-Kanebo

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.

Lunasol Micro Finish Powder N

(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.

SUQQU Loose Powder

(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!

Fall 2007 Makeup Round-Up (#6-#4)

by PJ on Thursday, September 20, 2007

in -Chanel, -Guerlain, -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, 2007 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from yesterday)

#6: Guerlain

(from www.guerlain.co.jp)

(from Biteki September 2007)

Continuing from a gorgeous collection in summer with Pucci, Guerlain puts forward some more great items. I like the gorgeous Ombre Eclat Duo & Liner palettes. The eyeshadows are smooth and silky, and so is the cream-to-powder eyeliner. The color selection is spot on, with blue and grey, pink and plum, and an array of neutral and golden shades. The shiny gold compact has a great sense of substance to it.

#5: Chanel

(from www.chanel.com)

(from Biteki September 2007)

Chanel stays right on trend with olive green, featured in Les 4 Ombres (Garden-Party) and Irréelle Duo (Lotus-Cactus). Les 4 Camélias de Chanel (that I won’t be buying) has some pretty and wearable colors. The blushers are kept muted to go with the sultry eyes and intense lips.

#4: Lavshuca

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

(from Biteki September 2007)

Lavshuca has been doing well since its debut last year. The collection is expanding with more and more lovely items. This season, I love the new Eye Color Select palette in PU-2. The new Grade Color Select eye palettes (mid-right) are soft and sensual. The new Color Conc Rouge (bottom) does not live up to the promise, but they are still competent glosses in very cute packaging.

Come back for the final part of the count-down later!

Related posts:

Fall 2007 Makeup Trend Report

Fall 2007 Makeup Round-Up Part 1

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If I Could Go To Japan RIGHT NOW…

by PJ on Tuesday, September 4, 2007

in -Albion, -Elégance, -Eprise, -Ettusais, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Kiss, -Love Clover, -Lunasol, -Sonia Rykiel, -Watosa, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

I am planning to visit Japan again. It won’t be happening very soon, but my shopping list has been growing longer and longer already!

Apart from some of my favorite Japanese brands (such as Ayura, Sofina, Lavshuca), there are some specific items of my favorite brands and other very interesting lines I want to look at.

Here is just a little sneak peek of my shopping list!

1. Jill Stuart

(photo from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

My ultimate cosmetics shopping trip in Japan will undoubtedly start with Jill Stuart (despite the risk of spending all my savings on the first day). I want to sample everything! I have several Jill Stuart items but I have always wanted more. I will definitely test the Blush Powder (loose powder blusher, second from left) and pick a shade I like.

2. Lunasol

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

I absolutely love all the Lunasol items I have, but I have not yet had any of their beautiful eyeshadow palettes. They are quite expensive but…when in Japan…!

3. Elégance

(photo from www.elegance-cosmetics.com)

I absolutely love this brand but I haven’t really talked about it on my blog. Elégance is a French fashion label that has a cosmetics line in a couple of Asian countries. It is very high-end but the quality is great. I love the simple but opulent gold packaging as well. I am interested in their pressed powder blusher and the new cream blusher.

4. Eprise

( photo from www.albion.co.jp)

Eprise is the makeup line from Albion, a major cosmetics brand in Japan. Albion has some extremely popular skincare and foundation products. The makeup line Eprise is relatively low-key but has an elegant look that really appeals to me.

5. ettusais

(photo from www.ettusais.co.jp)

I have used many ettusais foundation and skincare products and have thought highly of them. The ettusais makeup line has recently been re-packaged. Well, it doesn’t particularly look very exciting, but I would like to have a look at the new blusher (yes, I can’t have enough blushers…), which features a sponge puff attached to the bottom of the container.

6. Sonia Rykiel

(photo from www.isetan.co.jp)

Sonia Rykiel is another French fashion label that has a cosmetics line in Asia. Known for some great foundation formulations and a couple of skincare products, Sonia Rykiel Cosmetics has an exquisite quality. Currently, the makeup packaging is inspired by Sonia Rykiel’s famous stripy patterns:

(photo from www.isetan.co.jp)

7. Watosa

(photo from www.isetan.co.jp)

Watosa is a quirky brand with a colorful look. Like Stila, paper is used for some of the product packaging. I bought a Watosa lipstick in Hong Kong many years ago and this is a brand I want to try more products from.

8. Kiss

(photo from www.kiss-cosmetics.com)

Kiss is a drugstore line that has been immensely popular in Japan. The packaging is very girlie, although I don’t think the overall look is as dreamy and princessy as Lavshuca. But like Lavshuca, their products are very affordable and I won’t leave Japan without a couple of their goodies.

