2008 Fall

ck Calvin Klein Eyeshadow Quads

by PJ on Monday, September 8, 2008

in -Calvin Klein, 2008 Fall, makeup

(ck Calvin Klein Eyeshadow Quads)
(image from www.cosme.net)

These are the latest eyeshadow palettes from ck Calvin Klein that are currently available in the US and will be available in Japan from October 11th. One features shades of grey that will create a classic autumn look. On the other hand, it seems that plums are definitely on-trend for fall 2008, as the other quad includes a deep plum as the main shade.

I came across the plum variation quad and the grey variation quad on Sephora (the US site). They are marked as limited editions and “Only at Sephora” for the US market.

By the way, I really hope the ck Calvin Klein website will have a little more information and images on the beauty range…

Fall 2008 Makeup Trend Report

The First Taste of Autumn

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Shiseido Beauty Book Autumn 2008

by PJ on Wednesday, August 27, 2008

in -Maquillage, -Shiseido, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics

(Maquillage Forming Shiny Eyes)
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp)

If you are interested in seeing how Maquillage‘s fall 2008 items look like when worn and the step-by-step guides to on-trend makeup looks, do head over to the Autumn 2008 edition of Shiseido’s Beauty Book Cyber Edition. The Beauty Book also features information on fall 2008 releases of many of Shiseido‘s skincare and base/point makeup lines.

(image from /www.shiseido.co.jp)

If Japanese beauty magazines are not easily available where you are, this mini site should be quite useful if you are thinking about picking up some of the items. (Even if you don’t read Japanese, I think you will enjoy the photos.)

Agyness Deyn for Shiseido Maquillage

Maquillage Clean Contrast Eyes 2 in SV844

Maquillage Lasting Climax Rouge in RS310

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Luxury Bodycare: Sensai Premier The Body Cream

by PJ on Tuesday, August 26, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Sensai, 2008 Fall, 2008 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, bodycare

(Kanebo Sensai Premier The Body Cream)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Kanebo has been marketing Sensai as a “Super-Prestige” brand. As part of the plan to expand Kanebo’s western market and to probe the luxury bodycare niche in the west, Sensai will debut the Sensai Premier range on September 1 by releasing Sensai Premier The Body Cream.

The product (200ml) will retail at 300 euros and will be available in Europe, Middle East, and the US (37 countries in total). This item will not be officially available in Japan.

It claims to feature 20 moisturizing ingredients that will help prevent signs of aging.

If you are a beauty trivia buff (as I am), you might be interested to know that Sensai debuted in London’s Harrods department store in 1979 and was introduced to France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland a year later. It was launched in Saudi Arabia in 1997 and New York’s Bergdorf Goodman in 2000 (information from Nikkei Net).

Japanese Cosmetics in the UK

CHICCA Fall 2008 Collection

Kanebo Dew Superior Base Makeup Debut

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Paul & Joe Website Update

by PJ on Sunday, August 24, 2008

in -Paul & Joe, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

Paul & Joe has updated its website to feature both the fall 2008 point and base makeup collections.

I was asked about the two new Face Colors other than the one I posted earlier. Now all the three new ones can be seen on the website.

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News in Brief – Lunasol Swatch Galore; More Skincare Brands in the UK

by PJ on Thursday, August 21, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, skincare

For fellow Lunasol lovers-

My post on Lunasol’s fall 2008 collection has been updated with a link to an extensive array of swatches. Have a look!

For all my UK readers-

According to WWD, while La Roche-Posay has recently been introduced to the UK, another pharmacy line, Lierac, will be available in the UK in September.

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SUQQU Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Tuesday, August 19, 2008

in -SUQQU, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(SUQQU Dual Pressed Powder)
(all image from www.suqqu.com/japan.html)

SUQQU is renowned for its base makeup, and the brand will release its fall 2008 base makeup collection in Japan on September 5th, 2008. (It should be available in the UK about a month later.)

The main new item is Dual Pressed Powder, which is essentially the pressed version of the two shades of Loose Powder released in fall 2007.

With the Loose Powder, the two shades (Natural and Deep) are meant to be used together. Natural is for the T-zone and the eye area as a subtle highlighter while Deep contours the face. I think this is how it works with the two shades (also named Natural and Deep) in Dual Pressed Powder as well.

All the parts (Natural (refill), Deep (refill), case, and brush) are sold separately.

If you simply want to see how the two shades work together and don’t care about the amount of powder you get, getting the pressed versions (even along with the case and the brush, all together 10500 JPY) will work out cheaper. (The Loose Powder costs 6300 JPY each (puff included).)

The fall 2008 release will also include a new shade for Powder Foundation Glow and Foundation (a cream foundation). Both products were first released in fall 2007. (Please see my review of Powder Foundation Glow here.)

