2009 Spring

Spring 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 2)

by PJ on Thursday, March 19, 2009

in -Aube (Couture), -Kanebo, -Kao, -Lavshuca, -Sofina, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1)

6. Max Factor

(image from www.maxfactor.jp)

Many of the Max Factor releases in Asia are very different from those in the west. In the case of the spring 2009 collection, these colorful palettes have a particularly Japanese feel and look very much like the tone-on-tone palettes that have constantly been brought out by Japanese brands. (The purple-toned palette reminds me of my Lunasol Lavender Coral.)

Do check this post for a great review of the green-toned palette (with swatches of all the palettes). The writer pointed out the improvement in the powder’s pigmentation level and lasting power. (The low pigmentation level from previous releases was mentioned by one reader under my initial post on this collection.)

5. Lavshuca

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

“Cute” is still the best word to describe Lavshuca‘s makeup, but I do like the fact that the brand doesn’t try to be overly girlie. (The plum cases look quite elegant.) The spring 2009 collection includes a new range of lipsticks and eye palettes. I nearly decided to get Grade Color Eyes in PU-1 (top right in the photo above), but the colors are a little too pale and don’t seem warm enough for me. On the other hand, I am still interested in trying the new Finish Powder.

4. Aube Couture

(Aube Couture Designing Eyes)
(image from www.sofina.co.jp/aube)

I wasn’t really a big fan of Aube’s last few collections, but the new Aube Couture‘s debut collection got my attention. A lot of design went into some of the items to make them as user-friendly as possible. (Please see this post for examples and more discussion.) I’d think that the packaging was still kept very simple so that it wouldn’t overtake the actual design features, and Aube Couture certainly gets extra points from making makeup application a little bit easier for us.

The countdown continues in Part 3.

Related posts:

Aube Couture Summer 2009 Collection

Lavshuca Summer 2009 Collection

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Spring 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 1)

by PJ on Monday, March 16, 2009

in -Elégance, -Esprique (Precious), -Kosé, -Maquillage, -RMK, -Shiseido, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

Spring makeup collections tend to be my favorites as compared with collections from the rest of the year, since the colors are usually soft, fresh, and wearable. This week, I will be counting down my top ten spring 2009 makeup collections.

10. Maquillage

(Maquillage Eyes Creators 3D)
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/mq)

(Maquillage Face Creators 3D)
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/mq)

Maquillage rolled out a large collection for spring 2009, changed a few of the brand ambassadors, and modified the packaging. The collection focuses on creating dimension for the face and the facial features. The Face Creator 3D includes highlighters, contourers and a blusher and aims to create depth for the face and a delicate jawline.

9. RMK

(image from www.rmkrmk.com)

RMK‘s spring 2009 collection, Spring Translucence, is full of soft ethereal hues. The idea is to use moderately pigmented shades with a gently luminous finish to enhance the lucidity of the complexion (rather than to cover the face with opaque colors). The star item is the Translucent Cheeks & Eyes, with one warmer and one cooler variation. The other items in the collection are also well-balanced and features both warmer and cooler shades.

8. Elégance

(Elégance EyeShadows)
(image from www.elegance-cosmetics.com)

(Elégance Radiance Quartet)
(image from www.elegance-cosmetics.com)

Like Sonia Rykiel and Paul & Joe, Elégance is a French fashion line with its beauty range mainly available in Asia. I particularly like the glamorous and opulent golden cases for many of its products. (Please see my profile of the brand here.) For spring 2009, the four new Eyeshadow palettes reflect all the main seasonal color trends (pinks, purples, and neutrals). The new Radiance Quartet is among the three cheek items from Elégance that I really want to check out in person.

7. Esprique Precious

(Esprique Precious True Impact Eyes)
(image from ep-bko.com)

Usually, spring is when most Japanese brands bring out the largest point makeup collection, but Kosé’s Esprique Precious‘ spring 2009 collection is very concise and consists of four eye palettes, two lipsticks and two lip glosses. The purple eye palette (True Impact Eyes in T-3) is featured as the main item of the collection. (Please see the ad image here.) I am still a little tempted to try this palette, as the purple seems to have the right tone for my complexion.

