all about Japanese cosmetics

Shiseido d Program Revamped

by PJ on Monday, September 29, 2008

in -Shiseido, all about Japanese cosmetics, skincare

(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/dp)
In my earlier post on Freeplus, which is Kanebo’s skincare line for sensitive skin, I mentioned that Shiseido’s d Program would be the equivalent. On October 21, most of the basic items in d Program will be revamped.

The main appeal of the d Program range is that the products are free from fragrance, mineral oil, and parabens, and the new products should continue this ethos. According to Nikkei Net, the new releases will focus on caring for “lifestyle sensitive skin“, which refers to skin sensitivity due to lifestyle factors such as daily stress and lack of sleep. The products are designed to be gentle and suitable for fragile and reactive skin.

The new items are divided into three “Programs”: Balance Care Program (for dehydrated oily skin that is occasionally prone to acne, in blue bottles), Acne Care Program (in orange bottles), and Moist Care Program (for dry skin, in pink bottles).

Shiseido’s d Program is sold in Asia, and the website is for information only.

Updated on January 11th, 2010:

Check out Innerchild’s review of Shiseido d Program Conditioning Wash.

Related Posts:

Kanebo Freeplus New Releases

Genre Focus – Whitening Skincare Products

Beauty Spending – Where do you fit into this?

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Kesalan Patharan Eye Color Palette S007

by PJ on Thursday, September 25, 2008

in _Japanese Brand Profile, -Kesalan Patharan, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus



Last month, I mentioned that, being a lilac fanatic, I was very interested in trying Kesalan Patharan‘s Eye Color Palette in S007 from the brand’s fall 2008 collection. I have now tried it for quite a few times and I am ready to share my thoughts with you. (A very brief brand profile of Kesalan Patharan is towards the end of this post.)


From left to right:
– medium lilac with sparkles and some very slight iridescence
– light blue with fine shimmer
– semi-matte aubergine with sparse shimmer

(All shimmer and sparkles are multi-colored.)


First of all, I have to say I am disappointed with the lilac. The powder seems to be on the dry side and lacks adherence to the skin, and it takes some layering to get the color on the eyelids. After that, as I try to gently blend the color, the sparkles start to come off a little. Throughout the day, the finish gradually turns dull and somewhat muddy. It certainly does not look like what you see in the pan.

On the other hand, the other two shades actually perform a lot better. I usually wear a light wash of the blue to go with the lilac, and the color shows up nicely and stays well (no turning dull). I don’t have any problem with the application and the staying power of the aubergine lining shade either.

It is a huge pity that the lilac doesn’t have an optimally flattering finish. Otherwise, this would be a beautiful and easy-to-wear palette and the coloration of the lilac should be very similar to the stunning one in Lunasol’s Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral (which still reigns supreme as one of my favorite lilac palettes).

I thought I might talk a little more about the brand here. Kesalan Patharan is one of the few Japanese beauty brands that have an image of a professional beauty line. One of their best-selling products, I believe, is Sheer Micro Powder. It was chosen by Biteki readers as their favorite loose powder (in the February 2007 issue). It also happens to be the loose powder I have been asked about the most by my readers.

(Kesalan Patharan Sheer Micro Powder)
(image from www.kesalanpatharan.co.jp)

I have not used it, but I have been interested in it for a while. (One of my readers, Tammy, left a comment on this powder last year. You can have a look here if you are interested.)

(Kesalan Patharan is sold in Japan and some other Asian countries. Its official website is for information only and does not offer on-line ordering.)

Related Posts:

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Purple Variation

Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Stage Lights

I Love Colors – Lilting Lilac

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Jill Stuart in Department Store Anniversary Event in Taiwan

by PJ on Friday, September 19, 2008

in -Jill Stuart, all about Japanese cosmetics, all about Japanese cosmetics (overseas availability information)

(all images from www.iswii.net)

As I mentioned in my post Beauty City Guide – Taipei, the best time to shop for cosmetics in Taipei is during the department store anniversary event (between late October and late December), where each department store takes turns to hold the event. During the event, in terms of cosmetics, there are GWPs and exclusive sets, many of which are good value for money. With Japanese brands, some sets are exclusive to the Taiwanese market.

The people behind Jill Stuart cosmetics (launched in Taiwan earlier this year) are certainly making sure they are part of the action this year. The picture above shows an exclusive set that will be available in SOGO Zhongxiao Branch’s anniversary event (November 6 -17). It includes a Mix Blush Compact (you can choose the shade you like), Lip Color Compact, Glitter Eye Color (in gold, the one that looks like a mini lip gloss), and an original box (which I think is exclusive to Taiwan). The set is priced at 1850 NTD (about 57 USD), which is very good value for money.

