Makeup, Skincare, Fragrance and a Bit of Fashion
(image from Kanebo CHICCA)
Have a look, and enjoy!
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(Kanebo CHICCA counter design)
(the classy detail of the packaging)
(CHICCA’s debut base and color makeup lineup)
(image from www.chicca.jp)
(CHICCA’s debut skincare lineup)
(part of the color makeup lineup)Following the debut of Coffret D’Or last December, this will be another important move from Kanebo, which was not doing very well financially and was purchased by Kao in early 2006. It would be interesting to see how CHICCA competes with other top-end brands in the future.
Updated on January 28, 2008:
CHICCA’s official website has been launched.
Photos of the details of the compact design and part of the color makeup lineup have been added above.
The brand is gradually appealing to me more and more. The Enthralling Powder Eye Shadow (particularly the duo in #02, beautifully named Chiffon Lavender Dress) and Flush Blush (a cream blusher) are just two of the items that have caught my eye.
(CHICCA Enthralling Powder Eye Shadow
Related Posts:
SUQQU: Sensuality with an Attitude
(another major high-end brand in Japan)
All About Japanese Cosmetics
(Can’t have enough of them…)
Loving Japanese Brands
(Read about my 7 favorite Japanese brands.)
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(RMK Cleansing Oil N)RMK Cleansing Oil N is the cleansing oil of my choice before and after I was using the cheaper Boots Botanics Essential Oil Wash Off Cleanser, and this is one of my favorite makeup removing products.
To be specific, Cleansing Oil N, out a couple of years ago, is the new version of Cleansing Oil. But I don’t feel that there is any substantial difference between the two versions. Both are equally great.
Like most other cleansing oils, this one cleanses very effectively and melts all water-proof makeup. But three aspects of this cleansing oil stands out for me:
1. It emulsifies very well upon rinsing. There are several cleansing oils I have tried that don’t emulsify very well and leave a greasy film. Even after using a face wash, sometimes my face still feels somewhat greasy. This one leaves the skin very cleansed and fresh. Very occasionally I even forget to wash my face with a face wash immediately afterwards.
2. It is very gentle for my eyes. A couple of cleansing oils that I actually really like can leave my eyes dry if they get into the eyes while dissolving eye makeup. This one is very gentle for the eye area and never feels irritating.
3. With mainly olive, avocado, and grape seed oil, the texture is very light and it spreads wonderfully easily. I find that I don’t need as much per appplication, compared with other cleansing oils.
I am very glad that RMK became available in the UK several years ago, so there was no doubt which cleansing oil I was going to switch (back) to after the Boots Bonatics Oil Cleanser was discontinued.
(Note: Currently, UK is the only place outside Asia where RMK products are available.)
Updated on January 27, 2008:
In the comment section, Jami from Bionic Beauty asked about the ingredient list of this cleansing oil. So here is the full ingredient list of RMK’s Cleansing Oil N that I happen to have saved for future reference. (Please click on the photo for a much larger version.)
(the full ingredient list of RMK Cleansing Oil N,
Related Posts:
I also can’t live without:
Garnier Hand Cocoon
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(Kanebo Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes)However, as I saw more and more sneak-peek photos of the collection, Coffret D’Or’s debut lineup started to grow on me. I decided that I would try something from the line.
In many Japanese brands, I think the eyeshadow palettes play an important part in defining the image of the brand, in terms of both packaging and shade combinations. Their 3D Lighting Eyes in 04 Purple Variation really caught my eye. So there was no question which item I would want to try first.
I like the packaging of the palette. It is like a small gift box wrapped in jeweled ribbons. (Many Japanese brands are able to do cute and elegant at the same time without ever appearing tacky.)
04 Purple Variation faces severe competition with my other lilac-based palettes.
The individual shades deserve a detailed mention. First of all, the upper white strip consists of two finishes. (In the photo, you can see that the left half is slightly whiter than the right half.) The right half is a medium pigmented white with very fine multi-color sparkles. The left half is sheerer and has slightly larger multi-color sparkles. The two parts are meant to be used together as a base (swept across with a brush or a wide sponge-tip) but they can still be used individually. I think the reason the two halves are packaged like this is to showcase the variation of sizes of sparkles and the multi-dimensional effect that they can create together (the namesake 3D effect, I suppose).
