush, Eye Shadow Brush, Lip/Eye Liner Brush, Concealer/ Foundation Brush. This is a Limited-edition set.

3. Laura Mercier Diamond Duster

Laura Mercier Diamond Duster is made of Marabou feathers. It is kind of an old-fashioned way to dust powder on face and body. To apply with shimmery cbody powder, it could creates a subtle glow. Isn't it like a magic duster that works beauty wonders in the holiday season?

4. Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact

The packaging of Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact is absolutely adorable and princessy. The quad pressed powder comes with a retractable brush to create a glowing cheek shade. The powder is refined and a little shimmery. The Mix Blush Compact comes with four different shades in four sets of colors (01:baby blush, 02:rose bloom, 03:coral glow and 04:hot cherry). It has a hint of floral fragrance in a very light way.

5. L'Occitane Ultimate Shea Butter Gift Box

This Ultimate Shea Butter Gift Box includes: Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap - Milk, Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream, Shea Butter Hand Cream. Made from the fruit of the African shea tree, both the hand cream and the body cream are enriched with 20 % shea butter. The texture is rich and creamy. Other than all the goodness that nourishes my hands quickly, one thing I cannot live without is the pleasant fragrance of L'Occitane Shea Butter line. The smell is soft and clean. This is one of my all-time favorite hand creams. I like to pamper my hands with the lovely hand cream before hitting the sack.

6. Dior J'adore Pouch Set

The Dior J'adore Pouch Set includes Eau de Parfum Spray 1.7 oz, Perfumed Body Lotion 1.7 oz, Perfumed Bath and Shower Gel 1.7 oz and a couture design pouch. Notes: Mandarin, Champaca Flowers, Ivy, African Orchid, Rose, Violet, Damascus Plum, Amaranth Wood, Blackberry Musk. The fragrance is definitely feminine, floral and sensual, but not overwhelmingly sweet. ( The information of The J'adore notes is sourced: Sephora website.)

Related post: Holiday Gift Idea 2007: Lip Gloss Set

I love Paul & Joe Cosmetics Accessories!

Paul & Joe Beaute is well-known for its quality cosmetics and sophisticated package design. They always came up with beautiful cosmetics in feminine and classy packaging. They highlight a retro-modern and joyful style that embodies the philosophy of fun-loving and Parisian sophistication.

Unfortunately, they don't have any stores around DC area (You probably feel the same way too). The best I can find is Anthropologie, which only carries limited items in some of the stores. Online shopping, however, makes my life easier to purchase Paul & Joe cosmetics. If I were given a choice though, it is much more fun if I can shop in a real store. I always enjoy hours of visual pleasure and happiness by browsing and trying out products in person. After spending some time browsing their website, these are the two beauty accessories that I am dying for (one of them only available on their Japanese website). Ain't they cute?

Brush Holder



Box for Face Powder