all about Japanese cosmetics

Shiseido Clé de Peau Spring 2008 Collection – Blue Takes Center Stage

by PJ on Sunday, February 17, 2008

in -Clé de Peau, -Shiseido, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Eye Color Quad in 116 (left) and 117 (right))
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/cpb)

Ever since I saw Clé de Peau‘s spring 2008 lineup on Japanese beauty magazines, I had been looking forward to seeing if the blue-purple eye palette would be featured for the main ad campaign and what the look would be like.

I was not disappointed when I saw this, to say the very least.

(Shiseido Clé de Peau Spring 2008 Collection)
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/cpb)


There is a sense of softness and serenity, and the aqua blue eyeshadow doesn’t look out of place at all. The whole image has a water-painting quality to it.

I also feel that the blue worn on a large section of the lids conveys a quiet touch of confidence, assertiveness, and maturity that I find very appealing. It shows that a warm blue like this is not just a youthful and funky color. It can also look sensual and feminine.

Even though Clé de Peau has quite a low-key brand image, its recent collections have been very trend-sensitive. An edgy monochrome eye palette was featured in the fall 2007 collection. For this spring, Eye Color Quad in 117 combines the two hottest shades at the moment, blue and purple.

As I mentioned in the Spring 2008 Makeup Trend Report, while western brands are doing a lot of cold blues this season, Japanese brands are coming up with warmer blues. Clé de Peau’s spring 2008 lineup is just one example.

If I may, I am going to appreciate this beautiful image a little more…

Related Posts:

The Allure of Blue Eyeshadows
(Everyone can wear blue.)

Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in Seascape
(featuring a beautiful warm blue)

Must-Try Look for Spring 2008
(Are you wearing it?)

{ 6 comments }

Deciphering the Superiority – Lunasol’s Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral

by PJ on Sunday, February 10, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(Loving the lilacs:
Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral)
(under sunlight and minimal artificial lighting)

The Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes are part of Lunasol‘s spring 2008 collection. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors of the ocean, the collection captures the rich and diverse hues and the rippling glimmer of the world below the sea level.
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)
The alluring shades are based on those of the coral reefs, and the palettes are aptly named Blue Coral, Green Coral, Lavender Coral, Orange Coral, and Coral Coral.
(Lunasol’s Sheer Contrast Eyes)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)

Lunasol’s eye palettes are probably the brand’s most popular items. (Last year’s @Cosme reader survey reflected this, as the top three eye palettes are all from Lunasol.) Even though Lunasol had been one of my favorite brands, I never tried their eyeshadows. With Sheer Contrast Eyes’ eye-catching lineup, I thought it was time for me to dive in.

(under artificial lighting,
where shimmer is a little more visible on camera)
There was very little decision-making involved in which palette I wanted to try, and I am very pleased with what I got. Lavender Coral is a box full of prettiness…

— bottom right: very sheer pale yellow with a subtle gold undertone and plenty of sparkles
— top right: sheer pale pink with intense but fine shimmer
— top left: well-pigmented soft cool lilac with delicate shimmer
— bottom left: semi-matte deep warm violet with sparse shimmer

(All the shimmering particles are multi-colored. The sizes of the particles vary slightly among the four shades.)

The cool lilac is obviously the main shade in this palette. Not only is it one of the most visually beautiful lilac shades I have, it suits me very well. The pale pink is very sheer and mainly goes on as shimmer, but the abundant ultra-fine light-reflective particles and the superbly smooth texture make it both a competent base and a subtle but effective highlighter. (As a highlighter, this shimmery pale pink doesn’t have that harshness that some white or silvery highlighters may have.) The deep warm violet is a good eye-lining shade and isn’t so dark that it can look grey on the skin.

My only very minor issue is with the pale yellow, as the sparkles are a little bit on the big side for my personal liking. But this is not to suggest that it looks glittery or tacky. In fact, if you like high-voltage multi-colored sparkles with a pale-gold base tone, then you might really like this particular shade.

All the shades have a smooth and silky feel and are very easy to apply. They are also satisfactorily long-lasting.

I always tend not to over-layer my eyeshadows and keep the finish relatively sheer. For me, this palette, worn in this way, really stands out, because the subtle shimmer almost creates a unique wet finish. It resembles the surface of the glimmering sea under the sun and echoes so well the ocean theme of this collection.

I also came across a user’s comment on Lunasol’s eye palettes. Obviously from a Lunasol lover, her theory is that the only way to show that we are wearing the stunning Lunasol’s eyeshadows (and not possibly anything else) is to wear them sheer. Only by wearing them sheer can we do justice to the ultimate strength of Lunasol’s eye colors, which is the magical transparency showing through the rich pigments. Wonderfully said!

Even though I have several lilac eye palettes, each one is unique and different and this one is no exception, to say the least. I’ve understood first-hand why Lunasol’s eye palettes are able to draw people into the brand, make the brand more and more coveted, and widen the age range of loyal fans. I will continue to explore the possibilities of this palette and the essence of Lunasol.

Related Posts:

Must-Try Look for Spring 2008
(loving all the variations)

Spring 2008 Makeup Trend Report
(featuring the hot colors of this season)

Loving Japanese Brands: Lunasol
(how things got started…)

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Purple Variation
(as fantastic as the Lunasol one, but in a very different way)

 

{ 24 comments }

Cult Product in the Making: Mamew Mascara Kit

by PJ on Thursday, February 7, 2008

in _Japanese Brand Profile, -Mamew, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup - mascara

(Mamew brand logo)
(image from www.mamew.jp)

It was estimated several years ago that there were between 3000 and 4000 cosmetics companies in Japan (from Textbook on Beauty, by Kaoru Saito). What we see in major Japanese cosmetics magazines is only a very small selection of them, and it is always interesting to see a new brand on the magazine pages.

Launched in October 2007, Mamew is a fairly new brand but it has been featured in major Japanese cosmetics magazines like Biteki and Voce as well as top fashion magazines like Vogue Nippon.

 

(the very minimally packaged Mamew Lineup)
(image from www.mamew.jp)

What attracted the attention of these magazines are Mamew’s Mascara Kits (two versions: Volume Curl and Long Lash).

(Mamew Mascara Kit)
(image from www.mamew.co.jp)

The mascara liquid and the brush are packaged separately, and each application involves putting the mascara onto the brush (just like putting toothpaste on a toothbrush, I suppose).

(image from www.mamew.co.jp)

You might think this is a lot of trouble, but here are the unique strengths of this product (from the Mamew website):

1. You can have more control of how much pigment goes onto the brush.

2. You can curl the lashes and keep the curl more effectively with the blush made with dense natural hair.

3. You can benefit from a fresh application every time by cleansing the brush after each use.

4. You can enjoy an easier application with the slim brush handle.

Apart from these, I think the unused mascara will probably remain moist longer. Also, this seems to be an updated version of the most traditional mascaras with a brush picking up the black pigment.

Judging by the increasing level of press interest, Mamew’s Mascara Kit has a potential to be a cult beauty item in Japan.

(Mamew is currently sold in Japan only, and the website’s on-line ordering service opens to residents in Japan.)

Related Posts:

“Loving Japanese Brands” Series
(my sensational seven)

Lash Out! – by Laura Mercier
(featuring mascaras from Dior, YSL, and Max Factor)

You Mean That’s NOT Real?
(What do you think?)

{ 10 comments }

Must-Try Look for Spring 2008: Lilac Eyes

by PJ on Tuesday, February 5, 2008

in -AQ, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow

(item used: Maquillage
Clean Contrast Eyes 2 in SV844)
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/mq)


In the last couple of years, I have been enjoying wearing eyeshadows of various lilac hues. I find them easy to wear for both daytime and evening, and they look flattering in a natural way.

For spring 2008, I have been excited to see some major cosmetics brands (many of them Japanese) featuring lilac eyeshadows. (You can read more about spring 2008 makeup trend in one earlier post.) I thought I’d share with you some of the looks that I have come across that represent distinct variations of this season’s trendy look.

One of my favorite lilac looks this season is from Shiseido Maquillage (above). Accompanied by a silvery grey to create a soft contrast, the lilac shade in Clean Contrast Eyes 2 palette in SV844 is relatively pale. I think the whole look is clean and very pleasantly fuss-free.

(item used: Coffret D’Or
3D Lighting Eyes in 04)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

Kanebo’s Coffret D’Or also has a lilac palette in their debut collection for spring 2008 (which I have reviewed earlier). It is also a very subtle look (above), mainly because, apart from the violet for lining the eyes, the other shades are a pale blue and a dusty pink that have a subtle lilac undertone and not true lilac themselves. But all the shades in this palette complement one another so well that this palette is joy to use.

Next we see a more classic lilac look from (Kosé’s) Cosme Decorte AQ‘s latest look:

(item used: Cosme Decorte AQ
Pure Grace Eyeshadow palette in 030)
(image from www.cosmedecorte.com)


This is lilac as an ultra feminine and elegant shade for the eyes. But it is not stealing the show, as it is worn with a beautiful cherry-red lipstick (Pure Grace Lipstick in RO620) to create a superbly exquisite and polished look.

Now, we see a very colorful way to wear lilac.

(cover of Voce’s March 2008 issue)
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

(from Biteki’s latest TV commercial)
(image from www.biteki.com)


Biteki’s latest TV commercial
(via Dailymotion)
Coincidentally, both Voce and Biteki, two of the top cosmetics magazines in Japan, are featuring lilac worn with green under the eyes in their March 2008 issues. As you can see, the look can be edgy or feminine. (At the moment, I don’t know what items are used to create these two looks, but I will certainly update this post when I have more information.)

In contrast to the elegant look from Cosme Decorte above, where all the shades are of a cooler tone, RMK incorporates warm shades for lips and cheeks for spring 2008.

(item used: RMK
Shiny Mix Eyes in 03 Silver Purple)
(image from www.rmkrmk.com/global)

I think this is quite a modern way to wear lilac. At first I was not sure if I liked it, but then I realized that another possible way to look at it is to see it as a more intense version of Maquillage’s spring 2008 look.

(images from RMK & Maquillage)

So, of all the looks that we have seen, which one is your favorite?

Related Posts:

A Splash of Color: Lilting Lilac
(from my “I Love Colors” series)

Lavshuca Eye Color Select in PU-2
(warm and sophisticated)

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

{ 36 comments }

Spring 2008 Makeup Focus: Anna Sui’s Sui Lip Gloss in 100

by PJ on Sunday, February 3, 2008

in -Anna Sui, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(full of goodness…)
.

This is the first post to highlight some of the spring 2008 makeup items that I have got. There will be more to come later!

Even though I love Anna Sui, my last purchase was almost two years ago (Face Color Accent in 400). But after I saw some photos of the three limited-edition lip glosses for the spring 2008 collection, I decided to get the blue-tinted one.

(part of Anna Sui’s spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

I have several blue-tinted lip glosses and I love all of them. But if I have to be picky, I prefer the ones that are simply blue-tinted and with very sparse shimmering particles to the ones with more blue shimmer. I also tend to favor ones that have a deep warm aqua blue shade in the tube. (It is just for my visual pleasure…)

This lip gloss by Anna Sui has these particular aspects that I like in a blue lip gloss. It has a pleasing blue color in the tube, but it goes on very sheer. It looks like it has a lot of shimmer, but the particles look quite sparse on the lips.

The gloss has the signature Anna Sui scent. I don’t normally like scented lip glosses, but I am okay with this one.

It imparts a wet glossy shine that lasts well. As with my other blue lip glosses, this one also adds subtle depth and transparency to my lips, making them look fuller and more dimensional.

Plus, l simply enjoy looking at the warm tropical shimmery blue in the container. It is like Maldives in a tube…

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Related Posts:

Loving Japanese Brands: Anna Sui
(my personal take on the brand)

Lunasol Full Glamor Gloss in Bright Pink
(It is not too bright at all and is one of my favorite lip glosses.)

Lavshuca Gloss Stick in PK-3
(See how Lavshuca does cute.)

{ 12 comments }

Japanese vs. Western, Round Two…

by PJ on Saturday, February 2, 2008

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

The Super Bowl Sunday is coming, and several beauty bloggers and I decided to write up sports-themed posts for all of you to enjoy.

Since I have a particular passion for Japanese makeup items, I thought I’d have a play-off between the two teams. (You can also read my previous post on Japanese and Western cosmetics.)

Meet Team Japanese:

(the defending champion)

Eyeshadow palette from Lunasol (Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral). This is a sneak-peek preview of this palette on my blog. I have been enjoying using this palette from Lunasol’s spring 2008 collection, and I will post a full review of it later on!

Eyeshadow single from Miss Elégance (Powder Color in 16). Discontinued but not forgotten, this adorable eyeshadow is a wearable matte chocolate brown.

Blusher from Ayura (Aura Veil α in Sweet Pink). Soft, delicate, warm, and feminine, this shade is perfect for the coming warmer months.

Lipstick from Anna Sui (Sui Rouge in 373). A flattering cherry-red with the signature Anna Sui scent.

Lip gloss from Paul & Joe (Lip Gloss N in 001 Black-Tie). Another dose of the mouth-watering cherry hue, this time with sparkling multi-color shimmer.

Team Japanese is looking impressive. Now let’s check out Team Western:

(the challenger)


Eyeshadow palette from Dior (5-color eyeshadow palette in Seascape). Vibrant purple and warm blue are balanced by mint green and soft grey with purple iridescence.

Eyeshadow single from MAC (Alexander McQueen for MAC eyeshadow in Haunting). I haven’t bought a lot from MAC for the last couple of years, but this satiny matte turquoise has won me over.

Blusher from Chanel (Irréelle Blush in Tea Rose). This is one of my favorite blushers, as it creates a very natural flush on my cheeks.

Lipstick from Helena Rubinstein (Stellars Showlights in Hanky Pinky). A bouncy and playful pink with fine pink shimmer. Very Valentine’s Day…

Lip gloss from Nina Ricci (Tender Lacquered Lipglaze in Rose Jupon). Nicely pigmented and with a rich syrupy texture, it helps lips take on some extra dimension.

With some of my favorite makeup items from both teams, the play-off is fierce. But I think I know which team has edged out the other for me, for a second time…

Now, I’d like to invite you to head over to these beauty blogs to check out their Beauty Super Bowl posts! Have fun!


{ 11 comments }

Anna Sui Spring/Summer 2008 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Friday, February 1, 2008

in -Anna Sui, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(Anna Sui Spring/Summer 2008
base makeup collection)
(images from woman.excite.co.jp)

March is the time when various Japanese cosmetics brands release their new base makeup items. (In Japanese cosmetics, “base makeup” refers to products including primer, concealer, foundation, pressed/loose powder, and highlighter…all the things to get that perfect canvas.) On March 1st, Anna Sui will launch its spring/summer base makeup collection in Japan. The collection includes:

– Control Color Primer UV (SPF 35, PA ++; containing “micro lucent powder” to brighten up the skin)

– Loose Compact Powder UV (six shades; 001, 002, 200 with SPF 15 PA ++, 700, 701, 702 with SPF 14 PA ++)

– Oil Control Paper

The Loose Compact Powder UV has caught my eye. The case (sold separately) can potentially be a beautiful and practical item to have. I look forward to seeing the detail of the packaging later on in some Japanese cosmetics magazines.

Related Posts:

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

Anna Sui Spring 2008 Collection
(I have got one of the lip glosses, which I will review very soon!)

My Anna Sui Foundation Cases
(Case galore…)

{ 10 comments }

SUQQU Spring 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, February 1, 2008

in -SUQQU, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics

(SUQQU Spring 2008 collection ad image)
(image from www.suqqu.com/japan.html)

SUQQU‘s spring 2008 collection will be launched in Japan on February 15th. It should be launched in the UK (in London’s Selfridges) about a month later.

(part of the SUQQU spring 2008 lineup)
(image from www.suqqu.com/japan.html)

The collection looks very fresh, and I am seeing shimmer in both the eye and lip items, which is not very typical of SUQQU.

