Soap ‘n Sorbet

Caro London Beauty Bags

2010-12-05T22:10:00.006+08:00

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

2010-11-03T20:20:00.015+08:00

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

2010-10-25T19:47:00.011+08:00

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

2010-10-16T17:49:00.010+08:00

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

2010-10-11T04:35:00.002+08:00

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

2010-09-21T21:53:00.004+08:00

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

2010-09-09T20:10:00.005+08:00

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

2010-08-27T19:55:00.017+08:00

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

2010-08-19T20:05:00.031+08:00

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!

2010-08-12T20:48:00.014+08:00

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

2010-08-07T08:54:00.001+08:00

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!

2010-07-25T17:58:00.008+08:00

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

2010-06-02T22:47:00.004+08:00

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

2010-05-28T17:34:00.003+08:00

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

2010-05-22T09:43:00.004+08:00

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

2010-04-25T20:05:00.003+08:00

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

2010-04-19T21:47:00.005+08:00

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

2010-04-01T10:56:00.011+08:00

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

2010-03-27T21:05:00.009+08:00

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

2010-03-26T17:27:00.003+08:00

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

2010-03-16T14:54:00.014+08:00

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**

Yummiest Displays at Trixilini

2010-03-09T18:24:00.012+08:00

Made a quick visit to Trixilini to snap some shots of product displays and oh my, am I pleasantly surprised at what a great job the belles did! All pink and pastels, with a pretty resemblence to a scrumptious patisserie =) Enjoy!

Enter the pink French doors of Trixilini...

Soap 'n Sorbet lovelies...

Up for high tea?

Scrumptious lip balms...

Lalicious looking delicious...

Tokyo Milk Newbies Have Arrived!

2010-03-09T16:00:00.006+08:00

After some hiccups with the shipment, the Tokyo Milk newbies have finally arrived today!! These include 1) Parfum Solides (which sounds soooo much better than solid perfumes hehe!) and 2) The Kiss Me Kit lipsticks + hot mints sets.

For the Parfum Solides, we have brought to you 4 amazing scents at SG$33.5 each:
- Lotus Sake: nice refreshing citrus scent with a hint of basil. Very uplifting!
- Satsuma: this is THE ONE for die-hard citrus fans! smells very nicely of grapefruit & oranges.
- Scarlett: classic floral/rose petal scent.

- Sencha Blu: another floral scent with an undertone of all-time favourite - jasmine!

These pots may look small but I assure you they will last a long long time! For those of you looking for something subtle/light & easily carried, these are perfect for you.

For the long-awaited Kiss Me Kits, there are all together 4 shimmery colours:
- No. 52 (Your Kiss Is On My List): Pearly Rose
- No. 53 (Butterfly Kisses): Pearly Pink
- No. 54 (Kiss & Tell): Golden Beige
- No. 55 (Kissing Booth): Rum Raison

As a personal review, given I have darker lip colours but quite fair skin, I find that No. 52 & No. 55 (Pearly Rose & Rum Raison) to be most suitable and gives a healthy looking complexion whilst being rather subtle. The lipsticks are very very moisturising with SPF15 protection against the scorching sun in Singapore. I have also tried the hot mints - surprising spicy with a hint of cinnamon! The Kiss Me Kits are retailing at SG$42.

From left to right: No. 52 to No. 55

Find Us in Store at Trixilini!

2010-03-07T17:27:00.004+08:00

As promised, here is a piece of exciting news!

Find Us in Store! Yes, I have been working hard at getting some of our lovelies in store and we have found just the perfect fit! Trixilini at Millenia Walk is such a gem - enter through the pretty pink French doors, and find yourself in the girly boudoir filled with hard-to-find dresses, trinkets, accessories, and now...lovelies from Soap 'n Sorbet!

Selected perfumes, lip balms, hand creams, scrubs, butters, oils from Lalicious, Love & Toast, and Tokyo Milk are in store. Enjoy =)

What's more, the location is extremely ideal & the mall very happening. Find unique boutiques & eateries like Bread & Butter, Abyzz, Aesop, Chocolate Research Facility. Even more exciting is Singapore's one and only Parco Mall from Japan is due to open at Millenia Walk in early April! Parco will be a haven filled with quirky unique designer items & delicious Japanese eateries. Last but not least, the upcoming Promenade MRT station (due also in April) will promise you instant access to Millenia Walk!

PS. I shall upload some pictures of the pretty displays in Trixilini in due course, the goods have just been delivered today! More will come in due course so do check back!

Trxilini
#01-57, Millenia Walk
9 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore, 039596
(1st store at the exit to taxi stand)

A Little Bird Told Me

2010-03-06T11:13:00.006+08:00

Have not been blogging as much as I'd like, however I can assure you my time is put to very good use to bring you good news very very soon...=) Anyways, had a quick chat with the kind manager from Tokyo Milk and I can't wait to share all these exciting developments!!! You would have thought Tokyo Milk has already outdone itself but no, they are currently working on bringing us NEW HANDCREAMS! If my memory serves me correctly (yes, it was a bit late when we chatted!) there will be a total of 8 and they will be more sizeable than the Love & Toast ones that we all love! Of course, coming from TM the packaging, scents and quality will be top notch!

