makeup – base makeup

Foundation Face-Off – Lunasol vs. Coffret D’Or

by PJ on Tuesday, March 4, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2007 Spring, 2008 Spring, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, makeup - base makeup - primer/concealer, stash focus

(Coffret D’Or Beauty Lasting Pack UV
& Lunasol Skin Fusing Powder Foundation)

After my first “foundation face-off” post (SUQQU vs. Chanel), some readers were wondering if I would do more. So here is another one, focusing on Lunasol’s current powder foundation, Skin Fusing Powder Foundation (referred to as “Lunasol” below), and Coffret D’Or’s debut powder foundation, Beauty Lasting Pack UV (referred to as “Coffret D’Or” below).

I have also tried the matching primers. I will review how the primers work with the foundations later on. The following comparison is based on the foundations worn without the primers (and right after my Olay daytime moisturizer/sunscreen).

Basics

– Lunasol: SPF 20 PA ++, 6 shades, released in spring 2007
– Coffret D’Or: SPF 24 PA ++, 7 shades, released in spring 2008 (March 1st)

Finish

Lunasol gives a luminous and almost glowy finish, while Coffret D’Or has a predominantly matte finish with subtle luminosity. Neither has visible shimmer.

Texture

Lunasol feels very pleasingly soft and velvety, while Coffret D’Or is slightly drier (but not chalky).

Coverage

Lunasol gives a very good above-medium coverage and successfully covers minor imperfections and redness. Coffret D’Or has a slightly below-medium coverage. In terms of how the coverage maintains throughout the day, both have a good staying power.

Pore Coverage

Lunasol has a relatively good pore-diffusing ability mainly due to the exceptionally velvety texture that adheres to the skin very well. Coffret D’Or’s pore-concealing ability is satisfactory but not outstanding.

Shine Control

All along, it seems Lunasol is winning. However, Coffret D’Or’s sebum-controlling ability is so impressive that I prefer it to Lunasol overall.

First of all, with Coffret D’Or on, it takes noticeably longer for my oily skin to appear visibly shiny than it does with some of my favorite foundations, like Sofina Raycious (earlier versions) and Shiseido ZA. Also, after gentling matting out the shine, the face looks nearly as matte as when foundation is first applied, which is not always the case with most foundations I’ve tried.

As for Lunasol, the soft powder (which has an almost-moist feel) does not seem to absorb sebum very well. The luminous and glowy finish makes the shine look more pronounced as the day goes on. Also, the face still looks somewhat shiny after I matte out the shine.

Between the two, I prefer Coffret D’Or for its exceptionally good shine-control ability. For me, the finish can look a little dry during the first hour of wear. But after that, the finish looks natural for the rest of the day with little maintenance. If you have combination or oily skin or if you live in a warm climate, Coffret D’Or is worth considering.

However, if you have dry skin with no issue of excessive sebum, then Lunasol’s soft and velvety powder will probably suit you better and give you a beautifully luminous finish.

With the primers:

(Coffret D’Or Beauty Lasting Veil UV
& Lunasol Smoothing Makeup Base)

Coffret D’Or’s Beauty Lasting Veil UV (SPF 20, PA ++, alcohol-free) has a very pleasing light milky texture and is easy to apply. Designed to add luminosity to the skin, it goes on almost completely sheer and it has visible shimmer. With this primer, Coffret D’Or’s finish turns considerably more velvety, almost like Lunasol (when worn without any primer) and the level of pore coverage is also increased slightly.

However, for me, the huge drawback is that the shine-control ability considerably lessens, which is very disappointing.

Lunasol’s Smoothing Makeup Base (no sunscreen factor, with some alcohol) is designed to diffuse the appearance of pores. It is slightly thicker than Beauty Lasting Veil UV but it is still easy to apply. It goes on almost completely sheer and does not have shimmer.

When worn with this primer, Lunasol’s smooth and velvety texture remains but the finish turns slightly more matte. Even though I don’t think the primer and the foundation worn together conceal pores better (then the foundation alone), the primer does seem to help control shine to a small extent.

While I would see Beauty Lasting Veil UV as a moisturizing primer for those who think Coffret D’Or is too dry, Smoothing Makeup Base seems to be for those concerned about Lunasol’s lack of shine-control ability.

Overall, in terms of the four options (two foundations with/without the primers), I would still prefer Coffret D’Or worn without primer. The winning attribute is definitely the outstanding shine-control efficacy.

Related Posts:
(spring/summer 2008 base makeup lineups)

Coffret D’Or
(loving the look of the loose powder)

SUQQU
(known for good-quality foundations)

Anna Sui
(very tempted to pick up the loose powder compact)

{ 32 comments }

SUQQU Spring/Summer 2008 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Tuesday, February 19, 2008

in -SUQQU, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(part of the SUQQU spring/summer 2008
base makeup lineup)
(image from www.suqqu.com)

As SUQQU is one of the few Japanese brands available in the UK (in London’s Selfridges), I always look forward to all the new releases.

Following the spring color collection, released earlier in Japan and launching in the UK later, SUQQU will release the spring/summer base makeup collection on March 15th.

With many Japanese cosmetics brands, the spring/summer base makeup releases, mostly in March, tend to focus on sebum-controlling and maintaining a fresh complexion. On the other hand, the fall/winter lineups (launched around September) are more about combating dryness and creating a luminous look.

SUQQU’s base makeup collection for fall 2007 features a very delicately smooth and luxuriously velvety Powder Foundation Glow. It goes on beautifully, has a good coverage, and covers pores well, but it lacks the sebum-controlling ability. So it will be interesting to see what the new Powder Foundation Fresh can do.

The SUQQU spring/summer 2008 base makeup lineup includes:

Powder Foundation Fresh: 6 shades, 11g, SPF 27 PA++

Liquid Foundation Aqua: 6 shades, 24ml, SPF 26 PA++

Face Protector N (daytime sunscreen): 30g, SPF 30 PA+++

I am expecting these to be launched in the UK in April, and I look forward to testing all the items, especially Powder Foundation Fresh. If it has all the merits of Powder Foundation Glow plus a decent shine-controlling ability, it could be an all-round winner for me!

Loving SUQQU
(my personal take on SUQQU)

Anna Sui spring/summer 2008 base makeup collection
(featuring a cute loose powder compact)

Kanebo Coffret D’Or spring/summer 2008 base makeup collection
(More loose powder for me to try?)

{ 0 comments }

Anna Sui Spring/Summer 2008 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Friday, February 1, 2008

in -Anna Sui, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(Anna Sui Spring/Summer 2008
base makeup collection)
(images from woman.excite.co.jp)

March is the time when various Japanese cosmetics brands release their new base makeup items. (In Japanese cosmetics, “base makeup” refers to products including primer, concealer, foundation, pressed/loose powder, and highlighter…all the things to get that perfect canvas.) On March 1st, Anna Sui will launch its spring/summer base makeup collection in Japan. The collection includes:

– Control Color Primer UV (SPF 35, PA ++; containing “micro lucent powder” to brighten up the skin)

– Loose Compact Powder UV (six shades; 001, 002, 200 with SPF 15 PA ++, 700, 701, 702 with SPF 14 PA ++)

– Oil Control Paper

The Loose Compact Powder UV has caught my eye. The case (sold separately) can potentially be a beautiful and practical item to have. I look forward to seeing the detail of the packaging later on in some Japanese cosmetics magazines.

Kanebo Coffret D’Or Spring/Summer 2008 Base Makeup Collection
(Loving the look…)

Anna Sui Spring 2008 Collection
(I have got one of the lip glosses, which I will review very soon!)

My Anna Sui Foundation Cases
(Case galore…)

{ 10 comments }

Dressing Table Centerpiece: Paul & Joe Face Powder

by PJ on Sunday, January 27, 2008

in -Paul & Joe, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - powder, stash focus

(Paul & Joe Face Powder in 03 Ambre)

I bought Paul & Joe‘s Face Powder in Harrods in London during the winter sale just a few weeks ago. At 50% off (13 pounds), it was a good bargain. (You can read about some of the huge savings people can make on cosmetics in the UK during the seasonal sales.)

The reason why it was reduced is that Face Powder was replaced by Face Powder N last year, so the Paul & Joe counters (both in Harrods and Fenwick) were clearing out this previous version. (The comparison between the two versions will be made towards the end of this post.) I hadn’t tried the loose powder by Paul & Joe before so I thought I’d try it at this reasonable price.

Like Anna Sui’s loose powder, the case is quite bulky, but I absolutely don’t mind. (I do like my makeup items to have a substantial look and feel.)

(the case and the puff)

Also, like Anna Sui’s loose powder, the cap simply rests on the loose powder container. This can also make transporting the case tricky. I have heard about many “accidents” where the whole case is tipped over and half of the powder ends up on the floor. (Basically, this loose powder is one of the best candidates for the centerpiece on your glamorous dressing table. It is probably not even suitable for trips around your home.)

(The cap simply goes on the silvery rim.)

The similarity to the Anna Sui powder continues. The refill is in a closed round paper container. The top is cut off to reveal the powder.

(I followed the dotted lines…)

Then, the powder container goes back into the loose powder case. The sift is simply placed on top of the powder.

(It is finally done…)

I know that many people really don’t like this design, all the way from the case to the refill and the sift. It all seems quite fiddly. I personally don’t have problems with them. I think it has that delicate “handle with care” quality that can really appeal to me sometimes.

What I do have a problem with is the powder puff. Imagine your puff for your loose body shimmer and this is basically it. First of all, it is too hairy and fluffy for an even application. All I can do is very lightly dust the powder on the face. There is no way I can press the powder onto the skin evenly and have the powder diffuse the look of the pores. Secondly, the core of the puff is solid, so I can’t rub the two sides of the puff against each other to make the puff drink in the powder evenly. The powder can only sit on top of all the fluffy hair, and this simply doesn’t help with an even application. So, I use one of my other loose powder puffs instead.

Onto the finish of the powder itself. I have often heard that Paul & Joe’s base makeup line (primers, foundations, concealers, and loose powder… particularly the foundations) is all about creating a sheer and ultra-natural look. This is certainly what this loose powder offers. Because 03 Ambre is quite a good match with my skin-tone, it goes on almost invisibly, as it imparts a very light air of luminosity. The powder does have shimmer, but it is quite fine and sparse. The finish is very gentle and subtle and is not visibly either matte or glowy.

If you like an ultra-natural barely-there look, then this loose powder is worth trying. But I usually like my loose powder to give me a matte finish and to have a good pore-diffusing and sebum-controlling ability.

While at the counter, I noticed that the new version of loose powder (Face Powder N) is almost completely shimmer-less. It will probably give me the matte finish I like. Also, the shade in #02, which is the closest to the #03 Ambre that I have, seems, in a good way, slightly less pinkish and more yellowish. This would be the shade I would go for if I decide to try the current version. Also, it seems that #03 (of the new version) is one of the darkest loose powder shades from a Japanese cosmetics brand. If you have darker skin-tones and find it difficult to find a loose powder from a Japanese brand, then this shade might be worth a look.

Over all, Paul & Joe Face Powder is all about subtlety. I will definitely continue to enjoy using it sometimes, but I will reach for some of my other loose powder options when I need a truly finished look.

(One note: I think the Paul & Joe Face Powder, which I am reviewing here, might have also been replaced by Face Powder N in some other countries. But, some of the authorized Paul & Joe on-line sellers in the UK, which are listed on the Shop Info page of the English Paul & Joe Beauty website, are still carrying the Face Powder. I believe some of them ship internationally.)

Paul & Joe Foundation Primer N
(a very effective and well-rounded primer)

Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N in Black-Tie
(my favorite Holiday 2007 item)

Loving Japanese Brands: Paul & Joe
(my personal take on Paul & Joe)

Lavshuca Face Powder
(my current favorite loose powder)

{ 6 comments }

Product Review: Prescriptives Creamy Eye Color, Plush Blush, and Magic Liquid Powder

by PJ on Friday, January 25, 2008

in -Prescriptives, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - powder, makeup - blusher, makeup - eyeshadow

(Prescriptives Magic Liquid Powder in Red Neutralizer,
Creamy Eye Color in Moonstone,
Plush Blush for Cheeks and Lips
in Ibiza Sunset (left) and Balinese Peach (right))

Here is the report of my latest Prescriptives trials. Please enjoy!

— Creamy Eye Color in Moonstone

(Prescriptives Creamy Eye Color)
(image from www.prescriptives.com)

This product has quite a thick cream texture. It dries up very quickly upon application, so swift blending is vital. Moonstone is a white with a pearly sheen and some shimmering particles.

What impresses me the most is how the color and shimmer stay put. Once it dries, the color really sets on the lids. It doesn’t smudge or move. Also, with Moonstone’s bright hue, I am surprised to see that the finish stays fresh for hours. Throughout the day, it always appears that I’ve just put it on and there is very little fading.

— Plush Blush for Cheeks and Lips in Balinese Peach and Ibiza Sunset

(Plush Blush for Cheeks and Lips)
(image from www.prescriptives.com)

On the Prescriptives website, this product is accurately described as providing “a sheer wash of dewy color” for the cheeks. The finish is indeed very sheer. Even for someone like me, who likes medium-to-sheer blushers, I think they are a bit too sheer. (The color won’t show very well unless you have a very light skin-tone.) What the product adds is mostly a dewy sheen to the cheek area. Used for the lips, they offer a semi-matte finish with a soft metallic sheen. Again, there is only a very sheer veil of color.

Balinese Peach has a slight tinge of warm pink, while Ibiza Sunset is a very sheer warm gold with a little more shimmer.

— Magic Liquid Powder in Red Neutralizer

(Magic Liquid Powder in Red Neutralizer)
(image from www.prescriptives.com)

This product claims to minimize lines, pores, and wrinkles and to mute redness. For me, it doesn’t minimize pores. (It certainly doesn’t minimize my pores nearly as well as some of my other loose powder.) Also, it doesn’t neutralize redness. It does provide a golden sheen, which is supposed to even out redness. But, at least on my face, it doesn’t do what it is supposed to do. The powder mainly gives a bit of soft luminosity to the skin. For me, I’d like my loose powder to do more.

Part of the powder does melt in contact with skin and provides a pleasantly cooling sensation. Usually I use a powder puff to apply loose powder, but, with this, the application is much more successful with a fluffy powder brush.

Other Prescriptives Reviews:

Flawless Skin and AnyWear Foundations

Magic Illuminating Potion in Red Neutralizer, Better Off Fast-Acting Makeup Remover, and Site Unseen Brightening Concealer

Related Posts:

Lavshuca Face Powder in Lucent
(It has everything I want from a loose powder!)

Makeup Essentials: White Eyeshadows
(Brighten your eyes with them!)

Anna Sui Face Color Accent
(Beautifully packaged and gives you rosy cheeks.)

{ 0 comments }

Mineral Makeup Review: Ferro Cosmetics

by PJ on Friday, January 18, 2008

in makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, makeup - blusher, makeup - eyeshadow, mineral makeup

(Ferro Ultimate Foundation)

Ferro Cosmetics is one of the many mineral makeup lines in the market today. I have been particularly interested to see if their Ultimate Foundation does create a matte finish and a medium-to-full coverage, which I personally look for in a foundation.

— Ultimate Foundation (pictured above)

“Full coverage with matte finish” is what is stated on the packaging, so the stakes are high. Upon application, this foundation, out of all the mineral makeup foundations I have tried so far, is the only one that gives a truly matte finish. It is also the one that has the best coverage and the most convincing pore-diffusing property. (The medium-to-full coverage is more easily achieved with a dense flat-top brush, which, compared with a kabuki brush, also gets to the awkward areas around the nose and the eyes more thoroughly.)

However, while the matte finish does maintain for a couple of hours, one drawback is the finish later in the day. As my face gets oily, an unnatural metallic sheen starts to appear and it is hard to blot it completely off with my usual blotting paper.

This seems to be a general problem with mineral foundations. My observation is that the powder itself doesn’t really absorb facial sebum and that the sebum tends to float on top of the foundation. (But if you don’t have oily skin, then this might not be a concern.)

— Blushers

(Blusher in Bashful (left) and Pinkie Swear (right))

Bashful looks like a dusty pink in the container and it goes on as a nice cool pink. Pinkie Swear looks like a soft warm pink and it goes on with an orange undertone. While Bashful would be a good shade for me all-year-round, Pinkie Swear would probably be a wearable summer shade.

The powder is well-pigmented, so a tiny bit goes a long way. The finish is nicely luminous. The staying power is fair but I do wish it could be slightly better.

— Eyeshaodws

(Eye Candy Pearl in Secret (left),
and Eye Candy Shimmer in February (right))

Eye Candy Shimmer in February is a very pretty lilac shade with noticeable shimmer and fine sparkles. A very trendy shade for spring 2008.

Eye Candy Pearl in Secret has a champaign hue with a pale skin-beige undertone. I think it is a good multi-purpose item. It is a great shade to be worn alone to brighten up the eyes. It can also be used sparingly in the immediate under-eye area for the same purpose. I also think this is a nice and subtle highlighting shade for the brow bone and the T-zone.

Both shades are quite well-pigmented and long-lasting. (As with other loose powder eyeshadows (mineral or non-mineral), the eye areas should be properly primed with enough moisture so the color shows up better and stays on longer.

— Bronzer

(Glow Bronzer in Glow Baby)

Glow Baby is a natural bronzing shade with a luminous finish for people with light and light-to-medium skin-tones. It can also be worn as a blusher for people who like beige-tone blushers. (A couple of other shades, like Spring Kiss and Autumn Kiss, are perhaps too orange for most skin-tones.)

Compared with the other mineral makeup lines that I have tried, I think the quality of Ferro is fairly good. I particularly like the two eyeshadows and the blusher in Bashful that I mentioned above. But, at the moment, I still can’t see myself switching to mineral foundations. They seem to share many traits that don’t go along with my oily skin. As a whole, they pale in comparison with many other non-mineral foundations that I have used. Only time will tell if there will be improvements in this particular aspect…

Other mineral makeup reviews:

Von Natur (Part One)

Von Natur (Part Two)

Erth Minerals

{ 10 comments }

Coffret D’Or Spring 2008 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, December 19, 2007

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Spring, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(Kanebo Coffret D’Or spring 2008 base makeup collection)
(images from www.nikkei.co.jp)

The Coffret D’Or spring 2008 base makeup collection will be launched in Japan on March 1, 2008.

Coffret D’Or is replacing the color makeup line T’Estimo and the base makeup line Revue, so I have been waiting to see the base makeup lineup. As expected. the collection consists of the usual basics:

(top-down from left)
-Beauty Lasting Pack UV (powder foundation)
-Beauty Lasting Pack UV Case
-Beauty Lasting Liquid UV foundation
-Beauty Lasting Veil UV (foundation primer)
-Makeup Concealer (2 shades)
-Makeup Powder (loose powder refill, 1 shade)
-Makeup Powder Case
-Prismal Blush (4 shades)

The packaging is in keeping with the color makeup line, as some of the items look like presents wrapped up in pink ribbons.

Coffret D’Or has been growing on me. The packaging has been appealing to me more and more, and I have been reading positive reviews of their color makeup items.

Currently I am interested in the eyeshadow palette (3D Lighting Eyes) in 04 Purple Variation. I would love to try it and compare it with my T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes in 03, which is also a lilac-based eyeshadow palette (out in spring this year).

(Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

I am also slightly interested in Full Styling Rouge (Glow), which is a collection of sheer lipsticks (as opposed to Full Styling Rouge (Color)).

(Coffret D’Or Full Styling Rouge (Glow))
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

If I do pick up anything from Coffret D’Or, I will surely share my thoughts with you here!

Coffret D’Or Spring 2008 Collection
(more goodies from Coffret D’Or, plus more of my thoughts on the brand)

Other new collections under Kanebo:

Lunasol Spring 2008 Collection

Lavshuca Spring 2008 Collection

Kate Spring 2008 Collection

Which one tickles your fancy?

{ 6 comments }

Loving It – Lavshuca Face Powder in Lucent

by PJ on Sunday, December 9, 2007

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

(Lavshuca Face Powder in Lucent)

First of all, I admit that this item caught my attention ever since I saw the packaging. Very few loose powder containers (possibly part from Jill Stuart’s) look dreamier than this. With Lavshuca being an affordable shelf-top brand, I had to get this.

(Lavshuca Face Powder)

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

I bought this soon after it was released in fall 2006. The packaging looks as good as it appears on-line and in magazines. I was very pleased with that.

When I tested the powder on the back of my hand for the first time, I was slightly concerned. Even though the shade was the pale translucent beige that I usually went for, there seemed to be some shimmer. As I normally only used a completely matte loose powder, I was not sure if this was going to be something I would use regularly.

But when I put it on my face for the first time, all worries disappeared. The shimmer was relatively sparse and extremely fine. The finish is still basically matte, but it is not chalky. It is silky and almost satiny.

What I also love (perhaps the most) about this loose powder is its ability to disguise pores. It is able to make my skin look smoother and more even. As I usually wear a loose powder mainly to make pores less visible and to get a polished complexion, I am very happy with what it can do.

I also like the puff that comes with it. Apart from looking so adorable. it feels quite soft and puffy on the skin. The hair is not too long so it grabs the powder and places it on the skin evenly. I usually press (instead of sweep) the powder onto the skin, and the puff works very well for me.

I have another loose powder by Sofina Raycious. It is essentially matte and does a fairly good job in controlling shine. I shall review it in more detail a bit later!

Related Posts:

Which loose powder will win my heart?
(I have already decide to get one of them…)

Loving Japanese Brands: Lavshuca
(a brief profile on Kanebo’s successful budget line)

Lavshuca Spring 2008 Collection
(featuring some more lovely packaging)

Lavshuca Eye Color Select in PU-2
(another of my Lavshuca Favorite)

{ 22 comments }

Primed for Primers – Featuring Paul & Joe Foundation Primer N in 01

by PJ on Sunday, December 2, 2007

in -Paul & Joe, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - primer/concealer, stash focus

(Paul & Joe Foundation Primer N in #01)

For me, foundation primers are never a necessity. For my oily and sensitive skin, the fewer products I have on my face, especially during daytime in warmer months, the better.

But, occasionally, I really want my base makeup to give me an ultra-flawless finish. This is when primers can potentially make a positive difference.

In the past couple of years, more and more brands are coming up with various kinds of primers. (For Japanese brands in particular, primers have long been a crucial aspect of base makeup.) There are just so many kinds of them: those that cover pores, those that make fine lines appear less visible, those that control shine, those that add luminosity, those that further condition the skin, green ones that conceal redness, purple ones that cancel out sallowness, pinks ones that combat ashy skin tones, those specifically for the eye/lip/T-zone areas, and those with a combination of the purposes above…

If you want to try a foundation primer, do know exactly what you want it to do for you. Otherwise it is very easy to be confused with all the products with all the various purposes. Think specifically about what you want your usual foundation to do for you and you will know what kind of primer you are looking for to work hand in hand with your foundation to give you the overall finish you want.

For me, I want my base makeup to even out my skin tone (particularly some minor redness) and to conceal pores. So, I naturally look for primers that achieve these alongside my foundations.

