Left: Black & Gold Teddy Bear clip Right: Brown & Gold Ram
Aren't those animal inspired hair clips lovely? Something out of the ordinary yet very affordable!
Liz and myself were delighted to find a shop at Tropicana City Mall selling Korean-made hair clips. We found a sign outside the shop that says "Boyoung hair clip specially imported from Korea"! Interested to find out more, we went into the store to find a wide selection of jaw clips from Korea. On a plus side, the clips have a 3-month warranty so you don't have to worry that the metal spring holding it together will give way after a couple of days.
Prices for the clips are pretty reasonable at around RM20 - RM40.
Tell us if you discover a place that sells Korean accessories that you fancy, so the rest of our K-popped! readers can benefit from your discovery!
Store selling hair clips imported from Korea at Tropicana City Mall
Besides The Face Shop, Skin Food, Etude House, Missha and Laneige, i found another Korean beauty brand available here in Malaysia...
Korean brand Baviphat is available at Parkson Pavilion! At first all i wanted to buy was the "Kiss Scandal" - a dual tint and gloss stick which is a cheaper copycat version of Benefit's Benetint and gloss stick. However, i ended up buying more than that and even became a member! Check out the items i brought home with me...
Front (from left): Mango Magic Brightening Mask, Kiss Scandal lip tint & gloss, Peach All-in-one Peeling Gel Back (from left): Tomato Juicy Mask Sheet, Lemon Juicy Mask Sheet Woori Gokmul Nut Mask Sheet
Price is pretty affordable, kinda like the prices you get at The Face Shop and Skin Food. Packaging of the products are extremely cute as they come in fruit-shaped colourful plastic jars.
Lip gloss in fruit-shaped jars. Bulky but cute.
There ain't a Korean beauty brand that doesn't boast a BB Cream!
Not sure what these ampoule's are for...
Err...what band is this?
Anyone out there using Baviphat products? Tell us what you think of it.
KIM JOORI: 'See you at the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas.'
This year, Miss Korea 2009 Kim Joori is all set to make Korea proud at the beauty pageant, which will be held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas on Aug 23.
LEGS, LEGS, LEGS: 'Yes, they go on for miles.'
Twenty-two year old Joori also competed in Miss World 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa on Dec 12 last year. She is the first beauty queen to represent South Korea in both beauty pageants.
You can follow Joori on: Twitter: @misskoreajoori or Facebook
More pics of Joori in traditional and casual wear after the jump:
CASUAL: 'I'm just a laidback kinda girl.'
TRADITIONAL: 'Do you like my hanbok?'
FRIEND OR FOE?: With Miss Japan Maiko Itai (26, right)
Lost actress Kim Yun-jin appeared at the Lotte Department Store in Sogong-dong Seoul on April 25 for the Loreal Paris UV Perfect Day event.
안녕하세요!: 'I'm back in Seoul everyone!'
This is the 37 year old’s first appearance after getting hitched to Park Jeong-hyuk on March 29.
Kim announced her surprise marriage to Park (36), who is the head of her talent agency Zion Entertainment, a day before her wedding. The lovebirds tied the knot in a private ceremony in Hawaii where Kim is shooting the final season of the ABC hit series Lost.
Fair & lovely: 'Yes, I can stay for hours under the sun, especially after slathering on these products!'
Yoona, who is the face of Innisfree, is set to go on a special vakay with her fans!
To commemorate the beauty brand’s The Green Tea Seed Serum, fans of the SNSD member will get a chance to go to Jeju-do with her.
Come away with me: Who wants to go to Jeju with Yoona?
The contest is only open to those living in South Korea. For fans who want to spend some quality time with Yoona, they’ll have to purchase The Green Tea Seed Serum from Innisfree stores nationwide. Application forms for the contest is at the My Green Tea Tour homepage at www.innisfree.co.kr. The contest ends May 5.
Lucky few: Are you lucky enough to go on a vakay with Yoona?
Some of the events for the My Green Tea Tour is a tour of an organic green tea plantation in Jeju, a special fan meet with Yoona and an Innisfree beauty class.
Any fully-paid vacation sounds good to me. Lucky South Koreans :-P.
Jung Ga-eun, who resembles Song Hye-kyo from certain angles, is the new face for cosmetic brand Jill Stuart. The talent was at the Lotte Department Store in Sogong-dong Seoul on April 3. The 33 year old held an autograph session for her delighted fans.
Autograph: 'Don't go and sell it off now, ya hear?'
“It’s every actress’s dream to become a cosmetic model and personally, I am so happy to represent Jill Stuart,” Jung said of her new role.
Congratulations to the lady. She’s so purty.
All smiles: Delighted to be chosen to represent Jill Stuart
Heart: 'Show me lots of love, please.'
Keepsake: 'I got A+ for my neat handwriting in school.'
Boys Over Flowers actor Lee Min-ho (23) appears to the press on Feb 10 for Etude House to introduce the brand’s new makeup line called LUCIDarling.
Introduction: 'Meet my new darling - LUCI'
Participants of the event – which was held in Gangnam-gu, Seoul – not only had the opportunity to gaze at at Min-ho’s prettily made-up mug, but they also attended a beauty class where LUCIDarling products were used.
Laying it on thick: 'Yes, my lips can only look so great with a double coat of lipgloss'
For those who miss Min-ho sshi, the actor is set to return to the small screen in March for an MBC drama series entitled Personal Taste :-).
Make-up: 'I don't leave home without it!'
Embarassed: 'It's OK if you're not as good as me in applying eyeliner. Practice makes perfect!'
The look: 'I always go for big, beautiful eyes and pouty, pillowy lips. Thank you.'
Today i got my hair done at a Korean saloon for the very first time...
Ever wondered why the Korean celebrities you see on television have such shinny lustrous hair? Well, i found out that they go to the hair saloon to do a treatment called "hair coating". The hair is coated with a dark brown gooey substance to repair it. The result would be a healthier and shinier head of hair!
While surfing the Internet for a place to go for hair coating, i found this article : Celebrity Hair Styles
Today, i went to Park Chul's hair saloon in Desa Sri Hartamas. The saloon is located on the first floor, at the same row as RHB and CIMB bank. The Korean couple who owns the shop are friendly and they both speak English! James and Michelle Chung were very easy to talk to and happily obliged when i asked for a photograph. At Park Chul hair saloon, you can read magazines, listen to Korean music or watch a Korean drama while they work on your hair! You will be served Korean tea too. You'll get the full Korean hair saloon experience!
The sign board outside reads "Korean Professional Hairsaloon"
Read magazines and drink Korean tea while you get your hair done!
The saloon has a nicely decorated, spacious interior
Hair coating starts from RM200 if you have short hair. But since i have long hair, my hair coating treatment cost RM350. To fully regain the hair's health, James advised that i undergo the treatment three times, once per month. James also advised that i use hair treatment instead of conditioner after shampooing my hair.
James is also very skillful at cutting and styling and if you like the hairstyles of the Korean celebrities you see on tv and in dramas, try going to a Korean hair saloon!
Needless to say, i am very happy with the results.Park Chul Hair Saloon also offers volume perm (to create more volume), rebonding and organic perm.
Have you visited a Korean hair saloon? Tell us your experience!!
Friendly Korean couple: Michelle & James Chung
That's me with Michelle & James ;-)
Park Chul Hair Saloon 12-1, Jalan 24/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480, Kuala Lumpur.
I found an article in the Korea Times about making your own masks using fruits and veggies to help clean and refresh your skin after a day out in the hot sun.
According to a beautician quoted in the article she recommends using grapes, tomatoes, bananas or lettuce instead of the more commonly used cucumbers and potatoes.
' "Lettuce contains lots of vitamin A, vitamin B, iron, calcium as well as essential amino acids that calm your skin," she said. It softens the skin's tone, which is usually toughened and darkened due to repeated sun exposure.
Peptine in tomatoes brightens your skin, she added, while grapes have lots of vitamins and minerals that help "revitalize" your skin. The sugar, protein, fat and vitamins of bananas keep your skin moist and clear, she said. '
- The Korea Times
Lettuce toner: Blend 60 grams of lettuce and 30 milliliters of stilled water with a mixer. Filter the liquid twice: first with a piece of gauze, then with a coffee filter. Apply to the face as often as needed and keep stored in a refrigerator.
Tomato mask pack: Blend one tomato, setting aside two spoonfuls for later use. Add flour to the mixture. Apply the mix onto a clean face and cover with a piece of gauze. Place the remaining two spoonfuls of blended tomato juice on top of the gauze. Leave the mask on for about 30-50 minutes, and then carefully remove the gauze. Use a warm towel to wipe off any excess, then a cold towel for a refreshing finish.
Grape Pack: Take 10 grapes, one large spoonful of yogurt and blend them in a mixer. For dry skin, add flour or grain powder. For oily skin, add oatmeal powder. Wash your face and then apply the mixture to your face abundantly. Cover with a piece of gauze and leave the mask on for 40 minutes. Wipe off the mask with a warm towel, then a cool one.
Banana shower gel: Take one banana, 40 grams of seaweed, two spoonfuls of a grain powder and 200 milliliters of milk. Dampen the seaweed in water for at least one hour and wash it until all the salt is removed.
Blend the ingredients in a mixer. Apply it to the body and leave it for at least 10 minutes washing it off.
ROOSTER'S TEST
I tried the tomato pack recipe as it is the easiest to make. I think my skin is not suited for this mask. I have very sensitive skin.
I found that the juice of 1/4 of a tomato was sufficient to make the mask. I did not use gauze as directed because it got a little challenging to apply gauze while tomato paste was sliding all over my face. The directions also stated to leave the mask on for 30-50mins, but the tingling sensation got too much and so I washed it off after 15mins. My skin does feel clean and fresh, BUT there are a few spots that turned red and itched! The irritation subsided about 10 mins later. So those of you with sensitive skin - you've been warned! Tomatoes are not for everyone.
There's a new diet sensation in South Korea and it's called The Morning Banana Diet. This diet was created last year in Japan by Sumiko Watanabe, a pharmacist in Osaka who wanted to design a simple diet regime for her husband. Her husband lost 37 lbs and his result was publicized on forums and blogs. The new diet fad caught on like wildfire and became so popular that it created banana shortages in Tokyo. It looks as if Seoul might suffer the same banana crisis as Tokyo did back in 2008.
A step by step guide of The Morning Banana Diet.
But why bananas? According to the Watanabes, "bananas are composed of 70 percent water. Eating a banana with water in the morning restores water in the body that was lost during sleep. Bananas are also rich in serotonin, which calms the nerves, reduces stress, and curbs the appetite."
So how does this diet work, you ask? Just bananas, as many as you need to feel full with a glass of warm water in the mornings. Have lunch and dinner (your last meal before 8pm), no desserts, and go to bed before midnight.
The Watanabes say that, "if you eat slowly, chewing as many times as you can, you will feel full after just two bananas. If you eat only low-calorie foods and exercise too much, your body will feel tired all day. This will transform your body into the type that gains weight easily. What is important is to go to bed before midnight, get a good night's sleep, and regularly eat foods that help relieve fatigue... The key to the Morning Banana Diet is to have a regular intake of food that is easy on the stomach, at least for breakfast".
Will I get results? Well, that's if you don't get sick of eating bananas every day, don't work overtime and don't have a sweet tooth, then I suppose it might.
A very tanned Han Ji Hye wearing Bobbi Brown make-up
Who loves Bobbi Brown cosmetics? I do! Do you?
Bobbi Brown is pretty popular in South Korea too. The cosmetics brand just launched its cleansing oil and here are the Korean stars who came to grace their event.
Here's your chance to win a LANEIGE hamper worth RM500!All you have to do is:
Get to know all the products in the gift hamper
Write about one product, and stand a chance to win all five products in the hamper!
Below is a list of five products that we will be giving away in the specialLANEIGE gift hamper. Use your mouse to scroll to the right to view more and mouse-over each product to read a short description.Just select one of the products and write “Why I would like to have it…” (not more than 30 words)
Send your entries to kpopped.contest(at)gmail.com! Please include your full name, IC number and mobile phone number in the entry so we may contact you should you be our lucky winner!
