all about Japanese cosmetics

Cosme Decorte AQ’s Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, March 21, 2008

in -AQ, -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of Cosme Decorte AQ’s summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

AQ (which stands for “Absolute Quality”) is the top-end skincare/makeup line from Kose’s high-end brand Cosme Decorte. It will release the summer 2008 collection in Japan on April 16th. The collection features:

– Eye Shadow (palette): 1 new variation (#032)
– Lipstick: 3 new shades

One of Cosme Decorte AQ’s spring 2008 palettes (#030) includes a lilac and a rosy pink. Their summer 2008 eye palette also features a lilac, this time paired with a blue. The two shades look very good together.

Cosme Decorte AQ’s lipsticks are some of the priciest in Japan. They cost 6300 yen each (around 63 USD), the same price as Clé de Peau’s Rouge a Lèvre in Japan.

Updated on March 31st, 2008:

The Cosme Decorte AQ website has been updated to include information on the summer 2008 collection.

The makeup theme for the collection is Turquoise Lagoon, and the core of the collection is the Pure Grace Eyeshadow palette in #032, which includes turquoise and lilac (seen above). The Cosme Decorte AQ website also shows how to use this palette to create the look in the ad. (Both images are from www.cosmedecorte.com/aq.)

Apart from the eyeshadow palette and the lipsticks mentioned above, the collection also includes three new Nail Colors.

You can check the Cosme Decorte AQ website for more information on the collection.

Other upcoming summer 2008 collections:

Lunasol Summer 2008 Collection

Kate Summer 2008 Collection

EST Summer 2008 Collection

{ 0 comments }

Magie Deco Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, March 21, 2008

in -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, -Magie Deco, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of Magie Deco’s summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

Magie Deco will launch the summer 2008 collection in Japan on April 16th. The collection includes:

Shadow Brilliance eye palettes: 2 new variations
Luxual Long Mascara Waterproof: 2 shades

The Shadow Brilliance palettes seem to be selling well in Japan and the palette in 014 Believe in Magic is seen on the readers’ favorite eyeshadow palette list in Biteki (February 2008 issue). Shadow Brilliance’s color combinations are slightly more original than eye palettes from Maquillage, Aube, and Coffret D’Or, and I am sure there will be more lovely items to come from Magie Deco.

Updated on March 31st, 2008:

The Magie Deco website has been updated to include information on the summer 2008 collection. (All images are from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco/.)

The full Magie Deco summer 2008 collection includes:

– Shadow Brilliance eye palettes: 2 new variations

– Fairy Eyes cream eyeshadows: 4 new shades

– Fairy Rouge glosses: 3 new shades

– Lipsticks: 3 new shades
– Gem on Liner Waterproof (new): 2 shades
– Luxual Volume Mascara Waterproof (new): 2 shades
– Luxual Long Mascara Waterproof (new): 2 shades
– Nail Colors: 5 new shades
– Eye Makeup Remover (new)

You can see all the new product images on the Magie Deco website.

(I’d like to thank Betsy at Autumn Masquerade for the alert!)

Magie Deco Spring 2008 Collection

Magie Deco Holiday 2007 Collection

{ 0 comments }

Coffret D’Or Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, March 21, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, nail color/care

(part of Coffret D’Or’s
summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

Coffret D’Or will release 20 nail colors as its summer 2008 collection in Japan on April 16th.

The summer collections of Japanese cosmetics brands are usually a lot smaller than their spring and fall releases, and this is an example. These nail colors also add to Coffret D’Or’s debut lineup (released in December 2007) which didn’t feature items for nails.

Updated on March 29, 2008:

The Coffret D’Or summer 2008 collection will also include the Cuticle Care Oil.

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

I like the two-tier design, and the lilac and aqua look very pretty! This might join my cuticle oil collection…

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in 04
(one of my favorite spring 208 items)

Coffret D’Or Spring/Summer 2008 Base Makeup Collection
(loving the look…)

Foundation Face-Off: Coffret D’Or vs. Lunasol
(There is a clear winner for me.)

{ 0 comments }

EST Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Thursday, March 20, 2008

in -Est, -Kao, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of the EST Summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.cosme.net)

EST will release the summer 2008 collection in Japan on April 26th. The collection includes:

Emotional Aura Gloss: 10 shades, fragrance-free
Nail Color: 12 shades
Nail Foundation (base coat)
Nail Color Remover

Essentially, the collection features more basics which add to the debut collection launched in November 2007, which has been generally very well received. I particularly look forward to seeing the shades of the glosses.

I will update this post with more images later on.

Updated on March 31st, 2008:

The EST website has been updated to include information on the summer 2008 collection. (All images are from www.kao.co.jp/est/.)

(EST Emotional Aura Gloss)

Like EST’s Emotional Aura Lips, the lip glosses are grouped into three categories. Innocent Colors (#101-106) are moderately pigmented, Pure Colors (#201, 202) are on the sheer side, and Deep Colors (#301, 302) are more heavily pigmented.

You can check the EST website to see the shades of the Nail Color.