The countdown continues in Part 2 and Part 3.

Related posts:

Spring 2009 Makeup Trend Report

Maquillage Clean Contrast Eyes 2 in SV844

Maquillage Forming Shiny Eyes in 52

RMK Water Colors Eyes in 02 Lavender

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Makeup Review: SUQQU Spring 2009 Blend Eyeshadow & Blend Lipsticks

by PJ on Thursday, March 12, 2009

in -SUQQU, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - lip color

(SUQQU Blend Eyeshadow in #10)


Last week, I reviewed three of the five Contour Shadows, which are the main items of SUQQU‘s spring 2009 collection. Today, I will highlight several items from the rest of the collection.

The Blend Eyeshadow range (SUQQU’s 4-color eye palette range) was launched in fall 2007 with five variations. Three more were introduced in spring 2008, and another three were added to the range this season. Pictured above, Blend Eyeshadow #10 is a very wearable neutral palette. The shades include (anti-clockwise from bottom right):

– luminous cream white with very sparse and fine shimmer (used as a base)
– softly pearly warm taupe with a very faint mauve undertone and fine multi-colored shimmer
– pearly cool silver with a very faint cool lilac undertone and fine multi-colored shimmer
– predominantly matte dark chocolate brown

The base shade does a good job at brighting up the eye area and making it even-toned (which helps create a base for a clean (rather than muddy) neutral eye look). The warm taupe and the cool silver are moderately pigmented for a delicate and elegant finish. The powder is soft and easily blendable.

When it comes to the texture, the brown eyelining shade reminds me of the purple in Shiseido Maquillage’s Forming Shiny Eyes in 52. Compared with the other shades in their respective compacts, the two shades don’t have as much movement and the powder seems slightly dryer. I think they are formulated like this so that they stay in place for longer.

I find that the warm taupe and the cool silver can work together to create subtly different hues. When I apply a soft layer of the silver underneath the taupe, the taupe looks cooler. As it can sometimes be difficult to get the tones of neutral shades exactly right for a certain complexion or a certain makeup look, this palette, perhaps inadvertently, offers a good solution for at least certain complexions for which taupes are generally suitable.

Overall the colors in this palette are very easy to wear, and the palette is versatile in its own ways.

(SUQQU Blend Lipsticks in #18 (left) & #16 (right))

The Blend Lipstick range was also launched in fall 2007. Various shades were added to the range over the last few seasons and five more were introduced for spring 2009. (Please have a look at my review of Blend Lipstick #14 from SUQQU’s fall 2008 collection.)

Both Blend Lipsticks in #16 and #18 are cooler than #14. #18 is a very pretty cool pink that goes on slightly more vibrant than it looks in the tube. Like Contour Shadow in 02, it really reflects the sakura theme of the collection and it is definitely a very lovely spring-like color. #16 is a light medium pink that applies lighter than it looks in the tube. If you are looking for a nude lipstick with a hint of pink, this shade is worth looking into.

Between the two, #18 seems to be a little more pigmented and can be easily layered for more intensity. # 16 is more about a soft nude look.

Both shades are subtly glossy and create a sophisticated finish. Like all the lipsticks from SUQQU, they have a very creamy texture and glide on effortlessly. (As I mentioned before, SUQQU’s lipsticks are some of the most moisturizing lipsticks that I have come across so far.)

Most of SUQQU’s makeup products radiate sheer quality and sophistication, and these certainly do too. The items reviewed here (along with the Contour Shadows, apart from EX-02) are part of the permanent lineup and are not limited editions. If you do have a chance to stop by a SUQQU counter in Japan, Thailand (Bangkok), and the UK (Selfridges, London), do enjoy testing out these items.

