all about Japanese cosmetics

Packaging Matters – Maybelline in Japan

by PJ on Thursday, May 1, 2008

in -Maybelline, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, What do you think? Beauty topics and thoughts

(Maybelline’s spring 2008 collection in Japan)
(from Voce February 2008)

If there is one country that maximizes the power of packaging of consumer products, it’s Japan.

A trip to a Japanese drugstore is a very visual experience. Brands like Lavshuca, Majolica Majorca, Kiss, and Love Clover are instantly visually appealing and attention-grabbing. They make some high-end brands look dull.

Some western drugstore lines know that their products will be displayed alongside Lavshuca‘s Eye Color Select palettes and Majolica Majorca‘s princessy golden cases and that they have to do something in order not to lose on the starting line.

One example is some of Maybelline‘s products sold in Japan and some other countries in Asia. As far as I know, products like the EyeStudio palettes (seen above) as well as the EyeStudio singles and WaterShiny Volumy lipsticks (seen below) are not sold in North America or Europe. (But, just to be clear, other Maybelline products still look more or less the same as those sold in the west.)

(image from www.maybelline.co.jp)

Obviously the style is not going down the cute and dreamy route, but the packaging does look more sleek and trendy than the globally available Maybelline lineup. (But I do personally like the Dream Mousse line, and I enjoy the chunky glass jars.)

Something worth mentioning here is that Angelfit is a base makeup range by Maybelline that is only sold in Asia. (You can check out the mini-site through the link.) I have not tried anything from the range, but, from what I have read, the powder foundation (Maybelline Angelfit Pact) has been getting very good reviews. (I believe the Angelfit range is developed in Japan as well.)

(Maybelline’s Angelfit base makeup range)
(image from www.angelfit.jp)

Packaging-wise, soft pink and gentle curves are used to increase the visual impact. The style of the packaging actually looks very Japanese to me.

While I would still prefer the look of Lavshuca on any day, other brands like Maybelline do show that makeup still needs a little bit of “makeup” in order to sell.

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush
(natural radiance from mousse-y sponginess)

Maybelline Dream Mousse Eyecolor
(soft, floaty, and airy)

Lavshuca Summer Gradually Compact
(one of the cutest items for summer 2008)

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Newsflash – Jill Stuart Breaks Record

by PJ on Saturday, April 26, 2008

in -Jill Stuart, all about Japanese cosmetics

(Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact)
(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

Jill Stuart Beauty was launched in Taiwan on March 28th among much anticipation. As mentioned previously, Taiwan is the only place outside Japan where the Jill Stuart Beauty line is officially available.

There was no doubt that it would do extremely well. After all, so many beauty fans had been waiting for it. The brand hardly needed any promotion, as many items had been sold for up to twice the Japanese retail prices on local auction sites. (Now, somewhat ironically, many items are about 5% cheaper than in Japan.)

According to this blog post, Jill Stuart sold 125,000 USD (3.8 million TWD) worth of merchandise during its first three days of sale in SOGO Department Store in Taipei. This is the equivalent of nearly 1000 Mix Blush Compacts (seen above) sold in each of the three days. (I saw a couple of photos of the crowds taken by customers. I had not seen anything like this at a beauty counter.)

First of all, the sale figures smashed the record that Anna Sui made about 10 years ago when it was launched in SOGO. Also, it is especially amazing considering that there is a second Jill Stuart counter at Shinkong Mitsukishi Shinyi, which opened on the same day.

As if the line needed more fervor, Jill Stuart herself was in Taipei yesterday to promote the line.

The ultra-princessy Jill Stuart is not just for teenagers. A report indicates that it also has many fans in their forties and fifties in Japan. It shows that appealing packaging and good quality are for all to enjoy.

With the huge initial success in Taiwan in the bag, I think Jill Stuart is likely to expand the market yet again. Looking at existing patterns, I think Hong Kong might be the next stop.

Loving Japanese Brands – Jill Stuart
(my take on Jill Stuart)

Brilliance Eyes in Gem Amethyst
(my Jill Stuart eye palette)

All About Japanese Cosmetics
(Read more about other brands.)

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Japanese Brand Focus: Elégance

by PJ on Thursday, April 24, 2008

in _Japanese Brand Profile, -Elégance, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Champs de Fleurs –
Elégance Spring/Summer 2008 Collection)
(image from www.elegance-cosmetics.com)

From now on, I will be regularly talking about popular Japanese beauty brands that have been rarely mentioned in beauty blogs written in English.

Today I start with Elégance, a brand I personally really like.

As far as I know, Elégance is a French fashion brand. (Their boutique in London is just off New Bond Street and their Paris boutique is on rue Saint Honoré.) But, it seems the Elégance beauty line is only available in Asia.

The Elégance beauty line is developed and produced by Albion (which is currently owned by Kosé).

