Caro London Beauty Bags

By Mag Teo
One of the pleasures of owning beauty products is the availability of cases in which to store them. Choosing which one is sometimes a conundrum, given the number of storage choices we are faced with, but if you're partial to feminine frills and quirky fashion prints, Caro London beauty bags are a good bet!

All hand-crafted and individually-quilted in the United Kingdom, these 100% cotton printed cambric cases come in different sizes to suit your needs. Taffeta piping and frills, together with beaded zip pulls, add a delicate touch to the bags. The practical is not overlooked in favour of aesthetics, though – these washable bags all have a waterproof polyester lining to prevent leakage, in the event of product spillage.

Caro London Vanity Bags (S$59)
Size: L25 x H16 x W13cm

A convenient handle on the lid aids portability, while zips on both ends are perfect for ease of opening. A reinforced base also allows you to hold weightier items. In addition, these bags have four elasticised internal pockets – two on each length of the case. I particularly like the fact that the pockets are expandable, thanks to the elastic.

Caro London Overnight Washbags (S$42)
Size: L22 x H14 x W11cm

Ideal for overnight travel, these soft yet structured bags are perfect for holding toiletry items and makeup. I like that they don't have a floppy base, which means they can stand up sturdily on tub/shower sides or bathroom vanities for easy access to bath and body products. An outer pocket with a magnetic clasp also helps you to reach essential makeup items quickly, while you are on the go.

Caro London Make Up Clutch Bags (S$30)
Size: L19 x H9 x W6.5cm

These practical cases not only fit easily into carry-alls, their roomy interior holds a fair amount of beauty products, despite their seemingly compact size. For the beauty maven who travels light, they can fit a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, hairbrush and the like.

Caro London Shell Bags (S$26)
Size: L17 x H13 x W8cm


As suggested by their name, the feminine curves of these cute bags are reminiscent of mollusc shells. Like oysters, they comfortably house beauty gems. Their broadened base carries a lot - lipsticks, lip balms and other daily makeup fit snugly in these cases, not to mention keys, coins and mobiles.

From now until the end of the year, spend over S$60 at Soap 'n Sorbet and receive 10% off your order or spend over S$100 and receive 15% off (use promo codes XMAS10 and XMAS15 during check-out). Do order early to avoid the Christmas delivery rush. :)

Tokyo Milk Parfums Part 2

By Mag Teo

Le Petit No. 2
Notes: violets, peonies, vanilla beans (floral and sweet)

Feminine and comforting, Le Petit is an almost-powdery blend. Laced with floral accents, the unmistakable whiffs of vanilla give way to sweet touches as the perfume rests on the skin. It can be a little heady but people who love strong, reassuring scents will like this.

Song in D Minor No. 13
Notes: white orchid, orange flower, gardenia, amber (classic floral)
Fresh and sweet, Song in D Minor puts a mellow tune in your heart with its light floral medley. Indubitably feminine, this classic fragrance will appeal to many, so pleasing are its floral notes.

Sparrow No. 18
Notes: neroli and citrus, crisp greens, gardenia, rosewood (fresh citrus)
A delightful mélange of greens and sweets, the neroli in Sparrow plays beautifully with the sugary notes. Crisp and light, this refreshing fragrance seems like a sweeter version of L'Occitane Thé Vert (Green Tea), one of my favourite scents.

Waltz No. 14
Notes: linden, honeyed rose, wisteria petals, white musk (sparkling floral) Lifted by soapy linden notes, yet grounded by a lingering trace of musk, Waltz has an evident honeyed floral heart. Clean and cool with a delicate edge, this refreshing fragrance seems suited to young women who want a wearable scent with a touch of sophistication.

Kabuki No. 9
Notes: Sugared grapefruit, lychee, sweet jasmine (sweet and crisp)
One of my first Tokyo Milk fragrances, Kabuki charmed me with its playful sweetness. The lychee and grapefruit morph interestingly into sweet-and-sour plum tones that add texture to this scent set against soft vanilla notes. The citrus accents balance its inherent sweetness and give this fragrance a complexity that shrouds it in sophistication and a touch of je ne sais quoi. I'd say that of the entire range, Kabuki is one of the most difficult to dupe, so unique is this scent!

Tokyo Milk Parfums Part 1

By Mag Teo

Housed in sleek rectangular glass bottles, these fragrances are distinguished by the brand's type-writer font (I love text in this print!) and the vintage water-colour images that decorate the Tokyo Milk scent flacons. At once simple and complex, the fragrances – like the brand – walk the fine line between trendy and nostalgic. Here are my thoughts on some of the parfums from Tokyo Milk.