Related posts:

My Personal Take on SUQQU

SUQQU Creamy Lipstick in 22

SUQQU Makeup Base Creamy & Brightup

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Makeup Review: SUQQU Contour Shadows

by PJ on Monday, March 2, 2009

in -SUQQU, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

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


Over the years, SUQQU has been going beyond consistently good quality, exquisitely sophisticated colors, and stunning promotional images. It continues to come up with new product designs (such as Clear Veil Powder, reviewed later on) and strengthen an existing makeup concept.

The new Contour Shadows, available in 5 shades, are a great example of how a brand takes on a makeup concept, explores it, and comes up with its own unique interpretation and wearable products. Also, this is a collection where products for a relatively peripheral purpose take center stage (and very deservedly so).

Contour Shadows are part of SUQQU’s spring 2009 makeup collection, which is inspired by the colors of cherry blossoms. They are worn under the brow bones to accentuate the eyes and highlight the brow bones. The uniqueness of these items is that they are all with varying degrees and tones of pink. The idea is to create a fresh, delicate and youthful look for the eye area with a pink-toned shade.

This idea immediately intrigues me. Some people use a frosty silvery shade to highlight the brow bones. The look can be quite harsh and severe, as it overtakes rather than accentuates the eye area. The three shades below effectively highlight the brow bones and enhance the dimension of the eye area, but they all have a very natural and delicate finish.

(Contour Shadow in 02)

02 is essentially what the Contour Shadow range is all about and is the shade used on the model in the promotional image above. It is a very soft neutral pink (neither too cool nor too warm) with a glowy finish and fine multi-colored shimmer. One layer of it gives you a subtle pink glow. More layers will give you more color as well as the look you see on the ad image above.

While an usual brow highlighter can perform just as well in nearly all aspects, a pink-toned highlighter seems to infuse a lovely and fresh vividness in the eye area (and even in the whole face) which the usual white-toned, silver-toned or fleshed-toned brow highlighters are not able to bring out.

(Contour Shadow in 01)

(Contour Shadow in EX-02 (limited-edition))

01 and EX-02 are closer to the brow-highlighting shades that we would usually expect. 01 is an off-white with a very faint neutral-to-warm pink iridescence, and EX-02 is an off-white with a very subtle neutral-to-cool pink undertone. 01 is more glowy than EX-02, and both shades have less shimmer than 02.

All three shades are (almost precisely) pigmented in such a way that they never look too bright or harsh (even if you are quite heavy-handed with them). At the same time, they can be layered to create subtly different degrees of intensity to go with your overall makeup looks (especially with 02).

The brush in the compact has very soft hair and is nicely-shaped to do the job it is supposed to do. With very minimal effort, it dispenses the product very gently and evenly and leaves no demarcation lines.

If you would like to try one shade from the Contour Shadow range, I would definitely recommend 02. It is the shade that represents this range and it is more difficult to find the same shade (with the same finish and pigmentation level) from other brands.

Overall, these items truly exemplify the attention to detail in Japanese cosmetics (which is also a reflection of the Japanese culture). To come up with a new product range with five shades just for the brow bones almost defies the current economic climate where beauty companies try to come up with products that work for all complexions and where many consumers opt for multi-purposed products. But for a makeup fan like me, it is almost as if SUQQU shared the meticulous passion for the right product for one very specific purpose.

SUQQU’s spring 2009 makeup collection is out now in Japan and will be available in London’s Selfridges from March 5th. (Check the SUQQU global website for the spring 2009 collection event from the 5th to the 8th.)

Next week, I will be reviewing more items from the collection.

Related posts:

My Personal Take on SUQQU

SUQQU Creamy Lipstick in 22

SUQQU Makeup Base Creamy & Brightup

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YSL Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Releases

by PJ on Monday, February 23, 2009

in -YSL, 2009 Spring, makeup - base makeup

(image from www.biteki.com)

YSL will be releasing the spring/summer 2009 base makeup items in Japan on March 6th.