9. Love Clover

(photo from www.loveclover.jp)

Love Clover, like Makemania (which carries Curvy Lip Silicone) is part of SONY. It has also been a popular drugstore brand and has a rather similar feel to Kiss. The PonPonCheek N (above) looks so adorable!

10: Anuenue

(photo from www.ar-anuenue.com)

Anuenue is another drugstore line from SONY. It recently launched some skincare products, including Hand Balm and Lip Balm seen above.

The list goes on and on, as there are many other brands and products I am interested in. But I’d better stop here before I get carried away (and book my flight to Tokyo tomorrow)!

Notes:

1. In the UK, we have Shiseido International, Kanebo International, Paul & Joe, RMK, and SUQQU. (We used to have Anna Sui and Chic Choc, but they left a few years ago.)

2. Some of the brands above are available outside Japan. But Japan is the only country where all of them are available…

Read about my favorite Japanese brands:
Ayura
Anna Sui
Jill Stuart
Lavshuca
Lunasol
Paul & Joe
Sofina

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Fall 2007 Makeup Trend Report

by PJ on Tuesday, August 14, 2007

in -Chanel, -Clé de Peau, -Cosme Decorte, -Dior, -Estée Lauder, -Givenchy, -Integrate, -Kanebo, -Kate, -Kosé, -Magie Deco, -Majolica Majorca, -Maquillage, -Shiseido, -SHISEIDO (Global Brand), -Shiseido The Makeup, -SUQQU, -YSL, 2007 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup trend reports

Some distinctive trends in the fall 2007 makeup releases:

– olive green / grey eyeshadows
– intense lip colors
– retro Audrey Hepburn look

Which trend are you going to experiment with this fall?

—Grey Areas—————

In fashion, grey has been hailed as The New Black for a while. I am surprised that it didn’t trickle down to makeup earlier. This fall, grey eyeshadows will be big, among all the neutral tones.

One palette that epitomizes this trend is Shiseido Clé de Peau‘s Ombres Couleurs Quadri palette in 114 (seen below):

(Clé de Peau fall 2007 makeup ad,

Biteki magazine September 2007, p. 152-153)

(Clé de Peau fall 2007 makeup ad,
Biteki magazine September 2007, p.152)

Also, Dior‘s 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in 060 Silver Goddess features an array of grey hues along with a sensual light blue.

Other servings of grey eyeshadows:
-Shiseido Maquillage: Sparkle Contrast Eyes 2 GY851
-Majolica Majorca: Shadow Customize BK922
-Kate: Gradical Eyes S BK-1
-Integrate: Live Fix Eyes GY812
–SUQQU: Blend Eyeshadow 04

In a way, grey (especially in metallic finishes) is simply a darker silver. The look reminds me of an old-school silver-screen goddess. Very nostalgic and glamorous.

—Green with Envy—————

Another trendy color this season is olive green. Paired with pink, olive green is featured in Lush & Lovely, Chanel fall 2007 makeup collection, as it appears in the latest eyeshadow palettes: Garden Party (Les 4 Ombres Quadra) and Lotus-Cactus (Irréelle Duo).

(photo: from Chanel
at www.bergdorfgoodman.com)

Also, YSL fall 2007 makeup collection features olive green eyeshadows in a couple of the new Ombres Duo Lumières palettes.

In Japanese cosmetics, Cosme Decorte’s new line, Magie Deco, uses pink and olive green in the opposite way, with olive green above the eyes and pink along the lower lash line:

(Magie Deco ad, backcover of makeup booklet,
Biteki September 2007)

Apart from Magie Deco, olive green eyeshadows are also used in:

Kate‘s fall 2007 TV ad (with Gradical Eyes S GN-1)
SUQQU‘s fall 2007 printed ad (with Blend Eyeshadow 01).

Olive green seems to be a relatively masculine color as an eyeshadow, which might be why it has been paired with pink to create a balanced look. But, worn alone, it can be very edgy.

—A La Audrey—————

Givenchy‘s fall 2007 collection, Camouflage Chic, pays tribute to the classic Givenchy muse, Audrey Hepburn. A search in Google Images comes out with photos of what I think is one of the most beautiful people ever, with clean, crisp, and defined eye makeup. Intense color fills between the lash line and the crease line and it is kept clean everywhere else. No smoky eyes here.

Givenchy’s latest Prismissime Eyes in 54 Cache Cache can get you this classic look:

(photo: from www.sephora.com)

Shiseido The Makeup‘s new Silky Eye Shadow Quad in Q9 Lunar Phases is based on the same trend.

Again, this is definitely a very retro look. I think “Less is more” is the key here. Don’t overdo it and keep it nice and simple.