On the second row, from left to right:
— a dusty pink with very smooth shimmer and very fine sparkles (medium pigmented)
— a sheer and very pale blue with mild shimmer and slightly larger multi-color sparkles (not glitters)
— a well-pigmented muted violet with sparse multi-color sparkles
The dusty pink has a very mild warm mauve undertone and the pale blue has a hint of cool pale lilac undertone.
The palette is a joy to use. The texture of the powder is very smooth, the shades go on very easily, and blending is effortless.
What some people like about eyeshadow palettes of some Japanese makeup lines is that there are step-by-step instructions on how to use a palette to create the look that it is designed to create and to achieve the look in the promotional image.
(instructions on the back of the outer packaging)I put the two photos together so you don’t need to refer back and forth:
The finish look is very soft, natural, and sensual, as the B and C shades are both relatively light. But the palette manages to very effectively enhance the dimension of the eyes. I think the delicate variation in shades, pigmentation, shimmer, and sparkles in this palette is a success. Every single element in this palette is doing something that you can see.
(Tokiwa Takako for Coffret D’Or)
(Please note that Tokiwa Takako is using the 3D Lighting Eyes in 05 Gold Variation.)
The instructions seem to aim for a fresh and elegant daytime look. For a more intense evening look, smudging the violet shade further (instead of using the shade to simply line the eyes) will add more drama. (I tried that and it worked very well too.)
Overall, I adore this palette and the soft and understated look that it creates. The shimmer is smooth and velvety, and the multi-color sparkles are delicate but vibrant.
If you prefer a lot of impact for the eye makeup, then this range of palettes might not appeal to you as much. But perhaps Coffret D’Or will bring out more intense color combinations later this year. Judging by the quality of this palette, I think it is worth the wait…
Updated on January 28, 2008:
If you are interested, there are reviews of 02 Blue-Green Variation on My Women Stuff and Mostly Make Up.
My other lilac-based palettes, along with a very short comparison (please click on the links for full reviews):
Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst
(The shades are sheerer and there are larger sparkles.)
T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes in 03
(The lilac shades are cooler and there is a wider range of lighter and darker shades for a more intense look.)
Lavshuca Eye Color Select in PU-2
(This palette from Lavshuca’s fall 2007 collection is overall a slightly darker and warmer version of the Coffret D’Or one.)
Please feel free to leave your comment if you’d like to ask me for more comparisons among these palettes and shades!
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(some of my Jill Stuart items)
After previous speculation, it has been confirmed that the Jill Stuart Beauty line will be launched in Taiwan in April.
Taiwan will become the only place outside Japan where the full line is officially available.
As with many other Japanese brands available in Taiwan, it is expected that the overall price-point will be around 10% lower than the retail price in Japan and that all the subsequent seasonal collections will be launched more or less simultaneously in Taiwan. (The Jill Stuart Beauty line is developed, produced, and marketed by Kosé, one of the largest cosmetics companies in Japan. So I usually classify the beauty line as a Japanese line.)
Like previous launches of popular Japanese cosmetics brands (such as Anna Sui, Paul & Joe, Majolica Majorca, and Lavshuca), the news of Jill Stuart’s upcoming launch has hugely excited makeup fans in Taiwan, some of whom travel to Japan regularly to pick up the trendiest and hippiest beauty items.
Many popular Japanese cosmetics brands eventually make their way to Taiwan (in most cases), Hong Kong and Singapore, so I am not totally surprised at the news. (The line debuted in Japan in fall 2005.) I suspect this is also an attempt for the line to test the water before it is considered to be launched in other countries. We’ll see!
(You can read a little bit more about the brand and the launch here if you happen to read Chinese.)
Updated on February 28th 2008:
The first Jill Stuart Beauty counter outside Japan will open on March 6th in Taipei’s Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (Hsinyi A8). (Check here for the source (in Mandarin).)
Updated on March 4th 2008:
Another source mentions that the launch date is March 28th, which should be more accurate.
Updated on March 8th 2008:
Have a look at the price list and the confirmation that there will also be a Jill Stuart counter in SOGO Chung-Hsiao Taipei on March 28th.
Related Posts:
Jill Stuart Launches in the US?
(Is it also happening over in the US?)
Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst
(out in spring 2007, but still very on-trend this year)
Loving Japanese Brands: Jill Stuart Cosmetics
(my personal take on Jill Stuart)
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(cuticle oil from Paul & Joe (left)But I do have a weakness for cute-looking cuticle oils. A big reason why I bought these three is that they look so adorable. They are like little treats, and I don’t really use them regularly. But, when I do, I use them as a nail/cuticle conditioner underneath my hand cream and cuticle cream.
The Ayura one in the middle is what started this weakness. It was a limited-edition item included in a set a few years ago and it was never sold on its own. The three layers of oil (of pink, peach, and lime-green shades) are mixed together before use. It is well-absorbed and smells divine. (This cuticle oil was a one-off creation based on the scent
of Spirit of Ayura, one of my favorite fragrances.) I stopped using it after I decided I wanted to keep these colorful layers close to their entirety.When Ayura’s nail items changed their packaging a couple of years ago, they released After Bath Nail Essence (a general item, not limited-edition). It is not an oil and has a serum texture. The inclusion of alcohol in this prevents it from being more moisturizing, and I make sure I apply a hand cream right afterwards.
The Paul & Joe Nail Treatment Oil (pictured left) has the same light oil texture as the Ayura limited-edition one. It penetrates well and conditions the nail area nicely before I apply my hand cream and cuticle cream.
The link to the Paul & Joe Nail Treatment Oil above shows the new version (Nail Care Oil), out on February 1st. I will be checking it out and see how different it is from the one I have…
Related Posts:
Can’t Live Without: Garnier Hand Cocoon
(one of my favorite hand creams)
Ayura Spring 2008 Collection
(a new look for my all-time favorite brand)
Paul & Joe Foundation Primer N
(tried and tested…and loving it)
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(Lunasol Full Glamour Gloss in 04 Bright Pink)
First of all, even though the shade is named Bright Pink, it is not a bright neon pink that is hard to pull off. It is actually a very pretty and elegant medium-to-sheer pink which is very wearable. It should suit most skin-tones.
Apart from that, there are two things that I particularly like about this lip gloss. First, it has very beautiful and delicate multi-color shimmer that adds subtle dimension and fullness to the lips and makes lip lines appear less obvious.
Also, the slanted applicator (seen below) is well designed. It glides and spreads the gloss on very evenly. Two swipes, back and forth, on each lip, and it’s done. Sensually glossy, with rippling shimmer.
(Lunasol Full Glamor Gloss)
I also like the packaging. Very simple and sophisticated, which is generally the case with all Lunasol’s minimal and low-key packaging. But it still oozes glamor.
With a stunning spring 2008 collection, Lunasol continues to be a brand that I will pay a lot of attention to in 2008.
Related Posts:
Loving Japanese Brands: Lunasol
(my personal take on Lunasol)
Sony Curvy Lip Silicone
(It had sold more than 1 million copies by the time I wrote this post, but now it has sold over 2 million copies. Find out why!)
Beautiful Lips with Blue Lip Glosses?
(Have you tried them?)
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(my Miss Elégance item and catalog)
Price-wise, Miss Elégance was in the medium-low range in Japanese cosmetics, as the price-point was between brands like T’Estimo and budget lines like Majolica Majorca. It was generally an affordable line of makeup items.
I found out that it had been discontinued in Japan earlier this year (on May 31, 2007) as I was planning my shopping list for Japan. I was quite disappointed. Miss Elégance didn’t have the same cache as Dick Page’s Inoui ID (discontinued earlier this year as well, which stunned many of its fans.) But I really like the fact that the brand was always very low-key and unassuming, as I don’t think it was that widely available and was advertised that much.
The Miss Elégance item I have is Powder Color in 16, which I bought in Tokyo years ago. It is a nice medium brown which I bought during my neutral-tone phase. It is smooth and nicely pigmented, but, as you can see, I have been very precious about it and haven’t used it very much. (I love the two flowers on the eyeshadow. So pretty.)
(Miss Elégance Powder Color in 16)
The case looks equally lovely, to say the least:
(the Powder Color case,The Powder Color was available in 35 shades, which offered a wide range of neutral and vibrant hues:
(Miss Elegance Powder Color –The floral motif continues to grace the packaging, as seen here with Liquid Rouge (love that lavender shade):
(Miss Elegance Liquid Rouge)
Related posts:
All About Japanese Cosmetics
(Do you like Japanese cosmetics as well?)
Other Bring It Back posts:
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Two major makeup trends for spring 2008:
– blue eye colors
– lilac eye colors
(part of Chanel’s spring 2008 collection, Aurora Blues Accent)
(images from Bjooti.Net)
The new Chanel eyeshadow palette, Les 4 Ombres in Blue Cèlestes, includes a dark cold blue and a pastel blue. It also features grey, which is carried over from the makeup trend from fall 2007. The collection has a distinctive look, but I personally feel that it lacks a bit of warmth.
Givenchy‘s new denim-themed spring 2008 collection, Denim Fétiche, is also blue-oriented, right from the packaging to the shades.
(part of the Givenchy spring 2008 makeup collection,Coincidentally, the MAC for A-Mei collection, out in January 2008, includes a brighter, bolder, and slightly warmer blue. I have to say this is the kind of blue that I enjoy playing with more.
(MAC for A-Mei Eye Palettes)Let’s move on to purple. I have always loved soft purple shades like lilac/lavender as well as darker purples like violet. Since this fall, we have seen rich bright purples in fashion, especially in accessories. Mulberry‘s Bayswater patent leather bag in purple is just one example of a hot fashion trend in fall 2007.
(Mulberry Bayswater bag in purple)
(Dior spring 2008 collection)Apart from blue, Givenchy‘s spring 2008 collection also incorporates elements of purple. I will be interested in seeing the actual color and finish of the blusher (pictured in the middle).
(part of Givenchy’s spring 2008 collection)
(YSL Ombre Duo Lumière)
(Chanel 4 Fleurs de Chanel)(image from uma.chanel.com)
(Anna Sui Glitter Eye Color Stick)
(Anna Sui’s Sui Lip Gloss and Eye Color Accent J)
(image from woman.excite.co.jp)
(part of Clé de Peau’s spring 2008 collection)
(Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes)I am probably going to pick up some (more) lilac eyeshadow palettes, and I will be reviewing them later on!
What about you? Are you happy with these spring 2008 makeup trends?
A Splash of Color – Lilting Lilac
(one of my favorite colors)
T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes in Purple
(out this spring and even more on-trend in spring 2008)
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Among all my favorite colors, pastel purple (lilac/lavender) has always been near the top of the list. Thanks to the delicate mixture of red and blue, purple, to me, is an elegant color with the right amount of warmness and coolness.
It has been a great accent color in my wardrobe for years (be it pastel lilac or rich violet), but it is only fairly recently that I discovered that soft lilacs look good on my face as well!
Keep pretty:
-Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst
-T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes in 03
-Lavshuca Eyecolor Select in PU-2
-Chanel Contraste Lumière palette in Aquarelles
-Maybelline Dream Mousse Eye Color in Divine Lilac
-Clinique Glosswear for Lips in 333 La La Lilac
-AYURA Pure Nails (limited-edition lilac shade)
Keep clean:
-Radox Clean & Pamper Handwash with lavender & magnolia
Keep warm:
-Hat by Fred Bare
(My teddy bear pulls this off much better than I do…)
-Sweater by Sisley
Keep organized:
-Beauty Diary by Biteki & Albion
(from Biteki January 2007 issue)
I have noticed that Chanel, Lunasol, and Guerlain are featuring lilac in their spring 2008 collections, and I am predicting that lilac is a key spring 2008 makeup trend!
I have more lilacs on my spring 2008 shopping list, and I am sensing an arrival of Lilting Lilac Part II!
More splashes of colors!
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Jill Stuart Story of Fragrances Collection for 2025 & 2026 (image from www.cosme.net)