In addition, Tokyo Milk's sister line - Lollia Life - (which we haven't brought in yet) will be introducing a selection of new candles! Maybe it's time for me to whip out that order form...Oh and hear this also, my favourite shop in Hong Kong, the prestigious Lane Crawford with its oh so amazing beauty department which I oggle for inspiration everytime I go there - has just brought in Tokyo Milk!!! Aha! So we must be doing something right =)

Well, that's all I have for now! Ciao!

Sneak Peek at Upcoming Newbies

2010-02-24T16:20:00.018+08:00

I hope that all of you have had a fun Valentine's/CNY break! Mine was absolutely amazing as me and hubby went on our long overdue honeymoon in South Africa! Food, weather, scenary, were all great and the Safari is certainly a very special place =) A kind customer has strongly advised me to load up on sun block, but even so, we got so tanned and even a bit sunburnt =P

Honeymoon aside, I am very excited about our upcoming newbies that we have just placed orders for! For the first time, we are venturing into cosmetics. In a small way but nonetheless a big step for us! We are starting off with the whimsical Tokyo Milk Kiss Me Kit, again produced by the creative Margot Elena from USA. The Kit comes in four different shades ranging from sexy rum raison to more subtle pearly rose. Thoughtfully, these come with SPF15 protection as well as, hear this, a pack of mints so that we lovely ladies are always ready for that special kiss!

In addition, seeing the popularity with our Tokyo Milk Parfums, we are bringing in its lovely range of Petit Parfum Solides in travel sized pots! So, you can dabble this on you anytime anywhere without the tell tale sound of a parfum spray =) (and they are cheaper too!). How very classy! We have selected some easily carried yet unique scents ranging from refreshing citrus to feminine floral.

Last but not least, your favourite Steam Cream have yet again come out with new beautifully designed tins. Some customers have already inquired about the Earth tin, which you will be glad to hear, will arrive in a couple of weeks! Other designs include Kaleidoscope, Masquerade etc...

PS. All these lovelies and you don't have a nice pouch to carry them? Hint hint...Look out for even more new releases soon =)

Chinese New Year Shipping Promotions

2010-02-12T19:42:00.000+08:00

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Wish you all a very happy and prosperous year of the Tiger!

Just wanted to let everyone know that our No Shipping Dates will be 15 - 19th Feb 2010 during the Chinese New Year period. Shipping will resume on the 22nd Feb, Monday. I know it's a tad long, and I am truly sorry for the inconvenience caused. But to make up for it, here is what Soap 'n Sorbet will offer:

Place your orders during 13th - 21st Feb 2010, and enjoy:
1) Free domestic standard shipping for all orders: even for purchases under SG$60! (there will still be a surcharge of SG$2.24 for registered mails)
2) 25 - 50% lower international shipping rates!

These will all be automatically reflected during check-out (so the shipping rates you see on your bill will be the new rates).

I know how delivery charges are a pain for on-line shopping sometimes, so I really hope this will help make your day =)

Enjoy!!

Find our Booth on 11th Feb!

2010-02-09T17:59:00.004+08:00

Busily getting ready for the Goodwood Park Hotel Fair on the 11th Feb (Thurs)! Find us at booth 38. There is only one entrance/exit to the Windsor Ballroom on Level 2, so it should be easy to find us! See ya all!

Customers and Bloggers Reviews

2010-02-05T08:27:00.012+08:00

Having a beauty store on-line has it's pros and cons really. Pros of couse is the less initial $$ damage! Cons is that it takes twice as much effort to convince people about our products & services. Luckily, our customers & beauty bloggers have been extremely supportive by spreading the word on us. We love seeing our name so much that we have set the Google Alert to catch it, and it gives our hearts a little somersault whenever we see a new review! We are just immensely grateful as these are the best testimonies that we are doing something right. Note that all these reviews are entirely their personal opinions (no we do not bribe them...)!

The list of blog reviews are ever growing on our News (In the Press) section (sometimes by the day!). But with the amount of information on our website, we fear that you may have missed these lovely pieces!! So here I have organized it a bit better so you can read what the various experience is with our products, our shop and our services.

