all about Japanese cosmetics

Spring 2008 Makeup Collections: How many brands can you spot?

by PJ on Friday, November 23, 2007

in -Anna Sui, -Chanel, -Dior, -Guerlain, -Helena Rubinstein, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Kosé, -Lunasol, -Shu Uemura, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

Exciting spring 2008 makeup preview!
(image from i-voce.boxerblog.com/contents/index.html)


The Voce website has a page from the January 2008 issue, featuring a preview of some spring 2008 makeup collections.

I see Dior, Chanel, Jill Stuart, Lunasol, Anna Sui, Givenchy, Guerlain, Coffret D’Or, Beauté de Kosé, and perhaps Helena Rubinstein, Sofina Est and Shu Uemura…just to name a few.

I think I have already seen some items I want…and it is still November!

I am loving the look of the Chanel and Lunasol lilac eyeshadow palettes (as if I didn’t have enough lilac palettes…with my T’Estimo, Jill Stuart, and Lavshuca lilac bonanza).

What has grabbed your attention?

Updated on Friday, November 23, 2007:

Bjooti has kindly confirmed that the zebra-printed one towards the top left is indeed from the Helena Rubinstein spring 2008 collection. Take a look at the full collection on her blog!

Related Posts (let’s go back to holiday 2007):

Dior DiorLight Jewelled Makeup Necklace
(another beautiful Dior seasonal item)

Lavshuca Christmas 2007 Makeup Palette
(as cute as a box of chocolates…)

{ 8 comments }

Kanebo Coffret D’Or Spring 2008 Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, November 21, 2007

in _Japanese Brand Profile, -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Kanebo’s Coffret D’Or will be releasing a new line of lip colors as part of the spring 2008 collection on January 16, 2008.

The dual-purpose lip colors include a slim lipstick that doubles as a subtle lip liner to define the lip shape as well as a liquid lip color to add shine and dimension to the lips.

If you like your makeup items to be multi-purposed and ultra-compact, then these might be worth looking into.

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Kanebo’s Coffret D’Or is replacing the color makeup line T’Estimo and the base makeup line Revue. The brand image is elegant and understated but perhaps not as eye-popping as some would hope. But it is still very early days and it would be very interesting to see how the brand evolves.

(part of the Coffret D’Or lineup)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

A couple of years ago, when Shiseido’s Maquillage replaced the very successful PN (the color makeup line that injected an air of youth into Shiseido’s then aging brand image) and Proudia (the base makeup line), it was believed that many PN fans had grown up and wanted something more mature and sophisticated. As the drugstore line “ff” was discontinued at the same time, it was also suspected that Shiseido wanted to experiment with the concept of “Super Brand” to better define Shiseido’s image, instead of too many lines with various price and retail points.

Kanebo is apparently doing something similar, as Coffret D’Or’s image at the moment is much more sedate and grown-up than T’Estimo’s. It actually bears a slight resemblance to the beautifully packaged Lunasol (also by Kanebo), although I think Lunasol still has a better edge.

I have started to wonder if other major brands like Kose and Sofina will follow this trend…

Related Posts:

Lunasol Spring 2008 collection
(Loving the eyeshadows…)

T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes Palette
(So long, T’Estimo!)

{ 9 comments }

My Anna Sui Foundation Cases

by PJ on Sunday, November 18, 2007

in -Anna Sui, 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, stash focus

(the group shot)


Apart from Sofina Raycious foundation cases, which I enjoy collecting, I also collect Anna Sui foundation cases from time to time. (Do have a look at my Part One and Part Two of my Sofina Raycious Case Galore if you haven’t.)

My Anna Sui collection is far less extensive than Raycious’. There are many more Anna Sui cases that I don’t have, as I only collect what I really like.

This black one above is my first Anna Sui case, which is among the first Anna Sui case designs. It is the Gothic princess look that Anna Sui does very well.


Then Anna Sui entered what I call the golden age, during which most base makeup products and some color makeup products were packaged in frosty matte golden cases. I do really like the golden look. First of all, finger prints are not easily left on these finishes. Also, the golden cases show off the details of the design much better.

This one above is perhaps my favorite one. Again, love the golden case. Also, I like the butterfly detail.


This one is from the Anna Sui brightening skincare and foundation range, in which most of the items are in white packaging. I like the unique shape of this case in particular.