Cherry Bomb No. 05
Notes: wild rose, osmanthus, chocolate, vetiver (chocolate floral)

Cherry Bomb reminds me of chocolate-dipped cherries. It isn't really a gourmand scent but there is a definite warm sweetness and an almost-delicious whiff to it. The lovely osmanthus notes lift it from being too sugary and while there is youthfulness to this scent, there is a suggestion of darkness in the splash of vetiver.

Dead Sexy No. 06
Notes: deep vanilla, woods, ebony, orchid (sweet woods)
A woody vanilla, Dead Sexy is laced with spicy warmth. It has touches of creamy sweetness and a subtle undertone of musk. I like how its blend of strength and softness lends it allure; I could't stop sniffing my skin when I splashed some on it! The spice in this linear fragrance gives it a unisex slant - I can imagine this on a man, certainly.

Gin and Rosewater No. 12
Notes: citrus zest, rosewood, mimosa, mandarin (citrus and rose)
Sparkling citrus notes are balanced with a sugary overtone in Gin and Rosewater. With its sweet burst of vivre, this delightful scent is great for lifting dreary days. In this aspect, it reminds me of Love & Toast Gin Blossom. There is a coy floral tone in this – it appears as an after-whiff every now and then, sometimes not at all.

Honey and the Moon No. 10
Notes: sweet honey, sugared violet, jasmine, sandalwood (warm melted sugar)

One of Tokyo Milk's best-selling perfumes, Honey and the Moon is intense - this fragrance is not for those who prefer delicate scents; there is nothing subtle about it! Oriental and spicy, it seems suited for chilly days. Its raw honey notes are apparent from the first splash but the sandalwood dry down is most obvious on my skin. There are hints of the floral tones but they are rather faint on me. The sillage of this perfume is quite marked, so if you'd like to make an impression, this is the scent for you.

I Want Candy No. 04
Notes: crisp apples, peaches, violets, roses (sweet fruits)

More a gourmand scent than Cherry Bomb, I Want Candy is a sweet, fruity scent that reminds me of confectionery like hard-boiled bon bons. It has a sugary, almost creamy overtone that seems to play well with the fresh apple and peach tones. There is also a distinct floral whiff to this light and subtle scent.

Love & Toast Fragrances

By Mag Teo

Love & Toast fragrances are not only prettily-packaged in sleek glass bottles, they are also decorated with the whimsical illustrations that are typical of Margot Elena's artistic style.

As a whole, the notes are simple but these botanical essences make mélanges of unique and memorable sniffs, when put together. Here are my thoughts on the Love & Toast fragrances available at Soap 'n Sorbet.

Gin Blossom
Notes: Citrus zest, mandarin blossom and verbena leaves

An olfactory highlight of the year for me, Gin Blossom is fresh, clean and absolutely uplifting! I adore this bracing scent for its citrussy notes balanced with the almost-sparkling, green and crisp verbena accents. A sprinkling of sugary hints rounds off this beautifully-refreshing fragrance.

Mandarin Tea
Notes: African rooibos tea, pomegranate, neroli and orange blossom

At first sniff, Mandarin Tea is sugary with citrussy tones; its sweetness underscored by a soft powdery after-whiff. There is no sour tang, just a hint of tartness to lift the sugary touches. It's light but not flighty; fresh but not brash. The rooibos tea gives it a unique whiff – there are woodsy, earthy hints in the dry down but not so warm that they overpower the citrus. It's quite a comforting sniff (think sweet treats) and is unmistakably feminine.

Paper Flower
Notes: Waterlily, dewberry rose and ylang ylang

To me, Paper Flower is a distinctly modern scent. Of the four fragrances featured here, it is the most complex, with the deep notes of ylang ylang mingling with the rich floral tones. Laced with a delicate fruity sweetness, this perfume - also the strongest sniff of the four - is an intimation of feminine strength, contrary to its whimsical name.

Sugar Grapefruit
Notes: Pink grapefruit, orange citrus and warm musk lily

More citrussy than Mandarin Tea, this scent awakens the senses with its burst of juicy pink grapefruit notes. Fresh and invigorating, the citrus tang of Sugar Grapefruit is tempered by clean sugary tones. The sweetness accentuates the fruity notes, while the hints of warm musk lily give the fragrance a very soft floral after-whiff.