What do they think of Steam Cream?
Lariae (6 Mar 2010) - A satisfied customer =)
Pretty Beautiful (23 Feb 2010) - Beauty Blogger!
Random Babbling (8 Feb 2010) - A satisfied customer =)
Amour Chaleur (3 Feb 2010) - A satisfied customer =)
My Women Stuff (21 Jan 2010) - Beauty Blogger!
AngMo Girl's Blog (5 Jan 2010) - A satisfied customer =)
My Tipsy Topsy (18 Dec 2010) - A satisfied customer =)

What do they think of Lalicious?
Make Up Stash (7 Feb 2010) - Beauty Blogger!
Pretty Beautiful (2 Feb 2010) - Beauty Blogger!
Fash-Eccentric (7 Jan 2010) - Lifestyle Blogger!

What do they think of Love + Toast?
My Women Stuff (4 Mar 2010) - Beauty Blogger!
Make Up Stash (24 Feb 2010) - Beauty Blogger!

What do they think of Tokyo Milk?
Amour Chaleur (3 Feb 2010) - A satisfied customer =)
Naturals and Minerals (18 Jan 2010) - A satisfied customer =)

What do they think of Nostalgia Organics?
Pretty Beautiful (5 Feb 2010) - Beauty Blogger!

What do they think of Soap 'n Sorbet?
Make Up Stash (31 Jan 2010) - Beauty Blogger!
Random Babbling (19 Jan 2010) - A satisfied customer =)
Girl on the Ave (16 Jan 2010) - A satisfied customer =)
Foxxy Chic (19 Dec 2009) - Lifestyle Blogger!
Viva Woman (4 Dec 2009) - Beauty Blogger!
Make Up Stash (2 Dec 2009) - Beauty Blogger!

Goodwood Park Hotel Fair

2010-02-04T12:57:00.004+08:00

Been stuck behind the computer for so long, it's time to meet customers in real life! Last time was super fun at Mille Fleur Bazaar although the booth was tiny. This time Soap 'n Sorbet will be at the Goodwood Park Hotel Fair on 11th Feb (Thurs) - 10am to 7pm!

With a much bigger booth hopefully more lovelies will be displayed =) In addition, it will be all indoors (with AC! yippeee!!) & refreshments! So do come and check it out!

Goodwood Park Hotel (Scotts Road)
Windsor Ballroom (Level 2)

See ya!

Getting in the Mood for Love

2010-02-01T21:55:00.004+08:00

The day of LOVE - Valentine's - is fast approaching! How do you feel about this day? I used to have mixed feelings about Valentine's. When I was date-less, I would secretly envy the love birds on the streets; when I had a date, I'd wonder how it would go (oh yes, there were some very bad ones...); then when I had a boyfriend, I would wonder if he'd remember to send me flowers! So you see, Valentine's is in a way, pretty stressful!

But as I grow a bit older, I became less and less affected by Valentine's. How we spend it should not be down to others, but down to us to love ourselves, our friends, and our families on Valentine's too!

With this in mind, I have conjured up some Valentine's pamper sets to send you some love. Purple, pink, florals, sweet, exotic...I have included the most romantic scents & feel for you - at great discounts! Check them out our gift section =) Pamper and love yourselves and your loved ones senseless on this day!

Weekend Bits and Bobs

2010-01-26T17:23:00.014+08:00

This blogging business is still a very new idea to me, but as I am accustomed to writing from my previous job, I find it rather enjoyable =) The shop has been busy lately, with customers realising the soon ending storewide promotion. I am especially thrilled to see more returning customers in Jan (some as many as three times since Dec!) which is so so rewarding! Other than that, I do intentionally leave weekends "work" free to spend quality time with hubby...hmmm....what did I do last weekend?

...watched the movie Hachiko: A Dog's Story...
Sob! For all dog/animal lovers, this is a must! Seriously I am never the type to sob my eyes out in movies (more the lip quivering but stay cool type) but jeez...i broke down like a crying baby!! This is especially touching for pet owners (and for those who have subsequently lost them like me). Totally loving this whole new dog drama genre that is so popular these days! Just watching these balls of furry cuteness is more than worth it!

...loving my new Kindle!
I am an undeniable book worm and I am proud to own the Amazon's Kindle in my cute Fuschia faux leather cover =) Reading The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown which unfortunately...is...not very good...yawn...

...trying to get husband injected but failed...
No, he is not sick, but I am trying to get both of us injected before we head to our Safari Honeymoon!!!!! Unfortunately, husband has an irrational fear of needles and after some bargaining, we decided to postpone the jabs..again..

...scratching my head for new goodies at the shop...
Skincare, cosmetics, accessories, quirky cute things, I want them all in Soap 'n Sorbet! Already have my eyes on some very unique brands =) One thing I am resolute about is skincare, I gotta have this! And yet this is so challenging cos there are already so many choices out there!! Not to mention, us girls are (rightly so) very particular about what we put on our faces, and besides whether or not something works depend on so many things that we can't control: weather, stress, hormones...etc...still, I am working on this! Any suggestions are MORE THAN WELCOME!!

