makeup

Product Review: Prescriptives Motor-Eyes Instant Action Mascara

by PJ on Monday, June 1, 2009

in -Prescriptives, 2009 Summer, makeup, makeup - mascara

There are now a few mascaras with a vibrating brush (Estee Lauder TurboLash, Lancôme Ôscillation, and the very recent Maybelline Pulse Perfection). The main claim of these mascaras is that they can coat the lashes evenly and build up length and volume more easily. Today I am reviewing Prescriptives‘ vibrating mascara, Motor-Eyes Instant Action Mascara.

The mascara comes with a battery, which is inserted into the back of the brush handle before the first use. The mascara wand starts to vibrate when the brush handle is twist-opened.

According to Jullian Veran, Prescriptives’ Director of Artistry, the mascara wand vibrates 125 beats per second and this helps lift, curl and separate the lashes. (See the video clip on Prescriptives’ US site.)

This mascara adds more length than volume, and it separates the lashes effectively. The look it creates is more natural than dramatic. For me, it is not easy to tell how much is achieved by the vibration. (I think the success of a mascara is essentially down to the shape of the brush and the formulation of the pigment.) Nonetheless, this mascara performs relatively well, with no flakes or smudges after a day’s wear. Clumps are very minimal during the application with a sweeping motion.

Motor-Eyes Instant Action Mascara is currently available in one shade (Black, which is a dark grey-black and not an intense black) and is a non-waterproof formula.

YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils

Illamasqua Volume Mascara

SUQQU Mascara Volume Long

RMK Separate Curl Mascara

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Chanel "Tokyo Happening" Collection Available in the US

by PJ on Friday, May 29, 2009

in -Chanel, makeup

(image from www.iswii.com)

Back in March, I posted about Chanel‘s Tokyo-exclusive collection that celebrated the opening of Chanel’s flagship beauty boutique in Tokyo’s Aoyama area.

Two months later, quite surprisingly, it is now available at the Chanel US site. The limited-edition Tokyo Happening collection is identical to the collection in Japan.

The link here will take you to the collection main page. If you are in the US and have been wanting to get your hands on the collection, it might be the time to start clicking…

(Many thanks to my friend Betsy for telling me about this. She has also posted the news and her thoughts on her blog Autumn Masquerade.)

Updated on June 10th 2009:

According to Autumn Masquerade, the Tokyo Happening page on the Chanel US site has been taken down as most items in the collection are out of stock.

Beautiful Lips with Blue Lip Glosses

Chanel No. 5 with Audrey Tautou

Chanel Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

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New Japanese Beauty Brand: Addiction

by PJ on Thursday, May 28, 2009

in _Japanese Brand Profile, -Addiction, -Kosé, 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

Since I started my blog in November 2006, we have seen quite a few new beauty brands/ranges from Japan, such as Esprique Precious, Magie Deco, Coffret D’Or, Chicca, Primavista, Integrate Gracy, and Twany Glamacy. Soon we will witness the birth of another brand.

In a few weeks’ time, Kosé will reveal more information on Addiction, its latest department store brand since Jill Stuart (launched in 2005 and licensed under Kosé)*. The creator behind it is Japanese US-based makeup artist Ayako, who has worked with various fashion designers and photographers including Karl Lagerfeld and Annie Leibovitz as well as celebrities such as Naomi Campbell and Penelope Cruz.

The brand will be launched at Tokyo’s Isetan Shinjuku this fall and then expanded to a few more department stores in Tokyo and Osaka.

The launch lineup will feature 27 products in 108 items/shades. The eyeshadow singles and lipsticks will retail for 2100 and 2940 JPY respectively.

Fans of Japanese cosmetics might immediately be reminded of Japanese makeup artist Rumiko, who is also US-based and started RMK in the 90s. (It is owned by Kanebo.) It has been a very popular brand over the years, and I look forward to seeing how Ayako can emulate Rumiko’s success, especially in today’s economy.

There are no product images at the moment, but I expect there to be some in the coming weeks. I will try my best to keep you posted.

(information from www.nikkei.co.jp and www.business-i.jp)

* Esprique Precious (launched in 2006) and Magie Deco (launched in 2007) are launched after Jill Stuart, but Esprique Precious is sold at Kosé counters and Magie Deco is available at Cosme Decorte counters in Japan. They are considered to be among the various makeup ranges of Kosé and the Kosé-owned Cosme Decorte respectively. On the other hand, I am assuming that, like Jill Stuart, Addiction will have its own department store counters with its own fully-fledged brand identity.

Updated on June 10th 2009:

Please have a look at this post for images and further information.

Updated on June 16th 2009:

Please check out this post on Voce’s blog for photos taken at Addiction’s press launch.

Updated on July 8th, 2017:

Read my review of Blush in 04 Amazing.

More on some of the new Japanese beauty brands/ranges in the last couple of years:

Coffret D’Or (Kanebo)

Twany Glamacy (Kanebo)

Chicca (Kanebo)

Magie Deco (Kosé)

Integrate Gracy (Shiseido)

Primavista (Kao Sofina)

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RMK Ingenious Powder/Jelly Eyes Swatches

by PJ on Wednesday, May 27, 2009

in -RMK, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(image from www.rmkrmk.com)

If you are interested in RMK‘s new Ingenious Powder Eyes and Ingenious Jelly Eyes, Taiwanese blogger, Sharon, has posted product photos and swatches of all the new eyeshadows.

For more information on RMK’s makeup range renewal, please have a look at my previous post.

RMK Powder Foundation EX

RMK Super Basic Liquid Concealer

RMK Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

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Kanebo Coffret D’Or Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, May 27, 2009

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

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

Coffret D’Or‘s summer 2009 collection has not been officially released yet, but now we have news of the line’s fall collection, out in Japan on August 1st.

The lineup includes:

– Mix Essence Rouge (8 shades)
– Eye Color (16 shades)
– Brow Make Compact (2 variations)
– Eyebrow Mascara (2 shades)

Coffret D’Or seems to be following a similar product release pattern to T’Estimo’s (Coffret D’Or’s predecessor), with eyeshadow palettes for spring and summer and eyeshadow singles for fall. The new Eye Color is Coffret D’Or’s first single powder eyeshadow range, with the first batch of shades mainly basic light and dark ones. (Fluffy Shine Eyes, a mousse-type eyeshadow, was released on July 16th 2008.)

Coffret D’Or Shine Accent Eyes 02 Pink Variation (spring 2009)

Coffret D’Or Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Collection

Cosme.Net 2008 The Best Cosmetics Awards

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Makeup Review: Prescriptives Summer 2009 Collection

by PJ on Friday, May 22, 2009

in -Prescriptives, 2009 Summer, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - lip gloss

(image from Prescriptives)

Prescriptives‘ summer 2009 makeup collection, Exhilarating, is inspired by the brand’s Calyx fragrance. The colors are fresh and vibrant, and the ad image conveys a carefree and sensuous feel. Today I am reviewing the three new eyeshadows as well as one of the three new lip glosses from the collection.

(U-Pick Eye Colors in Teal, Calyx Green, and Lemondrop)

– U-Pick Eye Colors

Lemondrop (right) is a cream white with a pale champagne undertone and a softly metallic finish, Calyx Green (middle) is a predominantly matte vibrant warm yellow-green, and the softly metallic Teal goes on warmer than it looks in the pan with its yellow-green undertone.

Teal is among the most wearable teals that I have come across in terms of creating a soft daytime look. It works well with Lemondrop, which has a similar warm pale yellow undertone and the same soft metallic finish.

Calyx Green can be a strong accent color when the three shades are used together. It can look quite bold and funky for those with a fair complexion, while I think it can work even better and look really gorgeous for those with a dark complexion.

All the shades go on easily, layer well, and have a good staying power.

– Calyx Exhilarating Lip Gloss in Pink Grapefruit

Pink Grapefruit is one of the three lip gloss shades in the collection, along with Mango and Guava. It is a sheer warm pink-red with nicely sparse shimmery particles, which are mostly red and gold. (I personally prefer lip glosses with sparse shimmery particles to those with intense shimmer.)

It has a pleasantly light watery-gel and non-sticky texture. It goes on smoothly and imparts a wet glossy finish that lasts well. I like the juicy and translucent look that it creates.

It has a very light fruity scent that is not overpowering.

Prescriptives’ summer 2009 collection also includes four shades of Exhilarating Lip Color and Calyx Sheer Exhilarating fragrance (50ml). All items in the collection are limited editions.

Related posts on Prescriptives:

Spring 2008 Makeup Collection

Creamy Eye Color, Plush Blush & Magic Liquid Powder

Flawless Skin & AnyWear Foundations

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Dior Lilas Addict Collection Available in Japan

by PJ on Thursday, May 21, 2009

in -Dior, 2009 Summer, makeup

(image from beauty.dior.com/fra)

Earlier I wrote about Dior’s Lilas Addict Collection in France (which includes the 5-Color Iridescent Eyeshadow in 129 Pearly Lilac that is available in the US). Now, according to Voce, the collection will be available in Japan on June 5th.