Making Scents of Basic Aromatherapy Oils

By Mag Teo
Essential oils can be good for the mind and body, hence the word 'aromatherapy'. Some can be used straight, while others have to be mixed with carrier oils to dilute their concentrated potency.

I like to put drops of essential oils into warm water in a burner, allowing the gentle flame of a tea-light to warm up the mix and diffuse the scent in my bedroom. At times, I like to dab them on my pillows or a hanky, to aid sleep (lavender) or stave off nausea (peppermint).

Here's a simple introduction to six common essential oils and their properties.

1. Citronella – An insect-repellent, this oil is favoured by people who prefer a natural alternative to ward off pesky pests, especially mozzies.

2. Eucalyptus – Although the eucalyptus plant is widely known as sustenance for koalas, its oil is also a germicide and a palliative for respiratory illnesses like coughs and colds. I use it when my sons have a congested nose or a particularly bad cough.

3. Jojoba – A popular carrier oil, jojoba can be mixed with other essential oils to ensure their safe use on the skin. It can also be used on its own as a gentle moisturiser.

4. Lavender – Calming and relaxing, lavender soothes frazzled nerves and helps eradicate insomnia.

5. Peppermint – A common scent, peppermint not only smells nice, it also works wonders for digestion and nausea. A dab of it on a hanky for sniffing goes a long way in relieving indigestion, as well as alleviating morning sickness or vertigo-related nausea. It is particularly effective as an invigorative oil too.

6. Tea tree – An antiseptic and anti-bacterial essential oil, tea tree oil combats germs and infections. A few drops into the laundry load cleans clothes more effectively.

Often, essential oils can be combined. Some blends that I favour:

• lavender oil + eucalyptus oil in a diffuser for a better night's sleep
• lavender oil + tea tree oil in hot water as a disinfecting foot bath
• eucalyptus oil + jojoba oil as a decongestant applied on the chest

Whichever one(s) you choose, do remember to buy essential oils from reputed stores – these oils can come in many grades and the price you pay generally reflect their purity (or the lack of it).

A Coloured Salad

By Mag Teo
Writing about Stem Organics made me think about food with anti-oxidant properties, especially brightly-coloured fruits and vegetables. Rich in carotenoids, these edibles fight free radicals to keep us healthy and clarify our skin. I may love colours on my eye but I love colours in my food too! ;)

One of my favourite salads came from the now-defunct pizza joint, Milano's. Combining several types of fresh produce, this cheerfully-coloured starter is a delicious and healthy dish. Best of all, it's really simple to make.

I won't be giving you a standard recipe, since proportions would differ according to veggie preferences but the salad basically comprises:

• Red, green and yellow bell peppers (capsicum)
• Lettuce
• Cucumber
• Carrot
• Tomato
• Yellow onion
• Raisins
• Olives

Slice or shred everything up and toss!

I love how there's crunch and texture in this tasty salad. The tartness and piquancy of the onion and tri-coloured peppers are wonderfully offset by the sweetness of the carrots and raisins, while the cucumber and lettuce are a crisp and refreshing complement to the other ingredients. I'm not fond of olives though, so I usually omit them! :P

The dressing in the original recipe was the ubiquitous Thousand Island dressing. It goes well with the crunchy veggies but if you like, you could dress this salad with a vinaigrette or some garlic mayonnaise.

If you wish to make it a complete meal, you could also add hard-boiled eggs and ham or tofu and mushrooms, if you're vegan.
Enjoy!

Up Close and Personal with Stem Organics

By Mag Teo

Through some friends in Australia, I recently interviewed Ms S, a happy user of Stem Organics skincare, to find out more about how the brand has worked for her.

Her Background:
Age: Late 20s
Skin Type:
• Sensitive combination skin
• Dry cheeks prone to redness
• Oily T-zone but skin is prone to dehydration
• Eye area has fine lines; milia can develop if products are unsuitable

Ms. S has been using the Gentle Cleansing Milk, Smooth Skin Exfoliant, Fresh Start Serum, Balancing Face Fluid and Intensive Eye Serum from Stem Organics for 9 months.

M: How did you find out about Stem Organics?
S: I found out about the brand from our common friends in Australia, after which I looked it up on the website for more information.

M: What drew you to the brand?
S: I have been an avid user of organic skincare products for 3-4 years now. Being the adventurous type, I have tried many brands in the market. Whilst having a chemical-free regime gives me more comfort, I feel that the brands that I previously tried tend to be overly 'mild' with no obvious benefits. I was later drawn by Stem Organics's anti-aging and anti-oxidant focus and decided to give it a go! I started off using just the Cleansing Milk and Skin Exfoliant, then I gradually added the other products to complete my regime.

M: So why do you like the Stem Organics Cleansing Milk?
S: I'm not fond of cleansing milks as I've had a bad experience with one, so I was a little concerned about the Stem Organics cleanser as it's called a 'cleansing milk'. Turns out that it actually has a gel-cream texture.

It cleanses very well but isn't drying. I like that it washes off nicely with no creamy residue that some milk/cream cleansers have. It also has a refreshing citrus scent.

M: I have heard you rave about the Skin Exfoliant, can you tell me more about it?
S: This is the most effective exfoliator that I've have used to date! The bamboo grains it contains are very small but dense, easily clearing the blocked pores on my nose and chin. They are quite mild, despite their graininess - I use this product all over the face, even on sensitive cheeks, with no problems.

I've read other reviews where users have commented that the effect is similar to microdermabrasion. I agree completely!

I'm on my third consecutive bottle of this product. ;)

M: How about the Fresh Start Serum?
S: It has a light texture and my skin absorbs it very quickly with no residue. I use it day and night and find it very effective in lightening my acne scars and pigmentation on my chin area.

Overall, my skin looks brighter and firmer with consistent use. I think it can be used as a standalone moisturizer for people with oily skin but I couple it with the balancing fluid.

M: What is the Balancing Face Fluid like?
S: It is a good moisturiser. My skin absorbs it quickly and it surprisingly helps to control my T-zone oiliness. It is sufficiently hydrating for my cheeks too (I have tried other moisturisers for combo skin but they were too drying on my cheeks). My skin has become smoother and my skin tone has improved with several applications.

M: And finally, why do you like the Intensive Eye Serum?
S: Finding a suitable eye product is difficult for me due to the dryness around my eye area. If a product is too lightly-textured, it doesn't do anything for me. If it's too rich or oily, I get bad milia.

This is *just* right - my skin very quickly absorbs the light gel-cream texture and it reduces the appearance of my fine lines. I've had no milia issues with this either!

It will last for a long time too, as a small amount goes a long way.

M: Any last thoughts on Stem Organics?
S: I love the texture of everything. They aren't heavy like products from other organic brands I've tried. I also like that the brand doesn't have a wide range…this takes the guesswork out of skincare for me!

The design of the bottles is practical too - all have 'lockable' caps to prevent spillage when travelling (I can't say the same for other brands! :P).

Stem the Ravages of Time with Stem Organics

By Mag Teo
What is Stem Organics?
When Lara Deutsch, the founder of Stem Organics, was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome more than a decade ago, she turned to natural remedies and met with great success.

Stem Organics is the fruit (no pun intended) of her years of researching the benefits of natural and organic skincare, as well as working with cosmetics chemists who specialise in organic ingredients (quite fascinating, really; I wouldn't mind being in a cosmetics lab for a day!).

With a super-antioxidant product range that not only aims to brighten and clarify the complexion, Stem Organics also strives to protect the skin from the ravages of time - the lines and the sags that we cannot avoid but should guard against. Harnessing nature's goodness, the range delivers potent levels of Vitamin C and polyphenol antioxidants to the skin to combat the signs of aging.

Although the brand has a strong focus on anti-aging, I like that Stem Organics products are also suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. I've seen such claims from a number of commercial brands but they often do not use the right ingredients. As a result, many people in the sensitive skin category are left gnashing their teeth in skincare frustration because of false promises. Thankfully, Stem Organics's claim is backed by its certified natural ingredients.

It's not surprising, then, that the brand is globally sought after and has many retailers worldwide. In Singapore, Stem Organics can be found at Soap 'n Sorbet from September 2010!

Where is it from?
Stem Organics comes from Australia, a land renowned for its natural bounty. The Land Down Under also has one of the world’s oldest eco-systems with the most certified organic land in the world. Reassuringly, Stem Organics products are entirely manufactured in Australia. ;)

What are the main ingredients in Stem Organics products?
All Stem Organics products contain:

Pomegranate - A super-antioxidant
We're seeing more and more of this fruit, thanks to its strong antioxidant property but it's been around since ancient times. Believe it or not, this jewel of a fruit was so revered that it was drawn on Egyptian tomb walls to symbolise life after death!