...and finally, I killed my plant.
I never had a green thumb. But my recent trip to Hokkaido's lavender fields has ignited my interest in planting and I decided to plant my own lavender pot! I must say, all was going well, until I took my mother's "advice" (whom believes she has a green thumb) to add water to the plate underneath the pot while I was away during X'mas, so that my plant will be "watered" by itself...and I think I just drowned it...Genetics is just such an amazing thing isn't it?

Interview with Nostalgia Organics

2010-01-19T10:37:00.002+08:00

In today's material world, one can find almost anything in any kind of shop out there, mind boggling really! I am very used to walking into a store, pick up a certain beautiful looking goodie, and pay for it without knowing much about what I just bought. Many of such products are mass productions that, it seems pointless to know who created them or what their origins are.

But, when you see something truly unique and exquisite, do you feel the urge to find out the story behind it? I know I do! In a way, I think it makes the product feel more personal, more connected, and also it's almost like a tribute to the efforts that the creator put in :)

By now, you would know that I absolutely adore Nostalgia Organics - such a darling, pretty collection of goodies. Any new creation that they churn out takes time, patience & efforts, making it all the more special! So, it is natural that I asked Elea - the lovely creator - about the background of all this, how it started and all. Here is a little interview that I hope will make you feel closer to the brand!

How did you start making soaps and balms?
I started experimenting with handmade soaps and balms about 9 years ago - purely out of curiosity. I enjoyed mixing and testing ingredients and learning how they all work together. I had a particular interest in natural essential oils and herbs and the benefits they provided so I also started taking classes and reading a lot of books on the subject. I worked full time in the corporate world until a few years ago when my son was born. So my "experiments" were just a fun way to feed my creativity and interests. However, during my pregnancy, I started creating my own products, such as belly balm and aromatherapy spray for morning sickness, because I couldn't find similar products or 100% natural versions in stores. Developing those products, paired with my love of design, really planted the seed for my future business.

How long does it take to design your packaging?
A long time! It took me well over two years to finish all the designs on the fabrics and papers that house the soap. From concept to completion, it generally takes about 2 months for me to design the packaging for each product. I have drawers full of sample bottles, jars, boxes, papers and just about every type of packaging you can think of - that I experiment with until I finally decided on the direction to take. But, I love designing and drawing and sketching out new ideas for the fabrics and prints - so that part never really feel like work. I also carefully consider packaging for its recycled or recyclable content or try to offer packaging that can be repurposed after the product is gone. So, it's a slow, nail-biting process, but seeing the joy on people's faces when they touch the little bows and grin at the bluebirds - makes it all worthwhile.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I draw inspiration from a lot of different sources, but most of it comes from my childhood and grandmother. I love the purity and wonder of childhood. And, somehow, for me, that directly correlates to offering wholesome, natural products. However, my grandmother is definitely the biggest source of my inspiration. She was just a really special lady that took time to consider even the tiniest detail - if she thought it would put a smile on someone's face. For example, she would hand-embroider flowers and birds and things on my pillowcases because she knew I loved it. So in her spirit, I try to add happy little details like that in my collection. I'm also inspired by colour palettes and imagery from of my grandmother's day.

On a personal level, what do you like to do when you're not working?
I love spending time with my family and discovering new things with my 2-year-old son. We have our daily outings together that I really cherish. We walk to the park, journey to the zoo or play silly games like hide and seek. I also love travelling, watching a good movie or trying new restaurants with my husband. If I'm not doing any of that - I'm probably crafting something.

Lalicious...Turn Your Home into a Spa

2010-01-12T14:03:00.004+08:00

Since the opening of Soap 'n Sorbet, many customers have asked me about Lalicious...What are the scents like? What is the texture of the oils/scrubs/butters? So I thought I'd write my own little review here to share my experience :) In addition, X-Wen from Fash-Eccentric also reviewed Lalicious with flying colours! Read her blog to find out what she thinks!

Delicious Scents
I'd say the things I love the most about Lalicious are 1) the deliciously addictive scents; & 2) the nice whipped textures of the products! My first was the Sugar Kiss Sugar Souffle Scrub, and I remember how the scent just couldn't wait to escape from the tub when I opened it! There are a total of 8 scents, and we carry 5 of the most popular:

Sugar Kiss: Sweet scent that reminds me of cotton candy in a theme park!

Brown Sugar & Vanilla: Sweetest of the range and also the most popular. Resembles warm baked cookies, or warm caramel

Passionfruit Lime: In between sweet/fruity, just like fruity sorbet

Island Guava: Just like freshly squeezed guava juice. The most refreshing of the range!

Coffee Bean: Smells like the must-have cup of cafe latte in the morning. It also acts as a temporary body slimmer due to the caffeine within.

My favourite changes depending on the mood, but I'd say it is a struggle between Sugar Kiss and PF Lime. As for my customers, Brown Sugar & Vanilla, PF Lime, and Island Guava are the most popular. I love the fact the these wonderful scents linger subtly on the skin after 1-2 hours of application! (with the exception of Coffee Bean, which will fade away faster in my experience).

