-Dior

Voce Magazine 10th Anniversary Monthly Feature

by PJ on Thursday, April 17, 2008

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

In 2008, the popular Japanese beauty magazine, Voce, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

From March 2008 and for 12 months, each monthly issue includes a book-in-book titled The World Beauty Heritage, featuring a prestigious western or Japanese beauty brand.

Thankfully, Voce is putting pages of this feature on the official website. Even though the texts are in Japanese, the beautiful images are definitely worth checking out. (If you do read Japanese, many featured products include links to their entries in the Voce on-line beauty product database.)

So far the brands featured are:

March 2008: Dior
April 2008: Estée Lauder
May 2008: Cosme Decorte

The webpage is updated monthly as each printed issue is published. So do go back later for more.

Japanese Beauty Magazine: Biteki

My Ultimate Cosmetics Archive

{ 6 comments }

A Splash of Color – Terrific Turquoise

by PJ on Sunday, April 6, 2008

in _I Love Colors, -Ayura, -Dior, -Ettusais, -MAC, -Maybelline, makeup

(Enjoying the sunshine while I can…)

In the UK, I think summer is the best season, with warm sunshine and soft breezes.

But we had a fairly disappointingly cool summer in the UK last year, with very little sunshine. This year, under the influence of La Niña, we probably won’t have a warmer summer…

For me, bright turquoise is one of the most summery colors. Thanks to the pleasant (and rare) sunshine today, my turquoise looked brighter and more tropical!

For eyes
– Dior Eyeshadow Duo in DiorLagoon
– Ayura Finger Touch Eye Shadow in GR (limited-edition, fall 2006)
– MAC Eye Shadow in Haunting (Alexander McQueen Collection)
– MAC Paint Pot in Rollickin’ (Fafi Collection)
– Maybelline Dream Mousse Eye Color in Fabulous Turquoise

For lips
-Ettusais Lip Gloss in CL

For skin
– Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher

Please enjoy more splashes of colors!

– New-Leaf Green
– Aqua Blue
– Citrus Orange
– Girlie Pink
– Lilting Lilac

{ 12 comments }

Dior Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Tuesday, March 25, 2008

in -Dior, 2008 Summer, makeup

(the Golden Dior pendant

for summer 2008)

Please enjoy the images from Dior’s summer 2008 collection!

(Dior summer 2008
Asia-only release)

(images from woman.excite.co.jp.)

Apart from the bronzing items, the rest of the collection ranges from warm pink to peach and beige. Overall, I think most of the colors are too warm for my complexion. But if you are a bronzed goddess, this collection is definitely worth a closer look when it hits the counters.

I am liking the look of the Golden Dior pendant at the moment. Since I didn’t use my Boots points on any of Dior’s spring 2008 collection, I might use them to get it. It contains a cream color that can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. It is available in Pink and Gold, and I will probably get the one in Pink…

(If the same thing happens again with Dior’s limited-edition items, only the one in Gold would be available in the US.)

Some of my Dior items:

DiorLight Jeweled Makeup Necklace
(from Holiday 2007)

Diorissime Palette
(from Fall 2007)

5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in Seascape
(purple, blue, and mint green…)

{ 20 comments }

Spring 2008 Seasonal Top 10 (Part 3)

by PJ on Thursday, March 20, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Dior, -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2008 Spring, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1 and Part 2)

3rd: Dior

(image from www.dior.com)

Dior’s makeup collections tend to capture the trend very well, and this season’s release has done it again, with gorgeous pinks, lilacs, and warm neutrals to add depth.

(Dior spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

Visually stunning as well as wearable, the collection is a feast for the eyes. I always like a seasonal collection with a strong identity, and all the variation of pinks, along with the ad campaign, create a distinct look for this collection.

Dior’s eye palettes have been getting more and more shimmery. (Almost all the shades in this season’s two palettes are very shimmery.) Even though I am not sure I like this direction, the finishes of these shades are still flattering.

2nd: Coffret D’Or

(part of Coffret D’Or’s spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

Like EST, Coffret D’Or‘s spring collection is another sublime debut collection. I know some people were not looking forward to seeing T’Estimo being discontinued and replaced by Coffret D’Or. But I simply chose to see Coffret D’Or as the same line (plus base makeup products) being marketed under a new name and new packaging.

I do like the new packaging. It looks more gown-up than T’Estimo and I like the jeweled details on the eye palettes.

The 3D Lighting Eyes palettes are definitely the core of this collection. I have read more reviews where people choose not to buy the spring 2008 palettes from Maquillage or Aube (both of which are similarly priced) and go for Coffret D’Or instead (than the other way around). Even though the color combinations are not particularly unique or striking (see one of my other Coffret D’Or posts for the image of the five palettes), the texture, finish, and lasting power are what make them stand out. (Please check out my review on 3D Lighting Eyes in 04.)

Overall, this is a very exciting debut collection, and Coffret D’Or has probably already created many future loyal followers.

1st: Lunasol

(Lunasol Full Glamor Lips G)

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

Since Coffret D’Or is already so good, why makes Lunasol’s spring 2008 collection even better?

It is the core concept, which is what makes a collection memorable. It is also the visual impact of the whole lineup and how it translates to daily wear.

The colors of the sea and the shades of coral reefs provide the inspiration for this collection. The five Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes are simply gorgeous.

(Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes)

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

While the Sheer Contrast Eyes palette in Blue Coral (above, bottom left) is used for Lunasol’s main ad campaign and is heavily featured in Japanese beauty magazines, I chose Lavender Coral, which I reviewed earlier. The superb quality has consolidated Lunasol’s position as one of my favorite cosmetics brands.

With a distinctive concept and a beautifully wide range of vibrant yet wearable colors, this is the best collection for me in spring 2008.

This concludes my seasonal roundup for spring 2008. What about you? Which spring 2008 collection/item is your favorite?

More Thoughts on Spring 2008

When I was doing my “seasonal top ten” features in the last few seasons, I did feel that the brands I talked about might be a little repetitive for my readers. Since the top-ten countdown is only meant to reflect my own preferences, I never intend to feature a widely varied selection of brands from season to season.

But it is very refreshing to see Eprise, Clinique, Clé de Peau, and Maquillage come up with appealing collections. Also, Coffret D’Or‘s and EST‘s strong debut color makeup lineups prove to be serious competitors.

On the other hand, for me, the spring 2008 collections from Chanel, YSL, Jill Stuart, and Lavshuca are relatively disappointing. But I am sure these favorite brands of mine will wow me later this year.

Coffret D’Or’s Spring/Summer 2008 Base Makeup Collection
(The loose powder is on my shopping list.)

Foundation Face-Off – Lunasol vs. Coffret D’Or
(Is Lunasol still winning?)

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

{ 8 comments }

Turquoise Delight – Dior Eyeshadow Duo in DiorLagoon

by PJ on Wednesday, February 20, 2008

in -Dior, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(Dior Eyeshadow Duo in DiorLagoon)

I started this blog in November 2006. If I had started it several months earlier, many of my initial posts would have probably been about finding the best turquoise eyeshadow for myself.

That was a major quest in the summer of that year. I got Dior’s Seascape a couple of months earlier. While loving the purple and the blue, I decided I wanted a nice turquoise. Not a soft pastel turquoise…a real turquoise. So the search began.

I soon found that many turquoise shades had yellow and/or green shimmer. While I see how it balances the blue undertone of the shade and makes the finish more dynamic, I think it is a little distracting, and I really just wanted a nice straightforward rich turquoise. (Bourjois’ Mono Eyeshadow in Turquoise Ensoleillée is one that has the yellow/green shimmer that doesn’t appeal to me.)

After auditioning many turquoise contenders during that time, I found myself going back to Dior.

Apart from the fact that Dior’s eyeshadows are consistently silky and easy to blend, I like the satiny finish in the eyeshadow duo range. DiorLagoon features a cream white with soft pearlescent sheen and a semi-matte turquoise which is slightly more matte than the cream white. It is a true turquoise with no trace of yellow/green shimmer. Both shades are nicely pigmented and last well.

It has become my gold standard for turquoise shades as it still remains one of the nicest I have ever seen.

Related Posts: (featuring two other lovely turquoise shades)

Maybelline Dream Mousse Eyecolor in Fabulous Turquoise
(my second turquoise eyeshadow)

Alexander McQueen for MAC: Eyeshadow in Haunting
(with a little more blue undertone)

Loving Dior
(my personal take on Dior)

{ 12 comments }

Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in Seascape

by PJ on Tuesday, January 8, 2008

in -Dior, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in #250 Seascape)

Dior’s 5-Color Eyeshadow Palettes, along with the rest of Dior’s makeup line, have been through numerous packaging changes. But I have noticed that this particular color combination has been existing for at least 5 or 6 years.

I got #250 Seascape in 2006 with my Boots points, and I think this is a really beautiful and colorful eyeshadow palette. With blue and purple being on-trend this season (have a look at my spring 2008 makeup trend report), I thought I’d give this palette a mention.

The palette features:

Top left: a soft grey with a very slight ashy-blue undertone and soft purple iridescence
Top right: medium aqua blue
Bottom left: warm medium purple
Bottom right: pale mint green
Center: white with silvery sparkles

The shades are well pigmented and very smooth to apply and blend. They go on quite matte but have a satiny and luminous finish. The central white shade, though, feels a little gritty, probably because of the sparkles. On the other hand, the blue is one of my favorite blue eyeshadow shades.

With both the blue and the purple being quite vibrant, the palette can create a variety of looks, depending on where to place these two colors on the eyes. When I simply want a simple and fresh look, a wash of the mint shade can really brighten my eyes. It can also be used as a base to bring out the lively blue and purple.

Dior’s eyeshadows are known for the great texture and many palettes feature wearable but unique color combinations. Also, their seasonal releases are often good indications of what colors are currently trendy. But I have noticed that the finish of some of the latest palettes (with the powder in quilted patterns) is getting more and more shimmery. While the shimmery finish still looks smooth and flattering, I do hope their future releases will maintain a balance between satiny matte and shimmery finishes.

Dior’s Spring 2008 Makeup Collection
(Anything catching your eye?)

The Allure of Blue Eyeshadows
(See my other blue eyeshadows)

A Splash of Colors – Lilting Lilac
(soft, feminine, and wearable)

{ 8 comments }

Spring 2008 Makeup: Initial Observations and Thoughts

by PJ on Sunday, December 30, 2007

in -Dior, -Guerlain, -YSL, 2008 Spring, makeup

(Givenchy spring 2008 collection)
(images from www.cosme.net)

I stopped by several department stores in London a couple of days ago and saw that some spring 2008 makeup collections had been launched. I tested some of the items and I’d like to share some initial thoughts with you.

Givenchy’s spring 2008 collection (now available in Harrods), Denim Fétiche, features shades of blue and purple. The blue in the eyeshadow palette looks more vibrant and dimensional than it appears in photos and in the pan. Though still quite dark, it is not as ashy as it appears in some photos. It has some nice sparse silvery shimmer.

(In the two eyeshadow palettes, the top-left and bottom-right shades are shimmery, the bottom-left shades are matte, and the top-right shades are of a creamy texture.)

As for purples and mauves, the Prisme Again! Blush in #11 looks good with a combination of cold pinks and soft muted mauves.

(Ombre Éclat 4-Color Eyeshadow Palette)
(image from woman.excite.co.jp)

Then I saw Guerlain‘s spring 2008 collection is Harvey Nichols. The palettes do look very nice. I tested the lilac and the blue palettes. The finish is smooth and matte, but it appeared to me that the powder doesn’t glide particularly well. I like the lilac palette, but I would like it even more if the bottom two shades had a little bit of a lilac undertone. (They are basically a pale grey and a dark grey.)

(Dior spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

Then I tested some items from Dior‘s spring 2008 collection in Selfridges. I of course tried the limited-edition item Flower Blossom. Even though I am still leaning toward not buying it, this impressed me the most out of all the spring items I tried so far. The texture of the powder is very smooth and silky. The soft and almost fluffy powder imparts a sensually shimmery finish. The light pastel shades are pigmented enough to still look quite distinctive.

Like me, some readers are concerned that the patterns will wear out. I think the embossed patterns should stay for quite a while if the colors are only used lightly every now and then.

(YSL spring 2008 collection)
(images from woman.excite.co.jp)

I also saw YSL‘s spring 2008 collection in Selfridges. The texture of Ombre Duo Lumière is soft and airy as usual, but none of the shade stands out. The Pop Stick Blush has a nice cooling sensation, but the finish as a blusher is too shimmery and glossy for my personal liking. The shades of Eyecolor Touche are less than exciting. Overall, for me, this is not one of YSL’s more inspiring collections.

One of the spring 2008 collectons I look forward to seeing is Chanel‘s. I know that it is already available in the US, but Chanel’s seasonal collections are usually launched later in the UK. So I will be waiting patiently.

Spring 2008 Makeup Trend Report
(Read about the upcoming major makeup trends!)

Anna Sui’s Spring 2008 Makeup Collection
(featuring some vibrant colors)

Lunasol’s Spring 2008 Collection
(one of my favorite spring 2008 collections so far)

{ 8 comments }

Spring 2008 Makeup Trend Report

by PJ on Sunday, December 23, 2007

in -Anna Sui, -Chanel, -Clé de Peau, -Dior, -Givenchy, -Guerlain, -Lunasol, -MAC, -Shiseido, -YSL, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup trend reports

I am sure many of you have seen some of the upcoming spring 2008 collections. Apart from returning guests like pink and beige, it seems that cool tones will be stealing the show.

Two major makeup trends for spring 2008:

– blue eye colors
– lilac eye colors

First, blue. Chanel‘s spring 2008 makeup collection, Aurora Blues Accent, is now out in the US, and blue takes center stage.

(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,
Denim Fétiche)
(images from www.cosme.net)

Compared with Chanel’s collection, there seems to be a little more balance between cooler and warmer shades, which should make these palettes wearable for more people.

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)
(image from www.urcosme.com)

The warm and cool palettes are also put together to complement each other to create more possibilities.

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)
(image from www.mulberry.com)

Dior’s spring 2008 collection is very pretty in pink. It has a great mixture of warm and cool pinks, with mauves and lilacs as wonderful accent colors.

(Dior spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

The 5-Color Eyeshadow Palettes in 470 Spring Bouquet and 909 Pink May both look beautiful and feminine. Pink May (the lower of the two palettes in the photo above) seems to be a great assembly of pink, peach, soft lilac, and purple. This certainly carries more of a spring atmosphere than Chanel’s Blue Cèlestes palette.

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)
(image from www.cosme.net)

One of YSL‘s two new Ombre Duo Lumière palettes also features a plum-purple:

(YSL Ombre Duo Lumière)
(image from woman.excite.co.jp)

There are also collections and individual items that put blue and purple together to create a pleasing mix. Among them, Chanel’s 4 Fleurs de Chanel includes pale pink, blue, and lilac.

(Chanel 4 Fleurs de Chanel)

(image from uma.chanel.com)

Anna Sui‘s latest eyeshadow addition, Glitter Eye Color Stick, features bright blue and purple. The two colors also jump out from the limited-edition items, Sui Lip Gloss and Eye Color Accent J palettes.

(Anna Sui Glitter Eye Color Stick)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

(Anna Sui’s Sui Lip Gloss and Eye Color Accent J)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

Guerlain‘s new array of 4-color eyeshadow palettes for spring 2008 includes a soft and sensual lilac palette and a cool blue palette. The blue one seems similar to the Chanel Blue Cèlestes in terms of the color combination.

(image from woman.excite.co.jp)

Clé de Peau‘s upcoming eyeshadow palette has a warm aqua blue and a stunning violet. A winning combination for me.

(part of Clé de Peau’s spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

Finally, Lunasol‘s Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes include 03 Blue Coral and 02 Lavender Coral, two vibrant palettes with warm blues and very pretty purples. Lavender Coral looks particularly alluring to me.

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

It is worth mentioning that Lunasol’s existing eyeshadow palette ranges are doing extremely well this year. Skin Modeling Eyes (released spring 2007), Geminate Eyes (fall 2007), and Scent Form Eyes (fall 2006) occupy the top three positions in the eyeshadow category of @Cosme’ Best Cosmetics Award. I think the Sheer Contrast Eyes range, with the selection of both wearable and on-trend colors, is very likely to continue the immense popularity of Lunasol’s eyeshadows and Lunasol the brand itself.

