-Shiseido The Makeup

I collected my February 2009 issue of Biteki last week, among the huge winter sale crowd in central London.

I almost always like Biteki’s covers. The makeup looks are elegant and never over-the-top. But I was particularly drawn to this cover upon seeing it. I like the relaxed long wavy hair and the lilac off-the-shoulder top. The makeup looks fresh, feminine, and very wearable.

I flipped through the magazine to see the behind-the-scene photos and the products used, and I was pleasantly surprised that this look was created by Dick Page, the artistic director for Shiseido The Makeup, with items from the line*. (Usually the covers showcase works of Japanese makeup artists that regularly work with the magazine, and the products used are from a selection of brands.)

Items used:

– Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow H1
– Accentuating Cream Eyeliner 2
– Accentuating Color Stick S1, S3 and S5
– Perfect Rouge OR418 and PK419

The lovely touch is the orange-toned Perfect Rouge OR418 layered on top of PK419 on the inner rims of the lips. (Please click on the image above for a larger version.) The finish looks natural and seamless and brings a subtle vibrancy to the complexion.

By the way, this information-filled Biteki February 2009 issue is worth getting. February issues usually feature poll results of readers’ favorite products. Also, for the first time, Biteki’s main spring makeup feature is in the February issue (instead of March). This time, the booklet features photos of 973 new shades from 52 brands.

* The new Perfect Rouge and Smoothing Lip Pencil are now simply under the brand name Shiseido and not Shiseido The Makeup.

Related posts:

Shiseido Perfect Rouge

Agyness Deyn for Shiseido Maquillage

My Ultimate Makeup Archive

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(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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(Selfridges, Oxford Street London)
(image from www.selfridges.com)

After shopping in Tokyo and Taipei for the past two weeks, today we are flying long-haul to London.

I have to say that, personally, purely in terms of beauty shopping, London can’t really compete with Tokyo or Taipei. But it is one of my favorite cities and it does still have plenty to offer when it comes to beauty.

– WHERE TO GO –

If you have One Day

Oxford Street is your best bet, particularly Selfridges Department Store (Bond Street or Marble Arch Underground Station), which I think has the best beauty department in the UK. Apart from almost all the high-end brands (including one of the few Giorgio Armani counters in the UK), it also has a good selection of Japanese brands, such as Shiseido (carrying the usual lines sold in the west), SK II, RMK, and SUQQU. (The SUQQU counter is the only one outside Asia, and three RMK counters in the UK (Selfridges London, Selfridges Trafford Centre Manchester, and House of Fraser Glasgow) are the only ones outside Asia as well.)

If you have more time, head towards the nearby Boots store (on the other side of Oxford Street and slightly more towards Oxford Circus). It is a great place to browse through mid-range and budget British beauty lines, such as Ruby & Millie as well as Boots’ own No. 7, 17, and Natural Collection.

One Weekend

– You can stay on Oxford Street. There are several more department stores further towards Oxford Circus. Debenhams has a great fragrance department, while House of Fraser has a ck Calvin Klein counter. For those of you in Asia where Smashbox is not easily available, John Lewis has a Smashbox counter.

– In the Knightsbridge area (Knightsbridge Station), you can find both Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Apart from probably the best fragrance department in the UK, Harrods also has one of the remaining Kanebo International counters (carrying the Sensai line) in the UK. Over in Harvey Nichols, you can find Chanel Studios, featuring Chanel makeup and skincare items exclusive to the North American and Asian markets. (I have seen many Japan-exclusives there over the years.)

One Week

– If you are a beauty fan and have a few days in London, why not indulge in a British beauty experience? Some of the brands might be available where you are, but I think the experience will be more unique. Apart from the very widely known The Body Shop and Lush, try Eve Lom, Liz Earle, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Penhaligon’s, Jo Malone, Molton Brown, Culpepper, and Floris. (Please check the websites for store locations.)

– Try one of the Space NK boutiques to be surrounded by high-end beauty brands like Chantecaille, By Terry, Darphin and Jurlique. There is a Space NK concession in Harvey Nichols as well.

– If you would like to test out items from Paul & Joe, you can either visit Harrods or Fenwick (Bond Street Station). I’d suggest the counter in Fenwick, which is wider and airier. (The concession in Harrods is currently more of a shelf than a counter.)

– If you are a fan of Japanese cosmetics but don’t usually have easy access to Japanese beauty magazines like Biteki and Voce, do definitely head to JP-Books in Mitsukoshi London and the book shop in Japan Centre. Both are literally seconds away from the busy Piccadilly Station and stock all the major Japanese beauty and fashion magazines. The locations of these two are so central that there is almost no excuse not to have a quick look if you want to check out the latest beauty products and makeup looks from Japanese as well as international beauty brands.

(By the way, the food section of Japan Centre carries lovely (and affordable) bento boxes, which are some of the yummiest and healthiest meal options while you are out and about in London.)

– WHEN TO GO –

I think a good time to go to London for beauty shopping is during the summer/winter sale period. (The summer sale starts in late June and most stores start the winter sale on December 27.)

During the sale period, many high-end brands have about 30% discount (and sometimes 50%) on surplus stock, soon-to-be-discontinued items, and past limited-edition items. (Last year, I was able to purchase Paul & Joe’s Light Cream Foundation, Face Powder and Pressed Powder at 50% off at Harrods and Fenwick. Also, a couple of weeks ago, I saw YSL’s silver makeup palette from last year’s holiday collection in Harrods and a few items from Guerlain’s Pucci summer 2007 collection in Harvey Nichols.)

Also, I have seen brands like YSL and Guerlain start carrying new fall/spring collections during the summer/winter sale period (particularly in top-end department stores like Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and Selfridges). These exclusive releases can sometimes be slightly earlier than those in North America and Asia.

– NOTE –

– Just like Japan and Taiwan, opened and used beauty items are usually not refundable.

– Check out this post from Kiss & Makeup for a list of British beauty brands.

– One of the best resources for beauty shopping in London is TimeOut London’s Shops & Services guide (9.99 GBP for the 2008 edition, currently on sale on TimeOut’s website). It is updated annually and the latest edition usually comes out in November.

It covers virtually everything you need to know if one of the reasons for your London trip is to shop. (It is also helpful if you are going to live in London for any period of time.) The Health & Beauty section covers beauty stores, perfumeries, salons, spas, and hairdressers, and all the practical details are listed. (It should be available in most major bookstores in the UK. I think it is worth having even as a souvenir for your one-off London shopping extravaganza.)

This concludes my mini-series on Beauty City Guide, at least for the time being, I hope. I have been to other places like Paris and Hong Kong, but I don’t think I know enough at the moment to bring you my personal recommendations. Hope one day I’ll be able to share my thoughts with you! (But do please e-mail me if you would like a few quick suggestions.)

Related Posts:

Beauty Phenomenon: Seasonal Sale on Cosmetics in the UK

Japanese Beauty Brands in the UK

Japanese Brand Profile – SUQQU

Can’t Live Without – RMK Cleansing Oil N

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(Radiant Pastels
Shiseido The Makeup Spring 2008 Collection)
(image from www.shiseido.com/themakeup)

With Dick Page as the artistic director, Shiseido The Makeup‘s spring 2008 collection is looking fresh and colorful. (On the Shiseido website, the collection is billed as a (Dick Page) “inspired collaboration”.) While there are no new product designs, this is a visually very pleasing collection, from the shade selection to the ad image.

The collection includes:

— Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow: 4 new shades (seen below)
— Shimmering Lipstick: 4 new shades
— Multi-Shade Enhancer: 2 shades, Terra-Cotta Glow and Sunset Glow (Sunset Glow is a limited-edition item from summer 2007 and is now a regular product.)

(Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow)
(image from www.shiseido.com/themakeup)


I have tested Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow in H10 Languid Lagoon at the counter. The actual color is darker than what we see in the image above. It also looks greener and is less aqua-ish. I have to say, for me personally, it looks slightly better on the website and in magazine pages.

I might not pick up any item from this collection, but I will still look forward to more creations from the master.

Related Posts:

Shiseido Clé de Peau Spring 2008 Collection
(another gorgeous ad image)

Spring 2008 Makeup Trend Report
(featuring key items for this season)

Must-Try Look for Spring 2008
(trendy and wearable)

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(All available in the UK!)
(anti-clockwise from top-left:
Paul & Joe Blanc Body Lotion
RMK Cleansing Oil N
RMK Irresistible Lips C in 03 Holographic Sheer Pink
SUQQU Creamy Lipstick in 22 Benikoji
Paul & Joe Nail Treatment Oil
SUQQU Sanzekan Eau de Toilette)

As requested by a reader, today I am focusing on Japanese cosmetics brands available in the UK and where they can be found.

(If you are reading this from other countries or if you live in the UK but are quite far away from the counters, I will be mentioning possible ways to purchase from some of these brands on-line or through Selfridges.)

Here we go…

So far, there never seems to be a wide array of Japanese cosmetics lines in the UK. But what is available here is nonetheless a good selection of what the Japanese cosmetics industry has to offer. It also includes one of my favorite Japanese brands, Paul & Joe, which we will start with.

— Paul & Joe

(Paul & Joe spring 2008 collection: Sweetie)
(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com/en/index.html)


Launched in Japan in spring 2002, Paul & Joe was an instant sensation. With its beautifully feminine packaging, it was almost the Jill Stuart before there was Jill Stuart.

To my delight, it was launched a couple of years later in London’s Harvey Nichols, where I saw the line in person for the very first time. Now it is available in Fenwick and Harrods in London, apart from the three Paul & Joe’s London boutiques. If you only have time for one counter when you are in London, go straight to Fenwick. The counter there is larger and has a better testing area.

There are several authorized on-line sellers of Paul & Joe in the UK, some of which deliver internationally. You can find them on the Shop Info page on Paul & Joe’s English website.

If you are interested, you can read my reviews on Paul & Joe’s Foundation Primer N, Lip Gloss N, and Face Powder, as well as my personal take on the brand.

— RMK

(RMK spring 2008 collection: Shiny Mix Dots)
(image from www.rmkrmk.com/global/)



Developed by Japanese makeup artist Rumiko, the minimally packaged makeup range is trendy but wearable and has featured a lot of distinctive seasonal collections. Some of RMK‘s most popular products include primers, lip glosses, and mascaras. I myself love RMK’s Cleansing Oil N.

Like Paul & Joe, RMK debuted in London’s Harvey Nichols. Later, it moved to House of Fraser on Oxford Street and it now resides in the nearby Selfridges. It is also available in Selfridges in Trafford Centre in Manchester and House of Fraser in Glasgow.

At the moment, UK is the only country outside Asia where RMK has a retail point. But you might be able to buy from the line from Selfridges by phone (from within or outside the UK). Check out Selfridges‘ Service Directory page for detail. (Select “Delivery” for the relevant information).

— SUQQU

(image from www.suqqu.com/global/)

 

SUQQU‘s launch in London’s Selfridges in November 2006 took me by surprise, as it took a different expansion path. Prior to that, outside Japan, it was only available in Bangkok, which was another slightly unconventional move.

SUQQU’s strength and popularity lie in its base makeup range. Its concealers, cream foundation and Clear Veil Powder are what make the brand well-known in Japan. Its eyelash curler is another cult item. I personally love the ultra-sophisticated brand image as well as the luxuriously smooth and silky texture of SUQQU’s lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushers.

Recently, I have noticed that SUQQU has been trying hard to get featured in major fashion and lifestyle magazines in the UK, which is great to see. You can read my personal thoughts about SUQQU as well as my reviews on SUQQU’s Powder Foundation Glow and Sanzekan Eau de Toilette.

Like RMK, SUQQU’s counter in Selfridges is the only retail point outside Asia. (Again, please check Selfridges‘ Service Directory page if you are interested in purchasing their items by phone.)

— DHC

(image from www.dhcuk.co.uk)


DHC is a very recent addition to the UK beauty scene and is currently available on DHC’s UK website. You can read about my thoughts on the brand in one of my recent posts.

.

Updated on February 25th, 2014:

DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil and Eyelash Tonic are available at Fenwick Bond Street in London (from February 13th, 2014). (information from DHC)

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— SK-II

(Cate Blanchett for SK-II)
(image from www.sk2.co.uk)


Currently owned by Procter & Gamble, this luxury skincare and base makeup line has its roots in Kobe, Japan, and its brand image has always maintained an oriental feel.

SK-II is currently available in several major cities in England and Wales.

— Shiseido International

(Shiseido The Makeup fall 2007 collection)
(image from www.shiseido.co.uk)


The Shiseido lines available in the UK include Shiseido The Makeup, Shiseido The Skincare, Bio-Performance, Benefiance, Pureness, Future Solution, Shiseido Men, and a selection of body and fragrance products.

Shiseido International is currently available in London’s Harrods and Selfridges as well as various other department stores in the UK (apart from Northern Ireland). You can use the Store Locator on Shiseido’s UK website to find your nearest Shiseido counter. A selection of skincare products is also available on QVC UK.

— Kanebo International

(image from www.sensai-cosmetics.com)

Only Kanebo International’s Sensai line (skincare, bodycare, sun care, haircare, and makeup) is available in the UK. It is currently sold in Harrods and its on-line store (where you can also find Shiseido International and SK-II). I am not entirely certain if the line is available in other department stores in the UK. (Do please let me know if you have more information on this. Thank you!)

It is perhaps worth mentioning that Anna Sui was available in the UK for some time before it left several years ago. (It used to be seen in Selfridges and House of Fraser in London.) Also, very intriguingly, one of Kanebo’s makeup and skincare lines, Chic Choc, was very briefly available in the Boots store at Piccadilly Circus in London.

According to what has been happening in the UK in recent years, I suspect that there might be more Japanese brands coming to the UK. I am sure it will only happen very gradually, but I remain optimistic!