YES! We are giving out hampers to 10 LUCKY WINNERS!
Scroll through products by placing mouse on left or right edge
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
The judges’ decision is final and any correspondence will not be entertained.
The contest is open to all K-popped! readers residing in West Malaysia.
Winners will collect a Laneige product hamper worth RM500 at the Laneige office at Mid Valley.
You may send in as many entries as you like, but only one prize per participant.
Fancy attending a make-up workshop conducted by a bona fide Korean make-up artist?Laneige will be conducting a make-up workshop and only 10 seats are available for K-popped! readers. I repeat ONLY TEN SEATS!
So hurry, and make your way to the Laneige counter at JUSCO Mid Valley to book your seat!
Korean make-up artist Lee Jae-young will be demonstrating the latest in make-up techniques. Don't be shy, you can ask him anything!
Work-shop details:
Date: 05 July 2009 (Sunday), 10am - 3pm Venue: The Gardens Hotel, Mid Valley
How do I sign up? Sign up for an up close make-up lesson with Korean make-up artist Lee Jae-young by purchasing a workshop voucher worth RM132 from the Laneige counter in JUSCO Mid Valley from 1 - 20 June, 2009.
Flying to Korea would be so much more expensive, but by paying RM132, you will receive:
Exclusive entry to the make-up workshop (for 1 person)
Workshop voucher is fully redeemable for a Laneige Sliding Pact_EX UV (worth RM132)
Door gift worth RM150 (Red tote bag & cleansing oil started kit)
Refreshments will be served
* If you purchase the voucher at JUSCO Mid Valley this Saturday 6th June 2009, you will receive an additional RM10 voucher!
If you love make-up, learning beauty tips and spending a very girly fun time experimenting with different looks, trust me, you'll enjoy yourself. Don't go alone, bring a friend!
Please note that there will be a special sale at the end of the work-shop so you can purchase whatever products you find that you like. So bring extra cash ya?
Laneige launches it's new Basic and Water Bank EX range of products
Be EXtraordinary!
Korean beauty brand Laneige encourages you to be EXtraordinary with its new and improved Basic and Water Bank range. The products boast an enhanced formula that is more effective in hydrating the skin.
K-popped! is giving you a chance to quench your skin’s thirst with Laneige’s EXtraordinary Power of 4. The products, namely the Power Essential Skin Refiner_EX, Balancing Emulsion_EX, Water Bank Essence_EX and Water Bank Cream_EX, will keep your skin supple and healthy.
Try it to believe it! Just print out the e-voucher below for your FREE sample set of Laneige’s EXtraordinary Power of 4.
Click on image to view larger version & print!
You can exchange the voucher for your EXtraordinary Power of 4 sample set at any *Laniege counters in Malaysia. Redemption starts on May 29, 2009 while stocks last. Below is the list of samples you will receive:
• Power Essential Skin Refiner_EX 5ml • Balancing Emulsion_EX 5ml • Water Bank Essence_EX 1ml sachet • Water Bank Cream 2_EX 1ml sachet
These EXtraordinary products nicely complement Laneige’s recommendation of a 4-step skincare regime. STEP 1 : REFINE
Power Essential Skin Refiner_EX (normal – dry skin) Power Essential Skin Refiner Light_EX (normal – oily skin)
Refining is the first step in skincare after cleansing. It removes dirt and dead skin cells to reveal clear translucent skin. The refiner not only clarifies but also activates the skin's metabolism for healthy skin renewal. Active ingredients include Bio-dusali and the Himalaya Glacial Water.
A lotion that balances the skin’s moisture level. The Baobab tree extract works to protect the skin and maintain its moisture even in extreme environments. Other ingredients include Shea Butter to sooth and strengthen the skin and the Himalaya Glacial Water to revitalise and clarify skin.