I am personally very pleased to see more lilacs at makeup counters, as it is a very wearable color for me. As for blues, I am more excited about the warmer ones that seem to appear more from Japanese brands like Clé de Peau and Lunasol that we’ve just seen above.

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?

The Allure of Blue Eyeshadows
(Everyone should try a bit of blue.)

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)

{ 8 comments }

Holiday 2007: A Touch of Blusher’s Seasonal Top 10 (Part 3)

by PJ on Thursday, December 20, 2007

in -Dior, -Lavshuca, -Paul & Joe, 2007 Holiday, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1 and Part 2)

My Holiday 2007 Top Ten List concludes today!

3. Lavshuca

I realized a while ago that Lavshuca achieved grand slam for me in 2007, as I purchased items from all the four seasonal collections this year. Its affordability means I am able to pick up great items from each season without spending too much money.

The Lavshuca Christmas makeup palette is a sweet finish of the year. It is a cute little palette with three eyeshadows, a lip color, and a lip gloss. It is also the first eye/lip palette since Lavshuca’s launch in spring 2006.

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

See my other Lavshuca items throughout 2007:

Spring–
Eye Color Select in PK-1 & BU-1 (my favorite Lavshuca items for 2007)
Jewelry Lip in PK-1 & RS-1
Gloss Stick in PK-3

Summer

–
Cheek Color in PK-1

Fall

–
Eye Color Select in PU-2
Color Conc Rouge in PK-1

Paul & Joe

(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com)

Paul & Joe is another brand that is always visually very pleasing. Last year, Paul & Joe’s holiday collection reached number 3 with an absolutely stunning hummingbird-themed lineup. This year’s collection is weaker for me, but, among an overall weaker collection of holiday products across brands this year, it grabbed the runner-up spot.

The Lip Gloss N in 001 Black-Tie is perhaps my favorite holiday item for 2007, with an mouth-watering berry-red shade plus beautiful multi-color shimmer.

Dior

(image from www.dior.com)

Overall, Dior’s holiday collection has won it for me. First of all, the limited-edition item, DiorLight Jewelled Makeup Necklace, is another very pretty piece of collectible makeup item created by Dior. Secondly, I love the fact that Dior usually comes up with a full collection of makeup items for the holiday season.

Readers in the US might not feel that Dior’s holiday lineup this year is a full-on collection, and I think it is because only half of the collection is available in the US.

For holiday 2007, Dior has come up with two makeup looks, each featuring a set of Jewelled Makeup Necklace, 5-color eyeshadow palette, Rouge Dior Crème de Gloss, Rouge Dior lipstick, and nail color. One is a beige-brown look (with the #360 Amber Treasure eyeshadow palette) and one is a pink-plum look (with the #340 Secret Charm palette). I might be wrong, but I think only the beige-brown look is available in the US, while both looks are sold in Asia and Europe. (I am aware that only the beige Jewelled Makeup Necklace is available in the US.)

Below, you can see that the Dior Japan site has two sets of everything (apart from Style Liner and DiorShow Powder in Dreamlight), whereas the Dior US site only has the beige-brown look.

(image from Dior Japan)

(image from Dior US)

I had a chance to test out shades from both looks last week. Both are very good, but, as usual, I am partial to the pink/purple/plum hues.

With a relatively complete collection featuring various items and different color tones and fronted by an adorable limited-edition item, Dior, for me, has the best holiday collection of 2007!

Dior Pretty Charms
(holiday 2006 limited-edition item)

Loving Japanese Brands: Lavshuca
(the latest addition to my favorite Japanese brands)

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

{ 6 comments }

Dior Spring 2008 Limited Edition: Flower Blossom

by PJ on Wednesday, December 5, 2007

in -Dior, 2008 Spring, makeup

I have just added the photo of Dior Flower Blossom, Dior’s limited-edition item for spring 2008, under the post on Dior Spring 2008 Makeup Collection last week.

Click on the link above to see the photo!

{ 4 comments }

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