Kakadu plum – A super-fruit
Identified as the single natural food source with the highest Vitamin C content in the world, it contains more than fifty times the concentration found in oranges. A traditional source of food for the Aborigines who live in Northern Australia where the fruit is found, this super-fruit is also a natural antiseptic for them.

Aloe vera – A super-soother
A plant known to have soothing, moisturising and healing properties, aloe vera has been used throughout the ages to palliate and calm troubled skin.

Other special ingredients in the products include Australian bush flower essences which balance the skin's condition and grape seed extract, which boosts skin regeneration.

What sets Stem Organics apart from other natural/organic skincare brands?
Stem Organics differentiates itself from other natural/organic lines by infusing its three core ingredients in every product. I also like that it has a compact streamlined range – we've all been baffled by the mind-boggling choices offered by many skincare brands; Stem Organics makes it so much easier!

Whom are Stem Organics products suitable for?
I think this brand will suit people looking for skincare made with genuine natural ingredients, people with sensitive skin and anyone who desires an affordable skincare line enjoyed by many happy users.
The best thing? The brand has created a skincare compatibility chart to determine which specific products are best for your skin and your skin type. :)

Stem Organics will be available at Soap 'n Sorbet from this September. Do look out for this skincare brand that has been highly-effective for many in achieving healthy and glowing skin!

7 Reasons to try Nostalgia Organics Soaps

By Mag Teo
Created by American designer Elea Lutz, Nostalgia Organics has been stirring up the local bath and body scene with its range of natural soaps and charming aesthetic sensibilities. Here are seven reasons to say YES to N.O. soaps! ;)

1. These artisan soaps are carefully hand-made.
Every Nostalgia Organics soap is unique and each batch is limited in number. It is not surprising, then, that they are often snapped up very quickly. Elea meticulously designs all the sewing patterns and fabric prints of the packaging, putting an immense amount of thought and work into her creations. The ensuing beauty pieces are testimony to her labour of love.

With many beauty products being mass-produced in factories today, such a personalised touch is a rarity…and it is this distinct quality that makes these soaps lemming-worthy and great gift ideas.

2. They contain natural ingredients.
Coconut, lavender, shea butter and natural essential oils are some of the plant-based, skin-loving goodies that go into Nostalgia Organics soaps.

According to the company:
(We are committed to) creating natural personal care products using select ingredients from around the world. We emphasize quality not quantity: sourcing organic, biodynamic or wildcrafted botanical, fruit and nut oils is our priority. You will never find harmful synthetics in our products, including petroleum, parabens, lauryl or laureth sulfates, detergents, synthetic preservatives or artificial colors.

Thanks to the non-irritating and non-synthetic ingredients, many happy Nostalgia Organics customers have seen the soaps alleviate their skin rashes and clear their blocked pores.

3. They are pampering.
These luxury soaps not only cleanse, their skin-nourishing ingredients also moisturise the skin well. Some of them even contain natural exfoliants to smoothen and silkify the skin. The gentle scents of the soaps are an olfactory treat too.

4. They support social causes.
Nostalgic Organics believes in fair trade working conditions and earth-friendly recycling practices, as well as selecting raw ingredients from sources that offer sustainable, organic materials. As a result, they source their supplies from organisations that share those beliefs.

In addition, a part of the profits from the sale of the soaps goes toward Beautiful Survivor, a program that lends support to women and girls recovering from cancer.

5. They are beautifully-packaged.
The soaps are packed in colourful vintage-inspired paper/fabric sacks adorned with petite satin ribbons. The images are slightly rustic, a little nostalgic and always charming. The retro soap revival is much welcomed, not least because of the delightful packaging that comes with these cakes of bath lovelies.

6. They are environmentally-friendly.
These natural soaps are gentler on the environment than regular commercial soaps. Their packaging is recyclable and reusable too: The paper packaging printed with vegetable inks is 100% post-consumer recycled, while the specially-designed soap sacks can be crafted into adorable DIY items to be enjoyed even when the soap is used up – their labels unfold into reusable sewing patterns that can turn the fabric into other useful products like egg cozies and pin-cushions!

7. They are affordable.
For all their benefits and positive features, the soaps will not send us into sticker shock. They are priced reasonably in Singapore: the paper-wrapped ones are S$17, while the ones in soap sacks are S$20. These extra-large bars weigh 5.4 oz (slightly more than 150 g) and will last two to three months with daily usage – value for money, certainly!