Last fall, Anna Sui re-launched the base makeup range (seen below). We are brought back to the classic black packaging, while the shapes and the details of the cases are slightly modified.

(Anna Sui’s current base makeup range)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)


By the way, Anna Sui’s Holiday 2007 collection includes a limited-edition hand mirror in the golden shade I love. It looks adorable! (I have to say I prefer this to the usual black one…)

(Anna Sui Hand Mirror G)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

More items in gold, please, I’d say…

Updated on March 27, 2008:

See my latest Anna Sui foundation case here.

Related Posts:

Anna Sui Face Color Accent
(a lovely blusher…)

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

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

{ 14 comments }

Finally Got It! SUQQU Sanzekan Eau de Toilette

by PJ on Tuesday, November 13, 2007

in -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, fragrance, stash focus

(The photo in the leaflet shows off
the angular shape of the bottle.)

(SUQQU Sanzekan Eau de Toilette 50ml)

It may appear as an impulse purchase, since I decided to buy this within seconds of seeing it. (It was launched on the day when I was at the counter, and I hadn’t come across any information about the launch.) But it really was not, and I will explain why.


This fragrance is based on the scent of Sanzekan (the eastern orchid), which is used in all SUQQU’s skincare products. Personally I dislike any prominent scent in skincare products. (It is simply unnecessary and may cause irritation.) But, purely as a scent, I really like it. Unique, sophisticated, and instantly memorable.

(Sanzekan, the eastern orchid)
(image from www.suqqu.com)


The first time SUQQU released this scent as a fragrance was when they launched the holiday collection in November 2005 (seen below on the left).

(SUQQU holiday 2005 collection)
(image from www.suqqu.com)

It is a 18ml travel-size bottle. The collection (sold as a set) also included a lipstick and a nail color based on the rich red hue of Sanzekan.

The full-size fragrance was released in Japan a year later in November 2006 but also as a limited edition. This was around the time SUQQU was launched in the UK. The actual fragrance was not available in the UK, but I fell in love with the scent of Sanzekan in the skincare products.

Around that time, there was a Gift with Purchase offer which included the 18ml fragrance (seen in the 2005 holiday set above). But the qualifying amount for the GWP was too high so I decided not to get it.

At the time, the sales assistants didn’t know whether the fragrance would ever be available in the UK. So I simply gave up the idea of ever owning the fragrance. But I liked the scent so much that I would constantly sniff the toner sample I got.

So you can imagine how excited I was when I saw this bottle in its full glory at the SUQQU counter last week. (I thought I’d never see it.) Without no hesitation, I decided to get it.

As mentioned, the prominent note is the eastern orchid Sanzekan. Feminine and lilting, it is a beautifully delicate and elegant scent.

Top note: eastern orchid (Sanzekan)
Middle notes: rose and jasmine
Base notes: vanilla and sandalwood

Like AYURA‘s Spirit of AYURA, this has a unique oriental flavor to it that I really enjoy. Not a generic scent, to say the very least. I am so glad I finally have it now…

Related Posts:

Sheer Stella 2007
(featuring all the previous editions)

Bond No. 9 Coney Island
(summer bottled up)

My Favorite Fragrances
(What about yours?)

{ 4 comments }

Lavshuca Holiday 2007 Makeup Palette

by PJ on Monday, November 12, 2007

in -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Lavshuca Holiday 2007 Palette)

I just got my Lavshuca holiday 2007 palette a couple of days ago. The first thing I did was to take some photos so I could show you this cute palette.

I have not actually used it yet. (Unlike the DiorLight necklace that I also just got, I WILL be using this.) I will post a review after I have used the eyeshadows and the lip colors.

I was surprised to find that all the bits were outside the case when I received this. This is Lavshuca’s first eye-and-lip palette so they seem to be having a bit of fun with it. Also, since the case is not transparent, it makes sense to present everything like this so the customers in the drugstores can instantly see all the colors and the front of the case. Overall I like the whole presentation.

The case is made of cardboard but it is relatively sturdy.

(the case and the colors presented separately)

(Complete the puzzle!)


Obviously all the bits go into the case. But, I think perhaps some people will be quite happy just to leave them where they are so everything can be displayed as it is in the cute box. Umm…it is not a bad idea actually……



Related posts:

Straight onto my Shopping List: Lavshuca Holiday 2007 Palette
(my first impression of the palettes along with the new lip glosses)

Chanel Contraste Lumière Palette
(another great eye-and-lip palette)

{ 8 comments }

Lunasol Spring 2008 Collection: First Look!

by PJ on Friday, November 9, 2007

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

(part of the Lunasol Spring 2008 Collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)


This is my first spring 2008 makeup collection post, and it is on one of my favorite brands, Lunasol.

Inspired by the vibrant colors of the ocean, the lipsticks reflect the various shades of the coral while the eyeshadows pick up the hues of sea water.

The collection includes:

Full Glamor Lips G (20 shades)
Contrasting W Lip Liners (4 shades)
Sheer Contrast Eyes (eyeshadow palettes, 5 variations)
Contrasting Cheeks N (2 shades)
W Highlight (highlighter) (1 shade)

The collection will be released in Japan on January 18, 2008.

Looking at the promotional image above, I suspect that there are going to be some bright yet wearable shades in interesting combinations for the eyeshadow palettes, which is exciting. (I actually really like the look of the eyeshadow palette above.) I am interested in seeing the two new blushers as well.

In the past few seasons, Lunasol has been doing extremely well, and I am definitely looking forward to this collection.

Updated on December 30, 2007:

Earlier, Lunasol‘s official website updated to include the complete lineup of the spring 2008 collection. These two photos below show part of the lineup. The Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes look particularly stunning.

(Lunasol Full Glamor Lips G)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)


(Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)

Related posts:

Lunasol Contrasting Cheeks in Light Orange
(for a sun-kissed glow)

Loving Japanese Brand: Lunasol
(my personal take on Lunasol)

{ 8 comments }

A Touch of Lunasol Blusher: Contrasting Cheeks in Light Orange

by PJ on Tuesday, November 6, 2007

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - blusher

(Lunasol Contrasting Cheeks in #03 Light Orange)


Since its launch in 1999, Lunasol has been among my favorite brands. I love the good quality and the polished and sophisticated packaging and brand image.

One of the Lunasol items I have is Contrasting Cheeks in #03 Light Orange. It is not peachy or coral. It is, as the name indicates, a soft light orange. (But this shade has actually been discontinued. You can see the currently available shades below.)

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


I suppose it is called Contrasting Cheeks because every shade comes in two finishes. The two squares on the top left and bottom right in the pan have shimmer, while the rest is basically matte with very little shimmer. When I use the blusher brush to sweep across the pan and apply the color, the finish is still predominantly matte. I can also use the shimmery portion on the center of the cheek areas to impart an accent glow, which adds a very subtle dimension to the cheeks.

I chose this shade because I had quite a few of pink-tone blushers and I wanted something different. After testing it at the counter, I found that it was relatively sheer and thought I could “work” this. Indeed I can. It gives a healthy sun-kissed glow and the color merges with the pink undertone of my face very well. It does not make my cheeks look too orange at all.

For me, this is more of a summery shade. But it is certainly natural enough to be used all year round. Another great member of my blusher family…

More touches of blusher:

AYURA Aura Veil α

Lavshuca Cheek Color

Anna Sui Face Color Accent

{ 0 comments }

Holiday Flashback: Sofina Aube Astral Rouge

by PJ on Thursday, November 1, 2007

in -Aube (Couture), -Kao, -Sofina, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss

(Sofina Aube Astral Rouge)

Sofina Aube Astral Rouge lip palette is among the first holiday items I have ever purchased, back in 2000. (Obviously I have not been using it for quite some time. But this very pretty item will always be among my permanent collection.)

(Sofina Aube’s original navy blue packaging)


Sofina Aube has gone through at least three major packaging overhauls, and the packaging of this palette reflects what Aube (Sofina’s color makeup line) used to look like around 2000, with a deep navy blue color scheme. (I do have to say I prefer the Aube packaging back in the “old” days…)

(loving the shades…and the star)


The palette includes four lip colors (wearable pink shades with various tones) and two lip glosses (a very sheer pink with minimal shimmer and a pearly white with more intense shimmer).

This palette does bring back memories of the occasions where I had some of these shades on. It is interesting that some of my makeup purchases punctuate the various phases in my life. I know it sounds slightly silly and overly sentimental, but I am sure you know what I mean.