If you are a long-term Jill Stuart fan, you have probably just had a déjà vu moment (or maybe you already have some of these items). The Lip Color Compact and the Glitter Eye Color were part of Jill Stuart’s holiday collection in 2006. They could have been (re-)produced for the event in Taiwan, but I am not certain.

But I will worry less about the vanity case and the pouch below, both GWP items in the event.


You have probably seen both the case and the pouch as well. The round vanity case was originally a GWP in Japan which celebrated openings of two Jill Stuart counters. The pouch was part of the holiday 2006 set in Japan (that included the Glitter Eye Color above).

It seems that some of my readers in Asia have friends or relatives living in Taiwan. If you are interested in Jill Stuart and the event offers, here is some relevant information:

– Jill Stuart Cosmetics is currently available in Taipei’s SOGO Zhongxiao Branch (anniversary event: November 6 – 17) and Taipei’s Mitsukoshi New Life Square A8 Building (anniversary event: October 23 – November 24). (See contact information on Jill Stuart’s Taiwanese website.)

– You can see all the Jill Stuart event Information here. (It seems that there will be either a new counter or a temporary one at Kaohsiung’s Hanshin Arena.

Related Posts:

Loving Japanese Brands – Jill Stuart

Foundation Face-Off – Jill Stuart vs. SUQQU

Jill Stuart Cosmetics Available in the US Soon

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Shu Uemura Holiday 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, September 19, 2008

in -Shu Uemura, 2008 Holiday, 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.

Related Posts:

Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura

Time-Travel Through Japanese Cosmetics

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SUQQU Fall 2008 Event in London

by PJ on Thursday, September 18, 2008

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

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

SUQQU’s fall 2008 makeup collection has been released in the UK (in London’s Selfridges). From September 25th until 28th, there will be a fall 2008 makeup event at the counter. For a £30 booking fee (redeemable against any SUQQU purchase on the day), you will experience SUQQU’s unique gankin (facial) massage followed by a makeover using items from SUQQU’s fall 2008 collection.

(I got the information from the September 4th edition of Weekly Journey, which is a weekly paper mainly for Japanese people living in London. (Check here for its website.) Many thanks to my reader, Yasumi, for reminding me that Weekly Journey regularly features news of Japanese cosmetics in London!)

Related Posts:

Japanese Brand Profile – SUQQU

Japanese Cosmetics in the UK

Beauty City Guide – London

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Est Holiday 2008 Release

by PJ on Thursday, September 18, 2008

in -Est, -Kao, -Sofina, 2008 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

Est will release the Diamond Splash Eyes palette on November 1st in Japan for the holiday 2008 period.


The palette will include three eyeshadow shades of pink and brown. Again, as with most Japanese holiday releases, it is an ultra-wearable color combination for virtually any party outfit you choose to put on in the festive season. The palette design itself certainly has a festive vibe as well.

Related Posts:

Capturing Your Emotional Beauty
(Profile on Est)

Est Fall 2008 Makeup Collection

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Sofina Primavista Creamy Compact Foundation

by PJ on Thursday, September 18, 2008

in -Kao, -Primavista, -Sofina, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

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

Back in the Raycious days, I don’t recall a creamy compact foundation being released. (The (remotely) closest product was probably the Stick Foundation, which has a cream-to-powder consistency.)

On October 14th, Primavista, Raycious’ successor, will release Creamy Compact Foundation (SPF 33, PA++), which follows the launch collection released on September 1st. It claims to be able to create a smoother and softer appearance for the skin.

My skin is usually too oily for any liquid or cream foundation, so I am not personally excited by this. (Bare in mind that many technically “oil-free” products use waxy substances instead to help the product glide, and they can feel equally greasy for people with oily skin.) But I will still be interested to read about feedback for any Primavista release.

Related Posts:

Paul & Joe Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

SUQQU Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

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Holiday 2008 – More on Coffret D’Or and Lunasol

by PJ on Wednesday, September 17, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2008 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

Please see more photos of Coffret D’Or’s The Party Makeup Collection on this blog post.

The compact is looking prettier already (than what we see in the photo earlier.) The cool palette (Sweet Dress) reminds me very slightly of the Lavshuca holiday 2007 palette I have. Both the eyeshadows and lip colors are looking somewhat similar.

Also, have a look at photos of Lunasol’s upcoming holiday 2008 makeup coffret. It includes an eyeshadow palette, a blusher, an eyeliner, a nail color, and a clutch bag (which is just beneath the items in the first photo). Not surprisingly, the colors are very neutral-toned.

The blog photos in both posts are taken by blogger Sharon at a Kanebo press event in Taiwan. She notices how similar Lunasol’s holiday 2008 eyeshadow palette is to the 2007 one (the photo of which is just above the eyeshadow swatch photos). She mentions that one minor difference is that the shimmer is more gold-based in the 2007 palette and mainly silver-based in the 2008 one.

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Creating Your New(ish) Foundation Refill

by PJ on Wednesday, September 17, 2008

in -Shiseido, -ZA, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation



I am sure many of you have been doing what I do with powder foundations, but since I was again making a new refill a couple of days ago, I thought I’d document it and share it with you.

Some of us who regularly use a powder foundation might find that, as we get towards the end of a refill, the application takes longer and longer as the sponge has to dig into the corners. It can be a bit of a pain, and we just want to open up a new refill.

Some years ago, with several nearly finished refills like those you see above (from different brands actually), I decided to try putting all the powder together and I was a little surprised to see how much powder was actually left on each tray. So I started to save somewhat finished refills to make a new one later. (I stopped pushing my sponge to the very end…)

The steps are what you see in the photos below:

1. Find a small (and perfectly clean) spoon or spatula. (I prefer a plastic one to a metal one.)

2. Start scraping! (Imagine that you are clearing the corners of a delicious Japanese bento box.)



3. Realize how much powder is still left.

4. Put all the leftover powder into one tray. (Here, I have powder from four nearly finished refills of ZA Two-Way Foundation.)




5. With your spoon/spatula, gently pat the powder down.



6. Lay a piece of tissue (which I have folded here) on top of the powder, and apply even and firm pressure with your fingers. Pay specific attention to the corners.

7. Reveal your (semi-)new refill! (The one here is about 75-80% full and will last quite a while for me.)




Tips:

1. Obviously the powder is not pressed to an industrial standard, so we have to be slightly more light-handed with the sponge than usual.

2. Sometimes our complexions can be between two shades with our favorite foundations, and sometimes we are happy with a shade but not the finish. These steps are good for customizing your own powder foundation, as you can mix and match from the same brand or different brands.

3. Make sure you store the nearly-finished refills in a clean/dry place just like your new ones. (I always save the refill boxes for this purpose.)

I hope you find this useful. If you have any related tip that you would like to share with us, do please post it in the comment section!

More beauty-related tips:

Can’t Live Without – Starbucks Napkins

Seasonal Sales on Cosmetics in the UK

Would you like some samples?

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Kanebo Coffret D’Or Christmas 2008 Release

by PJ on Wednesday, September 17, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Kanebo seems to be among the first Japanese beauty companies to unveil their holiday 2008 releases. We’ve heard about some of the items from Kate, Lavshuca, and Lunasol, and now it is the palettes from Coffret D’Or.

Coffret D’Or will release its first holiday collection on November 16th in Japan. (The line was launched in December last year with the spring 2008 collection.) The Party Makeup Collection includes two versions of the eye and lip palette, one cooler (Sweet Dress) and one warmer (Noble Dress).

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Both palettes include three eyeshadows (a base color, a shimmery color and a dark color) and three lip colors (a glow-type lip color (sheer and glossy), a color-type lip color (more pigmented) and a shimmery gloss).

Holiday palettes from Japanese brands are mostly about wearability (good as presents for others) and collectibility (good as presents…for yourself…), and they rarely make any bold statement in terms of color combinations. But if you like shimmer and sparkles, holiday palettes from Japanese brands often have a lot of them.

I like the fact that the design of the compact is in keeping with the Coffret D’Or look that we have quickly come to be familiar with (but with a nice little curvy twist). The shades themselves are not calling out to me yet, but I certainly prefer the cooler palette and I think we’ll see more appealing photos of them on magazines and the Coffret D’Or website later.

One thing worth mentioning is that, in photos, some palettes from Japanese brands can create an illusion of size. (I have had experiences of thinking the palettes look a lot smaller in person…or maybe it is just that I usually like larger and more substantial-looking palettes.) I think one thing we can look at in the photo above is the size/length of the applicators (which should be the standard small ones in Japanese palettes) in relation to the size of the palette. I am guessing that these will be around the same size as the very compact Lavshuca Summer Gradually Compacts (which are about 3.7x12cm and are very slim).

Other posts on Coffret D’Or:

Coffret D’Or Makeup Powder

Trance Deep Eyes in Rose Variation

Full Styling Rouge (Color)

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