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Updated on February 21st, 2011:

Japanese lifestyle brand Muji also carries basic skincare products in the UK. You can purchase them on-line as well as at Muji stores in the UK and concessions in Selfridges in London and Manchester (The Trafford Centre). (Have a look at the store locator here.)

See my review of Muji Cleansing Oil here.

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Updated on August 25th, 2012:

Astalift is now available in the UK. (Read my review of Regenerating Night Cream.)

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Updated on December 9th, 2013:

It seems that Muji stopped carrying skincare items in the UK. Only beauty accessories are available now.

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Updated on January 22nd, 2014:

Some Anna Sui items are now available on www.asos.com. (Many thanks to Leila for bringing my attention to this!

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Updated on March 1st, 2016:

Some Muji skincare products are available in the UK again.

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Related Posts:

All About Japanese Cosmetics
(celebrating my love for Japanese cosmetics)

Japanese vs. Western
(my comparison of the two camps)

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Some distinctive trends in the fall 2007 makeup releases:

– olive green / grey eyeshadows
– intense lip colors

– retro Audrey Hepburn look

Which trend are you going to experiment with this fall?

—Grey Areas—————

In fashion, grey has been hailed as The New Black for a while. I am surprised that it didn’t trickle down to makeup earlier. This fall, grey eyeshadows will be big, among all the neutral tones.

One palette that epitomizes this trend is Shiseido Clé de Peau‘s Ombres Couleurs Quadri palette in 114 (seen below):

(Clé de Peau fall 2007 makeup ad,
Biteki magazine September 2007, p. 152-153)

(Clé de Peau fall 2007 makeup ad,
Biteki magazine September 2007, p.152)

Also, Dior‘s 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in 060 Silver Goddess features an array of grey hues along with a sensual light blue.

Other servings of grey eyeshadows:

-Shiseido Maquillage: Sparkle Contrast Eyes 2 GY851

-Majolica Majorca: Shadow Customize BK922
-Kate: Gradical Eyes S BK-1
-Integrate: Live Fix Eyes GY812
SUQQU: Blend Eyeshadow 04

In a way, grey (especially in metallic finishes) is simply a darker silver. The look reminds me of an old-school silver-screen goddess. Very nostalgic and glamorous.

—Green with Envy—————

Another trendy color this season is olive green. Paired with pink, olive green is featured in Lush & Lovely, Chanel fall 2007 makeup collection, as it appears in the latest eyeshadow palettes: Garden Party (Les 4 Ombres Quadra) and Lotus-Cactus (Irréelle Duo).

(photo: from Chanel
at www.bergdorfgoodman.com)

Also, YSL fall 2007 makeup collection features olive green eyeshadows in a couple of the new Ombres Duo Lumières palettes.

In Japanese cosmetics, Cosme Decorte’s new line, Magie Deco, uses pink and olive green in the opposite way, with olive green above the eyes and pink along the lower lash line:

(Magie Deco ad, backcover of makeup booklet,
Biteki September 2007)

Apart from Magie Deco, olive green eyeshadows are also used in:

Kate‘s fall 2007 TV ad (with Gradical Eyes S GN-1)
SUQQU‘s fall 2007 printed ad (with Blend Eyeshadow 01).

Olive green seems to be a relatively masculine color as an eyeshadow, which might be why it has been paired with pink to create a balanced look. But, worn alone, it can be very edgy.

—A La Audrey—————

Givenchy‘s fall 2007 collection, Camouflage Chic, pays tribute to the classic Givenchy muse, Audrey Hepburn. A search in Google Images comes out with photos of what I think is one of the most beautiful people ever, with clean, crisp, and defined eye makeup. Intense color fills between the lash line and the crease line and it is kept clean everywhere else. No smoky eyes here.

Givenchy’s latest Prismissime Eyes in 54 Cache Cache can get you this classic look:

(photo: from www.sephora.com)

Shiseido The Makeup‘s new Silky Eye Shadow Quad in Q9 Lunar Phases is based on the same trend.

Again, this is definitely a very retro look. I think “Less is more” is the key here. Don’t overdo it and keep it nice and simple.

—Strong Lips—————

What if you don’t want to pile on intense eye colors? You can channel the intensity to the lips. Keep the eye makeup fuss-free and choose a rich satiny (not glossy) lip shade. The cover of Biteki September 2007 shows how it’s done:

(cover of Biteki, September 2007)

It can be a wine red, berry red (as in the Chanel ad above), or a warm brownish red. With careful coordination, they can go with grey or olive green eyeshadows, as in Estee Lauder’s fall 2007 look:

(photo: from esteelauder.co.uk)


I quite like this look. Chic and timeless.

What other trends have you spotted?

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