Lunasol Summer 2008 Collection

Kate Summer 2008 Collection

{ 0 comments }

Anna Sui Luxury Eye & Lip Palettes

by PJ on Monday, March 17, 2008

in -Anna Sui, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Anna Sui Luxury Eye Palette)
(image from www.iswii.net)

Repeating the design of the two Luxury Eye Palettes (in black cases) from the 2006 Holiday collection, Anna Sui will be releasing another Luxury Eye Palette and a Luxury Lip Palette. Both are limited editions.

I like the shades in the Luxury Eye Palette, particularly the soft teal and the lilac. The colorful shades are balanced by the warm neutrals.

The Luxury Lip Palette appears to be a combination of lip colors and glosses:

(Anna Sui Luxury Lip Palette)
(image from www.iswii.net)

Anna Sui sometimes releases Asia-only limited-edition items, and at the moment I am not sure if these two palettes will be released in North America. I will keep you updated if I come across any information.

Updated on March 21st 2008:

One of my readers, Ebontien, kindly let me know that the two palettes are being sold in Canada. (Thank you, Ebontien!)

I suppose they are or will be available in the US as well.

Anna Sui Spring/Summer Base Makeup Collection

We Love Anna Sui Official Book

Sui Lip Gloss in 100

{ 8 comments }

Lunasol Summer 2008 Collection – First Look

by PJ on Monday, March 17, 2008

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

(Lunasol summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Lunasol will launch the summer 2008 collection in Japan on May 9th.

The collection includes:

– Full Glamor Gloss N: 10 shades (2 of which limited editions)
– Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes: 2 new variations (limited editions)
– Geminate Liners: 2 new shades
– Nail Finish: 4 new shades

This is another stellar collection from Lunasol, with rich and colorful hues. Very exciting!

Lunasol will also release two new skincare products on the same day, Scrubful Wash and Skin Control Mist. Both aim for maintaining a fresh and shine-free complexion for summer.

Updated on April 7, 2008:

First of all, here are photos of the two new eye palettes:

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

(image from woman.excite.co.jp)

Also, you can see swatches of these two palettes and the two new Geminate Liners.

Lunasol Spring 2008 Collection
(colorful and wearable)

Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral
(a gorgeous lilac palette)

Lunasol Full Glamor Gloss in Bright Pink
(one of my favorite lip glosses)

{ 0 comments }

Kate Summer 2008 Collection – First Look

by PJ on Monday, March 17, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Kate, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Kate summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Kate will release the summer 2008 collection in Japan on May 1st.

The collection includes:

– Rouge Trance S lipsticks: 8 shades
– Dual Carat eyeshadow duos: 3 new variations

The Dual Carat range has been popular, so I think the new additions will be very welcomed. The Rouge Trance S will be a range of sheer and mildly pigmented lipsticks focusing on creating transparent and dimensional lips.

This is my first summer 2008 makeup collection post, and I am looking forward to bringing you more!

Kate – Lavshuca’s Darker, Edgier Sister

Kate Spring 2008 Collection

{ 2 comments }

SUQQU Makeup Base Creamy & Brightup

by PJ on Thursday, March 13, 2008

in -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup - base makeup - primer/concealer, stash focus

(samples of SUQQU Makeup Base Creamy (left)

& Makeup Base Brightup)

SUQQU Makeup Base Creamy and Makeup Base Brightup are part of SUQQU’s Fall 2007 base makeup lineup.

For me, they are very welcome additions, since SUQQU’s then only primer, simply called Makeup Base, is loaded with alcohol and I simply wouldn’t put it on my face.

According to the SUQQU website and the counter staff, Makeup Base Creamy is designed to be used before SUQQU’s (cream) Foundation and Makeup Base Brightup is used before Powder Foundation Glow. For me, I have been trying out these two primers under my usual Shiseido ZA Two-Way Foundation (which I will review later this month.)

(SUQQU Makeup Base Creamy)

(image from www.suqqu.com)

Makeup Base Creamy has a light cream texture. It has a nice slip and goes on very easily. Unlike most primers, which impart luminosity and/or carry pigments to even out the skin-tone, this primer seems to disappear into the skin as it goes on more or less transparent and without any visible shimmer.

However, after application, the skin feels very moisturized and well-conditioned and is ready for all the powdering action. My powder foundation goes on more smoothly, and, more importantly, it helps the foundation last a lot longer.

As it has relatively little efficacy in concealing pores and it doesn’t really control shine, I position it as a skin-conditioning primer that helps the foundation stay fresh for longer.

(SUQQU Makeup Base Brightup)

(image from www.suqqu.com)

Compared with Makeup Base Creamy, Makeup Base Brightup has a creamier consistency. It also has some subtle shimmer to add luminosity and brightness. (I can understand why this is marketed as a primer for a powder foundation, since the powder needs something to stick to.)

Having said that, the two share most traits in terms of their performances. Again, Makeup Base Brightup successfully helps the foundation last longer.