Between the two, I am slightly more concerned about concealing pores than evening out my skin tone, and I have found that I don’t really need a primer for pore-concealing. Any heavily silicone-based skincare product will make the skin look and feel more even and help the foundation go on smoother. I happen to have a couple of trial samples of the new Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher, and, like the previous version, it gives me the (temporary) pore-concealing effect that I want. When my foundation goes on after that, my pores look much less obvious.

So, for a long time, I never really wanted a primer. But when I tried the samples of Paul & Joe Foundation Primer N from the October issue of Voce, I was pleasantly surprised by what it did in terms of evening out the skin tone. So I decided to pick up the product.

The one I bought is #01, which is the lighter shade of the two. (#02 is slightly too orange for my skin tone.) It is a little bit like a yellow-based tinted moisturizer. But in many subtle ways, it works better than just a tinted moisturizer in the sense that it really complements my foundation (usually a powder foundation), which is exactly what a primer should do. For me:

1. It unifies my skin tone and makes redness less obvious.

2. It brightens my skin subtly and effectively, without leaving any visible shine.

3. It further moisturizes and conditions my skin and makes the foundation stay longer. This injection of moisture, especially on the cheek areas, is particularly helpful for me in winter.

Overall, what I like about this primer is that my foundations don’t have to work that hard to achieve and maintain the coverage I want. One thing worth noting is that this primer is not silicone-based (silicone is quite far down on the ingredient list) and it is not a product designed specifically to conceal pores. But it still has a minimal pore-concealing effect.

In short, it is a good all-rounder for me.

On the other hand, one drawback that I can envisage at the moment is that it might be too emollient for some people with oily skin in warmer months, since it is quite moisturizing in itself.

Interestingly, I went to my own Biteki “archive” and found that it had been popular with Biteki readers. Each February, Biteki publishes results of the readers’ poll on their favorite products in various categories. This primer was among the top five in 2006 and 2007. I don’t usually pay a lot of attention to poll results, since different products suit different people, But in this case, for me, it deserves the high placings.

Lastly, this primer comes with SPF 12 and PA+, which is not enough in itself for daytime use. An effective sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and anti-UVA ingredients has to be used before this primer for proper sun protection.

Related posts:

Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N
(part of the holiday 2007 collection)

Loving Japanese Brands: Paul & Joe
(my personal thoughts on the brand)

Foundation Face-Off: Chanel Mat Lumière & SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow
(Find out which one I like better)

{ 16 comments }

My Anna Sui Foundation Cases

by PJ on Sunday, November 18, 2007

in -Anna Sui, 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, stash focus

(the group shot)

Apart from Sofina Raycious foundation cases, which I enjoy collecting, I also collect Anna Sui foundation cases from time to time. (Do have a look at my Part One and Part Two of my Sofina Raycious Case Galore if you haven’t.)

My Anna Sui collection is far less extensive than Raycious’. There are many more Anna Sui cases that I don’t have, as I only collect what I really like.

This black one above is my first Anna Sui case, which is among the first Anna Sui case designs. It is the Gothic princess look that Anna Sui does very well.

Then Anna Sui entered what I call the golden age, during which most base makeup products and some color makeup products were packaged in frosty matte golden cases. I do really like the golden look. First of all, finger prints are not easily left on these finishes. Also, the golden cases show off the details of the design much better.

This one above is perhaps my favorite one. Again, love the golden case. Also, I like the butterfly detail.

This one is from the Anna Sui brightening skincare and foundation range, in which most of the items are in white packaging. I like the unique shape of this case in particular.

Last fall, Anna Sui re-launched the base makeup range (seen below). We are brought back to the classic black packaging, while the shapes and the details of the cases are slightly modified.

(Anna Sui’s current base makeup range)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

By the way, Anna Sui’s Holiday 2007 collection includes a limited-edition hand mirror in the golden shade I love. It looks adorable! (I have to say I prefer this to the usual black one…)