From the category archives:

-Shu Uemura

(Mary Quant Eye Opener Selection 2013 Spring in I)
(images from www.cosme.net)

For spring 2013, among many fairly colorful makeup collections from various brands, pink and green seem to be two of the trend colors. There is a range of pink hues, from soft peachy pinks to dramatic fuchsia pinks. On the other hand, green has been a key shade for some time (spring 2012 and fall 2012). The palettes from Mary Quant (above) and YSL (below) include both shades.

[Click to continue reading…]

{ 0 comments }

(combining two trends: Nars Trio Eyeshadow in High Society)
(image from beautyplus.iswii.net)
(images from www.cosme.net unless otherwise noted)

Purple and green have emerged as the dominant colors for fall 2012. Continuing from the spring 2012 makeup trend, green is still a key player. On the other hand, I am glad that purple is back on trend.

[Click to continue reading…]

{ 0 comments }

Holiday 2008 Makeup Top 10 (Part 1)

by PJ on Wednesday, December 17, 2008

in -2008 Holiday,-Cosme Decorte,-Jill Stuart,-Kosé,-Magie Deco,-RMK,-Shu Uemura,seasonal makeup top 10

Today and in the next few days, I will be counting down my 10 favorite holiday 2008 makeup collections. We’ll start from #10 to #7 today.

10. RMK

(image from RMK)

The 2008 edition of RMK’s Christmas Palette is probably one of the best holiday palettes from RMK in recent years, particularly in terms of the packaging. I like the two-tier design as well as the metallic gold pouch. (On the other hand, I didn’t like the animal-print palette from last year, even though it had some very nice colors.) The colors are wearable and the sparkles in the three pastel eyeshadows add a festive vibe to the party makeup look.

Please have a look at my review of the palette here.

9. Magie Deco

(image from www.iswii.net)

This is Magie Deco’s second holiday coffret. While I prefer the first one, this year’s version still looks gorgeous and glamorous. It is a good continuation of the deep-red theme from the line’s fall 2008 Bordeaux Magic collection.

8. Jill Stuart

(image from www.urcosme.com)

I have to say I am slightly underwhelmed by Jill Stuart’s holiday set for this year. It does have a beautiful vintage look, but, again, I prefer last year’s Christmas Rose Collection, with rosette details and a more different design for the eyeshadow palette. But the Solid Perfume Ring did tempt me a little bit when I first saw it.

7. Shu Uemura

(image from www.shuuemura-usa.com)

I really like the cases of these eye palettes and some of the colors in them. The colorful photos are by Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa, and they also feature in Gloss Unlimited Mini Trio, Portable Brush Set and Makeup Box. Shu Uemura’s products usually have a simple and minimal look, and these images inject a lot of vibrancy to these holiday items. (You can see the rest of the collection here.)

The countdown continues in Part 2 and Part 3!

My Fall 2008 Makeup Top 10:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

{ 0 comments }

Shu Uemura Spring 2009 Collection Update

by PJ on Wednesday, December 17, 2008

in -2009 Spring,-Shu Uemura,all about Japanese cosmetics,makeup

(images and info from www.iswii.net)

Earlier, I posted a link to a preview of Shu Uemura’s spring 2009 collection. Now, here are some more images for you to enjoy.

All the items in the collection are limited editions. I am liking these soft floaty pastel shades!

Related Posts:

Shu Uemura Holiday 2008 Collection

Time-Travel Through Japanese Cosmetics

{ 4 comments }

Shu Uemura Spring 2009 Collection

by PJ on Monday, November 24, 2008

in -2009 Spring,-Shu Uemura,all about Japanese cosmetics,makeup

(image from i-voce.boxerblog.com/newsflash/)

The Voce blog now has images of Shu Uemura’s spring 2009 collection. Spring collections from Japanese beauty brands are usually the most colorful out of all the seasonal additions, and Shu Uemura’s new lineup, titled “Mirage”, certainly has some vibrant shades. Do enjoy the images!

Updated on December 17th, 2008:

Please see more images here.

Shu Uemura Holiday 2008 Collection

Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura

{ 0 comments }

Shu Uemura Holiday 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, September 19, 2008

in -2008 Holiday,-Shu Uemura,all about Japanese cosmetics,makeup

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

Shu Uemura will release its holiday 2008 collection in Japan on November 1st. The collection features colorful works by Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa.

The collection includes:

- Palette Christmas Collection 2008 (or “Holiday Collection Eye Color Palette” in the US, 3 variations)

(Midnight Winter Sakura)
(image from www.shuuemura-usa.com)

(Adorned Marguerite)

(image from www.shuuemura-usa.com)

(Secret Luscious Rose)
(image from www.shuuemura-usa.com)

- Gloss Unlimited Mini Trio Delicious Rose

(image from www.shuuemura-usa.com)

- Makeup Box

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

- Portable Brush Set

(image from www.shuuemura-usa.com)

- Rouge Unlimited (3 new shades)

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

- Nail Enamel Supplement Mineral (2 new shades)

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

- Christmas Set:

Fluid Foundation or Cream Foundation (full size)
UV Under Base Mousse or Under Base Cream (full size)
Depsea Water Rose (13ml)
Pedal Sponge
Original Sponge Case
Original Vanity Pouch

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

These are the items that will be launched in Japan (all limited editions). To see/purchase the products currently available in the US, please check out the Shu Uemura US site.

You can read the interview with Mika Ninakawa on The Japan Times.

Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura

Time-Travel Through Japanese Cosmetics

{ 8 comments }

Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura Update & Shu Uemura Premium Edition Collection 2008

by PJ on Sunday, April 20, 2008

in -Shu Uemura,all about Japanese cosmetics

My post on the Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura collection has been updated to include an additional photo as well as launch information in Japan.

Also, on May 1st, Shu Uemura will release the Premium Edition Collection 2008. The two pairs of false eyelashes (at 5250 yen each (about 50.5 USD)) will be exclusive to Shu Uemura’s flagship Beauty Boutique on Omotesanto in Tokyo.

(Shu Uemura Premium Edition Collection 2008)

(image from woman.excite.co.jp)

(Shu Uemura Premium Edition Collection 2008)
(image from woman.excite.co.jp)

{ 2 comments }

Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura – First Look

by PJ on Thursday, April 17, 2008

in -Shu Uemura,makeup

(Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura)
(image from www.cosme.net)

In January, WWD reported on the Dutch designer duo Viktor & Rolf‘s collaboration with Shu Uemura and the release of three limited-edition pairs of false eyelashes.

This collaboration coincides with the 25th anniversary of Shu Uemura’s flagship Beauty Boutique on Omotesanto, Tokyo, where the false eyelash collection was unveiled.

According to WWD, the three pairs are called Wing, Wing 2, and Rhombus, and each pair will retail at 75 euros (about 119 USD at the current exchange rate).

So far I have not come across information on the launch date and availability. I will update this post later on with more information.

Updated on April 20th, 2008:

Here is an additional photo of the three pairs of false eyelashes:

(image from woman.excite.co.jp)

In Japan, the collection will be launched on June 19th and the booking will start on May 1st.

If I Could Go to Japan Right Now

{ 4 comments }

Time-Travel Through Japanese Cosmetics

by PJ on Thursday, February 21, 2008

in -Albion,-Ayura,-DHC,-Kanebo,-Kao,-Kosé,-Shiseido,-Shu Uemura,-Sofina,all about Japanese cosmetics

(Loving Japanese makeup)

As a fan of Japanese cosmetics, apart from all the colorful products available, I am also interested in knowing more about the history behind the various brands and companies. So I was delighted to come across a time-line featuring the launches of many major Japanese cosmetics companies in Biteki‘s January 2008 issue. Let’s have a look:

1872 Shiseido

1887 Kao

1929 Pola

1936 Kanebo

1946 Kosé

1956 Albion

1959 Menard

1967 Shu Uemura

1972 DHC

1981 Fancl

1987 IPSA

1991 Ettusais

1995 AYURA

1996 Equipe (which now owns RMK and SUQQU)

(Biteki, January 2008, p. 102-125)

It is interesting that, like many western cosmetics brands, some of the recent major Japanese cosmetics companies in the last couple of decades have also been acquired by more established ones. For example, IPSA, Ettusais, and AYURA were acquired by Shiseido. Kanebo now owns Equipe, while Kosé owns Albion. Also, in early 2006, Kanebo was sold to Kao.

I will be equally interested in these slightly more corporate and behind-the-scene developments and in all the shiny new releases from these brands…

Related Posts:

All About Japanese Cosmetics
(consolidating my passion)

“Loving Japanese Brands” Series
(my favorite seven)

Japanese Brands in the UK
(featuring where to get them from outside the UK)

{ 0 comments }