Do take advantage of periodic Soap 'n Sorbet promotions to purchase them for even less. :)

Try:
Nostalgia Organics Happy Days for a mixture of uplifting citrus and floral scents + gentle exfoliation with finely-ground oatmeal.
Nostalgia Organics Goosebumps to moisturise with a blend of organic olive, coconut and palm oils + banish bumps and spots with crushed apricot shells.
Nostalgia Organics Lavender Flowers for soft exfoliation with a sprinkling of floral buds.
Nostalgia Organics Mud Pie for a skin-soothing treat with comforting chocolate, calming cocoa butter and a dash of wild mint.

It's Soap Lovely!

By Mag Teo
Soaps are enjoying a resurgence in popularity and it's easy to see why: skin-nurturing ingredients, together with an evocative feel of the past, have upped their beauty ante. Throw in a touch of luxe and soaps are set to rule the bath and body realm once more.

Soft and silky
Say goodbye to the skin-stripping bars of the past — today's bath soaps are infused with nourishing ingredients and laden with skin-loving goodness. Often containing restorative moisturisers — and sometimes, exfoliating agents — these soaps cleanse, soothe and smooth our skin all at once.

Old is new
The solid form atop a bath dish and the reassuring feel of a bar of soap in the palm not only conjure up memories of old for some of us, they are also a reminder of how some things never change. If retro is in, then soaps are the definitive nostalgic product of beauty past...and present.

A natural touch
Natural soaps contain plant-based ingredients (think shea butter, botanicals and essential oils) and sometimes, exfoliants (oatmeal and crushed seeds, for instance). Usually organically-sourced, these beneficial ingredients not only pamper our skin, they are gentler on the earth than the chemicals in commercial soaps.

Packaging is everything
A sprinkling of floral petals dispersed in natural soap cakes lend them an air of charm, while vintage-inspired packaging adds a touch of whimsy to these functional products. Ribbons and sacks sometimes dress them prettily, delighting the visual senses. The best thing? Soaps are often simply but tastefully packed in paper — easy-peasy to recycle and great for the environment.

Scents of smell
Gone are the synthetic scents of yesteryear. Essential oil fragrances often permeate natural soaps and are released with every use. At once an olfactory and therapeutic pleasure, the aromatic whiffs make baths a joy and enhance our well-being.

With a plethora of reasons to use these cakes of lovelies, it's time to revel in this soap renaissance!

Upcoming: Mag our beauty guru

Hi all! We have exciting news for you =)

Since the inception of Soap 'n Sorbet 7 months ago, our beloved customers have reflected their wish to to read and learn more about beauty tips and our products.

We love that you have urged us to educate you more! That's why, starting this week, we have invited beauty guru Mag Teo to share her insights with you. A freelance makeup artist and published writer, Mag is the founder of beauty website: http://www.makeupstash.com/. Mag has been writing about cosmetics and skincare for more than 10 years! So, be sure to follow our blog closely to read up on Mag's beauty tidbits. Feel free to drop us any questions or comments!!

New Love & Toast Parfum in Paper Flower!

Dear All!

Happy Summer! Since we brought Margot Elena's whimsically colourful brand Love & Toast, our customers have fallen head over heels in love with its natural, botanical fragrances and cute packaging! Paper Flower - one of the most sought after fragrance among the range - is now back in Parfum form! Now you can enjoy spritzing the lovely scents of Waterlily, Dewberry, Rose and Ylang Ylang anywhere you want! Available at our online store only at http://www.soapnsorbet.com/.

New Steam Creams in Stock

Hi all! Finally our brand new selection of Steam Cream has arrived!! We have brought in all together 12 absolutely gorgeous designs - find cute florals, ginghams, peacocks, flamingos and more! What's more special, we are the only stockist outside Japan to stock their exquisite designs. Winner of the Beauty Insider's Choice in UK, and hailed as one of the Greatest Beauty Find by Simply Her in Singapore (amongst other amazing brands including L'oreal, SKII, Shu Umera!), Steam Cream is handmade with the highest quality standards - an effective everyday, multi-purpose cream with the freshest ingredients including Oatmeal infusion, orange flower water, lavender oil to name a few. Place a tin of this yummy cream on your work station, bedside, or handbag for instance hydration from head to toe!