STEP 3 : TREAT
Water Bank Essence_EX (suitable for all skin types, especially for skin that is constantly exposed to an air-conditioned or dry environment, and the outdoors. Also perfect for those who suffer from the effects of lack of sleep)
An essence that instantly moisturises skin and keeps it moisturised up to 12 hours! The soy extract increases skin’s moisture even in dry conditions, while the blueberry extract protects the skin from the harmful environment.
STEP 4 : LOCK-IN
Water Bank Cream 1_EX (dry skin) Water Bank Cream 2_EX (combination skin)
A long-lasting water cream that is specially formulated for parched skin. The cream also enhances the skin’s ability to absorb moisture and keeps it supple.
SPECIAL TREAT for K-popped! readers
Listen up friends, here's more good news.
If you purchase any Laneige products between May 29 – June 7, 2009, you will be entitled to a **free facial treatment! Read on, there’s more.
You’ll also receive a special door gift worth RM116 after the facial. Pssst, we'll let you in on a little secret. You know that “special door gift”? It’s a four-piece make-up set.
**Terms and conditions apply:
The free facial treatment offer is only available at the Laneige counter in Jusco Mid Valley.
Facial treatments are by appointment only. The facial will take approximately 45-minutes.
Appointments should be made between June 1 – 7, 2009.
Only one facial treatment per customer per receipt.
*List of Laneige counters in Malaysia:
JUSCO Mid Valley Mid Valley, Ground Floor Tel: 03 2287 2061
Men in Korea (and maybe in other parts of the world as well) are more and more concerned about their appearance. Just when i thought they only had BB creams for women, I found news that Korean cosmetics brand VOV Homme launched Perfect Action VOV BB cream for men!
The said product is being labeled an "MBA product" and is receiving a lot of interest. "MBA" here does not stand for "Masters in Business Administration" nor does it stand for "Married But Available" mind you. MBA means Mountain, Bike, Athletics. * shrug * Okay, I don't quite know how that would make sense, but it is a term supposedly coined to refer to this era's new dynamic lifestyle. While I leave you to ponder on that for a bit, let's just say that the new range of VOV Homme products is specially catered for men who love outdoor activities.
Since sunlight and harmful UV rays is the main cause of premature aging, VOV also launched VOV Perfect Sun Block with SPF 50+ and PA+++ protection. The sub block is water and sweat resistant and long lasting. Excellent for the man on the go.
The BB Cream comes in Perfect Action VOV BB SPF 25 PA++.
Popular actor and singer Lee Jun-ki is the face of VOV Homme.
I have not seen BB cream for men in stores around my neighbourhood yet. But guys, would you use BB Cream to protect your skin if it's available? Or at least use sun block?
For the uninitiated, BB Cream or blemish balm cream is one of the hottest beauty products in Asia. Orignally from Germany, it was used by dematologists to help laser surgery patients soothe and regenerate the skin. Soon after, Korean celebrities started using the cream and a craze was born. [ Read more... ]
Check out Lee Jun-ki in the VOV Perfect Sunblock CF
What is the brand's philosophy? It says on the Nature Republic website:
"Nature Republic", based on Mother nature's law, is a new cosmetic brand, created by combining both state-of-the-art technology as well as natural substances of the utmost quality.
My abs are not photoshopped...it's all natural I tell you...
The arty pictures were shot in Brisbane, Australia with the forest as an amazing backdrop. Rain, bare chest and feet walks through the serene forest, becomes one with nature.
This is the first of a series of ads and CF that Rain will be doing for Nature Republic (네이처 리퍼블릭). He has inked a two year contract with the cosmetics brand for a cool 1.5 billion won. Kaching!
If he were green, Rain would look like the incredible Hulk in that last pic
Nature Republic opened its first store in Myeongdong, Seoul in March 2009. By middle of the year, 100 stores will be in operation and the goal is to open 300 stores by end of the year. A very aggressive plan I would say.
The first Nature Republic store in Myeongdong, Seoul
D i s c l a i m e r :
All photos belong to their rightful owners and K-popped! does not claim copyright to them, unless clearly stated. Copyright infringement is not intended. The photos here are strictly for the enjoyment of the public and to promote the Hallyu in Cyberworld. If we've unintentionally offended any party, please direct your questions and concerns to us.
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