Greatest scrub of all...
Some background info: I have sensitive/dry skin. Usually my priority is to moisturise like crazy, but at the same time my back is prone to spots (especially during THAT time of the month) which I totally avoid any oils. However, I do have some annoying bumps on my elbows/legs that I try to scrub away. I have honestly tried many scrubs. Either they are too harsh that I feel like being tortured (especially salt scrubs), or they cover me with such thick layer of grease that I need a second shower! Body polishes are way too mild. With the Lalicious Sugar Souffle Scrubs, I find it very effective by following their instructions:

Use after shower on wet skin. Scrub till sugar crystals melt. Note: The crystals can feel quite rough at first, but as they melt away in about 1-2 minutes it will give you a good effective scrubbing without peeling away your skins.
Wash away excess oil. Note: This is the part that feels the most oily as the scrub contains many skin-loving oils - coconut, sweet almond, soybean & vitamin E oils
Pat dry with towel. Note: There will still be some residual oil on the skins, but they get absorbed amazingly quickly, and very soon you will feel baby smooth :). However, I would still avoid any acne-prone areas
The scrubs can be used everyday. Note: Tried and tested, and my skin is still with me :)
The full size tub is big, and will last you at least 2-3 months even if you use it very frequently!

I agree with X-Wen that the scrub is best used at night if you keep your AC on. For most people, there is no need for body lotion after the scrub, but sometimes, I still lather on an extra layer especially on my dry legs. Even though the scents from the scrubs linger on, I find no problem applying other scented lotions on. At one point, when I was sent samples of all the scents from Lalicious, I was literally scrubbing myself everyday to try! Amazingly, the persistent bumps on my elbows were gone! Yippeeee!!

Looking inside: Authentic & sealed.

Special whipped technology, no separation of oils & sugars
Very Light & Fluffy texture!

Fast Absorbing Body Butters...
The Whipped Body Butters and the Bath & Body Oils are two of the other Lalicious products that we carry, as they make a wholesome home-spa experience with the scrumptious scrubs! Again, what I love about Lalicious is that everything is very moisturising/skin loving whilst not overly heavy for the Singapore weather :)

The butters come in the same scents (excluding Coffee Bean which only comes in scrub form). I'd say the phrase "Body Butter" is actually quite misleading. To me, the texture is in between a runny body milk and a heavy butter, although not as light as Steam Cream. The butter itself resembles a whipped cream type texture, and absorbs amazingly well without feeling sticky. As mentioned, for my skin type I am even able to lather on an extra layer of Body Butter after the Scrub at night.

Freshly opened, smells lovely! Whipped cream anyone?

Versatile Bath & Body Oil...
Finally, the Bath & Body Oil is interesting in that it is highly versatile. It can just about be used for anything! Make up remover, moisturiser, cuticle oil, hair treatment, bath oil...The texture of the oil is quite runny and I don't find it too greasy/sticky at all. In fact, it is so runny that I find it a bit messy to apply as a cuticle oil, but it does wonders for the rest! Often I use the oils for my very dry legs, which reminds me of the famous Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil by This Works, only this is twice the size and much cheaper! This comes in Vanilla, PF Lime, Island Guava, & Coconut Cream.

Note that under colder temperature (aka in AC), the oils may condense into a white gooey texture which is totally normal and reflective of the lovely coconut oils within. Simply place it under room temp and it will slowly revert back to oil form.

Runny, clear texture

Handmade soaps..Yay or Nay?

2010-01-04T16:00:00.006+08:00

During my search for the lovelies at my store, one of the challenges was to decide what type of products to include at the initial launch. Scrubs, creams, butters, perfumes...these are all pretty straightforward. Soaps, on the other hand, were a bit of a dilemma. Yes, I used to belong to the camp of skeptics against soaps. Like an average city girl, I have been used to the squirt - rinse - jump out of shower sequence with a shower gel. "Troublesome" was the word that I associated with soaps - don't they just turn into gooey mess beside the bath tub and melt away?

But with so many soap-making brands out there (Saipua, Claus Porto, and of course Nostalgia!), and all with such beautiful products...perhaps I am missing something? So I purchased a bunch of natural hand-made soaps for me and family to try. Since then, I have been a firm convert!!

Goosebumps - Perfect for a good scrubbing!
Happy Days - Zesty & refreshing
Sweet Orange - An extra dash of moisture for dry skins
Mud Pie - Chocoholic's heaven
Lavender Flowers - Calming after a day's hard work
Velveteen Rose - Unscented for very sensitive skins
Mixed Greens - Who doesn't need anti-oxidants?
My Deerest - A minty wake-up call!

The first soap that i tried out is the Happy Days from Nostalgia Organics. Admittedly the soap was very blocky to use at first. Good or bad? Good because bigger size = better value! But it was a tad uncomfortable to hold. This issue goes away after a few showers as the soap slowly becomes more rounded to fit better in my palms (I do have very small hands).