(Like Anna Sui, Paul & Joe, and Jill Stuart, I classify the Elégance beauty line as a Japanese line.) This high-end line has been doing consistently well in Japan. Over the years, their mascaras and base makeup items have proven to be especially popular. (Relatively, their skincare line doesn’t seem to enjoy as much attention.)

I have two items from Elégance. They were bought a few years ago, and they have been discontinued. One is Verytrue Lip, a natural-looking lip gloss, and the other is Purity Eyes, a cream-to-powder eyeshadow in pale blue.

Elégance consistently uses gold as the main color in the packaging. I think, with gold as the main color scheme, the rest is best kept simple. I think this simplicity has been well maintained throughout the line. As YSL uses straightforward square and rectangular shapes for their gold cases, Elégance opts for circular cases. While YSL looks chic and glamorous, Elégance has an extra touch of softness and femininity.

Two of the items from the current lineup that appeal to me are the powder blusher (in 9 shades) and the loose powder (in 3 shades):

(image from www.elegance-cosmetics.com)

I would love to have more items from Elégance, but they are quite pricey. The loose powder above costs 8400 yen (about 80 USD). But I think I will definitely consider adding one or two items to my collection later.

As Miss Elégance, Elégance’s very cute (and much more affordable) sister line, was discontinued in 2007, I really hope Elégance will do well for many years to come.

(The Elégance beauty line is currently available in Japan and Taiwan.)

Other Japanese beauty lines!

MAMEW

SUQQU

“Loving Japanese Brands” Series

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Jill Stuart Moist Silk Liquid Foundation

by PJ on Tuesday, April 22, 2008

in -Jill Stuart, 2007 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, stash focus

(Jill Stuart Moist Silk Liquid Foundation)

Jill Stuart‘s Moist Silk Liquid Foundation was released in fall 2007. At that time, I was not sure if it would replace Tint Liquid Foundation (Jill Stuart’s first liquid foundation). But, at this moment, both are listed on Jill Stuart’s website.

The packaging is beautiful and very princessy, and it has almost become a permanent fixture on my dressing table.

Here is how it performs for me:

The Basics

SPF 18, PA +++, 30ml, 5 shades
(Mine is 103 Nude, a neutral light-to-medium beige. Ethanol is seventh on ingredient list, but this foundation doesn’t irritate my skin.)

Texture & Consistency

It has a light-cream consistency. The very smooth texture largely comes from talc, and the richness of the consistency is mainly down to squalene (which is a very effective moisturizing ingredient used in many moisturizers). The foundation is not very liquid-y and the bottle has to be tapped against the back of my hand to slowly dispense the foundation.

Slip & Blendability

The foundation has a good slip and blends relatively easily. It dries a little fast so swift blending is ideal.

Finish

The finish is smooth and satiny (neither matte or luminous), and it has a pleasing soft-focus look to it.

Coverage

This foundation gives a natural medium-to-full coverage. The level of coverage is a lot higher than Paul & Joe’s Light Cream Foundation reviewed earlier.

Pore Coverage

For me, among non-powder foundations (which almost always cover pores less effectively than powder foundations), the pore coverage is fairly good.

Lasting Power

The lasting power is relatively satisfactory. It doesn’t have an optimal lasting power for me only because it is quite emollient for my oily skin for most part of the year. Other than that, the color does stay true and does not darken overtime.

Overall, liquid foundations are more suitable for me in winter no matter whether they are spring/summer or fall/winter releases. This one is no exception. In colder days and when I need more coverage than what Paul & Joe’s Light Cream Foundation can give me, this is definitely the one I’d go for.

Loving Japanese Brands – Jill Stuart
(my personal take on Jill Stuart)

Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst
(my very first lilac-based eye palette)

Jill Stuart Powder Foundation Compact S
(the latest member of my foundation case collection)

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Coffret D’Or Late Summer/ Early Fall Collection – First Look

by PJ on Monday, April 21, 2008

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

(part of Coffret D’Or’s late summer/ early fall collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Coffret D’Or has been doing so well in Asia since its launch in December last year (especially the eye palettes). If you have been looking forward to the second major color collection, here is a glimpse of it!

Coffret D’Or’s late summer/ early fall collection will be released in Japan on June 16th. The collection includes:

For eyes:
– Trance Deep Eyes palettes: 5 variations
– Star Dazzling Liner: 3 new shades

For eyebrows:
– W Styling Eyebrow (OV): 3 shades (oval-shaped pencil)
– W Styling Eyebrow (RO): 3 shades (round-shaped pencil)
– W Styling Eyebrow Tip Powder: 3 shades

For lips:
– Full Memory Rouge (Color): 10 shades
– Full Memory Rouge (Glow): 10 shades
– Full Styling Rouge (Color): 2 new shades
– Full Styling Rouge (Glow): 2 new shades

With the new Trance Deep Eyes palettes, the emphasis will be on adding definition to the eyes with the two highlighting shades and the two much darker shadowing shades. Compared with the 3D Lighting Eyes series, the new palettes will create a very different look. I look forward to seeing the other three palettes and the promotional images and videos later on.

I will definitely update this post when there is more information!

Updated on April 29th, 2008:

Please check out this blog post for photos of all the new eye palettes and their swatches!

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Purple Variation

Coffret D’Or Full Styling Rouge (Color) in RS-241 & RS-242

Coffret D’Or Spring/Summer Base Makeup Collection

Coffret D’Or Summer Collection

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Jill Stuart New Nail Collection

by PJ on Sunday, April 20, 2008

in -Jill Stuart, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, nail color/care

(Jill Stuart Birthstone Nail Collection)
(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

On April 25th, Jill Stuart will release the following items in Japan:

– Nail Lacquer N

The launch of the revamped nail collection will feature 20 colors. Most of them are fresh spring colors, including pink, peach, mauve, beige, and lilac.

– Nail Art Sticker II (limited-edition)

(Jill Stuart Nail Art Sticker II)
(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

– Birthstone Nail Collection

Starting from April 25th, Jill Stuart will release one limited-edition nail color based on the birthstone of each month. The first one features emerald for May (seen above). Each monthly birthstone addition will be released on the third Friday of the previous month. (So the next one (pearl for June) will be released on May 16th.)

I really like the look of the new nail color bottle, and it seems that there will be some great colors coming up in the birthstone collection. I might be tempted to get a couple of them……

Loving Japanese Brands – Jill Stuart
(my personal take on Jill Stuart)

Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst
(my first lilac-based eye palette)

Coffret D’Or Summer 2008 Collection
(more nail colors)

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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)

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Sophisticated Elegance – Lunasol Scent Form Eyes

by PJ on Tuesday, April 15, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(Lunasol Scent Form Eyes in 02, under sunlight)

Lunasol‘s Scent Form Eyes palettes were released in fall 2006. The brand’s eye palettes have always been popular, but, as I remember, the beautiful Scent Form Eyes made Lunasol an even more coveted brand.

(Lunasol Scent Form Eyes)
(image from /www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)

Out of the five, #03, with olive green and dusty warm rose, has been by far the most popular. It was also voted as Biteki readers’ favorite eye palette in the annual survey (Biteki, February 2007).

I nearly decided to have #03, but I settled for #02 instead.

The colors:

Bottom left: white with a very faint lilac undertone
(with silver, pink, lilac, blue, green sparkles)
(cream-to-powder texture)

Top left: sheer and pale lilac
(subtly iridescent with very fine shimmer)

Top right: dusty rosy pink with a faint lilac undertone
(luminous matte with almost no shimmer)

Bottom right: dark grey with an eggplant undertone
(with sparse sparkles)

Below is the palette under artificial lighting. This is mainly to show the level of shimmer in each shade. (The colors look a lot warmer here. Please refer to the photo above for the actual shades.)

(under artificial lighting)
(Please click on the photo to see a large version.)

Out of all my lilac eye palettes, this is perhaps the most understated one. If you want intensely pigmented colors, then you will be disappointed with this palette. Apart from the dark eye-lining shade, the other three are relatively sheer. (The top-right dusty rosy pink, as a shadowing shade, goes on slightly darker and is more opaque than the top-left pale lilac.) But all the shades do stay on very well.

Even though the look is subtle, it has its range of versatility. Since two main shades are not particularly shimmery, I can create a soft luminous matte look with them. But when I do want shimmer, I can apply the highlighter to top up as much shimmer as I want.

The cream-to-powder highlighter can be applied with a brush or with fingers. When applied with fingers, it gives a more intense finish. The subtle lilac undertone of the highlighter wonderfully complements the other colors, which show through from underneath and merge seamlessly with the multi-color shimmering particles. (The highlighter can also be used as a base.)

Overall I like the elegant subtlety of this palette. My only minor complaint is that the rosy pink goes on slightly more red. But this is nonetheless a beautifully arranged palette, and I think the Scent Form Eyes series really shows that Lunasol is one of the most sophisticated and elegant brands in Japan.

(In case you are wondering, the powder does have a faint scent. But it is not as strong as the scent in the Jill Stuart eye palettes.)

Some of my other lilac palettes:

Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in 04

Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Stage Lights

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Coffret D’Or Makeovers

by PJ on Wednesday, April 9, 2008

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

Continuing with Coffret D’Or from yesterday…

FAnet has put up photos and information on two makeovers featuring items entirely from Kanebo’s Coffret D’Or, from primer to lip gloss. Have a look!

There are also links (just above the two photos) to other brand-based makeovers from Stila, Paul & Joe, and RMK.

Enjoy!

Update! Lunasol Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Monday, April 7, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, announcement, makeup

My post on Lunasol’s Summer 2008 Collection has been updated to include photos of the two new eye palettes as well as a link to swatches of the new palettes and the two new Geminate Liners.

Enjoy!

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