(Powder Foundation Glow)

(Foundation)

SUQQU Fall 2008 Point Makeup Collection

Japanese Brand Profile – SUQQU

Foundation Face-Off: Jill Stuart vs. SUQQU

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Paul & Joe Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Sunday, August 17, 2008

in -Paul & Joe, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(image from www.iswii.net)

Here is the new promotional image for Paul & Joe‘s fall 2008 base makeup collection.

Generally, Paul & Joe’s base makeup items are revamped every two years or so. This season, it is the cream compact foundation and the fall/winter primer that will be updated:

– Creamy Powder Compact Foundation (6 shades, SPF 15, PA +)
– Moisturizing Foundation Primer (3 shades, SPF 12, PA +)

Two of the three shades of Moisturizing Foundation Primer will supposedly have more or less the same shades as the existing two (the neutral #01 (the one I have) and the slightly darker and warmer #02 ). #03 will be a new shade, which is translucent and with more shimmer than #01 and #02.

(Paul & Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer)
(image from www.cosme.net)

There will also be three additions to the Face Color (blusher/highlighter/contourer) range, in 11 Rhapsody, 12 Chic, and 13 Bohemian.

(Paul & Joe Face Color in 13 Bohemian)
(image from www.iswii.net)

It is worth noting that, with Japanese brands, blushers are often released with base makeup items and they are sometimes categorized as part of the base makeup range. I think this reflects the Japanese aesthetics of everyday makeup, where, just like foundation, blushers are meant to look ultra-natural and barely noticeable. I will go back to this in another post later on.

The official release date of the Paul & Joe fall 2008 base makeup collection is September 5th in Japan and September 1st in Taiwan.

If you have your September 2008 Biteki with you, you might have noticed the October teaser. Like last October with Voce, the October 2008 issue of Biteki will come with a Paul & Joe pouch with samples of the new foundation and primer. I am not usually a creamy compact foundation user, but I will probably try the primer. If I do, I will certainly share my thoughts with you.

Updated on August 24, 2008:

Paul & Joe has updated its website.

Loving Japanese Brands – Paul & Joe

Coffret D’Or Makeup Powder

Foundation Face-Off: Chanel vs. SUQQU

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Anna Sui Website Update

by PJ on Thursday, August 14, 2008

in -Anna Sui, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

Anna Sui’s website has been updated with information on the fall 2008 collection. The collection features the display-worthy Makeup Color Collection D, which marks the 10th anniversary of Anna Sui Cosmetics.

This set is officially out in Japan on August 21st. If you are considering buying this, do check the website for the photos. If, like me, you’ve decided not to splash out (it costs 18,900 JPY), you can still enjoy how Anna Sui presents their lovely products.

The website now also has new downloadable goodies, such as desktops and blogparts, for a limited period of time only. I have placed an Anna Sui clock at the end of the sidebar just for fun, probably for limited time as well…

If only I could have a life-size photo of this set as my computer desktop…that’s all I ask for…

Also, if you are an Anna Sui fan, do check out Citrine’s Blog and her beautiful collection of Anna Sui items.

Loving Japanese Brands – Anna Sui

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Fall 2008 Makeup Trend Report

by PJ on Wednesday, August 13, 2008

in -AQ, -Chanel, -Cosme Decorte, -Dior, -Est, -Kanebo, -Kao, -Kosé, -Lancôme, -Laura Mercier, -Lavshuca, -Lunasol, -Magie Deco, -Maquillage, -Shiseido, -SHISEIDO (Global Brand), -Shiseido The Makeup, -SUQQU, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, seasonal makeup trend reports

(image from www.chanel.com)

If there is one word that sums up the makeup trends for fall 2008, it is “warmth”. We had grey from fall 2007 and cool lilac and blue from spring 2008, and now we are greeted by opulent gold and red.

Fields of Gold

Chanel leads the pack with a collection with gold in the eye palette, lip gloss, face highlighter, and nail color. It is a decadent shade of gold, although it can be too warm for some complexions. If this is the case with you, items from Lavshuca (Grade Color Select in GD-1) and Shiseido The Makeup (Lip Gloss in G29 Mellow Gold) might suit you better.

(Lavshuca Grade Color Select in GD-1 (among swatches))
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca)

(Shiseido The Makeup Lip Gloss in G29 Mellow Gold)
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/themakeup)

Gold is also seen in Vernis Crème de Nacres, two nail products in Lancôme‘s fall 2008 collection that are applied with a special applicator. (I am not entirely certain whether they are sold in North America, but they are already available in the UK.)

(Lancôme Vernis Crème de Nacres)
(image from www.lancome.jp)

Shades of Red

If you are fans of purples, there are still some nice shades from Givenchy, Clarins, Awake and Sonia Rykiel as these beautiful hues continue the trend in spring 2008. But many purples are taking on a much warmer tone for fall 2008 and turning into plum purples. We are also seeing shades of burgundy and red, which, just like gold, are the key shades for this fall.

For plum and burgundy, which still somewhat echo the spring trend, look into the palettes from Laura Mercier, EST, and Magie Deco:

(Laura Mercier Eye Color Trio in Mauve Sunset)
(image from www.lauramercier.com)

(EST Emotional Aura Eyes in 07)
(image from www.kao.co.jp/est)

(Magie Deco Shadow Brilliance in 021 Bordeaux Shadow)
(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco)

Apart from gold, Chanel‘s fall 2008 collection also features delicious plums in Rouge Hydrabase in Fantastic Plum and Nail Colour in Fantastic.

While warmer reds are seen in major Japanese brands (like Lunasol and SUQQU below), Dior, always a trendsetter, features a muted warm red in 5-Colour Eyeshadow in #673 Earth Tones:

(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)

(image from www.suqqu.com/japan.html)

(Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow in 673 Earth Tones)
(image from www.sephora.com)

Mix & Match

If you love experimenting with makeup trends, why not try wearing gold and warm purples/reds to sport both trends at the same time?

(Magie Deco Pure Color in GD076 and RD470)
(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco)

(Cosme Decorte AQ Shadow Supreme in 015)
(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/aq)

(Maquillage Forming Shiny Eyes in 54)
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/mq)

If reds around the eyes don’t suit you, try gold with deep cool violets. It is a beautiful and modern way to wear violets. I am thinking about trying the items below:

(Maquillage Forming Shiny Eyes in 52)
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/mq)

(Lavshuca Dual Prism Eyes in PU-1 (among the swatches))
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca)

Last but not least, the two makeup looks for fall/holiday 2008 from Shiseido The Makeup epitomise the key trends for the coming seasons:

(Eyeshadow Quad Shimmer in Q11 (left) and Q12 (right))
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/themakeup)

This season, I think I will be trying slightly deeper purples (than the ones I have been wearing) as well as platinum golds (not bronze golds). What about you? What shades are tempting you?

Related posts (more red, plum, and lilac):

Coffret D’Or Trance Deep Eyes in Grey Variation
(with a cool medium lilac)

NARS Fall 2008 Collection

ck Calvin Klein Fall 2008 Collection

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The First Taste of Fall 2008 (with a Twist)

by PJ on Monday, August 11, 2008

in -Kesalan Patharan, -YSL, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics

(YSL Ombres 5 Lumières)
(image from www.ysl.com)

I had a chance to do a quick dash around the shops a few days ago, and I saw the new palettes from YSL that I had been really looking forward to.

Lilac Sky (seen above) was what I was mainly waiting to see. I really wanted to love it, but unfortunately I didn’t.

The palette contains an off-white, a light lilac, a warm orchid purple, a cool medium-to-dark lilac, and a deep violet. (The latter two are matte.) The deciding factor for me was the medium-to-dark lilac. I swatched it on the back of my hand, and it was too dark and too greyish for me. The orchid shade was essentially matte but had sparse bronze-gold flecks, which somehow looked awkward against the bright orchid.

The softly shimmery light lilac is the only shade I like, but it is similar to the lilac in Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes’ Purple Variation and the Purple Variation lilac has a more pleasing and dimensional finish.

It is such a shame. It really is a stunning palette to behold, but most of the shades won’t suit me. I won’t be paying £35 for this.

Then, walking in the streets of London and on my way to meet up with a friend, I was flipping through the attached booklet (featuring fall 2008 makeup items, brand by brand) from the September issue of Biteki that I had picked up earlier in the day. After nearly walking into a lamppost (walking and obsessive makeup reading do *not* go hand in hand), I saw something that instantly put my lilac disappointment behind.

(image from www.kesalanpatharan.co.jp)

(Eye Color Palette in S007)
(image from www.kesalanpatharan.co.jp)

Kesalan Patharan‘s fall 2008 collection, titled Melty Color Magic, will be launched in Japan on August 22nd. The collection features three limited-edition Eye Color Palettes. All three look beautiful and wearable, but I think you know which is the one I was immediately drawn to. The website describes it as “plum, aqua blue, and purple”; I describe it as perfection. The lilac reminds me of the one in Lunasol’s Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral, which has been my ultimate lilac and the standard against which all lilacs are judged.

On the previous photo from Cosme.Net, it wasn’t easy to make out the actual colors of this palette. After seeing the photos in Biteki (and on the website later), this palette is now on top of my fall 2008 makeup shopping list…

YSL Fall 2008 Makeup Collection

Keep It Gold – YSL

A Splash of Color – More Lilting Lilac

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