all about Japanese cosmetics

Straight onto My Shopping List: Lavshuca Holiday 2007 Palette

by PJ on Wednesday, October 24, 2007

in -Lavshuca, 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Lavshuca Holiday 2007 palettes)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca/)

As I mentioned yesterday, for this holiday season, not a lot of items have made the cut for my shopping list (only the DiorLight pendant and the MAC Antiquitease Royal Assets palettes). But when I saw these holiday 2007 palettes from Lavshuca (out on November 1 in Japan), the decision was made very quickly: I am getting one of these.

There are two versions, one with beige shades and one with pink and lilac tones. I am definitely leaning toward the pink and the lilac shades.

There is also a transparent lid on the lip color compartment so the eyeshadow powder won’t fly all over the lip shades and make them look dusty. A very thoughtful touch.

Also out on November 1 is a new range of lip colors, Liquid Rouge. Like Jewelry Lips, they will be very petite and compact.

(Lavshuca Liquid Rouge)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca/)

At the moment, on the website, PK-1, PK-3, and RS-1 look pretty good. We’ll see how they are compared with Color Conc Rouge that I tried earlier. (They look slightly cuter already, I have to say…)

Dior Diorissime Palette
(a great palette for both eyes and lips)

Lavshuca Eye Color Select in PK-1 and BU-1
(two of my favorite items from Lavshuca)

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Which holiday item has made the cut for you?

by PJ on Tuesday, October 23, 2007

in 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics

(part of the Holiday 2007 collection feature
on Biteki magazine)
(image from www.biteki.com)

I am sure most of you have seen almost all the coverage of the Holiday 2007 collections and have probably purchased some. But if you need some more material to help you decide, have a look at the on-line excerpt of the December 2007 issue of Biteki magazine, which presents a definitive coverage of Holiday 2007 items.

This issue is now out in Japan and should be available in Japanese bookstores in many other countries within the next few weeks. (Mine should be ready for collection in JP Books in London in the next couple of days.)

Compared with last year, not many items have made it to my provisional shopping list. So far, I have three items:

Dior DiorLight pendant

MAC Antiquitease Royal Assets palettes
(I might pick up either a lip or an eye palette.)

There is a third item, which I shall reveal tomorrow!

Which item has made the cut for you?

Biteki Magazine
(Read about my long-term relationship with this wonderful Japanese cosmetics magazine…I have every issue of it since its launch in 2001…)

Other Holiday 2007 Collections
(Have a look at the ones that grabbed my attention)

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Foundation Face-Off: Chanel Mat Lumière & SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow

by PJ on Sunday, October 21, 2007

in -Chanel, -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation

(SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow & Chanel Mat Lumière)

(ample amount for numerous applications)

I happened to get some generous trial samples of two of the foundations I was looking forward to trying out: Chanel Mat Lumière and SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow. The samples allow many applications so I was able to really compare them.

Finish:

Both have a pleasingly matte finish. Chanel’s finish lives up to its name, as it is predominantly matte but with a natural and subtle luminosity. SUQQU creates more of a velvety matte finish, which looks very polished. I am happy with both.

Coverage:

As I usually go for a medium or medium-to-full coverage, SUQQU wins it here for me. It has an effortless medium-to-full coverage without looking chalky or cakey at all. The ultra-smooth powder almost has a moist feel, which is a joy to use. On the other hand, Chanel gives a natural and sheer-to-medium coverage. Personally, I would like a bit more coverage than this.

Pore Concealing:

Again, SUQQU wins it hands down in this category. Powder foundations from Japanese brands often do exceptionally well in smoothing out pores. Chanel falls short in covering pores effectively.

Shine Control:

This is where Chanel performs better than SUQQU. Sometimes, the trade-off for a velvety and almost moist powder foundation is that the powder doesn’t absorb sebum very effectively. In this case, Chanel’s slightly dryer powder tackles this area more successfully.

Overall, I still prefer SUQQU’s Powder Foundation Glow. It creates a great coverage and finish, and it conceals pores very well and gives a smooth and polished look. (I just need to remember to blot out the shine a bit more often.) But Chanel’s Mat Lumière is not bad at all, and it will suit someone that wants a sheer and natural look. Both are a worth a good look.

Notes on the basics:
Chanel Mat Lumière: 6 shades, SPF 10 PA +
SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow: 5 shdes, SPF16 PA ++
(PA indicates the strength of UVA protection, ranging from PA+ to PA ++++)

SUQQU Fall 2007 Foundation Lineup
(See the other brand-new items apart from the foundation reviewed above.)

SUQQU: Sensuality with an Attitude
(my personal take on one of the most welcome additions to the UK beauty scene)

Chanel: The Perfect Black
(Find out why Chanel is one of my favorite brands.)

{ 10 comments }

Sofina Raycious Pressed Powder Mini-Galore

by PJ on Thursday, October 18, 2007

in -Kao, -Sofina, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - powder, stash focus

(My three Sofina Raycious pressed powder compacts:
Left: Raycious Lucent Powder
Middle: Raycious Ray Blend Powder
Right: Raycious Ray Contrast Powder)

After showing you all my Sofina Raycious powder foundation cases (you can read both Part One and Part Two of the post), I am now bringing you more items from my Raycious collection.

This time it is all about the pressed finishing powder.

Apart from powder foundations, Sofina Raycious also releases pressed finishing powder compacts, which are mainly used with Raycious’ liquid foundations. But I do use them after my powder foundation to create a polished look.

The one on the left (in the photo above) is the first edition (Raycious Lucent Powder), released several years ago. It comes in two finishes. The upper section is sheer and completely matte. It is simply the best finishing powder I have ever used in term of controlling shine and concealing pores. The polished look is also long-lasting. The lower section is a wonderful highlighting powder. It imparts a natural luminous glow without being shimmery or glittery. (I have several refills of Lucent Powder and I put in a new one for the photos.)

The middle one is the second edition (Raycious Ray Blend Powder) and the right one is the third and (the only) currently available edition (Raycious Ray Contrast Powder). (Just like the Raycious powder foundations, when a new edition is released, the previous one is discontinued.) The second edition gives more overall luminosity while the third edition has a section for subtle shading.

All of them have SPF 14 and PA+.

The first edition comes with a square puff, and the other two come with a brush:

As for the packaging (seen below), the first edition is on the left and the third is on the right. (I only bought the refill of the second edition at the time. The second-edition case is in the same shape as the first one. The only difference is that the case is semi-transparent.)

Overall, most Raycious foundations really suit me and the finishing powder is no exception. I will always look forward to any new edition.

I have some more Raycious items to come in the future!

Related Posts:

My Foundation Routine
(See my other favorite foundation products.)

Loving Japanese Brands: Sofina
(Read about my personal take on Sofina.)

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A Splash of Color — Girlie Pink

by PJ on Sunday, October 14, 2007

in _I Love Colors, -Ayura, -Kao, -Lavshuca, -Paul & Joe, -Sofina, all about Japanese cosmetics, bodycare, makeup, makeup - base makeup, skincare, stash focus

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I thought it would be fitting to do another A Splash of Color post on another of my favorite colors, pink.

I’d also like to invite you to have a look at the website of Breast Cancer Care, UK’s leading organization which provides information, practical assistance, and emotional support for anyone affected by breast cancer. You can read more about exactly what Breast Cancer Care does.

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Jill Stuart Beauty Website in English

by PJ on Saturday, October 13, 2007

in -Jill Stuart, 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics

(Jill Stuart Holiday 2007 Collection:
Christmas Rose Collection)
(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

I have just noticed that there is now an English version of the Jill Stuart Beauty website. (It might have been there for a little while, but I have just noticed it…)

Do enjoy browsing! You can read all about the Jill Stuart Holiday 2007 collection here.

Maybe the English site is a sign of something……

We’ll see!

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A Touch of AYURA Blusher: Aura Veil α in Sweet Pink

by PJ on Sunday, October 7, 2007

in -Ayura, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - blusher, stash focus

(another of my favorite blushers)

AYURA is one of my all-time favorite brands and it would be the brand of my choice if I could only live on one cosmetics brand. I will certainly bring you more AYURA items one by one later on. (See the Japanese site for all the more current information and images of the products. Both sites, like most other websites for Japanese cosmetics brands, are for information only and don’t offer on-line ordering.)

AYURA Aura Veil α was out in spring 2006 to replace the previous AYURA blushers. It comes in four shades and mine is PK-11 Sweet Pink. It is a gradation blusher with the shade running from a light peach on the right to a soft coral pink on the left.

The blusher is fairly well-pigmented and with minimal shimmer.

I love the very understated and elegantly curvy packaging (which is always the case with AYURA products):

(the tulip-shape packaging)

There is a separate compartment for the brush. It is a good-quality brush and I can sometimes simply use this one to apply the blusher instead of my usual blusher brush. (The case/brush set is sold separately and the quality doesn’t disappoint.)

The blusher goes on the bottom layer:

The colors stay fresh, don’t darken overtime, and last well. They are girlie and playful shades that I enjoy using from time to time to create a warm complexion. Also, in recent issues of some Japanese cosmetics magazines, I have noticed that soft warm blushers like this are often used to accompany minty green eyeshadows to create a very fresh look. Overall, like Anna Sui’s Face Color Accent, it scores good points in many aspects!

Do have a look at my personal take on AYURA if you are interested.

Lunasol Holiday 2007 Collection

by PJ on Sunday, September 30, 2007

in -Lunasol, 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Lunasol Holiday 2007 coffret)
(from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)

Lunasol will be releasing the Holiday 2007 coffret on November 16. The Lunasol Holiday Party 2007 Coffret includes a 4-color eyeshadow palette, a liquid eyeliner, a lip gloss, a pressed powder, and a gift box (seen below).

(Lunasol Holiday 2007 coffret)

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

I feel ambivalent about this collection. I think many Lunasol fans would want to see some more striking shades and more “collectible” items. The eyeshadows are all very neutral, the gloss is a universally flattering cool pink, and the pressed powder should be sheer and with a bit of shimmer. So, for Lunasol fans (including me), maybe some of us won’t be excited by these items.

However, Lunasol holiday sets usually sell out fast. Objectively, as a gift, this set is flawless, as these shades won’t look wrong on most people. Also, it is great for people who have never tried Lunasol and are interested in experiencing some of the items.

The coffret costs 6,825 yen in Japan (about 59 USD).

Looking back at some of the previous holiday releases, we see that the feel of the collections has been quite consistent. The Holiday 2006 set had more of a golden edge:

(Lunasol Holiday 2006 collection)
(from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)

The Holiday 2003 coffret was mostly for the lips:

(Lunasol Holiday 2003 collection)

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

But I do remember the Holiday 2004 collection, which featured two eyeshadow palettes, one with turquoise and one with purple shades, in one-off ivory-white packaging. Those were items worth some serious consideration!

Nevertheless, Lunasol is known for quality and has some great items, and I always look forward to its new releases!

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

If I Could Go to Japan RIGHT NOW
(featuring Lunasol and nine other great Japanese brands)

Fall 2007 Makeup Round-Up (Part 3)
(Lunasol fall 2007 collection wins my seasonal ranking.)

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My "Sensational Seven" Makeup Brushes

by PJ on Wednesday, September 26, 2007

in -Ayura, -Shu Uemura, all about Japanese cosmetics, beauty tools/accessories, makeup, stash focus

(my most used brushes…)

Last week, a reader asked whether I could talk about the makeup brushes I use. Then I realized I had never mentioned these “hairy” friends who have been helping me putting together my makeup.

One of the reasons that I haven’t talked about them is simply that I don’t have a lot of them. All I have are the basics, and I make do with them. Also, some of them are not really available now, but I will focus on what you can get your hands on.

First of all, a couple of years ago, I bought an Ayura set that included a limited-edition brush set. The brushes came in this lovely brown holder:

(my Ayura brush set)

The set has 6 brushes, for cheeks, eyes, and brows. These are not the kind of sparse, scratchy, and coarse brushes often included in many gifts with purchases. They are soft and fluffy, and they have proven to be durable and easy to use.

(the six brushes in the set)

I use the four on the right very regularly. They and three others make up my “sensational seven”:

(the Sensational Seven)

(a close-up)

(numbered for you)

— #1, #3, #4, and #5 are from the Ayura brush set. I don’t think the set is available anymore so I’ll be brief with these. #1 is a soft blusher brush that I have been counting on for all my powder blushers. #3 and #4 are solid and bouncy eyeshadow brushes that never feel scratchy. #5 is a great flat brush for lining the eyes.

— #2 is Ruby & Millie Eye Brush [Large]. (I remember it costs about £9 (about 18 USD).) Ruby & Millie is a makeup line sold exclusively in Boots stores in the UK. Last year and this year, the Ruby & Millie makeup brush collection is chosen by InStyle Magazine UK as “the best inexpensive brush line“. I can definitely see why. Budget brush hunters will love some of these brushes. In particular, this eyeshadow brush is thick and dense (thicker than #3). It is good for eyeshadow application for larger areas and for overall blending.

— #6 is Shu Uemura eyebrow brush (6 OB). I’ve had this for at least 7 years and it still performs well. This eyebrow brush is slightly softer than those from MAC and Bobbi Brown, both of which I think are too hard. The brush tip is nicely slanted for easy application.

— #7 is RMK Lip Brush. This one is retractable and very easy to carry around. The very flat tip allows a precise application. I’d like the hair to be shorter and slightly denser, but it is a minor complaint for a brush that I have been very used to for years.

I have some other brushes but these are the ones I depend on the most. I am not really on the lookout for any new brush, but sometimes I fancy an alternative blusher brush (I am a blusher person) and an angled face shading/contouring brush. Any suggestions? Let me know!

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A Touch of Anna Sui Blusher: Face Color Accent in #400

by PJ on Sunday, September 23, 2007

in -Anna Sui, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - blusher

(from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

Out in spring 2006, Face Color Accent was a new line of blushers for Anna Sui. As a lover for Anna Sui (and for blushers), I decided to check out the shades as soon as I had a chance.

Before testing them, I was more drawn toward lighter shades like #300. But, at the counter, I was recommended #400 as a naturally flattering shade. I was not convinced when I heard this, since it looked very bright and almost neon-ish. But I was pleasantly surprised when I tested it. I decided to go for this and it was definitely a good decision.

(my Anna Sui Face Color Accent in #400…
love the packaging)

(The brush, which I don’t really use,
is actually not too shabby.)

This is a cute bouncy bright matte pink that can create natural and beautiful rosy cheeks. It is slightly more pigmented than most of the other blushers I have. It can go on sheer and impart a light flush of color and it can be built into a more vibrant finish with little effort. The powder is solidly pressed so it is easy to control how much powder you want the brush to grab.

Overall I really like this. When applied lightly, it really matches and complements the natural flush of my cheeks. I also tend to like matte blushers, so this is something I constantly go back to!

Still feeling cheeky?
Lavshuca Cheek Color PK-1

My personal take on Anna Sui:
Loving Japanese Brands: Anna Sui

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