Matt Touch Compact Foundation SPF 20 has already been launched in the US. I didn’t see it the last time I walked past my local YSL counter, and I am looking forward to seeing it soon.

(image from www.cosme.net)

YSL’s Tient de Pearle (from nearly 10 years ago) is one of the very few foundations from western beauty brands that I actually liked. Even though it was not among the most sebum-controlling powder foundations for my oily skin, the powder was so silky and smooth that I did enjoy using it. I am hoping that Matt Touch will have a similar smooth texture with better sebum control. (Plus, Matt Touch is housed in a similar case to the opulent golden case for Tient de Pearle.)

In addition, YSL will release Matt Touch Radiant Base, in three color-adjusting shades, with SPF 12 and PA++.

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Update: SUQQU Base Makeup Kit

by PJ on Wednesday, February 18, 2009

in -SUQQU, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup - base makeup

(images and info from www.cosme.net)

Earlier this month, I posted information on SUQQU‘s Base Makeup Kit, which will be released in Japan on March 6th.

Since then, a few readers have asked me whether the kit will be available in the SUQQU counter in London’s Selfridges. According to SUQQU, the limited-edition Base Makeup Kit will be available at Selfridges from May 7th. It is priced at £60, and customers will be able to choose among the six shades of Liquid Foundation Aqua, which is included in the kit.

Please check the link above to see the contents of the Base Makeup Kit.

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RMK for London Fashion Week

by PJ on Wednesday, February 18, 2009

in -RMK, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(image from www.rmkrmk.com)

RMK will be hosting an event for London Fashion Week from 19th to 25th of February.

The RMK makeup artists will give you a makeover using RMK’s base makeup products as well as items from the spring 2009 “Spring Translucence” makeup collection.

Also, on the 19th and 21st, you can also book to experience the latest catwalk hairstyles with Wella, Schwarzkopf and Frédéric Fekkai hair stylist Dawn Wellam, who will demonstrate the spring hairstyle trends to go with RMK’s spring makeup looks.

The booking fee is £20, which is redeemable against purchases on the day. Booking customers will receive a skincare trial kit, and those with purchases over £50 and £70 will also receive, respectively, the RMK spring/summer 09 scented candle and a handy cheek brush.

For more information and for booking an appointment, please call RMK at Selfridges on 0207 318 3538.

(information from RMK)

Related posts:

RMK Water Color Eyes in 02 Lavender

Beauty City Guide: London

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Jill Stuart Pouch Large (Sweet Ribbon)

by PJ on Wednesday, February 11, 2009

in -Jill Stuart, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, beauty tools/accessories

(images and info from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

Designer beauty brands like Anna Sui and Paul & Joe often cash in on their fashion roots and release beauty accessories featuring original designs. On February 20th, Jill Stuart will release Pouch Large (Sweet Ribbon). It is a set of a bag pouch and a mini pouch with pink-ribbon pattern and Jill Stuart’s signatures. It will join the brand’s beauty tool lineup, which includes the very popular Compact Mirror and Hand Mirror. (However, the pouch, priced at 4725 JPY, will be a limited-edition item.)




(Jill Stuart Beauty is currently available in Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. It is scheduled to be launched in the US with a small selection of products.)

Related posts:

Jill Stuart Available in the US

Jill Stuart Moist Silk Liquid Foundation

Loving Japanese Brands – Jill Stuart

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SUQQU Base Makeup Kit & Pore Covering Base

by PJ on Thursday, February 5, 2009

in -SUQQU, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(images and info from www.cosme.net)

On March 6th, SUQQU will release Base Makeup Kit, which includes four existing items from SUQQU’s base makeup range. The kit (10,500 JPY) includes:

– Liquid Foundation Aqua (full-sized)
– Makeup Base Creamy (travel-sized, 7g; please see my review here)
– Loose Powder Natural (travel-sized, 5.5g)
– Loose Powder Deep (travel-sized, 5.5g)
– original pouch

This is a good set to go for if you are interested in trying items from SUQQU’s renowned base makeup range. Also, it is nice that the kit includes both Loose Powder Natural and Deep, which are supposed to be used together (Natural for highlighting and Deep for contouring).

Also, on March 6th, SUQQU will release Pore Covering Base, which will be SUQQU’s fourth primer.

Related posts:

SUQQU Spring 2009 Collection

SUQQU Creamy Lipstick in 24

Japanese Cosmetics in the UK

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Dior Lady Dior in 002 French Chic…After All the Indecision

by PJ on Monday, February 2, 2009

in -Dior, 2009 Spring, makeup, stash focus

The Lady Dior palette is part of Dior’s spring 2009 collection, and it is certainly among the most expensive makeup items I have ever bought.

I saw it in person last month, and the long decision process began. My first impressions were not all good, mainly because I had high expectations for Dior’s most expensive seasonal limited-edition item to date (68.5 pounds). First of all, it was smaller than I expected. (The bottom (6.7cm) is slightly wider than the top (6.3cm), and the side measures 5.4cm.) Secondly, I didn’t like the acrylic parts attached to the handles.

My indecision was also surrounded by the fact that I didn’t have enough Boots points for this. If I had gathered enough at the time (which has usually been the case), I would probably have got it sooner.

However, I did think it was overall very beautiful and that it was among the most visually appealing items from Dior. Also, Lady Dior bag and the doctor bag are my two favorite bag designs from Dior, and it was nice to see one of them as the inspiration for a makeup item.

While trying to make a decision, I found some information on the Lady Dior bag and I was reminded that some of the classic versions do have acrylic handles. (Then I stopped fussing…) Also, with all Lady Dior bags, “CD” was stamped on all the oval parts to which the handles are attached (and you can see them in the photos above). Based on these, as well as the obvious quilting and the “DIOR” charms, it does seem that quite a few details are replicated on this palette.

Finally, after I saw the palette at the counter for three times and twice nearly decided not to buy it, I decided to get it. (I also decided to delete a few items on my makeup shopping list.)

The palette comes in a drawstring pouch, and a chain is attached to the palette. It can be too heavy if you want to use it as a bag charm or a key chain. But I am only displaying it on my dressing table, so I actually prefer it to be even heavier for an even more luxurious and substantial feel.


The two sides of the palette attach to each other magnetically. Inside the palette are a mirror, a lip/cheek color and a highlighter. French Chic (002) features an off-white pink with a pale-gold undertone and a warm red. (In the UK, two shades are available (001 and 002). I find that the lip/cheek shade in 001 to be too peachy for me. On the other hand, 001 and 003* are sold in Asia. The lip/cheek shade in 003 is the coolest of the three.)

Both colors are cream-based (not cream-to-powder-based) and they glide relatively well. The highlighter mainly adds shimmer rather than color. (The finish is more intense than what Dior Night Diamond creates.) The lip/cheek shade can go from sheer to intense depending on how much is layered. It has a moist and dewy finish and isn’t too shimmery. (This is based on the testing at the counter. I think I will leave the palette unused for some time until I want to dig in.)

Sold at such a price, it is clearly more of a collector’s item rather than just a makeup product…and I did buy it as someone that enjoys collecting Dior’s limited-edition items that I like. However, I have a feeling that, as a whole, the prices of Dior’s future limited-edition items are likely to continue to go up, partly because it seems that Dior is trying to be even higher-end than it is now. I was thinking to myself that there would probably be a time when I might have to stop collecting them simply because they are too expensive.

In the meantime, it is still handy to have all my Boots points ready. We never know what Dior is going to come up with next…

(For another review of this item (also in 002), please head over to Beauty Anonymous.)

(*003 is also called French Chic, but the colors are different. For a review of it, please check out the post on My Women Stuff.)

Related posts:

Dior Pro Face & Eye Creators

DiorLight Jewelled Makeup Necklace

Golden Dior Luminizing Makeup Jewel

My Personal Take on Dior

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