—Strong Lips—————

What if you don’t want to pile on intense eye colors? You can channel the intensity to the lips. Keep the eye makeup fuss-free and choose a rich satiny (not glossy) lip shade. The cover of Biteki September 2007 shows how it’s done:

(cover of Biteki, September 2007)

It can be a wine red, berry red (as in the Chanel ad above), or a warm brownish red. With careful coordination, they can go with grey or olive green eyeshadows, as in Estee Lauder’s fall 2007 look:

(photo: from esteelauder.co.uk)

I quite like this look. Chic and timeless.

What other trends have you spotted?

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Kate — Lavshuca’s Edgier, Darker Sister

by PJ on Wednesday, July 25, 2007

in _Japanese Brand Profile, -Kanebo, -Kate, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

I can’t take credit for this description of Kate, Kanebo‘s consistently successful drugstore line.

One reader, Tammy, left a comment under one of my posts on Lavshuca and asked about Kate. She described Kate as “Lavshuca’s edgier, darker sister“. (Both are Kanebo’s “daughters”.)

She couldn’t have put it any better!

But so far I have never bought anything from Kate. (I almost did for several times though.) Somehow the brand does not appeal to me. But, am I not edgy? Am I not dark enough for Kate??

Well, looking at my avatar….

(Well hello!)

…ummm……maybe not. (I do blush too easily!!)

Kate definitely has an edgier image (its slogan “No More Rules” sums it up), while Lavshuca is all very dreamy (yep that’s me). But Kate is also one of the most established and best-selling drugstore brands in Japan. It has a strong brand identity and has survived a lot of competition (against the new wave of drugstore brands such as Integrate, Kiss, Makemania and Love Clover).

You can see some of Kate’s TV commercials on YouTube to see how Kanebo is branding Kate.

Aside from the image, some of Kate’s popular items include:

Dual Carat eyeshadow duos
Deep Eyes N eyeshadow palettes
Line Spicy eyeshadow palettes
Glam Trick Eyes eyeshadow palettes
Super Sharp Liner eyeliners

When it comes to continuously releasing attention-grabbing items, I also have to hand it to Kate. The wide array of eyeshadow palettes and the recent cream eyeliner and loose eyeshadow have indeed given Kate that little extra (and almost semi-professional) edge. (I guess this is what I mean by product designs under one of my Anna Sui posts.)

So, have you tried anything from Kate? And what’s your favorite? Let me know!

I can be convinced!

Updated on December 31st, 2012:

Finally I purchased my first ever Kate item, Gradical Eyes A in GD-1!

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Lunasol Fall 2007 Collection

by PJ on Sunday, July 15, 2007

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2007 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(pictured: my Lunasol items)

Lunasol’s official website has not been updated with the fall collection yet, but have a look at shots of the Lunasol fall 2007 collection from the printed catalog on a Japanese blog.

The collection will be out in Japan on August 17th, 2007.

I love that there are five different looks in the collection. (It has been done for their spring 2007 collection, where each of the four looks includes coordinating eyeshadow palette, lipstick, lip palette, and nail color.) Named Cat’s Eye, Alexandrite, Diamond, Sapphire, and Ruby, they are like five mini collections.

For fall 2007, each look includes a five-color eyeshadow palette (a first for Lunasol), a liquid eyeliner, a lipstick, a lip gloss, and a nail color. Among them, I am particularly excited about Sapphire and Ruby, which are very striking and distinctive. (See my pattern here? I am adding another member into my blue-tinted lip gloss collection.)

Packaging-wise, Lunasol’s simple and sophisticated style never fails to impress me. When Lunasol was launched in 1999, it featured bronze and silver checked-pattern cases (see powder case on top and lipstick on bottom of the photo above). In 2003, the color scheme changed into a low-key dark brown. Several seasons ago, the finish became much more reflective, as what we see now. I like the fact that the packaging never changes drastically. Instead, it evolves with the time.

Aside from its superior quality and consistently great seasonal collections, the distinctive but understated image is part of Lunasol’s appeal.

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1st Poll Results Revealed!!

by PJ on Sunday, July 8, 2007

in -Anna Sui, -Aube (Couture), -Ayura, -Integrate, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Kao, -Kate, -Kosé, -Lavshuca, -Lunasol, -Majolica Majorca, -Maquillage, -Paul & Joe, -RMK, -Shiseido, -Shu Uemura, -Sofina, -T'Estimo, -Visée, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, readers' polls

Majolica Majorca, with cute packaging, good quality, and affordable prices, edged Shu Uemura out at the last minute to become A Touch of Blusher readers’ favorite Japanese makeup line!

Shu Uemura, one of the ultimate professional makeup brands, also captured the heart of many of you.

Lunasol, Lavshuca, and Kate (all by Kanebo) shared the third place.