Now, we have promised our members a contest:
Tell us which is your favourite new design, and WHY? Drop us a line on our FACEBOOK wall and you could win a Steam Cream of your choice! We have altogether 5 to giveaway on 12 June 2010 (Next Sat). Enjoy!!

SG$8 Promotion at Trixilini

We have good tidings for everyone! Whilst you girls are busy fighting your way through GSS, don't forget to to head down to Trixilini next Saturday (5 June) for an extra little treat! In celebration of 8 Day's Magazine's anniversary, we have been invited to participate in the SG$8 promotional event! Grab selected goodies including lip balms and hand creams from Love & Toast and Tokyo Milk for just SG$8 EACH! What a bargain! Only on the 5th June and till stock last!

PS. I hear that there will be celebrity car boot sales there too =)

Trixilini
#01-57, Millenia Walk,
9 Raffles Boulevard
(Circle Line Promenade Station)

Preview: Steam Creams from Japan

Hello all! Long time no see/write/hear! This month we have been busy with a huge overhaul of our Steam Cream selections. For those of you who are still new to this amazing product - SC is a highly efficient, natural based multi-purpose moisturiser that allows you to hydrate yourself from head to toe (yup! even your face!). Throw in a breathtaking design and we are all sold! Now, we all know that SC is all designed in Japan whilst the cream is produced in UK - but did you know that these handy tins being sold in UK/Europe, have totally different looks to those sold in Japan? We are pleased to let ou know that we are overhauling our UK designs to the Japanese ones!

Whilst the UK ones shout British Chic to us, the Japanese ones are just gorgeously kawaii and we are sure you will love them to bits! Here is just a sneak preview - 5 out of the total 10 BRAND NEW LOOKS we are bringing in June! We are also the only overseas stockist to stock the Japanese designs! How special is that?

PS. Look out for a member's only giveaway contest during launch period!

Mother's Day Special

Mother's Day is fast approaching! What is your plans for your beloved mum? Gifts? Flowers? Dinner at a special restaurant? My mother and I have always been extremely close - with her looking much younger than her actual age (fingers crossed its been passed down to me!) - we have always shared this special bond as mother/daughter, big/young sisters, best friends and lots more! So, Mother's Day has always been a special occasion for both of us, during which I always enjoy spoiling her rotten! Remember, our mumsies are really just girls at heart =)

So, Soap 'n Sorbet is pleased to help you pamper your mother to the fullest this Mother's Day! We have concocted 3 special gift sets at GREAT DISCOUNTS including beautiful make up clutches from Caro London, handmade Soap Sacks from Nostalgia Organics (remember you can upcycle the soap sack fabric to cute goodies!), lip balms and parfums from Tokyo Milk/Love & Toast, and body loving goodies from Lalicious! Mix and match the designated scents to show your thoughtfulness!

Only for a limited period of time! Enjoy!

Limited items from Lollia Life

Been away from this blog for longer than I'd like! But it has been an extremely busy period...stock taking, liaising with our new stockists, arranging giveaway activities and so forth! So it has only been today that we are able to upload Lollia Life goodies on our website, apologies!

Anyways, many customers have been very intriqued by the various creations by the talented Margo Elena and we constantly get asked when will we bring Lollia Life? Well, we thought we'd start off with just very limited number of goodies first as the range is very extensive and we really don't want overwhelm customers..So we have cherry picked our favourite scents called Imagine and Breath - and of course who doesnt need a hand cream or two especially when they are breathtakingly beautiful in texture, packaging and scent??

Imagine: Enjoy this handcream depicting this dainty bird in blue and pink. Mandarin, Jasmine, French Verbena, Coconut Milk
Breath: Beautiful depiction of graphic roses in yellow, orange and red. Rose water, Crisp Apple, and Bergamot.

New Tokyo Milk Parfums

As huge fan of Tokyo Milk, I just love the creative range of scents available from this niche brand! We originally started off by carrying 9 Tokyo Milk scents, and after 4 months into biz, we gradually have a good sense of what our customers like - and so we decided to bring in 4 additional scents that (hopefully) will be to your taste!

Having liberally spritz myself with these new fragrances, here are my humble takes of what they smell like:

Cherry Bomb: This kicks off with a burst of chocolate - nothing too sweet at all, but rather (in my imagination) like the kick from putting a nice indulgent piece of praline or truffle in your mouth! (yup, I am a chocoholic!!). Slowly this fades into the background and the rose/fruity scent creeps up. I do seem to detact a tinge of vetiver too which balances it nicely to be something feminine, but deeper and not overly girly/sweet. A very subtle/easy scent to carry.

Honey and the Moon: Something entirely different! This scent is delicious, sweet, warm, and with a bit of spice. The honey note lasts all the way and smells like something straight out of the jar! Not the processed stuff but something raw...Mixed with a bit of woody scent and it feels earthy, but at the same time blankets you with a warm fuzzy feeling. It has jasmine in it although it was faint on my skin.

Sparrow: As it's name suggests, this is a light cheerful scent just like a little sparrow! Something perfect for daily use with its pretty florals coupled with some grassy freshness. The citrus base was not strong on my skin though. Gradually a tinge of wood will creep up giving it a slightly deeper sensation.

Waltz: I love how they match the name to the scents! Unlike Sparrow's pretty florals, this one is floral but in a crisp, fresh way, just like how waltz dancers swirl to the rhythm! I love the linden in this which gives it a more "decisive" feel to the underlying florals that also makes it an uplifting, slightly energised floral scent. Very clever!

To throw in my personal preferences, I usually like light, feminine, refreshing scents. Gin & Rosewater remains one of my favourite with its uplifting rose/citrusy scent. But Cherry Bomb - something I never envision myself liking - is coming close! So for daily uses - I'd go for Gin & Rosewater or Waltz; for a more romantic mood - I like Le Petite's florals and vanilla; and for a little mischief/indulgence - definitely Cherry Bomb! I am not a woody person, but Song in D Minor gives a little twist from white florals into wood - a pleasant little surprise!

I think the whole experience with Tokyo Milk is about fun and be constantly surprised! If you are lost for choices, you can buy our Perfume Trial Set, which will give you a good taster of how amazing they are! Enjoy!

Caro London in Store

Admittedly, I am a sucker for beautiful packaging. The utmost priority for any bath & skincare product is of course the effectiveness and the quality of ingredients being used. In addition, throw in a beautiful packaging and I am totally sold!! Now, why would I be complacent with putting in my beauties in an ordinary looking washbag?? So, I think it's time we accessorize!

That's why we are bringing in Caro London's stunning make-up bags. I was first drawn to Caro's use of amazingly pretty fabrics, and the attention to details that she's put into her creation - ruffles, taffeta, beaded zip pulls, polka dots, florals, pinks, purples...Made with cotton fabrics, the bags are lined with waterproof material and is machine washable. Even better, the bags come in a variety of sizes, smaller ones are compact enough for any nick nacks - lipsticks, keys, Ezlink cards etc, whilst the largest vanity bag will be perfect for the road - shampoos, body creams, skincare goodies and so forth!

So do check out these lovelies today! Many of the items have "limited" on its inventory indication since they are made in small quantities and as such we only have a few per design!

Shell Bag in Blue Beautiful - perfect for nick nacks!

Make Up Clutch in Grey Stencil - perfect for a short trip, to the gym, or even in your handbag!

Washbag in Berries & Cream Flowerburst - Love the contrasting polka dot piping with the floral fabric! Fit in all your skincare products here for a weekend getaway!

Vanity Bag in Pink & Marguerite - fit all your beauty essentials in this! You know we can't travel light =)

Win a 30% Discount Coupon on 31 March

A quick treat for our lovely customers and members, we will be giving out three 30% discount coupons on the 31 March (Wed)! This will be a one-off discount for all regular priced products on our lovely website =) Only applicable to our registered members, so register NOW if you haven't done so!

Ciao!

We are at Holland Village's Antipodean

Yup that's right, another stockist! This time it is at Holland V's Antipodean. Again, you will find our stunning Tokyo Milk products (parfums and lip balms) and the yummiest Lalicious there =) Say hi to the lovely owner Tricia who will be more than happy to help you with your choices. I just love Tricia's eye for these chic yet whimsical lovelies! Browse through her collection of niche designed fasion from Australia, beautiful (and I do stress - BEAUTIFUL!) one-of-a-kind accessories, clutches, handbags, lifestyle goodies such as book cases, cushions, glassware, crockeries and other fabulous gift ideas! I promise you won't be disappointed!

Antipodean
27A Lorong Mambong
Holland Village
(Above Harry's Bar)
Tel: 6463 7336

Alice in Wonderland themed necklace & ear-rings

Adorable!

Artworks printed on pages of old books!

Beautiful crockery...
**All images taken from Antipodean**