Overall, I prefer Makeup Base Creamy, since the texture is lighter and it has no shimmer. It suits my oily skin better and it is more in tune with the matte finish I want from my foundation.

Note that neither of the two primers has any SPF.

If you have a powder foundation that is spot-on for your skin-tone but your skin is often too dry for a powder formula to wear well, then either of these two primers could be worth considering.

[I haven’t checked the outer packaging of full-size products to see if these two primers contain alcohol. But they don’t smell of alcohol or irritate my skin. Even if they do contain alcohol, the portion should be relatively minimal.]

Superbly Blendable – Paul & Joe Light Cream Foundation

by PJ on Sunday, March 9, 2008

in -Paul & Joe, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, stash focus

(Paul & Joe
Light Cream Foundation in 03 Clair)

Most of the time, I wear a powder foundation, and my favorite by far is Shiseido ZA’s Two-Way Foundation (which I will be talking about in two weeks). In short, it has good coverage, controls shine fairly well, covers pores effectively, and is long-lasting.

But, occasionally, mostly in winter, I am tempted to play with liquid or cream foundations. At 26 pounds in the UK (around 51 USD), Paul & Joe‘s Light Cream Foundation (SPF 15 PA ++) would be a little too expensive as something to experiment with from time to time. But when I saw it at 13 pounds during the winter sale after Christmas last year, I decided to take it home.

I have used it for quite a few times, and here are my thoughts:

Texture & Consistency: The name “Light Cream” is not a very accurate description of the consistency, but almost in a good way. It is actually a lot more fluidy than many liquid foundations I have tried. I tend to go for a light and liquidy texture rather than a creamier texture, so I am very happy with the smooth double-cream consistency.

Slip & Blendability: There are some quite liquidy foundations that don’t have enough slip and dry too quickly to be blended evenly. Not this one. Out of all the liquid/cream foundations I have tried, this one probably has the best slip. It spreads and blends so easily that it feels like a smooth moisturizer.This is by far the best aspect of this foundation.

Finish: It imparts a luminous sheen, without any visible shimmer. Even though the finish is not overly shiny, I’d still set the foundation with a matte loose/pressed powder. (Also, please note that this foundation is not formulated to control shine.)

Coverage: I have come across a couple of reviews of this item where users praise the good coverage. But I suspect that this observation is based on the comparison with other Paul & Joe foundations, as the brand is known for sheer and ultra-natural foundations. I would still describe Light Cream Foundation’s coverage as light (not even light-to-medium).

Pore Coverage: I have very rarely come across a liquid/cream foundation that gives the pore coverage I want, and I always use a loose/pressed powder afterwards for that purpose. So I didn’t expect much. But because it has a superb texture and slip and it adheres to the skin well, the pore-diffusing ability is fair.

Lasting Power: Due to the sheer coverage, it is not easy to tell how good the lasting/staying power is. Considering the coverage does retain for a good number of hours, the lasting power appears to be relatively satisfactory.

Even though this foundation has an exceptionally pleasing texture and slip, it falls short on coverage. After using it for several times, I actually decided to use it more as a primer and then use a powder foundation to gently add coverage and matte out the shine. For me, this item works the best this way.

(Light Cream Foundation was replaced by Light Cream Foundation N, which is why this original version was being reduced. Currently it is not available at UK Paul & Joe counters anymore. But, several authorized on-line retailers still carry it. Please check the shop list on Paul & Joe’s global website for details. Some shops ship internationally.)

We Love Anna Sui – Limited-Edition Official Book

by PJ on Saturday, March 8, 2008

in -Anna Sui, all about Japanese cosmetics

(We Love Anna Sui)
(image from www.jbook.co.jp)

If you have been following the latest news on the Anna Sui website, you might have come across the information on the release of the official mini-encyclopedia of Anna Sui Cosmetics.

It covers the history of the brand, the 7 keywords of Anna Sui Cosmetics (rose, butterfly, purple, red, black, glitter, antique), makeup looks using Anna Sui items, Anna Sui fans’ favorite items in various categories, and a lot of images of the brand’s past limited-edition items. The book also comes with a rectangular case and a round coin pouch, both limited editions.

If you are ready (I am serious…some of you might want to go through all the trouble to have your own copy), a blogger has posted photos of almost all the pages.

At the moment, the book has been more or less sold out in Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and it is more likely to find it on auction sites.

According to JBook and Amazon Japan, it appears that it will be back in stock in Japan at the end of this month. However, Amazon Japan has stopped offering International Economy Shipping. With International Express Shipping as the only option, a book will cost 30 USD and 36 USD to be shipped to North America and Europe respectively. It is a lot of money, considering that the book itself is only 1365 yen (around 13 USD).

I’ll have to leave you to make that decision…

Loving Japanese Brands – Anna Sui
(my take on Anna Sui)

Anna Sui Lip Gloss in 100
(from Anna Sui Spring 2008 Collection)

Anna Sui Fall 2007 Collection
(featuring another photo of my Anna Sui stash)

Anna Sui Foundation Case Mini-Galore
(I might be adding one to my collection from here.)

{ 4 comments }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →