-Kosé

Beauté de Kosé Fall 2008 Collection

by PJ on Monday, July 21, 2008

in -Kosé, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Beauté de Kosé fall 2008 collection)
(image from www.iswii.net)

Here is a quick preview of Beauté de Kosé‘s fall 2008 collection. The lineup will include two new eye palettes (limited editions) as well as new shades of Eye Fantasist (in grey and light beige), Rouge Fantasist, and Nail Dramatist.

Kosé Cosmenience Elsia Fall 2008 Foundation Collection

by PJ on Saturday, July 19, 2008

in -Elsia, -Kosé, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(Elsia fall 2008 foundation lineup)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Elsia is a Kosé Cosmenience line that is mainly a base and point makeup line. (Kosé Cosmenience is the name of the group of Kosé‘s drugstore lines such as Fasio, Whitist, Junkisei Prime, and Happy Bath Day.) On August 21st, Elsia will release six brand new foundation products in Japan. They include (anti-clock-wise on photo above):

Powder-type:
– Moist Foundation (SPF 22, PA++)
– Lift Foundation (SPF 22, PA++)
– White Foundation (SPF 26, PA++)

Liquid/cream-type:
– Moist Cream Foundation N (SPF 25, PA++)
– White Liquid Foundation (SPF 26, PA++)
– White Liquid Foundation Quick Finish (SPF 26, PA++)

(All items are available in 4 shades.)

Among them, the White Liquid Foundation Quick Finish seems particularly interesting since Kosé claims that it is able to create an ideal finish without help from a primer or a setting powder (hence the “quick finish” in the name).

Kosé also mentions the items’ amount of coverage and the finish as relative to one another within the power and liquid/cream types:

Powder-type:

Coverage: Lift > Moist > White
From matte to glowy: White – Most – Lift

Liquid/cream-type:

Coverage:
Moist Cream > Quick Finish > White Liquid

From matte to glowy:
White Liquid – Quick Finish – Moist Cream

Apart from the six new foundation products, Elsia will also release Cheek Color N (4 shades), Quick Dry Nail Color (20 shades), and Cleansing Milk.

Many thanks to Betsy at Autumn Masquerade for alerting me to the news!

Other posts on fall 2008 base makeup collections:

Shiseido Maquillage

Kanebo Coffret D’Or

Sofina Primavista

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Kosé Esprique Precious Fall 2008 Collection – First Look

by PJ on Tuesday, July 15, 2008

in -Esprique (Precious), -Kosé, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Esprique Precious fall 2008 collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Kosé’s Esprique Precious will release its fall 2008 collection in Japan on August 21st.

Detailed information of the new items is not yet available on Nikkei Net, but it is known that the collection will include seven new products, including the new eye palette range, lipstick range, and the powder foundation seen above.

Also, as we can see, the line will have its first major image overhaul after it was launched in 2006. The new look features clean off-white cases with decorative details. I think it has a grown-up look but it seems to lack style and character. I would still love to see close-ups of some of the items on the official website and in Japanese beauty magazines later on.

Gemma Ward for Esprique Precious
(from fall 2006)

Visée Dual Shine Rouge Palette

Cosme Decorte AQ Revamp for Fall 2008

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Summer 2008 Makeup Top 10 (Part 1)

by PJ on Tuesday, June 17, 2008

in -Albion, -Anna Sui, -AQ, -Cosme Decorte, -Giorgio Armani, -Kosé, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

To me, it feels as if the spring collections just came out and we were expecting more summer makeup news. But, as many of the fall 2008 collections have been unveiled, it is time for me to look back and present you with my summer 2008 top ten makeup collections. (Part 2 and 3 will be up later this week.)

10. Albion Excia AL

(Albion Excia AL Eye Color Impression)
(image from www.albion.co.jp)

(Albion Excia AL Rouge Impression)
(image from www.albion.co.jp)

Available at Albion counters in Japan, Excia AL is a top-end skincare and makeup line that aims to create timeless and confident beauty. This season sees a new range of eye palettes, Eye Impression, and three new shades of Rouge Impression (as well as new liquid eyeliners and eyebrow pencils). Perhaps not the most eye-catching collection, it did grab my attention with its understated simplicity.

9. Anna Sui

(Anna Sui Mini Rouge W)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

Anna Sui’s summer 2008 collection shows us again that the brand still does cute and princessy very well. I am sure some people who are collecting the Mini Rouge in black (released last fall) would love to take home these limited editions in white. The collection also includes hair and body products which are equally nicely packaged.

8. Giorgio Armani

(Eye Mania in 11 (top), 12 (left), and 13 (right))
(image from www.isetan.co.jp)

I have been interested in the Giorgio Armani Beauty line for a while, and I almost always stop by its counter when I am in London’s Selfridges or Harvey Nichols. (In the UK, Giorgio Armani Beauty is also available in Selfridges Birmingham and Heathrow Airport Terminal 3. The link above takes you to the Giorgio Armani Beauty UK online store.)

The three beautiful Eye Mania palettes above, however, appear to be exclusive to the Japanese market. I particularly like #12 and #13. #12 seems to be a wearable blue-grey palette, possibly even for people who find blue hard to wear. #13 looks like a nice neutral palette and the shades don’t look overly warm or bronze.

(If you are interested, please head over to Autumn Masquerade for a great brand profile on Giorgio Armani Beauty and for a look at the brand’s past Bronze Mania collections.)

7. Cosme Decorte AQ

(Pure Grace Lipstick in RD432
and Pure Grace Eyeshadow in 032)
(image from www.biteki.com)

There are not a lot of lilacs for summer 2008, and this beautiful palette with soft lilac and muted cool teal attracted my attention. I think these two shades are well-coordinated, as the muted teal complements rather than overshadows the lilac. (Please check out my previous post on Cosme Decorte AQ‘s summer 2008 collection to see the fresh tropical eye makeup look created with this palette.)

This is the last AQ eye palette released in the current packaging, as the brand’s point makeup line will be revamped in time for the release of the fall 2008 collection.

The top-ten countdown continues tomorrow.

Spring 2008 Makeup Top 10
(Part 1, 2, and 3)

Loving Japanese Brand – Anna Sui

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Cosme Decorte AQ Color Makeup Renewal for Fall 2008

by PJ on Monday, June 9, 2008

in -AQ, -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of Cosme Decorte’s fall 2008 collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

AQ (Absolute Quality) is Cosme Decorte‘s (owned by Kosé) top-end skincare and makeup line. AQ’s point* (color) makeup line was launched in 2000 and features some of the most expensive makeup items in Japan.

On August 21st, the existing AQ point makeup line will be replaced by new items with brand new packaging.

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

The new AQ makeup collection for fall 2008 includes:

– Rouge Supreme: 10 shades
– Shadow Supreme (eye palettes): 5 variations
– Light Focus (base/highlighter): 3 shades
– Nuance Glow (highlighter): 3 shades
– Face Color (blusher): 5 shades
– Mascara Excellent: 2 shades
– Liquid Eyeliner: 5 shades
– Pencil Eyeliner: 2 shades
– Pencil Eyebrow: 4 shades
– Lip Liner: 7 shades
– Nail Supreme: 10 shades

With Japanese cosmetics, renewals (particularly with makeup) are usually more about updating the packaging than the actual formulation of products. In Japan’s fiercely competitive beauty market, product packaging has to stay fresh and up-to-date, and many brands revamp the look of their products in their own time frames and either minimally (like Anna Sui and Lunasol) or drastically (like Sofina Aube). Replaced items are either phased out quickly or discontinued immediately.

(part of Cosme Decorte’s summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

For me, AQ’s packaging renewal is successful. The current packaging (seen above) looks clean and sophisticated but slightly lacks character. The new look is opulent and glamorous. I think Cosme Decorte has worked out a look for AQ that goes with its prices. The lipsticks and blushers are particularly pricey:

Rouge Supreme: 6300 yen (about 59 USD)
Face Color: 7350 yen (about 69 USD)

In contrast, the Shadow Supreme eye palettes (6825 yes, about 64 USD) almost seem relatively reasonable. (The price is about the same as that of a Dior 5-color eye palette in the UK.) If I decide to try an item from AQ, the eye palette will probably be my choice.

* In Japanese cosmetics, the term “point makeup” (constantly written as “point make” in Japan) refers to color makeup items like eyeshadows, mascaras, lipsticks and lip glosses. On the the hand, “base makeup” (“base make”) refers to items such as primers, concealers, foundations, and loose/pressed powder (and not just bases (primers)).

Other Fall 2008 Makeup Collections:

Chanel

CHICCA

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Update: EST, Magie Deco and Cosme Decorte AQ Summer 2008 Collections

by PJ on Monday, March 31, 2008

in -AQ, -Cosme Decorte, -Est, -Kao, -Kosé, -Magie Deco, -Sofina, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

My posts on the EST, Magie Deco, and Cosme Decorte AQ summer 2008 collections have been updated to include additional images and information.

Have a look!

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Cosme Decorte AQ’s Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, March 21, 2008

in -AQ, -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of Cosme Decorte AQ’s summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

AQ (which stands for “Absolute Quality”) is the top-end skincare/makeup line from Kose’s high-end brand Cosme Decorte. It will release the summer 2008 collection in Japan on April 16th. The collection features:

– Eye Shadow (palette): 1 new variation (#032)
– Lipstick: 3 new shades

One of Cosme Decorte AQ’s spring 2008 palettes (#030) includes a lilac and a rosy pink. Their summer 2008 eye palette also features a lilac, this time paired with a blue. The two shades look very good together.

Cosme Decorte AQ’s lipsticks are some of the priciest in Japan. They cost 6300 yen each (around 63 USD), the same price as Clé de Peau’s Rouge a Lèvre in Japan.

Updated on March 31st, 2008:

The Cosme Decorte AQ website has been updated to include information on the summer 2008 collection.

The makeup theme for the collection is Turquoise Lagoon, and the core of the collection is the Pure Grace Eyeshadow palette in #032, which includes turquoise and lilac (seen above). The Cosme Decorte AQ website also shows how to use this palette to create the look in the ad. (Both images are from www.cosmedecorte.com/aq.)

Apart from the eyeshadow palette and the lipsticks mentioned above, the collection also includes three new Nail Colors.

You can check the Cosme Decorte AQ website for more information on the collection.

Other upcoming summer 2008 collections:

Lunasol Summer 2008 Collection

Kate Summer 2008 Collection

EST Summer 2008 Collection

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Magie Deco Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, March 21, 2008

in -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, -Magie Deco, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of Magie Deco’s summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

Magie Deco will launch the summer 2008 collection in Japan on April 16th. The collection includes:

Shadow Brilliance eye palettes: 2 new variations
Luxual Long Mascara Waterproof: 2 shades

The Shadow Brilliance palettes seem to be selling well in Japan and the palette in 014 Believe in Magic is seen on the readers’ favorite eyeshadow palette list in Biteki (February 2008 issue). Shadow Brilliance’s color combinations are slightly more original than eye palettes from Maquillage, Aube, and Coffret D’Or, and I am sure there will be more lovely items to come from Magie Deco.

Updated on March 31st, 2008:

The Magie Deco website has been updated to include information on the summer 2008 collection. (All images are from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco/.)

The full Magie Deco summer 2008 collection includes:

– Shadow Brilliance eye palettes: 2 new variations

– Fairy Eyes cream eyeshadows: 4 new shades

– Fairy Rouge glosses: 3 new shades

– Lipsticks: 3 new shades
– Gem on Liner Waterproof (new): 2 shades
– Luxual Volume Mascara Waterproof (new): 2 shades
– Luxual Long Mascara Waterproof (new): 2 shades
– Nail Colors: 5 new shades
– Eye Makeup Remover (new)

You can see all the new product images on the Magie Deco website.

(I’d like to thank Betsy at Autumn Masquerade for the alert!)

Magie Deco Spring 2008 Collection

Magie Deco Holiday 2007 Collection

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Time-Travel Through Japanese Cosmetics

by PJ on Thursday, February 21, 2008

in -Albion, -Ayura, -DHC, -Kanebo, -Kao, -Kosé, -Shiseido, -Shu Uemura, -Sofina, all about Japanese cosmetics

(Loving Japanese makeup)

As a fan of Japanese cosmetics, apart from all the colorful products available, I am also interested in knowing more about the history behind the various brands and companies. So I was delighted to come across a time-line featuring the launches of many major Japanese cosmetics companies in Biteki‘s January 2008 issue. Let’s have a look:

1872 Shiseido

1887 Kao

1929 Pola

1936 Kanebo

1946 Kosé

1956 Albion

1959 Menard

1967 Shu Uemura

1972 DHC

1981 Fancl

1987 IPSA

1991 Ettusais

1995 AYURA

1996 Equipe (which now owns RMK and SUQQU)

(Biteki, January 2008, p. 102-125)

It is interesting that, like many western cosmetics brands, some of the recent major Japanese cosmetics companies in the last couple of decades have also been acquired by more established ones. For example, IPSA, Ettusais, and AYURA were acquired by Shiseido. Kanebo now owns Equipe, while Kosé owns Albion. Also, in early 2006, Kanebo was sold to Kao.

I will be equally interested in these slightly more corporate and behind-the-scene developments and in all the shiny new releases from these brands…

Related Posts:

All About Japanese Cosmetics
(consolidating my passion)

“Loving Japanese Brands” Series
(my favorite seven)

Japanese Brands in the UK
(featuring where to get them from outside the UK)

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Holiday 2007: A Touch of Blusher’s Seasonal Top 10 (Part 2)

by PJ on Tuesday, December 18, 2007

in -Ayura, -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, -MAC, -Magie Deco, 2007 Holiday, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

My Holiday 2007 Top 10 List continues from Part 1!

6. Magie Deco

(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco/)

Kose’s Magie Deco was launched in Japan in fall this year, and this is its debut holiday collection. I like the fact that the packaging is a variation of the usual Magie Deco look. It is different but instantly recognizable. I also like the rich red color scheme.

The two items are sold as a set, and both of them look so glamorous and beautiful, with an appropriate festive vibe.

If you like the look of this collection, you may want to check out Magie Deco’s spring 2008 collection.

5. MAC

(image from www.iswii.net)

MAC’s holiday 2007 collections (including Royal Assets, Antiquitease, and others) are some of my favorite MAC collections for 2007. The packaging looks good, and there are a very wide selection of items.

But when I saw the items in person for the first time, I was slightly underwhelmed by the details of the packaging. I think they looked just a little bit rough around the edges and they could have been slightly more refined.

Nonetheless, these collections present a pleasant departure from MAC’s usual dark and minimal look and I am sure many MAC fans have been enjoying collecting some of the goodies.

4. Ayura

(image from www.ayura.co.jp/jp/)

I haven’t really talked about this adorable holiday set from my personal favorite brand, which I am doing in this post.

Ayura’s holiday sets usually include best-selling items in limited-edition travel sizes as well as some one-off creations. The set for holiday 2007 includes:

-Spirit of Ayura Aroma Bath Powder (X2, limited edition)
-Spirit of Ayura Aroma Treatment Oil (for hair and body, limited edition)
-Spirit of Ayura Aroma Body Powder (limited edition)
-Spirit of Ayura Aroma Hands (30g, limited-edition size)
-Shiny Face (face highlighter, limited-edition, choice of blue and pink)
-Nail Color (choice of 23 shades, including limited-edition pink and violet shades)
-Cosmetics Box

Spirit of Ayura is Ayura’s one and only fragrance, and, apart from the hand cream, the three Spirit of Ayura items in the set are one-off creations based on this wonderful scent.

I really love the look of this collection (and I like the combination of all the fresh colors), not to mention that Spirit of Ayura is one of my favorite fragrances, But I already have quite a few somewhat similar limited-edition items based on this fragrance and this is the only reason why I didn’t consider getting this set.

The final part of my Holiday 2007 Top Ten List will be coming soon!

Loving Japanese Brands: Ayura
(my all-time favorite brand)

MAC A-Mei Color Collection
(another exciting collection from MAC)

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