Here is the full result:

What are your favorite Japanese makeup lines? (Tick all that apply!!)
(from June 27 to July 8, 2007)

Majolica Majorca (13 votes)
Shu Uemura (12 votes)
Lunasol, Lavshuca, Kate (11 votes each)
Paul & Joe (9 votes)
Maquillage, T’Estimo, Jill Stuart, Anna Sui (8 votes each)
Visee (3 votes)
Aube, Ayura, RMK (2 votes each)
Integrate (1 vote)

Other favorites mentioned include Inoui ID and Canmake. Great choices!!

Thanks for everyone that has voted and left comments!! There will be more polls to come. (Suggestions are welcome!)

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Lavshuca Cheek Color in PK-1

by PJ on Friday, July 6, 2007

in -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, 2007 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - blusher, stash focus

(pictured: my Lavshuca Cheek Color in PK-1)

I’ve realized that, even though my blog is called A Touch of Blusher, this is actually the first time I am properly reviewing a blusher (even though I have mentioned Lavshuca’s blushers in my seasonal top-10 countdown). I promise there will be more to come. (I do have quite a few of them…)

Lavshuca’s Cheek Color is part of its summer 2007 collection. There are four different shades.

The one I got is PK-1, which is a slightly cool pink. It has that usual Lavshuca packaging. Very cute and princessy.

The finish is predominantly matte, which is what I usually go for.

The pigmentation is medium to sheer. If you love to sport very rosy cheeks, you might want to pass them up because the layering might take forever. But if you prefer a light blush on your cheeks, this would be a great choice. I’d also say this is one of those perfect daytime blusher shades. It is very natural and should go with most colors you wear.

If you happen to have both Cheek Color and Cheek Select (which Lavshuca released last year), please do let me know how they compare with each other. I have heard some negative comments on Cheek Select regarding its complete lack of pigmentation. I suspect that some people might say the same about Cheek Color. (I already know a friend of mine who did.) I am quite interested in knowing which one people prefer.

I have not tried Cheek Select but I like the Cheek Color that I have. The slightly cool pink is just right for my skin-tone and I like both the finish and the level of pigmentation.

More lovely items like this from Lavshuca, please…

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Lilac Bouquet: Kanebo T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes Palette

by PJ on Sunday, July 1, 2007

in -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -T'Estimo, 2007 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(pictured: my Kanebo T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes in 03)

I have mentioned a couple of times that I am loving lilac/mauve/lavender eyeshadows. After I have tried Jill Stuart’s Brilliance Eyes palette (04 Gem Amethyst), I went for this Kanebo T’Estimo palette (part of the T’Estimo spring 2007 collection). This is actually the first T’Estimo item I bought, and I love it!

Mono-color gradation eye palettes have been very popular in Japan in 2007. Apart from Kanebo T’Estimo, Jill Stuart, and Lavshuca (Eye Color Select), there are also similar creations from Shiseido Maquillage (Clean Contrast Eyes) and Sofina Aube (Jewelry Shower Eyes).

This one by T’Estimo is gorgeous. (The range includes 4 palettes.) The far right slot is a cream eyeliner. This is the only cream eyeliner that I have at the moment, so I don’t know how it compares with popular ones by Stila, MAC, and Bobbi Brown. But I have no problem with it myself. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t smudge. (I am also okay with the little applicator for the liner. Though fiddly at times, it allows me to get very close to the mirror.)

The middle two shades are actually very different from each other. (From almost all the photos I have seen, they appear to be quite similar.) The right one of the two is much darker, as you can probably see from one of the corners near the eyeliner (the part my brush has been dipping into).

So, from the highlighter (with a touch of lilac sparkles) to the deep purple eyeliner and with the two perfect shades in between, this palette is great for creating both a fresh daytime look and a smoky evening look.

I’ll compare it with Jill Stuart’s Brilliance Eyes (in 04 Gem Amethyst), as both are purple-based palettes:

Pigmentation:
The T’Estimo one is certainly more pigmented, especially the shade next to the eyeliner. The Jill Stuart one is noticeably sheerer.

Shimmer:
Both are full of it, but the Jill Stuart one is more glittery than just shimmery (with larger multi-color sparkles). I think for big glitters, people either love it or hate it. But, used effectively, the Jill Stuart one can really make the eyes pop and give your eyes a floaty and airy ambiance.

Shade:
The T’Estimo palette has a wider range of shades (from the lightest to the darkest). It is much easier to achieve a smoky-eye look with it.

Versatility:
Even though the colors in the Jill Stuart palette are sheerer, it might be more suitable for evening makeup (unless you don’t mind big glitters in daytime). The Kanebo one is perhaps more versatile in this respect.

So, there you go. I love both and I have tried mixing colors from the two. They complement each other well and I can create even more looks and more sophisticated finishes. Fantastic!

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