all about Japanese cosmetics

News, Update, & Stash Addition

by PJ on Wednesday, January 20, 2010

in -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, -Magie Deco, -Paul & Joe, -Shiseido, 2010 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, mineral makeup, stash focus

(image from www.bareescentuals.co.uk)

– Shiseido Co., Ltd. will acquire Bare Escentuals, Inc. through a US subsidiary (Blush Acquisition Corporation). You can read more about the acquisition at Yahoo! Finance.
(information from Nikkei Net and Yahoo! Finance)

– My post on Paul & Joe’s spring 2010 makeup collection has been updated with more images of the Disney collection. Do have a look!

– I have got my first Magie Deco item (Shadow Brilliance II in DC 025 Foxy Lady) and my first impression of it is very good. I will be reviewing it later on.

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Twany Glamacy Spring 2010 Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, January 20, 2010

in -Glamacy, -Kanebo, -Twany, 2010 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(image/info from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Kanebo’s Twany Glamacy will release its spring 2010 makeup collection in Japan on February 16th. The lineup includes:

– Eye Collection (2 new variations, limited editions)
– Lipstick (5 new shades)

SUQQU Spring 2010 Collection

by PJ on Monday, January 11, 2010

in -SUQQU, 2010 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(images/info from www.joseishi.net/voce)

SUQQU will release its spring 2010 collection in Japan on February 5th. The collection features the new Noble Nuance range, in addition to the Blend range (with Blend Eyeshadows, Blend Cheeks, and Blend Lipsticks). The new items include:

– Noble Nuance Eyeshadow (above, 3 variations)

– Noble Nuance Cheeks (3 variations)

– Noble Nuance Lipstick (5 shades)

– Noble Nuance Face Color

On March 5th, more base makeup items will be released:

– Pore Covering Base Clear (1 shade)

– 2010 Base Makeup Kit

The 2010 Base Makeup Kit includes:

– Liquid Foundation Aqua (24ml, full-sized)
– Makeup Base Creamy (7g)
– Loose Powder Natural (5.5g)
– Loose Powder Deep (5.5g)
– original pouch

Except the pouch, the contents of the kit appear to be the same as those in the 2009 version of the Base Makeup Kit. (You can see my review of Makeup Base Creamy here and my review of Loose Powder Natural here.)

One of the items in this collection I am very interested in is Noble Nuance Face Color. According to the photo and the text in the February 2010 issue of Biteki, the mosaic pressed powder has shades of beige, lilac, pink, yellow, and coral. I am looking forward to seeing it in person.

(All the items are limited editions, except Pore Covering Base Clear.)

Japanese Beauty Brand Profile – SUQQU

SUQQU Blend Eyeshadow in 10 and Blend Lipsticks in 16 & 18

SUQQU Clear Veil Powder

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Japanese Cosmetics Focus: Ettusais

by PJ on Friday, January 8, 2010

in _Japanese Brand Profile, -Ettusais, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, skincare

(image from www.ettusais.co.jp)

It has been a while since I last added an article to the “Japanese Brand Profile” series, and today I am going to talk about Ettusais.

Ettusais was launched in 1991 and I believe it is still owned by Shiseido. The name of the brand comes from “Et tu sais?” (“And you know?”) in French. The brand includes skincare, bodycare, base makeup, and point makeup products. The Ettusais Homme sector features an extensive range of male grooming products.

One area that Ettusais focuses on is the skincare regime for those with acne-prone skin. Quite a few years ago, I purchased a trial set of basic skincare products for acne-prone skin. The set included a gel makeup remover, a face soap, a toner, and a moisturizer, and I later on purchased full-sized products of the makeup remover and the face soap.

(I don’t think I would be able to use the face soap now, since my skin is less acne-prone than how it used to be and I live in a generally cooler and drier climate. Most face soaps would be far too drying for me now.)

Ettusais’ current makeup remover designed for acne-prone skin is Medicated Acne Gentle Make Off, which is a cleansing oil. I have been using RMK’s Cleansing Oil for many years, and I am quite interested in seeing how well this one works.

(Medicated Acne Gentle Make Off)

Many of Ettusais’ base makeup products are also designed for those with acne-prone skin. Some of the products are claimed to be able to neutralize redness and to make the skin look smoother and more polished.

One item that I have tried is a yellow-toned concealer which is able to neutralize redness. It is applied on redness-prone areas such as the nose and the cheeks. The texture is a little bit too much on the thick side for me, but the coverage is natural and long-lasting. The current version is called Flat Design Color Changer (SPF 12, PA++).

(Flat Design Color Changer)

Ettusais’ point makeup range includes basic as well as vibrant colors. The packaging is simple and youthful. You can see Ettusais’ spring 2010 collection here.

(Ettusais Eye Colors)

Over the years, Ettusais seems to be doing steadily well. I like the fact that the brand didn’t reach success through glamorous ad campaigns or fancy packaging. Apart from the brand’s clear identity (skincare/makeup items for acne-prone skin), the reasonable pricing may be one of the reasons for the brand’s popularity. (Melty Touch Rouge, new for spring 2010, is priced at 1890 JPY (12.7 GBP/ 20.4 USD).)

(one of Ettusais’ retail points in Hong Kong)

According to Ettusais’ official website, apart from Japan, Ettusais is available in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. Ettusais’ Japanese official website offers on-line ordering but it is only available to customers in Japan.

Other posts in the “Japanese Brand Profile” series:

Mamew

Kanebo Freeplus

Sony Vecua

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Holiday 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 3)

by PJ on Friday, December 25, 2009

in -Dior, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2009 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1 and Part 2)

Happy Christmas everyone! Today I will conclude my holiday 2009 makeup top 10 countdown.

3. Lunasol

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

I really like the white packaging of Lunasol’s Party Coffret 2009. Lunasol usually brings out neutral-toned eyeshadow palettes for the holiday season (which can be a little repetitive for Lunasol fans), so I like the fact that there is a pink shade in this year’s eye palette. The collection also includes other items for the face, lips, and nails.

2. Jill Stuart

(image from jillstuart-beauty.com.tw)

The holiday season is probably the perfect time to indulge in some ultra-prettiness, and Jill Stuart’s Sweetness Collection is more than suitable for the purpose. It is a very pink set, with pink makeup shades as well as pink makeup accessories. The pouch might look a little too frilly for some people, but I personally really like it.

1. Dior

(image from www.dior.com)

Dior has had some good holiday collections over the years, but I think its 2009 holiday collection is among the best. The gorgeous Cristal Boréal includes four Aurore Boréale crystals, which reflect light beautifully and have a nice depth to them. But it is not the only highlight of the collection, as there are some lovely purple-toned and soft neutral-toned eyeshadows. For me, this is a solid and memorable holiday collection from Dior.

Lunasol Spring 2010 Collection

Jill Stuart Spring 2010 Makeup Collection

Dior Spring 2010 Makeup Collection

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Holiday 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 2)

by PJ on Thursday, December 24, 2009

in -Anna Sui, -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, -Magie Deco, -Max Factor, 2009 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1)

6. Max Factor

(image from www.maxfactor.jp)

Some beauty lines in Japan let customers choose what they want in the holiday makeup kits. For holiday 2009, Max Factor offers the Foundation Set and the Color Makeup Set. With the Foundation Set, customers can go for one foundation and one makeup base, while they can choose one eyeshadow palette and one mascara for the Color Makeup Set. There are also two makeup pouches to choose from, and I think both look very lovely.

5. Anna Sui

(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

There are some very collectible items in Anna Sui’s holiday 2009 collection. The Hand Mirror Eye Color Palette and the Hand Mirror Lip Color Palette are especially eye-catching. (I am sure they are popular with Anna Sui fans.) The makeup case also looks quite princessy.

4. Magie Deco

(image from www.cosme.net)

Since Magie Deco was launched in 2007, it has been bringing out makeup sets for the holiday season. For 2009, Magie Deco Coffret III includes a very pretty eyeshadow palette, with colors such as beige gold, light pink, and deep purple. The set also contains a pressed powder and a powder brush. This is probably my favorite holiday makeup set from Magie Deco, which is very closely followed by the 2007 coffret. (See the 2007 coffret here and the one for 2008 here.)

Max Factor Eye Gradation Colors

Anna Sui Spring 2010 Makeup Collection

Magie Deco Fall 2009 Collection

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Holiday 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 1)

by PJ on Wednesday, December 23, 2009

in -Aube (Couture), -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, -Kao, -Paul & Joe, -Sofina, -Sonia Rykiel, 2009 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

It is hard to believe that 2009 is coming to an end. Before we celebrate the arrival of 2010, it is now time to present my favorite holiday 2009 collections.

10. Coffret D’Or

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

For me, 2009 is another good year for Kanebo’s Coffret D’Or and the line is still as exciting as it was last year. This year’s LuxuLight Collection palettes contain eyeshadows and lip colors, like last year’s The Party Makeup Collection. The colors are housed in a lovely case with a festive vibe.

9. Aube Couture

(image from fanet.jp)

Another makeup palette for eyes and lips. The Designing Jewel Compacts feature four variations to choose from, which are more than the usual one or two from holiday makeup palettes from Japanese beauty lines. The eyeshadows are arranged in the case in the same way as those in the usual eye palettes (Designing Eyes) from the line.

8. Sonia Rykiel

(image from fanet.jp)

I like Sonia Rykiel’s signature multi-colored stripes and it is nice to see them on Palettes Yeux Couleurs. The collection also includes two makeup sets, both including purple packaging for the makeup items and a purple makeup case.

7. Paul & Joe

(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com)

Paul & Joe also brought out purple packaging for holiday 2009. The purple and gold cases are both on-trend and glamorous. Paul & Joe’s makeup is known for wearable colors, and most of these items are certainly very easy to wear. (See my review of some of the items in the collection here.) The collection also includes the new Lip Lacquer, the re-launched fragrances (Blanc and Bleu), the new bodycare items, and Cosmetic Pouch III, which are regular items.

Loving Japanese Brands – Paul & Joe

Japanese Cosmetics Focus – Sonia Rykiel

From My Treasure Chest – Sofina Aube Rouge Dressious

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Lunasol Spring/Summer 2010 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Tuesday, December 22, 2009

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2010 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(image/info from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Lunasol will release its spring/summer 2009 base makeup collection in Japan on February 19th. The lineup includes:

– Micro Finish Pressed Powder N (2 shades, SPF 10, PA +)
– Pressed Face Color (2 shades)

Foundation Face-Off – Lunasol vs. Coffret D’Or

Lavshuca Finish Powder in Lucent & High Color

RMK Powder Foundation EX

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Addiction Spring 2010 Collection

by PJ on Tuesday, December 22, 2009

in -Addiction, -Kosé, 2010 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(images/info from www.cosme.net)

Addiction will release its spring 2010 makeup collection in Japan on February 25th. The collection includes:

– Eyeshadow (3 new shades)

– Lipstick (1 new shade)

– Lip Gloss (1 new shade)

– Blush (1 new shade)

All the items in this collection are limited editions.

New Japanese Beauty Brand: Addiction

Addiction Fall 2009 Swatches

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Makeup Review: SUQQU Christmas Makeup Kit A for Holiday 2009

by PJ on Thursday, December 17, 2009

in -SUQQU, 2009 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, beauty tools/accessories, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow

Earlier I posted the information on SUQQU‘s holiday 2009 collection. The collection features three limited-edition makeup kits, two for eyes and one for lips/nails. Today I am reviewing Christmas Makeup Kit A.

SUQQU Christmas Makeup Kit A includes Blend Eyeshadow in EX-06, Eye Lucent in EX-03, and a makeup bag.

Blend Eyeshadow in EX-06 is a cool-toned neutral palette. The case has the same deep violet shade as that of the other SUQQU Blend Eyeshadow palettes plus the snowflake details.

The four shades are (clock-wise from bottom right):

– moderately pigmented off-white with a pale yellow-toned pearly finish (base shade)
– pigmented dark brown with soft shimmer and a copper undertone
– sheer pale mauve with fine multi-colored shimmer
– pigmented medium warm grey with a soft pearly finish

SUQQU’s eyeshadows are renowned for their beautiful blendability, and, again, these shades blend seamlessly. Most of SUQQU’s eyeshadows are not very shimmery, and the Blend Eyeshadow palettes usually have either a softly glowy or a gently shimmery finish. EX-06, however, is overall more shimmery than many other Blend Eyeshadow palettes. If you like SUQQU eyeshadows but prefer them to be more shimmery, this palette is worth a look.

Compared with Blend Eyeshadow in #10 that I reviewed earlier this year, all the shades in EX-06 are more shimmery or pearly. The base is a lot more pearly, the lining shade looks a lot less matte, the lightening shade has more shimmer than pigment, and the warm grey has marginally more shimmer than the soft taupe in #10.

Also, the warm grey is more pigmented than the soft taupe in #10. This makes EX-06 more versatile, and it is easier to create a smoky-eye look with it. (But #10 is overall warmer and suits my warm-toned complexion better.)

The look that EX-06 creates is both chic and sophisticated. You can create a clean and demure look or a very sensuous look, depending on how you work the warm grey in particular.

If the finish of EX-06 is still not shimmery enough for you, you can layer Eye Lucent in EX-03 on top of EX-06. Eye Lucent is a loose powder eyeshadow, and it is one of the most shimmery eye makeup items from SUQQU. Two limited-edition shades (EX-01 and EX-02) were available back in spring 2008. EX-03 is a pale pink with a very pearly finish and very dynamic multi-colored shimmer.

One little nice touch I want to mention is that the seal stretches to the wall and the edge of the sifter (at the upper right edge of the pot in the photo above) with no glue underneath the extended part. With many seals that are firmly glued to the bottom of the sifters, I sometimes have to work hard to peel them off (and make a tiny mess). Little touches like this (at which Japanese consumer products excel) make things just a little bit easier.

The powder comes with a mini puff. It is particularly useful if you want to pack on the shimmer. If you want a sheer veil of shimmer, use an eyeshadow brush instead.

Christmas Makeup Kit A also includes a makeup bag. (It measures 12.5cm x 16.5cm x 6cm approximately.) I like the fact that the zippers come all the way down to the sides, which makes the bag easier and much less fiddly to use.

SUQQU’s holiday 2009 collection also includes Christmas Makeup Kit B (with a lip color palette, a nail color, and a makeup bag) and Christmas Makeup Kit C (with a mascara, a cream eyeliner, the popular eyelash curler, and a makeup bag).

(The product featured in this article is provided by SUQQU.)

SUQQU Clear Veil Powder

SUQQU Cheek Brush & Eyebrow Brush L

Japanese Beauty Brand Profile – SUQQU

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