makeup – base makeup

Coming Up: Japanese Base Makeup Week

by PJ on Friday, February 20, 2009

in all about Japanese cosmetics, announcement, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, makeup - base makeup - powder, makeup - base makeup - primer/concealer

To me, one of the most fascinating aspects of Japanese cosmetics is the generally outstanding quality of the base makeup*.

In the first week of March, I will be posting five articles on Japanese base makeup. These posts are largely based on the questions that I have often been asked in the past two years by readers new to or interested in Japanese makeup. I hope these articles will be helpful to some of you as well as any future reader who might have similar questions.

The first article will go up on Monday March 2nd. If you have any question on Japanese base makeup or suggestions on what you would like to see covered, please feel free to leave a comment or send me an e-mail.

Thank you very much, and stay tuned!

* In Japan, “base makeup” (or “base make”) refers to items applied before any color is added. They include primers, concealers, foundations, highlighting/contouring items, and loose/pressed powder. With some Japanese brands, they can also include delicately pigmented blushers.

Items featured in the photo:

Jill Stuart Moist Silk Foundation

Paul & Joe Light Cream Foundation

Anna Sui Fluid Foundation

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Update: SUQQU Base Makeup Kit

by PJ on Wednesday, February 18, 2009

in -SUQQU, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup - base makeup

(images and info from www.cosme.net)

Earlier this month, I posted information on SUQQU‘s Base Makeup Kit, which will be released in Japan on March 6th.

Since then, a few readers have asked me whether the kit will be available in the SUQQU counter in London’s Selfridges. According to SUQQU, the limited-edition Base Makeup Kit will be available at Selfridges from May 7th. It is priced at £60, and customers will be able to choose among the six shades of Liquid Foundation Aqua, which is included in the kit.

Please check the link above to see the contents of the Base Makeup Kit.

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Esprique Precious Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Thursday, January 22, 2009

in -Esprique (Precious), -Kosé, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp,
info from www.nikkei.co.jp
and www.joseishi.net/voce)

The Kosé-owned Esprique Precious will release the spring/summer 2009 base makeup collection in Japan on February 16th, 2009. The collection includes:

– Dramatical Stay Pact UV EX (7 shades, SPF 25, PA++)
– Dramatical Stay Base (SPF 20, PA++)
– Face Styling Powder (for creating highlight and lowlight)
– Cleansing Lotion (makeup removal water)

According to Nikkei Net, Kosé has developed the new Film Fix Powder to be used in the new version of Dramatical Stay Pact UV (out in spring 2008). The powder particles are designed to have enhanced lipophilic and hydrophilic properties. Instead of fighting against perspiration and sebum, which are the two main issues in wearing a foundation in summer, Film Fix Powder is supposed to merge seamless with them so the finish stays even overtime.

According to Voce, Film Fix Powder will work hand in hand with Pure Cover Powder (for natural coverage) and Zero Shine Powder (for translucency) in Dramatical Stay Pact UV EX.

Esprique Precious Holiday 2008 Collection

Coffret D’Or Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Collection

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A Splash of Color – Sensuous Plum

by PJ on Tuesday, January 20, 2009

in _I Love Colors, -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, -MAC, -Prescriptives, -Stella McCartney, bodycare, fragrance, makeup, makeup - base makeup

Plum is not really one of my favorite makeup colors to wear, as it is a little too warm and dark for my complexion. (I prefer more purple shades for eyes and slightly lighter shades for lips.) But I do have a few plum-colored sweaters and scarves, which I enjoy wearing in winter.

For me, plum is a beautiful color to look at. I love its richness and elegance as well as its understated femininity.

Makeup
Lavshuca Jewelry Lips
Lavshuca Face Powder in Lucent
MAC Paint Pot in Nice Vice (from the Fafi collection)
Prescriptives Colorscope Eye Color in plum (right of photo)
Prescriptives Colorscope Eye Color in Aubergine (bottom of photo)

Fragrance
Stella McCartney STELLA Eau de Parfum
Stella McCartney Sheer STELLA Eau de Toilette 2004 & 2005

Bodycare
Stella McCartney STELLA Precious Body Cream
ESPA Detoxifying Salt Scrub (to be reviewed next month)

Home Fragrance
Stella McCartney STELLA Scented Candle

More Splashes of Colors:

Gorgeous Gold

Lilting Lilac

Girlie Pink

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Update: Lavshuca Spring 2009 Collection

by PJ on Friday, January 9, 2009

in -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

The Kanebo website has posted images of Lavshuca’s spring 2009 items. The various Grade Color Eyes palettes are what I am particularly interested in.

(PK-1)
(images from www.kanebo-cosmetics.co.jp)

(BR-1)

(BR-2)

(GN-1)

(PU-1)

PU-1 looks very cool-toned to me here. It looks more lilac-y on the February 2009 issues of Biteki and Voce, but I still think the second darkest shade, supposedly the main shade for the lids, looks a little too pale for my liking. I will probably not go for this.

(Finish Powder)

The dark-plum lid of the new loose powder is not surprising, since plum is currently the main color for Lavshuca’s packaging. Even though it looks quite elegant (and there is still the puff with the cute bow), I would have liked a slightly more ornate case. The current Face Powder is available in Lucent (which I have) and Glow, and the new Finish Powder will be available in Lucent and High Cover. I am still intrigued in how High Cover performs.

A Splash of Color – Girlie Pink

Lavshuca Cheek Color in PK-1

Lavshuca Jewelry Lips

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Update: Coffret D’Or Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Friday, January 9, 2009

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(image and info from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Earlier I posted a link to an image of Coffret D’Or’s spring/summer base makeup collection as well as my initial thoughts. Now, here is more information on the individual items:

– Lasting Power Pact UV (7 shades, SPF 22, PA++)
– Lasting Power Soft Gel Foundation UV (7 shades, SPF 23, PA++)
– Lasting Power Veil UV (primer)
– Magical Flat (pore-smoothing concealer)
– One-Touch Gloss Powder (loose powder with a brush applicator)

The collection will be out in Japan on March 1st, 2009.

Coffret D’Or Makeup Powder

Coffret D’Or Spring 2009 Point Makeup Collection

Coffret D’Or Trance Deep Eyes in Rose Variation

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Sofina Primavista Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Monday, December 22, 2008

in -Kao, -Primavista, -Sofina, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(images and info from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Sofina Primavistawill release its spring/summer 2009 base makeup collection in Japan on February 21st. The lineup includes:– Powder Foundation Long Keep (SPF 25, PA++)

– Liquid Foundation (SPF 25, PA ++)

– Clear Cover Base (SPF 20, PA ++)

– Concealer Spots Cover (SPF 27, PA++)

– Face Powder Keep & Reset (SPF 15, PA++)

Primavista’s first powder foundation from fall/winter 2008, Powder Foundation Moist Touch, doesn’t really suit me due to its glowy finish. I am expecting the Fresh Keep version to have a somewhat similar (or very slightly less glowy) finish and better sebum control.

The new Face Powder reminds me of the very first version of Raycious’ pressed powder, which has a very good matte flesh-toned powder and a highlighter. I will be putting the new Primavista version on my spring 2009 shopping list and I am hoping that it works just as well.

Updated on February 17th, 2015:

Read my review of Face Powder (Keep & Reset).

Sofina Primavista Creamy Compact Foundation

Sofina Raycious Foundation Case Galore

Holiday Flashback – Sofina Aube Astral Rouge

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Coffret D’Or Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Monday, December 8, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2009 Spring, makeup, makeup - base makeup

The Voce Editor’s blog now has a photo of Coffret D’Or’s spring/summer 2009 base makeup collection.

The collection will include a new powder foundation, a new liquid foundation (Soft Gel Foundation UV), new makeup bases, and a new loose powder (possibly with a brush dispenser).

Coffret D’Or’ Beauty Lasting Pack UV is one of the best powder foundations I have tried in the past couple of years (in terms of my own needs, which are pore coverage and shine control). It does slightly fall short on coverage, and I am eager to see how the new version performs.

The post also includes a photo of SK-II‘s new whitening range and a photo of Giorgio Armani‘s new men’s skincare range.

Updated on January 9th, 2009:

More information on the items.

Coffret D’Or Spring 2009 Point Makeup Collection

Coffret D’Or Holiday 2008 Collection

Coffret D’Or Makeup Powder

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Makeup Review: RMK Christmas Palette 2008

by PJ on Wednesday, November 26, 2008

in -RMK, 2008 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - powder, makeup - blusher, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - lip gloss, makeup - mascara

For the last few holiday seasons, RMK has brought out luxury makeup palettes that include items for eyes, cheeks, and lips. Today I am reviewing the 2008 version of the RMK Christmas Palette.

The holiday palette for this year is presented in a rectangular gold pouch with a chic metallic finish. The palette itself is black.

The palette includes four eyeshadows, a travel-sized mascara, a travel-sized lip gloss, face colors, and pressed powder. The pressed powder, powder puff and blusher brush are in the pull-out drawer on the bottom layer.

– Eyeshadows

The three light shades (gold, pink, and green) are very sheer and mainly add (quite sparkly) shimmer to the eyes. The brown is less shimmery and a lot more pigmented. It can be a subtle eyelining shade or part of your smoky-eye look.

– Face Colors

At first, I thought the coral-orange blusher would be too warm for my liking, but it goes on as a nice warm coral-pink that looks surprisingly natural. Both the blusher and the highlighter have shimmer. (The shimmer in the highlighter is more pronounced.)

– Pressed Powder

It goes on luminously matte and has good pore coverage. However, compared with products like Kiss Mat Chiffon Powder and Lavshuca Face Powder in Lucent, it lacks shine control and will not suit those with oily skin.

– Separate Curl Mascara in 01 Black (travel-sized)

This waterproof mascara is part of RMK’s regular mascara lineup. The brush is slightly curled. For me, it creates more volume and definition rather than length. On my lashes, it doesn’t clump or smudge.

– Gloss Lips in EX-11 (limited-edition shade, travel-sized)

This is a semi-sheer gloss with a hint of beige and should suit most complexions. It has very pretty multi-colored shimmer. As far as I remember, RMK’s lip glosses come with a brush applicator. This one has a sponge applicator.

Overall, this set creates a warm and glowy makeup look for the holiday season. How you use the pigmented brown eyeshadow will determine how dramatic the overall look is. If you have been thinking about trying items from RMK, this set (including the brand’s popular items like the mascara and Gloss Lips) is worth considering.

If you would like to see swatches and FOTDs of this palette, please head over here and here. Enjoy!

Review: RMK Fall 2008 Collection

Can’t Live Without – RMK Cleansing Oil

Beauty City Guide – London

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Among My Favorites – Kiss Mat Chiffon Powder

by PJ on Tuesday, November 4, 2008

in -Kiss, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - powder, stash focus

Kiss is a cute Japanese drugstore brand that I have not tried before. The packaging is girlie but is more minimal-looking than that of Lavshuca and Majolica Majorca. Being a lover of loose powder, I decided to get the Mat Chiffon Powder.

It is a translucent powder with a very slight pink tone. The texture of this talc-based powder is very fine and silky. The finish is matte, as the product name suggests. There is minimal shimmer, which does not look apparent on the face. The puff that comes with the powder is soft and a pleasure to use.

(The shade I have is 01 Lucent Rose. At the moment, I think this is the only shade that Mat Chiffon Powder is available in.)

I have been enjoying using this loose powder very much. What I want from a loose powder is shine control and pore coverage, and this product delivers the two plentifully. The skin looks smoother and more polished, and the shine control is very satisfying.

Some of you might remember that Lavshuca’s Face Powder (in Lucent) is one of my favorite loose powder products and may wonder how I compare the two. First of all, Mat Chiffon Powder is now also among my favorite loose powder items as both are great in shine control and pore coverage. But I think I still very slightly prefer the Lavshuca Face Powder because the beige-toned powder evens out redness a little better (whereas Mat Chiffon Powder is pink-toned).

I would recommend this powder to whoever is interested in a good-quality matte loose powder. Also, if you have combination or oily skin and want to stay shine-free for longer during the day, I think this product is very likely to suit you.

(Many thanks to my friend Betsy at Autumn Masquerade for having me try this powder before I bought it. You can read her review of it here.)

Coffret D’Or Makeup Powder

L’Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Powder

Calvin Klein Subliminal Purity Mineral Based Loose Powder

Crème de la Mer The Powder

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