I will bring you more of my past holiday items every now and then. But if you want more of them now, do stop by Musings of a Muse for some more past holiday delights.

Related Posts:

Holiday 2006 Items
(See what made the cut last year.)

Holiday 2007 Items
(See them at a glance!)

{ 2 comments }

All About Japanese Cosmetics: New Category Added

by PJ on Tuesday, October 30, 2007

in -Anna Sui, -Ayura, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Kao, -Kate, -Kosé, -Lavshuca, -Lunasol, -Majolica Majorca, -Paul & Joe, -Shiseido, -Sofina, -SUQQU, -T'Estimo, all about Japanese cosmetics, announcement

(You can tell that I love my Japanese cosmetics…)


Most of you who read my blog certainly know that I have a passion for Japanese cosmetics. While I do try to keep a balance between western and Japanese cosmetics on my blog, I do think, for me, Japanese cosmetics items do better on my scoreboard in most areas.

If you would like to look through my posts related to Japanese cosmetics, I have made it a bit easier for you by adding the category “All About Japanese Cosmetics“ on the sidebar (under “Read by Topics”). As of now, there are 96 posts under this category, and the number will certainly grow week by week.

Please enjoy!

Here are just a few highlights:

Loving Japanese Brands
(where I highlight 7 wonderful Japanese brands)

Japanese vs. Western…Who’s Winning?
(Which side are you on?)

If I Could Go to Japan RIGHT NOW
(I share my dream shopping list.)

A couple of the items featured in the photo above:

Kanebo T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes 03

Lavshuca Eye Color Select PK-1

More to come!!

{ 43 comments }

Loose Powder: A Reemerging Phase?

by PJ on Sunday, October 28, 2007

in -Anna Sui, -Cosme Decorte, -Kanebo, -Kosé, -Lunasol, -Magie Deco, -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - powder

I always find myself in various “phases” when it comes to makeup purchases. Powder foundations, eyebrow powder, lipsticks, lip glosses, and blushers are some of the major phases in the last few years. Recently there is a recurring phase emerging: loose powder.

There is something very elegant about using a loose powder to lightly set the foundation to create that wonderfully polished complexion. Usually, it takes less time to achieve it with a pressed powder, but a nice loose powder sitting on the dressing table always carries an air of glamor.

I tend to choose a sheer loose powder that is either totally matte or with very little fine shimmer. It is even more ideal if the loose powder can effectively diffuse pores.

Meet the candidates vying for my attention:

Anna Sui Loose Powder

(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)


I have used the very first version of Anna Sui Loose Powder. Since then, it went through two packaging changes and now we are looking at the third version. (I do like the previous gold case.)

There are six shades available, which offer a good range of choices. The best selling shade in Asia is #200, which is a very sheer lavender with quite a lot of pearly shimmer. I have tested it and it doesn’t really suit me. I think a light beige (either #700 and #701, both matte) would suit me better.

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

I have read some good reviews of this loose powder, praising the fineness of the powder in particular. I also like the simple round case with the reflective copper-tone lid. #01 Translucent is an off-white with shimmer while I will be considering #02 Natural Beige, a light beige without shimmer.

Magie Deco Face Powder
(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco/)

Kosé’s top-end brand Cosme Decorte has launched a slightly more affordable (but still high-end) makeup line this fall, Magie Deco. The packaging draws part of the inspiration from the symmetric and structural Art Deco era. I have come across some magazine coverage of this loose powder and its pore-diffusing ability grabbed my attention. Four shades are available (Lucent/ Pearl Nuance/ Natural Beige/ Pink Sparkle), and I will be considering Lucent, a sheer matte pale beige.

(image from www.suqqu.com)

I like the deep violet packaging of the new SUQQU foundation line. The Loose Powder comes in two shades, Natural and Deep. The idea is to use both shades, with Natural for highlighting and Deep for contouring. Priced at 35 pounds (around 70 USD), it is unlikely that I will pick up both. Next week I will visit the SUQQU counter and see which one suits me better overall.

It is very likely that I will pick up at least one of these four. Which one will it be? I will keep you posted!

Read more about the featured brands:

Anna Sui
(Gothic Princess)

Lunasol
(Polished Sophistication)

SUQQU
(Pure Class)

{ 8 comments }

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