The lineup includes:

– Blend Eye Shadow (eye palettes; three new versions)
– Eye Lucent (loose-powder eyeshadow; two shades) [new item]
– Blend Cheeks (one new version)
– Blend Lip Stick (six new shades)
– Gloss & Lip Color (three versions) [new item]
– Nail Color (three new shades)

In sharp contrast to last spring’s blue eyeshadows and beige lipsticks, SUQQU’s spring collection for this year has green for eyes and pink for lips. It has a slightly more youthful and vibrant feel.


The Gloss & Lip Color looks quite…girlie, and this is the first time I am using this word to describe SUQQU, which, for me, epitomizes grown-up elegance.

Is SUQQU taking on a new dimension? Or is it re-positioning itself to compete with (or make way for) CHICCA? (Both are ultimately owned by the Kanebo Company.)

Related Posts:

Japanese Cosmetics Brands in the UK
(What else is available apart from SUQQU?)

Sensuality with an Attitude
(my personal take on SUQQU)

Loose Powder: A Recurring Phase
(featuring SUQQU and others)

{ 4 comments }

Japanese Cosmetics in the UK (and Where to Get Them)

by PJ on Thursday, January 31, 2008

in -Anna Sui, -Astalift, -DHC, -Kanebo, -Muji, -Paul & Joe, -RMK, -Sensai, -Shiseido, -SHISEIDO (Global Brand), -Shiseido The Makeup, -SK-II, -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, all about Japanese cosmetics (overseas availability information)

(All available in the UK!)
(anti-clockwise from top-left:
Paul & Joe Blanc Body Lotion
RMK Cleansing Oil N
RMK Irresistible Lips C in 03 Holographic Sheer Pink
SUQQU Creamy Lipstick in 22 Benikoji
Paul & Joe Nail Treatment Oil
SUQQU Sanzekan Eau de Toilette)

As requested by a reader, today I am focusing on Japanese cosmetics brands available in the UK and where they can be found.

(If you are reading this from other countries or if you live in the UK but are quite far away from the counters, I will be mentioning possible ways to purchase from some of these brands on-line or through Selfridges.)

Here we go…

So far, there never seems to be a wide array of Japanese cosmetics lines in the UK. But what is available here is nonetheless a good selection of what the Japanese cosmetics industry has to offer. It also includes one of my favorite Japanese brands, Paul & Joe, which we will start with.

— Paul & Joe

(Paul & Joe spring 2008 collection: Sweetie)
(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com/en/index.html)


Launched in Japan in spring 2002, Paul & Joe was an instant sensation. With its beautifully feminine packaging, it was almost the Jill Stuart before there was Jill Stuart.

To my delight, it was launched a couple of years later in London’s Harvey Nichols, where I saw the line in person for the very first time. Now it is available in Fenwick and Harrods in London, apart from the three Paul & Joe’s London boutiques. If you only have time for one counter when you are in London, go straight to Fenwick. The counter there is larger and has a better testing area.

There are several authorized on-line sellers of Paul & Joe in the UK, some of which deliver internationally. You can find them on the Shop Info page on Paul & Joe’s English website.

If you are interested, you can read my reviews on Paul & Joe’s Foundation Primer N, Lip Gloss N, and Face Powder, as well as my personal take on the brand.

— RMK

(RMK spring 2008 collection: Shiny Mix Dots)
(image from www.rmkrmk.com/global/)



Developed by Japanese makeup artist Rumiko, the minimally packaged makeup range is trendy but wearable and has featured a lot of distinctive seasonal collections. Some of RMK‘s most popular products include primers, lip glosses, and mascaras. I myself love RMK’s Cleansing Oil N.

Like Paul & Joe, RMK debuted in London’s Harvey Nichols. Later, it moved to House of Fraser on Oxford Street and it now resides in the nearby Selfridges. It is also available in Selfridges in Trafford Centre in Manchester and House of Fraser in Glasgow.

At the moment, UK is the only country outside Asia where RMK has a retail point. But you might be able to buy from the line from Selfridges by phone (from within or outside the UK). Check out Selfridges‘ Service Directory page for detail. (Select “Delivery” for the relevant information).

— SUQQU

(image from www.suqqu.com/global/)

 

SUQQU‘s launch in London’s Selfridges in November 2006 took me by surprise, as it took a different expansion path. Prior to that, outside Japan, it was only available in Bangkok, which was another slightly unconventional move.

SUQQU’s strength and popularity lie in its base makeup range. Its concealers, cream foundation and Clear Veil Powder are what make the brand well-known in Japan. Its eyelash curler is another cult item. I personally love the ultra-sophisticated brand image as well as the luxuriously smooth and silky texture of SUQQU’s lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushers.

Recently, I have noticed that SUQQU has been trying hard to get featured in major fashion and lifestyle magazines in the UK, which is great to see. You can read my personal thoughts about SUQQU as well as my reviews on SUQQU’s Powder Foundation Glow and Sanzekan Eau de Toilette.

Like RMK, SUQQU’s counter in Selfridges is the only retail point outside Asia. (Again, please check Selfridges‘ Service Directory page if you are interested in purchasing their items by phone.)

— DHC

(image from www.dhcuk.co.uk)


DHC is a very recent addition to the UK beauty scene and is currently available on DHC’s UK website. You can read about my thoughts on the brand in one of my recent posts.

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Updated on February 25th, 2014:

DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil and Eyelash Tonic are available at Fenwick Bond Street in London (from February 13th, 2014). (information from DHC)

.

— SK-II

(Cate Blanchett for SK-II)
(image from www.sk2.co.uk)


Currently owned by Procter & Gamble, this luxury skincare and base makeup line has its roots in Kobe, Japan, and its brand image has always maintained an oriental feel.

SK-II is currently available in several major cities in England and Wales.

— Shiseido International

(Shiseido The Makeup fall 2007 collection)
(image from www.shiseido.co.uk)


The Shiseido lines available in the UK include Shiseido The Makeup, Shiseido The Skincare, Bio-Performance, Benefiance, Pureness, Future Solution, Shiseido Men, and a selection of body and fragrance products.

Shiseido International is currently available in London’s Harrods and Selfridges as well as various other department stores in the UK (apart from Northern Ireland). You can use the Store Locator on Shiseido’s UK website to find your nearest Shiseido counter. A selection of skincare products is also available on QVC UK.

— Kanebo International

(image from www.sensai-cosmetics.com)

Only Kanebo International’s Sensai line (skincare, bodycare, sun care, haircare, and makeup) is available in the UK. It is currently sold in Harrods and its on-line store (where you can also find Shiseido International and SK-II). I am not entirely certain if the line is available in other department stores in the UK. (Do please let me know if you have more information on this. Thank you!)

—

It is perhaps worth mentioning that Anna Sui was available in the UK for some time before it left several years ago. (It used to be seen in Selfridges and House of Fraser in London.) Also, very intriguingly, one of Kanebo’s makeup and skincare lines, Chic Choc, was very briefly available in the Boots store at Piccadilly Circus in London.

According to what has been happening in the UK in recent years, I suspect that there might be more Japanese brands coming to the UK. I am sure it will only happen very gradually, but I remain optimistic!

—

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Updated on February 21st, 2011:

Japanese lifestyle brand Muji also carries basic skincare products in the UK. You can purchase them on-line as well as at Muji stores in the UK and concessions in Selfridges in London and Manchester (The Trafford Centre). (Have a look at the store locator here.)

See my review of Muji Cleansing Oil here.

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Updated on August 25th, 2012:

Astalift is now available in the UK. (Read my review of Regenerating Night Cream.)

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Updated on December 9th, 2013:

It seems that Muji stopped carrying skincare items in the UK. Only beauty accessories are available now.

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Updated on January 22nd, 2014:

Some Anna Sui items are now available on www.asos.com. (Many thanks to Leila for bringing my attention to this!

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Updated on March 1st, 2016:

Some Muji skincare products are available in the UK again.

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Related Posts:

All About Japanese Cosmetics
(celebrating my love for Japanese cosmetics)

Japanese vs. Western
(my comparison of the two camps)

{ 10 comments }

Dressing Table Centerpiece: Paul & Joe Face Powder

by PJ on Sunday, January 27, 2008

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

(Paul & Joe Face Powder in 03 Ambre)

I bought Paul & Joe‘s Face Powder in Harrods in London during the winter sale just a few weeks ago. At 50% off (13 pounds), it was a good bargain. (You can read about some of the huge savings people can make on cosmetics in the UK during the seasonal sales.)

The reason why it was reduced is that Face Powder was replaced by Face Powder N last year, so the Paul & Joe counters (both in Harrods and Fenwick) were clearing out this previous version. (The comparison between the two versions will be made towards the end of this post.) I hadn’t tried the loose powder by Paul & Joe before so I thought I’d try it at this reasonable price.

Like Anna Sui’s loose powder, the case is quite bulky, but I absolutely don’t mind. (I do like my makeup items to have a substantial look and feel.)

(the case and the puff)

Also, like Anna Sui’s loose powder, the cap simply rests on the loose powder container. This can also make transporting the case tricky. I have heard about many “accidents” where the whole case is tipped over and half of the powder ends up on the floor. (Basically, this loose powder is one of the best candidates for the centerpiece on your glamorous dressing table. It is probably not even suitable for trips around your home.)

(The cap simply goes on the silvery rim.)

The similarity to the Anna Sui powder continues. The refill is in a closed round paper container. The top is cut off to reveal the powder.

(I followed the dotted lines…)

Then, the powder container goes back into the loose powder case. The sift is simply placed on top of the powder.

(It is finally done…)

I know that many people really don’t like this design, all the way from the case to the refill and the sift. It all seems quite fiddly. I personally don’t have problems with them. I think it has that delicate “handle with care” quality that can really appeal to me sometimes.

What I do have a problem with is the powder puff. Imagine your puff for your loose body shimmer and this is basically it. First of all, it is too hairy and fluffy for an even application. All I can do is very lightly dust the powder on the face. There is no way I can press the powder onto the skin evenly and have the powder diffuse the look of the pores. Secondly, the core of the puff is solid, so I can’t rub the two sides of the puff against each other to make the puff drink in the powder evenly. The powder can only sit on top of all the fluffy hair, and this simply doesn’t help with an even application. So, I use one of my other loose powder puffs instead.

Onto the finish of the powder itself. I have often heard that Paul & Joe’s base makeup line (primers, foundations, concealers, and loose powder… particularly the foundations) is all about creating a sheer and ultra-natural look. This is certainly what this loose powder offers. Because 03 Ambre is quite a good match with my skin-tone, it goes on almost invisibly, as it imparts a very light air of luminosity. The powder does have shimmer, but it is quite fine and sparse. The finish is very gentle and subtle and is not visibly either matte or glowy.

If you like an ultra-natural barely-there look, then this loose powder is worth trying. But I usually like my loose powder to give me a matte finish and to have a good pore-diffusing and sebum-controlling ability.

While at the counter, I noticed that the new version of loose powder (Face Powder N) is almost completely shimmer-less. It will probably give me the matte finish I like. Also, the shade in #02, which is the closest to the #03 Ambre that I have, seems, in a good way, slightly less pinkish and more yellowish. This would be the shade I would go for if I decide to try the current version. Also, it seems that #03 (of the new version) is one of the darkest loose powder shades from a Japanese cosmetics brand. If you have darker skin-tones and find it difficult to find a loose powder from a Japanese brand, then this shade might be worth a look.

Over all, Paul & Joe Face Powder is all about subtlety. I will definitely continue to enjoy using it sometimes, but I will reach for some of my other loose powder options when I need a truly finished look.

(One note: I think the Paul & Joe Face Powder, which I am reviewing here, might have also been replaced by Face Powder N in some other countries. But, some of the authorized Paul & Joe on-line sellers in the UK, which are listed on the Shop Info page of the English Paul & Joe Beauty website, are still carrying the Face Powder. I believe some of them ship internationally.)

Related Posts:

Paul & Joe Foundation Primer N
(a very effective and well-rounded primer)

Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N in Black-Tie
(my favorite Holiday 2007 item)

Loving Japanese Brands: Paul & Joe
(my personal take on Paul & Joe)

Lavshuca Face Powder
(my current favorite loose powder)

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