-Lunasol

Lunasol Full Glamour Gloss in Bright Pink

by PJ on Thursday, January 3, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Lunasol Full Glamour Gloss in 04 Bright Pink)

While Chanel’s Irréelle Blush in Tea Rose is one of my favorite blushers, Lunasol’s Full Glamour Gloss in Bright Pink is one of my favorite lip glosses.

First of all, even though the shade is named Bright Pink, it is not a bright neon pink that is hard to pull off. It is actually a very pretty and elegant medium-to-sheer pink which is very wearable. It should suit most skin-tones.

Apart from that, there are two things that I particularly like about this lip gloss. First, it has very beautiful and delicate multi-color shimmer that adds subtle dimension and fullness to the lips and makes lip lines appear less obvious.

Also, the slanted applicator (seen below) is well designed. It glides and spreads the gloss on very evenly. Two swipes, back and forth, on each lip, and it’s done. Sensually glossy, with rippling shimmer.

(Lunasol Full Glamor Gloss)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)


I also like the packaging. Very simple and sophisticated, which is generally the case with all Lunasol’s minimal and low-key packaging. But it still oozes glamor.

With a stunning spring 2008 collection, Lunasol continues to be a brand that I will pay a lot of attention to in 2008.

Related Posts:

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

Sony Curvy Lip Silicone
(It had sold more than 1 million copies by the time I wrote this post, but now it has sold over 2 million copies. Find out why!)

Beautiful Lips with Blue Lip Glosses?
(Have you tried them?)

{ 6 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?

Related Posts:

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 1)

by PJ on Sunday, December 16, 2007

in -Jill Stuart, -Lunasol, -YSL, 2007 Holiday, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

We have already seen many spring 2008 makeup collections, and I am sure some favorites have emerged on your list. But let’s look back, just in time in the midst of the holiday season, at my own top 10 holiday 2007 collections.

10. Lunasol

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


2007 is a great year for Lunasol, which brought out fantastic collections for spring and fall. Lunasol’s Christmas 2007 coffret presents the usual dose of neutral and wearable colors as seen in Lunasol’s previous holiday sets. Some might say they are unimaginative, but this doesn’t stop Lunasol fans from collecting this sophisticated coffret for lips, eyes, and face.

9. Guerlain

(Forever Gold)

(image from www.guerlain.co.jp)


Guerlain’s holiday 2007 collection did not get my full attention until I tested Forever Gold (pictured above) and a couple of other items. Forever Gold delivers a sheer and fine mist of very sparkling shimmer. The finish is quite even, and the sparkles are very glamorous without being over the top. A star item for this holiday season indeed. (You can read more about my thoughts of Forever Gold here.)

8. YSL

(image from www.yslbeautyus.com)

I mentioned in my initial review of the YSL holiday 2007 collection that I preferred the usual gold packaging. But, compared with many other holiday collections, this is still a strong one. The collection is well-themed with memorable designs. The heart-shaped necklace is very pretty even though I don’t think this is the best makeup necklace for this season.

This is the first time in five years that YSL’s holiday collection didn’t make the top five on my holiday top 10 list, as the overall collection didn’t impress me as much as the previous ones did. (Read about YSL’s Gold Celebration Palette from the 2006 holiday collection if you are interested.)

7. Jill Stuart

(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

Jill Stuart’s holiday 2007 set is instantly appealing, with the kind of feminine and princessy packaging that Jill Stuart is famous for. Like Lunasol’s holiday 2007 coffret, the set features universally flattering shades.

According to this blog post, all the slots were full within an hour after one department store started to take pre-orders for this set, while the set was completely sold out in another department store within two hours after the set was officially launched. I am not really surprised. Since the Jill Stuart beauty line was launched in Japan in 2005, the holiday sets in 2005 and 2006 have been extremely popular. (This post also features a swatch video, in which you can actually see how the eyeshadow shades shimmer!)

(Continue to read Part 2 and Part 3!)

Related Posts:

Loving Japanese Brands: Jill Stuart
(featuring my Jill Stuart Christmas 2005 set)

Loving Japanese Brands: Lunasol
(one of my three favorite Japanese brands for the moment)

Keep It Gold: YSL
(my personal take on the glamorous YSL)

{ 4 comments }

Spring 2008 Makeup Collections: How many brands can you spot?

by PJ on Friday, November 23, 2007

in -Anna Sui, -Chanel, -Dior, -Guerlain, -Helena Rubinstein, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Kosé, -Lunasol, -Shu Uemura, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

Exciting spring 2008 makeup preview!
(image from i-voce.boxerblog.com/contents/index.html)


The Voce website has a page from the January 2008 issue, featuring a preview of some spring 2008 makeup collections.

I see Dior, Chanel, Jill Stuart, Lunasol, Anna Sui, Givenchy, Guerlain, Coffret D’Or, Beauté de Kosé, and perhaps Helena Rubinstein, Sofina Est and Shu Uemura…just to name a few.

I think I have already seen some items I want…and it is still November!

I am loving the look of the Chanel and Lunasol lilac eyeshadow palettes (as if I didn’t have enough lilac palettes…with my T’Estimo, Jill Stuart, and Lavshuca lilac bonanza).

What has grabbed your attention?

Updated on Friday, November 23, 2007:

Bjooti has kindly confirmed that the zebra-printed one towards the top left is indeed from the Helena Rubinstein spring 2008 collection. Take a look at the full collection on her blog!

Related Posts (let’s go back to holiday 2007):

Dior DiorLight Jewelled Makeup Necklace
(another beautiful Dior seasonal item)

Lavshuca Christmas 2007 Makeup Palette
(as cute as a box of chocolates…)

{ 8 comments }

Lunasol Spring 2008 Collection: First Look!

by PJ on Friday, November 9, 2007

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of the Lunasol Spring 2008 Collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)


This is my first spring 2008 makeup collection post, and it is on one of my favorite brands, Lunasol.

Inspired by the vibrant colors of the ocean, the lipsticks reflect the various shades of the coral while the eyeshadows pick up the hues of sea water.

The collection includes:

Full Glamor Lips G (20 shades)
Contrasting W Lip Liners (4 shades)
Sheer Contrast Eyes (eyeshadow palettes, 5 variations)
Contrasting Cheeks N (2 shades)
W Highlight (highlighter) (1 shade)

The collection will be released in Japan on January 18, 2008.

Looking at the promotional image above, I suspect that there are going to be some bright yet wearable shades in interesting combinations for the eyeshadow palettes, which is exciting. (I actually really like the look of the eyeshadow palette above.) I am interested in seeing the two new blushers as well.

In the past few seasons, Lunasol has been doing extremely well, and I am definitely looking forward to this collection.

Updated on December 30, 2007:

Earlier, Lunasol‘s official website updated to include the complete lineup of the spring 2008 collection. These two photos below show part of the lineup. The Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes look particularly stunning.

(Lunasol Full Glamor Lips G)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)


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

Related posts:

Lunasol Contrasting Cheeks in Light Orange
(for a sun-kissed glow)

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

{ 8 comments }

A Touch of Lunasol Blusher: Contrasting Cheeks in Light Orange

by PJ on Tuesday, November 6, 2007

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - blusher

(Lunasol Contrasting Cheeks in #03 Light Orange)


Since its launch in 1999, Lunasol has been among my favorite brands. I love the good quality and the polished and sophisticated packaging and brand image.

One of the Lunasol items I have is Contrasting Cheeks in #03 Light Orange. It is not peachy or coral. It is, as the name indicates, a soft light orange. (But this shade has actually been discontinued. You can see the currently available shades below.)

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


I suppose it is called Contrasting Cheeks because every shade comes in two finishes. The two squares on the top left and bottom right in the pan have shimmer, while the rest is basically matte with very little shimmer. When I use the blusher brush to sweep across the pan and apply the color, the finish is still predominantly matte. I can also use the shimmery portion on the center of the cheek areas to impart an accent glow, which adds a very subtle dimension to the cheeks.

I chose this shade because I had quite a few of pink-tone blushers and I wanted something different. After testing it at the counter, I found that it was relatively sheer and thought I could “work” this. Indeed I can. It gives a healthy sun-kissed glow and the color merges with the pink undertone of my face very well. It does not make my cheeks look too orange at all.

For me, this is more of a summery shade. But it is certainly natural enough to be used all year round. Another great member of my blusher family…

More touches of blusher:

AYURA Aura Veil α

Lavshuca Cheek Color

Anna Sui Face Color Accent

{ 0 comments }

All About Japanese Cosmetics: New Category Added

by PJ on Tuesday, October 30, 2007

in -Anna Sui, -Ayura, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Kao, -Kate, -Kosé, -Lavshuca, -Lunasol, -Majolica Majorca, -Paul & Joe, -Shiseido, -Sofina, -SUQQU, -T'Estimo, all about Japanese cosmetics, announcement

(You can tell that I love my Japanese cosmetics…)


Most of you who read my blog certainly know that I have a passion for Japanese cosmetics. While I do try to keep a balance between western and Japanese cosmetics on my blog, I do think, for me, Japanese cosmetics items do better on my scoreboard in most areas.

If you would like to look through my posts related to Japanese cosmetics, I have made it a bit easier for you by adding the category “All About Japanese Cosmetics“ on the sidebar (under “Read by Topics”). As of now, there are 96 posts under this category, and the number will certainly grow week by week.

Please enjoy!

Here are just a few highlights:

Loving Japanese Brands
(where I highlight 7 wonderful Japanese brands)

Japanese vs. Western…Who’s Winning?
(Which side are you on?)

If I Could Go to Japan RIGHT NOW
(I share my dream shopping list.)

A couple of the items featured in the photo above:

Kanebo T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes 03

Lavshuca Eye Color Select PK-1

More to come!!

{ 43 comments }

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.

(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.

(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!

Read more about the featured brands:

Anna Sui
(Gothic Princess)

Lunasol
(Polished Sophistication)

SUQQU
(Pure Class)

{ 8 comments }

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!

Related Posts:

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.)

{ 14 comments }

Fall 2007 Makeup Round-Up (#3-#1)

by PJ on Friday, September 21, 2007

in -Dior, -Jill Stuart, -Lunasol, 2007 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1 and Part 2)

#3: Jill Stuart

(from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

(from Biteki September 2007)

When I knew there was going to be a new pressed powder blusher for Jill Stuart, I was trying to imagine what it would look like. I have to say the actual packaging doesn’t disappoint me, to say the least. Very ornate and princessy. (I will review this later on.)

The limited-edition Point Crystal II loose eyeshadow (pictured mid-right) rides on the success of the previous Point Crystal from last fall. This time, the shades are slightly more intense. Overall this is such a pretty collection.

#2: Dior

(from www.dior.com)
(from Biteki September 2007)

The 5-color eyeshadow palette in 060 Silver Goddess (the right one of the two palettes) is so fall 2007, with great shades of grey and silvery copper. If you have tested the blue shade in this palette, you know that it has vivid pink shimmer. So very pretty. The two eyeshadow palettes also complement the two Diorissime palettes (far right).

Currently only two Dior Blush shades are sold in Japan, while a larger selection is available in the US and the UK. There is actually a shade called A Touch of Blush. Well, not exactly the name of my blog, but close enough. (And it is a great natural shade!)

The Diorissime palettes finish off the collection beautifully. I have 002 Seduction Drama (the one available in the US) and I love it.

#1: Lunasol

(from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)
(from Biteki September 2007)

This is the best collection for fall 2007 in my opinion. It is also one of the most stunning collections from Lunasol.

All the items for eyes, lips, and nails coordinate with one another and come in five mini collections. Each features a 5-color eyeshadow palette, an eyeliner, a lipstick, a lip gloss, and a nail color. Among the eyeshadow palettes, the one in blue (04 Saphire) and pink (05 Ruby) are very popular in Asia right now, and they certainly tickle my fancy!

{ 9 comments }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →