Last week, I met up with an old and very good friend for breakfast. Although Cecilia and I see each other every month, we never really had time to catch up (this is sadly the case for most Mums). Anyway, the real agenda of the day was to talk to me about the coming of a new beauty brand. Felt like old times (when she was doing PR/marketing for Guerlain)… talking shop amidst interjections of how our kids are growing, where to bring them for a day of fun, and gossing over who’s gone where, and the latest must-try eye creams. 

The scoop is (girls, you hear it first from CLEO!) that Principessa, an Italian cult brand that’s loved by many celebs in the US, Canada and Australia, will be making a debut at Sephora at Ngee Ann City come 26 June. So popular were the products that they were spotted in the Emmy Awards goodie bags in 2006, and the Golden Globes’ in 2004 and 2007. Some of you may be thinking “What? Another brand?” Fact is, we girls love to shop – even in this economic downturn. Anything with the promise of making us look and feel good, we’re in! And new beauty entries understand that need to inject some fun and add pleasure to our already jam-packed-and-sometimes-mundane daily beauty routine.

Principessa, which means princess in Italian, is a pampering line ranging from lip balms, signature fragrances, hand creams, body lotions to spa soaps and candles – basically everything you need for a little self indulgence at home. CLEO readers will love Principessa not only because they come in our favourite pink but the products are petroleum, paraben, phthalate and cruelty-free, and the packaging are recyclable and 100% biodegradable. The scent, as expected is softly sweet and girlie with a hint of luxury - it immediately reminds me of a Roman holiday. It’s a scent celebrities like Paris Hilton, Nicole Ritchie and Tori Spelling would take to.

One trick that Cecilia showed me using the Bianco Breeze Hair & Body Powder, $42, is to rub some powder into your palms and run through your hair. This is great for refreshing hair that smells like a plate of char kway teow or stale cigarette smoke.

For more info on Principessa, log on to their site

Another new brand to watch out for that’s just hit our shores is Rimmel from London. Perfect for those looking to save, Rimmel (fronted by Kate Moss, Sophie Ellis Bexter and Lily Cole), is a brand with real affordable price tags, everything from $5.90 to $25.90. Available at selected Watson’s.