-Lancôme

Refreshing and Calming – Lancôme Tonique Douceur

by PJ on Tuesday, February 12, 2008

in -Lancôme, skincare, skincare - cleansing/toning, stash focus

(Lancôme Tonique Douceur)

Since I have quite sensitive skin, I think I am rather picky about what skincare products to use.

Just like makeup, old favorites get discontinued and we look through new candidates. I used to love Shu Uemura’s Refreshing Lotion, but it was discontinued a couple of years ago. After I used up my last bottle, the audition process started again.

Although there are a couple of toners I really like from Japanese brands not available in the UK, when it comes to skincare products, I tend to use what is available locally. It makes shopping (and restocking) a little easier.

I think Lancôme‘s Tonique Douceur has been around ever since I started to be interested in cosmetics. I am not sure if the formula has ever changed, but when I tried samples of it in the past, I did like them. After comparing it with a couple of others just to be sure, I decided to settle on Tonique Douceur.

It is alcohol-free and has a light, soothing, and refreshing feel. (I don’t really like toners with a serum-y texture or those that leave a slippery film on the skin.) I find that it eases up the mild redness of my skin and helps the skin look clearer and more transparent.

Also, the ingredient list is shorter than those of a lot of other toners I have come across. For people with sensitive skin, the fewer ingredients applied on the skin, the better.

After water and glycerin, rosa centifolia flower (rose hip) water is third on the ingredient list. According to Paula Begoun’s Cosmetics Ingredient Dictionary, rose hip has antioxidant properties. It is a pity that the toner is packaged in a transparent toner. Otherwise the antioxidant properties would last longer.

I usually don’t use cotton balls or cotton pads when applying a toner. I dispense 4 or 5 drops of a toner, spread them across my palms, and gently pat the toner onto the skin. (I put Tonique Douceur in another bottle with a pump dispenser so I don’t accidentally pour too much out.) During the application, I also like to cover my cheeks and eyes with my palms and do some deep breathing. I find it very calming.

Overall this is a toner that really suits my slightly sensitive skin, and the fact that I don’t use cotton balls/pads also makes a 200ml bottle go a long way.

(Please note that Tonique Douceur contains fragrance and preservatives. Do make sure you read through the ingredient list if you have relevant concerns.)

Related Posts:

Other steps of my skincare routine:

Makeup remover

Daytime Moisturizer

Nighttime Moisturizer

Lip Balm

{ 16 comments }

Spot the Differences! Lancôme Spring 2008 Collection: L.U.C.I.

by PJ on Thursday, January 10, 2008

in -Lancôme, 2008 Spring, makeup

(L.U.C.I.: Lancôme’s spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.lancome-usa.com)

(promotional image in the UK)
(Notice the differences!)

You have probably read from great beauty sites like Makeup Bag about Lancôme’s spring 2008 collection.

I saw the collection in the shops a while ago. Then, as I was reading about the US release, I noticed some differences in what the collections consist of. While the L.U.C.I Eyes palette (in the seashell shape) sold in the US has the bronze shade, the two sold in the UK feature turquoise and blue. (The bronze option doesn’t seem to be available here.)

On the UK promotional image, both models are wearing the turquoise palette, which the model on the right (Daria Werbowy) is holding in her hand.

Moreover, all three palettes are available in Japan:

(image from www.lancome.jp)

The collection, L.U.C.I. (which stands for “Luminescent Ultra Colour Intelligence”), is Gucci Westman’s last collection for Lancôme. The identity of this collection is marked by the iridescent reflectiveness in various items.

I was paying particular attention to the shades of the shimmer and iridescence. For the L.U.C.I Eyes palettes, the white shade in A Ray of Green Light (the one with the turquoise) has yellowish green iridescence, while the one in A Ray of Blue Light has lilac iridescence.

Other iridescent/shimmer hues can be seen in:

The pale Color Fever Shine lipstick: pinkish lilac iridescence
The pale Color Fever Gloss: blue shimmer (not iridescence)
Ombre Glacée (in A Ray of Pink Light): pink iridescence
Traceur Design Eyeliner: lilac iridescence
The pink nail color: subtle blue iridescence

Some of the iridescent hues are quite intense, especially those from the white shades in the L.U.C.I. Eyes palettes.

This collection is certainly very unique and has a coherent concept and a distinctive look. For this, this collection deserves accolade, and I think makeup fans will constantly refer back to some of these items.

For me personally, even though I love blue-tinted lip glosses and lilac eyeshadows, I surprised myself by not being overly excited about this collection. I think I prefer the iridescence to be slightly more subtle. (I’d have to be very careful and use these shades very sparingly.)

But, if you like iridescent shimmer, you can surely add an eye-catching accent color to your eyes, lips or nails with this collection. Or, if you like a bit of an edge, then some of these items are definitely worth checking out.

Dior Holiday 2007 Collection
(Again, notice the more extensive Dior Holiday 2007 range in the UK and Japan)

My Shopping List for Japan
(more things that can’t be found in the US or Europe)

{ 12 comments }

A Splash of Color — Citrus Orange

by PJ on Sunday, June 3, 2007

in _I Love Colors, -Ayura, -Lancôme, -Lunasol, all about Japanese cosmetics, bodycare, fragrance, makeup, nail color/care, skincare, stash focus

Orange has been the youngest member of my favorite color family, since I discovered that I looked nice in orange (deep orange, especially, not yellowy orange) only a few years ago.

It is such a cheerful color. Also, when it comes to fragrance, citrus notes are some of my favorites as well. Uplifting and energizing!

—————————————-
Makeup

Lunasol: Contrasting Cheeks 03

Fragrance

Shiseido: Energizing Fragrance
Lancome: Aroma Fit

Skincare

Ayura: Nail Essence
RMK: Cleansing Oil
Garnier: Handcocoon Intense Nourishing Concentrate
(And…an orange!)

{ 2 comments }

A Splash of Color — New-Leaf Green

by PJ on Sunday, May 6, 2007

in _I Love Colors, -Ayura, -Bulgari, -Chanel, -Lancôme, all about Japanese cosmetics, bodycare, fragrance, makeup, stash focus

The weather is getting warm again, as the soft gentle green hue of new leaves is everywhere.

Bring that atmosphere into your boudoir…

——————————————————
Makeup:
Chanel: Irreelle Duo in River-Light
Von Natur: Eye Color in Chrysocolla

Fragrance:
Bulgari: Eau Parfumee au The Vert
Lancome: Aroma Tonic

Bodycare:
Ayura: Spirit of Ayura hand cream
Ayura: Spirit of Ayura body lotion
Imperial Leather: Green Tea and Kaffir Lime handwash

More splashes of colors to come!

{ 8 comments }

Key Item for Spring/Summer 2007: White Eyeshadow

by PJ on Sunday, April 1, 2007

in -Boots, -Lancôme, 2007 Spring, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

White eyeshadows are some of the key items this season. In Shu Uemura’s Spring 2007 makeup look, white is the only color around the eyes. This season, a white eyeshadow is not only used as a browbone highlighter but also all round the eyes to create a clean, sophisticated and edgy look.

I have some eyeshadow palettes that feature a white eyeshadow but I decided to experiment different finishes, so over the last couple of weeks, I have bought some more:

1 Rimmel Color Rush Mono Eye Shadow (241 Matte White)
2 Rimmel Color Rush Mono Eye Shadow (244 Moonstone)
3 Boots Natural Collection Eyeshadow (Sea Shell)
4 Boots No. 7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow (25 Opal)
5 Lancome Color Design (904 Pearly Angel)

(I was tempted to buy Maybelline Dream Mousse Shadow (in 00 Vanilla Veil) just to try a different texture, but the finish was a bit too glittery for my liking.)

Finish-wise, 1 & 3 are completely matte, and 2 & 4 have a pearly finish. 5 also has a pearly finish but with minimal glitter.

Between 1 & 3, 1 is completely white, while 3 is a very pale beige, which doesn’t show very much on my skin.

Out of these five, I am particularly impressed with the texture of the two Rimmel ones. Very smooth and velvety.

So far, I like 1 the most. The matte white looks very good on me and I think the matte finish is the concept in Shu Uemura’s seasonal look as well.

Don’t go overboard with white eyeshadows, though. It should look like there is a soft and flattering spotlight around your eyes, which makes your eyes pop.

Also, sporting too much of a glittery white eyeshadow all around the eyes can backfire spectacularly under heavy pale florescent lighting…You don’t want the reverse-panda look!

I think it is best to use a matte white eyeshadow as an overall base and to use any pearly or glittery white eyeshadow sparingly and strategically (on the browbones or in the inner corners of the eyes), especially when you have to switch between daytime and nighttime looks.

White eyeshadows have always been very basic items, but now you can use them to create a whole new (and flattering) look!

{ 5 comments }

Cosmetics Best-Sellers Across Japan: 2006

by PJ on Sunday, March 18, 2007

in -Anna Sui, -Biotherm, -Bobbi Brown, -Chanel, -Clarins, -Clé de Peau, -Clinique, -Dior, -Helena Rubinstein, -Lancôme, -Paul & Joe, -RMK, -Shiseido, -SK-II, -YSL, all about Japanese cosmetics, bodycare, makeup, makeup - base makeup, skincare

I came across an interesting feature on the January issue of Biteki magazine. It lists best-sellers in each major department store throughout Japan and compares what customers like in different parts of the country. Today I am listing some of them as a whole (non-areal-specific) for you to have a look and I am focusing on products from brands available internationally.

*Skincare/Bodycare*

Shiseido Cle de Peau: Lotion Tendre
Clinique: Turnaround Concentrate
Origins: Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Serum
Dior: Capture Totale Multi-Protection Correction Serum
RMK: Skin Smoother
RMK: Face Protector SPF 31
Biotherm: Celluli Peel
Clarins: Total Body Lift
SKII: Skin Treatment Essence

*Base Makeup*

RMK: Makeup Base
RMK: Creamy Makeup Base Mat
RMK: Liquid Foundation
YSL: Touche Eclat
Clinique: All About Eyes Concealer
Clinique: Perfectly Real Makeup

*Color Makeup*

Bobbi Brown: Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner
Helena Rubinstein: Lash Queen Water-Proof

Lancome: L’Extreme Water-Proof

Lancome: Juicy Tube 17
Chanel: Rouge Allure 04, 13, 30
Dior: Rouge Dior 434
RMK: Ingenious Cheeks 29
RMK: Water Color Eyes 04
Anna Sui: Nail Color 333
Paul & Joe: Nail Color 26

(from Biteki January 2007)

One thing I have noticed is that there is one lipstick that tops virtually all the department store top-selling lists: Dior Addict Ultra Shine 2 in 340 Shiniest Peach. Ultra Shine 2 is only available in Asia at the moment, but the very exclusive Harvey Nichols in London actually has it!

Coming up in my next post, I will be sharing my daily foundation routine.

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Winter Sale & YSL/Givenchy Spring 2007 Collections

by PJ on Friday, December 29, 2006

in -Givenchy, -Lancôme, -YSL, 2007 Spring, makeup, skincare, stash focus

(pictured: my only sale purchase…)

I went to Central London for the start of the winter sale on the 27th. I have to say I was quite disappointed. Usually there would be a few surprises apart from what I expected to see, so the fun was trying to decide what to buy. (Battling between budget and desire can be painful but exciting at the same time…) But this time there was just nothing.

In Selfridges Oxford Street, where major cosmetics brands often unveil their latest collections before the actual UK launch date, I happened to see YSL’s and Givenchy’s Spring 2007 Collections. Givenchy’s new eyeshadow palette looked very exciting with all the vibrant colors. But when I tested them, I found that most of them were not very wearbale. On the other hand, YSL’s eyeshadow palettes were better in that respect. Two of them featured brown tones and the other one had soft green, pink, and lilac.

What happens in most UK department stores during the sale is that some brands have items with 30-50% discounts. They are usually surplus stock or unsold limited edition items from previous seasons. They are usually placed in a small box at the counter. This time I saw YSL’s Gold Celebration Palette from 2005 (the one with a heart in the middle), YSL’s Palette Signes D’Orient (Autumn 2006), and Dior’s 5-color eyeshadow palette in 370 (Autumn 2006).

The only thing I did get from the sale was this year’s Lancome Hydra Zen gift set, which includes Hydra Zen 50ml for normal to dry skin, Hydra Zen Nuit 15ml, Hydra Zen Yeux 3ml, and Juicy Tube 7ml in Fraise. The original price was more or less the normal retail price of the Hydra Zen 50ml. With 30% off, it was a good bargain, especially when I also use the richer Hydra Zen Nuit when the weather is very cold.

Overall, this is one of the most underwhelming sale trips. But on the bright side, it is money saved for next year…

Next few days: more updates and thoughts about some upcoming stuff

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My Daily Skincare Routine

by PJ on Friday, December 8, 2006

in -Chanel, -Estée Lauder, -Lancôme, -RMK, -Shu Uemura, all about Japanese cosmetics, skincare, skincare - cleansing/toning, skincare - moisturizing/others, stash focus

I don’t have naturally perfect skin. It is a bit sensitive, a bit oily, and a bit dry underneath all at the same time. These are the products that really work for me and help keep my skin in its best possible condition.

Morning:
Johnson’s Sensitive Facial Wash
Shu Uemura Refreshing Lotion
Estee Lauder DayWear Plus SPF 15 for Oily Skin
Chanel’s Soin Tendre Levres SPF 15
No7 Uplifting Day Cream SPF 15 (something more emollient for my neck)

Evening:
RMK Cleansing Oil (if I wear makeup during the day)
Johnson’s Sensitive Facial Wash
Shu Uemura Refreshing Lotion
Lancome Hydra Zen for Normal to Dry Skin
Rose & Co. Apothecary Rose Petal Salve (for lips)

I try to keep the routine simple. I don’t use an exfoliator or a moisturizing mask regularly. I have them and I use them when I need to. They are SOS products that I only use several times a year.

I don’t switch between products in different seasons. I simply apply a more generous amount of moisturizer in winter.

Also, I don’t use an eye cream. Eye creams are a complete marketing myth. A well-formulated moistuizer should work on the entire face, and there is no need to have another moisturizer that usually costs three times more than the facial moisturizer in the same line (in terms of unit price). I don’t have dark cycles, dry lines, and puffy eyes, and I don’t own an eye cream.

In terms of skincare, I think simpler is better. Cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreening are all you need.

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