The rest, I have no complaints at all!! In addition to the deliciously refreshing aromas, the soap lathers up extremely well with very smooth foams that almost felt like whipped cream. Normally I have extremely dry skin, but the soap left me cleansed but not stripped of moisture. Best of all, my back which was prone to spots for god knows how many years, have slowly cleared away!!

The soap lasted for 2+ months, almost as long as any bottle of shower gel can offer. Did I take special care to dry the soap after use? Not at all! I probably should have and my soap would last even longer. But I simply left it next to my bath tub in a soap dish (without cover), which was away from direct shower sprays but by no means under a dry/ventilated area.

Scrutinising the content, I see saponified olive oil, palm oil, coconut oil, natural vitamin e - all are well-known skin loving ingredients. Then compare this with my old shower gel (found in all drug stores, supermarkets), I see petrolatum, SLS, mineral oil...no wonder why my back used to clog up like crazy.. Yes my shower gel certainly is sold cheaper than my soap, then again, I have lost count of the amount of money that I spent trying to rid my back of spots..

Finally, it has been an interesting trend to observe among my customers especially during X'mas season. Some are obvious soap lovers and have literally stock piled them as gifts. Others however would hesitate as their friends "probably don't use soaps". I have already shifted sides from the Nay to the Yay camp. How about you?

Congrads to Our Winner of Nostalgia Soap & Balm Set

2010-01-03T09:52:00.015+08:00

Congratulations to the winner of our FORTH & FINAL of our Grand Opening Giveaway - who will soon receive a fabulous set of Nostalgia Soap & Balm in her mail box :) This concludes our Giveaway series during which we have already given out:

- 1) a Flower Garden Steam Cream

- 2) a Gin & Rosewater Tokyo Milk Parfum - all the way to Philippines!

- 3) a Sugared Grapefruit Love & Toast Hand Cream, and finally...

- 4) a Nostalgia Organics Soap & Balm set!

For others, we promise to run other exciting members' promotions periodically so do check back! Of course, we will also inform you via email should you be on our mailing list. And remember, the 10% Grand Opening discount will be valid till 31 Jan. So grab your goodies today to enjoy!

New Steam Creams & Nostalgia Soap!

2009-12-28T17:38:00.013+08:00

Very excited to have received our new Steam Cream shipment, which included 3 fabulous new tins, and I just love how innovative the designers of Steam Cream are and how true they are to their commitment: Individual art for individual people!

The Planetarium is a lovely mysterious shade of dark navy/purple, depicting the famous Orion Belt and other constellations including Taurus, Gemini etc. Are you a star gazer? Do you enjoy staring into the night sky? This will be the perfect tin for you!

The Grace is a very feminine & romantic tin bursting with blooming pink and purple roses..THE tin for the romantic soul, or anyone in love :) (hint hint, boyfriends/husbands, this is a perfect gift!)

Stripe Stripe will please all fun-loving, modern gals with the ever so cheerful colours spanning across the surface & bottom of the tins! Are you bold, adventurous, & enjoy a good laugh or two?

In addition, I am so pleased to be carrying Nostalgia Organic's New Soap - the Mud Pie! This deliciously aromatic soap is filled with skin loving cocoa butter and refreshing peppermint/spearmint flavour. Chocoholics can now indulge without the guilt (or calories!) :) Not to mention, the packaging is gorgeous as usual, featuring very cute graphic birds on mint green paper and finished with a baby pink ribbon.

Do visit us to check out our new goodies!

4th & Final Giveaway - Nostalgia Soap & Balm Set

2009-12-27T14:38:00.008+08:00

Congratulations to our lovely winner for our 3rd Giveaway who has chosen a FREE Love & Toast Sugared Grapefruit Hand Cream! A very wise choice indeed as this has been a top seller among our shoppers, some even grabbing a few at the same time to treat their lovely friends :) I have heard wonderful praises about its alluring scent - ranging from "refreshing", "citrusy", to "ohhh this reminds me of strawberry shortcake"!

Happy times whizz by so quickly and next Sunday (3 Jan 2010) will be our 4th and FINAL Grand Promotion Giveaway! This time we will be giving out a FREE Nostalgia Organics Soap & Balm set - valued at SG$34!

I love sharing this gift with our members as the Nostalgia soaps are among my favourite item in the shop! Its love at first sight with Elea's (the ever so creative owner) whimsical packaging of her products - which took her more than 2 years to design!! I have been a soap-convert (previously a shower-gel kinda gal) ever since my first bar. Why? In addition to the wonderfully natural scents ranging from grapefruit, rosemary herbs, sweet orange, lavender, mint, to clove, the soaps lather up extremely well and are very moisturising. Even better, a single bar lasted me for 2 whole months with scrubbing and rubbing every day till the last sliver. I am also excitedly waiting for Elea's creation of a new soap which will arrive anytime soon...hint hint...chocoholics will be delighted....

The Nostalgia Organics balms have also been a favoured stocking filler. Ruffles have been an all time favourite, as is Twirl with its refreshing citrusy scent. This balm is a must-have for your purse for highly effective hydration anytime anywhere - for any dry patches, cuticles, or simply as a solid perfume! A small tub will last you for ages as it is jam packed with high concentrations of natural/organic goodness!

How to win? Again, help us spread the word about our lovely shop!

1. Be a registered member at Soap 'n Sorbet to enter.
2. Email as many friends as you can with a link to http://www.soapnsorbet.com/. Make a brief intro about why you love our shop and our goodies!
3. CC or forward us this email at contact@soapnsorbet.com
4. The more friends you send to, the better your chance of winning!

GOOD LUCK!!

Cutest X'mas Exhibition Ever

2009-12-24T22:49:00.016+08:00

Merry X'mas!! Time surely whizzed by quickly this year and it seemed like yesterday when I was hosting my own X'mas party last year! This year will be a nice quiet one with close family and friends. Nothing special but heart-warming nonetheless. Anyways, walked past the ever so busy Time Square in Hong Kong and gosh, for a change the place was crowded not due to the sale season, but because they were hosting the cutest most magical X'mas exhibition by the famous Taiwanese artest Jimmy Liao! Here are some photos for your enjoyment :)

Super heros or angels wannabe?

A very diligent X'mas penquin...

Look who's cuter!

Overview from level 2...The exhibition is like a magical maze!

"Book shop" outside Time Square and its cute Penquin helpers...

...or would you like to buy a Moon instead?

Giant bunny that spans the outside of Time Square...

Mille Fleur Bazaar Part 1

2009-12-19T12:14:00.024+08:00

Yesterday was such a fun day, decorating my lovely booth, and finally meeting some of you up close and personal! See here also a blog post of a happy customer and her purchases of Steam Cream from the Bazaar!

Anyway, here are some photos of the night. More to come!

Setting up at 5:00pm...

Behind the booth where I sat...nice view!

Tokyo Milk Bon Bon Bubble Bath...and my customers in front!

Sniffing away...

Gin & Rosewater Parfum made a lovely X'mas gift for a customer's mom!

So colourful!!

I am torn...this? this? or both?

2nd Giveaway - Tokyo Milk Parfum!

2009-12-13T11:10:00.003+08:00

Part 1 of our Giveaway has been completed today and congradulations to Ms. Yeong our lovely winner of Steam Cream. I sure hope that will bring a big smile on your face! For those who did not win, not to worry as I have more freebies lined up!

Our 2nd Giveaway will happen on the 20 Dec (Sun), and the prize will be a Tokyo Milk parfum of your choice! Many customers have been very intriqued by this range so I am happy to give away this lovely item :) For those who have browsed through the shop, you would know that I have 9 scents to choose from, all uniquely formulated by the famous Margot Elena. To complete the package, the parfum bottles are all adorned with stylish vintage imageries. Are you a floral, citrus, sweet, or exotic girl?

So, to spice things up this time round, you can take matters into your own hands and boost your chance of winning! Simply spread the word about Soap 'n Sorbet to your friends!

How to win:

Open to registered members only. (So register now to participate if you havent done so!)
Email your friends with a link to us at http://www.soapnsorbet.com/. Make an intro to our lovely shop and items!
CC or forward us the email at contact@soapnsorbet.com.
The more friends you spread to, the better your chance of winning!!

Good luck to all of you and have fun!!

Meet Us Up Close & Personal!

2009-12-13T09:05:00.002+08:00

That's right! We are giving you the opportunity to feel, touch, sniff, and test our lovelies!! This coming Friday & Saturday (18-19 Dec) Soap 'n Sorbet will participate in the Mille Fleur Bazaar in Clark Quay: 6pm till late!

Try our delicious Lalicious scrubs. Sniff out our unique Tokyo Milk parfums. See all the Steam Cream tins up close! Moisturize your lips with our 10 different lip balm pot. Smooth your paws with our 6 Love & Toast hand creams! And admire the famously pretty Nostalgia soaps! We will try to exhibit as many items as possible so come and grab your goodies, or simply visit and say hello :) 10% discount for registered members will of course still apply!

Please support us and bring your friends! See you on the 18-19 Dec!

Having a bit of DIY fun...

2009-12-11T21:31:00.017+08:00

Apart from running the shop these days, I have also been up to a little DIY fun. Some customers have commented on how cute the Nostalgia's soap sacks are which came with the craft patterns to work the fabrics into something fun. Since Elea (Nostalgia's lovely owner) has sent me some extra fabrics, I decided to try my hands on her sewing patterns! Very brave of me as I have not done any proper sewing since secondary school (counting the years..hmmm...)