Now I am even more seriously hoping that Pearly Lilac will make its way to the UK…

A Splash of Color – More Lilting Lilac

Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in Seascape

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Shiseido Maquillage Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, May 20, 2009

in -Maquillage, -Shiseido, 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

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

Shiseido’s Maquillage will release its fall 2009 collection in Japan on July 21st. The lineup includes:

– Eyes Creator 3D: 5 new variations (2 limited editions, see information below)
– Eye Color N (Powder): 6 new shades
– Eye Color N (Cream): 3 new shades
– Perfect Gloss: 8 shades
– Moisture Rouge (Color-on type): 6 new shades
– Moisture Rouge (Sheer type): 6 new shades (limited editions)
– Face Creator 3D: 2 new variations
– Powder Touch Eyebrow: 3 shades

Maquillage’s fall 2008 collection featured collaborations with fashion designer Christopher Kane, This year, the fall collection will feature collaborations with Chinese-American fashion designer Alexander Wang. The collaboration items include:

– Eyes Creator 3D: BR364, BR365 (limited editions, with cases designed by Wang)
– Perfect Gloss in OR264, PK445, RD536, and RS587
– Moisture Rouge (Sheer type): all 6 shades (limited edition)

Dolce & Gabbana Makeup Line in Selfridges

by PJ on Monday, May 18, 2009

in -Dolce & Gabbana, makeup

(Scarlett Johansson, brand ambassador)

(images from www.dolcegabbanamakeup.com)

Some of you might already know about the new makeup line from Dolce & Gabbana. According to the line’s official website, it is currently only available in Milan’s la Rinascente Duomo, New York’s Saks Fifth Avenue, and London’s Selfridges. Last week, I stopped by the counter in Selfridges and spent some time playing with the colors.

As soon as I came across the first photos of the line some time ago, I was drawn to the luxurious gold cases. However, I wasn’t sure how they would come across in person. (Some gold packaging photographs well but looks much less opulent in person.) At the counter, it was nice to see that the packaging looked as good as it appeared on the website. Compared with YSL’s gold packaging, Dolce & Gabbana’s has no hard edges and conveys a more sensuous feel but it looks equally glamorous.

The launch lineup features essential makeup items, including eyeshadow palettes (quads and duos), mascara, eyeliner, lipsticks, lipliner, lip gloss, powder foundation, bronzer, and nail color.

I was impressed with the soft texture of the eyeshadows. Most colors are either moderately or well pigmented, and they glide (on the back of my hand) very easily. (I never use counter testers on my face.) At the moment, none of the duos or quads took my fancy, but I will definitely keep an eye on future releases.

(Smooth Eye Colour Quad in Stromboli)

Another item that left a fairly positive impression is Perfect Finish Powder Foundation. Available in 12 shades, it has a soft and smooth texture. It seems to impart a subtly luminous finish, and I think it will probably suit those with a drier skin type better. Shade-wise, I think Caramel and Cinnamon are relatively good yellow-toned shades for light-to-medium complexions.

Four of the five Luminous Cheek Color shades are on the warm side, with Provocative being the only cool shade. Hopefully there will be other cool or neutral-to-cool shades in the future.

Both Classic Cream Lipstick and Shine Lipstick have a rich and creamy texture. Shine Lipstick is slightly sheerer and glossier than Classic Cream Lipstick, which has a satiny and subtly glossy finish.

Price-wise (in the UK), Dolce & Gabbana Makeup is in the same category as other designer beauty brands such as Chanel, Dior and YSL. Here are the prices of some of the items:

Smooth Eye Colour Quad: £35
Smooth Eye Colour Duo: £22
Lipsticks (Classic Cream & Shine): £20
Perfect Finish Powder Foundation: £33

(Classic Cream Lipstick)

Overall, this is a promising makeup line and the standard of the current products appears to be good. Dolce & Gabbana obviously wanted the launch to be exclusive, but, with popular Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson chosen to front the ad campaign and Pat McGrath (one of the world’s best-known makeup artists) sharing application tips on the line’s website, it seems that the line is aiming at a broader appeal. It would also be interesting to see if the line will try to enter the East Asian market, which is not the easiest market to crack due to its sheer competitiveness.

Makeup Review: Illamasqua
(also available in Selfridges)

Viktor & Rolf at Barbican Centre

Beauty City Guide: London

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Aube Couture Early Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

by PJ on Monday, May 18, 2009

in -Aube (Couture), -Kao, -Sofina, 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(images/info from www.cosme.net)

Sofina’s Aube Couture will release its early fall 2009 collection in Japan on June 16th. (The brand’s summer 2009 collection is available now.) The upcoming early fall items include:

– Designing Eyes (above, two new variations)

– Designing Stay Rouge (16 shades)