Got all my supplies from Spotlight at Plaza Singapura - felt, ribbons, needles, threads etc - and being a keen dog lover I started to craft a soft doggie from my purple Lavender Flower fabric! hmmm....not a very handsome one I have to say, frayed and on the skinny side :P....Thumbs up for efforts though!

Then I tried my hands on the Pot Holder craft pattern that came with the My Deerest Soap Sack. Found this much more enjoyable! Perhaps because the fabric is bigger and the craft pattern is more straight forward to use - everything is square-ish as oppose to the irregular shaped dog - Look! I am impressed by myself! Anyways, the fabric pattern is so lovely I would not want to stain it! So it will be decorating my kitchen instead of holding pots and pans!

So I hope for those of you who bought the soap sacks, be sure to make good use of it and have some fun!

Steam Cream Update

2009-12-08T09:03:00.005+08:00

Just a quick note here. I was told by Steam Cream that our favourite tins - Kyoto Girl, Kingyo, and Pink Hummingbird have all been sold out from their side. As they are not certain if these will be produced again, grab yours here till stock last!

Jet set in style!

2009-12-07T11:10:00.001+08:00

I am so happy I got STEAM CREAM on board...this is a product that I have used, loved and determined to have in my shop! In terms of how this product works am sure a lot of you out there already know but to recap, this is a universal product for your face, body, hands and feet (anywhere with skin really!) that provides effective hydration. And of course its famously stylish tins give it that huge extra umph!

Admiring my collection...

This product holds a special place in my heart because it has really helped answer one of my long-time frustration. I used to travel a lot for work, sometimes for a day, few days to a few weeks. The common theme was, I was only "allowed" to bring a carry-on luggage. Why? Imagine travelling with male colleagues who could pack their suits in a backpack!?!?! (Till this day it is a mystery to me...), and walk 20x faster than moi in high heels. Hence the zero tolerance for dilly dallying at the conveyor belt or anywhere else!

OK here is a list of my daily "necessities": eye cream + serum, face cream + serum (yes I do have dry skin!), spf, face mask, body cream, shower gel, hand cream, shampoo/conditioner, cosmetics.....all of which I was trained to carry in these teeny travel size bottles/jars which I got from Sasa (but they always leak). Lucky that I don't wear contact lens otherwise it would be downright impossible to travel light! But still you see my frustration? At least with a tub of SC i can combine three goodies into one!

Admittedly I was dubious at first, having been used to moisturising different patches of skin differently (why I wonder really? Aren't they all just skins?) But SC really does what it says - hydrates. Miracle product it is not, but sometimes, effective hydration is all we need to keep our skin glowing...

I was blown away when the boxes of SC arrived, it was my first time to see all the tin designs up close and personal!! Frankly speaking, photos simply do not do justice to some of the tins - especially for Blanc as it doesn't come up very well on photos. My favourite is Kingyo with the cute goldfishes and tiny air bubbles all over. I love Freedom & Discipline too with its simply British-chic design. I have also learned from SC that tin designs in Japan will soon be caught up by UK as well! Am very patiently waiting for those...

Great inspiration for business owners!

2009-12-03T13:45:00.001+08:00

It's only been the third day since Soap 'n Sorbet was born and things are going great! I have been glued to my pc refreshing microsoft outlook checking facebook forums blogs for the slightest mention of Soap 'n Sorbet, and it's really encouraging to see more and more visitors to the website, some of whom even dropped me an email or two :). Thanks to Mag also of Makeup Stash who wrote such a lovely review on my little shop too! And I hope those who ordered will get a good feel of my goodies shipped from far far away for you :)

Well, being the owner of my humble little shop means that I have paid a lot of attention to what other small business owners are doing, and incidentally I came across this article on Cleo magazine about how Kikki K - the swedish designer stationery shop at the ION - came to life, and I just feel it's such an inspiration for those wannabe business owners out there! (and btw, I have LOVED Kikki K since it opened in Singapore!)

Apparently Kikki K - the nickname of Swedish Kristina Karlsson - was an idea born from a "what to do with my life" list at 3am in the morning years ago, of which Kikki (then bored stiff with her job at a travel agency) decided that she wanted to be her own boss with a biz boasting Swedish heritage. Like all girls, shopping is never too far off and Kikki did just that to get her home office adorned (without even knowing what the home office would be for!), but only realising that beautiful stationery is hugely lacking in the market. Combining design with home office goodies, the inspiration for Kikki K was born! And hear this, today Kikki K has more than 40 outlets in 5 countries. How impressive is that!

That is of course after years of hard-work, perseverance and lots of courage! But to be successful on one's passion is just the best, isn't it? I just wanted to share this especially as so many friends - when they heard about my plans for my humble little shop - said "wow congrads! That's something I'd like to do as well!!". Perhaps that idea lurking deep in your head is not really that remote!