makeup

Holiday 2008 Makeup Review: Prescriptives Colorscope Refillable Palette in Cool

by PJ on Friday, December 12, 2008

in -Prescriptives, 2008 Holiday, makeup, makeup - blusher, makeup - eyeshadow

Prescriptives has been releasing Colorscope Refillable Palettes for Eyes and Cheeks for the past few holiday seasons. Today I am reviewing the 2008 version in Cool.

The palette is packaged in a zip-up faux-leather pouch with a silvery finish. It includes six eyeshadows, two blushers and a double-ended eyeshadow brush.

The three darker shades are:
– matte dark grey
– iridescent plum red
– metallic medium taupe

All these shades are smooth and very well-pigmented.

The three lighter shades are:
– light blue (softly iridescent) with a lilac undertone
– light golden beige (very metallic)
– off-white cream (pearly)

The light golden beige is richly pigmented, while the other two are more softly pigmented.

(The blue/lilac and the plum red are existing shades in the Colorscope Eye Color range (Lilac Frost and Plum Smoke).The rest four are exclusive to this palette.)

My two favorite shades are Lilac Frost and the medium taupe. Lilac Frost looks slightly more blue than lilac and is a good subtle shade for brightening the eyes. The color comes mainly from the soft iridescence, so it doesn’t leave the eye area unnaturally pale or flat. The metallic taupe is a nice shadowing shade and is more of a brown taupe (which I prefer) than a grey taupe. The metallic finish lasts well and doesn’t turn ashy or muddy overtime.

The palette for 2007 contains a blusher and a highlighter. This year’s version has two blushers: a matte soft warm pink (the same blusher as the one in the 2007 palette) and a dusty pink with minimal shimmer and a subtly glowy finish. (The two shades are Petal and Apple Blossom, respectively, in the Colorscope Cheek Color range).

Both shades are well-pigmented. Do use them sparingly if you want a subtle look. I personally prefer Petal, which creates a natural flush for the cheeks. (It can also be built to a more vibrant finish.)

Even though this is the cooler version of the two palettes (see the Warm version here), it has a well-balanced selection of warm and cool shades to suit most complexions. It should work for both the party season and the rest of the year.

Lunasol 10th Anniversary Collection

by PJ on Friday, December 12, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(images and info from www.joseishi.net/voce)

Lunasol has been among one of my favorite beauty brands for a long time. Launched in 1999, the brand has slowly and steadily evolved but it has always carried an air of elegance and sophistication. The quality of many products I have tried is second to none.

On February 20, 2009, Lunasol will release a 10th Anniversary Makeup Palette and a 10th Anniversary Base Kit. The Makeup Palette, housed in a rectangular pouch with a mirror and applicators, includes eyeshadows, a blusher, a lip gloss, an eyeliner, and a mascara.

The Base Kit will include:

– Modeling Water Liquid Foundation (full size)
– Control Makeup Base (full size)
– Nuance Change Foundation 01 (7g)
– Under Eyes Base N 01 (2g)
– Micro Finish Powder N 02 (3.5g)
– Morning Wakening Massage N (10g)
– Night Refining Cream (10g)
– original bag

(Customers can choose the colors of the Modeling Water Liquid Foundation and the Control Makeup Base.)

Loving Japanese Brands – Lunasol

Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral

Lunasol Full Glamour Gloss in Bright Pink

Lunasol Spring 2009 Collection

{ 0 comments }

Dior Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, December 10, 2008

in -Dior, 2009 Spring, makeup

(images and info from www.iswii.net)

Calling all Dior star item collectors…

Here is a look at Dior’s spring 2009 makeup collection. The star item of the season is Lady Dior, inspired by the iconic Lady Dior bag, which is among my favorite Dior accessory designs. The cream-based palette comes in two versions, both including a highlighter and a shade suitable for cheeks and lips. I have my eye on the one with the beautiful red (above).

(Lady Dior bag)
(image from www.dior.com)

The collection features soft milky beige tones for the eyes. I have to say these are the kind of neutrals that really appeal to me. There will be one new 5-Color palette (with beige tones) and one new 5-Color Iridescent palette (with slightly more varied shades.) I find the beige palette (below) surprisingly beautiful (and comforting) to look at. I can’t wait to see it in person.

The collection will also include new shades of Rouge Dior, Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect, Dior Addict High Shine, Crayon Eyeliner, Lip Liner, and nail colors.

I have been building up my Boots points, and I am ready for Lady Dior!

Do check out this report to see more photos of the collection (particularly the nice size of Lady Dior palettes).

Other Dior seasonal star items:

Night Diamond (holiday 2008)

Golden Dior (summer 2008)

DiorLight (holiday 2007)

Other spring 2009 makeup collections:

Chanel

YSL

Guerlain

{ 15 comments }

Kanebo Sensai New Point Makeup Collection

by PJ on Tuesday, December 9, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Sensai, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

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

If Kanebo International is available in your country, then, from February 1st, 2009, you will see a new collection of point (color) makeup under the Sensai line.

Kanebo International does have a point makeup collection and a base makeup collection under Sensai. But, as far as I know, there hasn’t been much movement for a while in terms of new seasonal collections. This release follows the launch of Sensai Premier The Body Cream to further strengthen the prestigious image of Kanebo International and the profile of Sensai.

According to Nikkei Net, the collection will be available in boutiques, department stores and spas where Kanebo International is available (in America, Europe, and Middle East). The price range is from 8 to 45 euros.

Kanebo International is not available in Japan. In the UK, it is currently available in Harrods.

Japanese Cosmetics in the UK

Lunasol Spring 2009 Collection

Coffret D’Or Spring 2009 Collection

{ 4 comments }

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

{ 4 comments }

Guerlain Spring 2009 Collection

by PJ on Monday, December 8, 2008

in -Guerlain, 2009 Spring, makeup

(images and info from /www.joseishi.net/voce)

Guerlain will release its spring 2009 collection in Japan on January 16th, 2009. Here is a quick look at the collection.

The fresh green shades in the new Radiant Shadow Color Palette (above) and the KissKiss Gloss (below) are quite striking, although I am not sure whether the green-toned eyeshadow will suit me.

The rest of the collection includes:

– Radiant Shadow Mono (10 shades)

– KissKiss lipsticks (4 new shades)

– KissKiss Maxi Shine lipsticks: 4 new shades

– Smoothing Eyeshadow Base

The collection will also feature a new variation of Radiant Shadow Duo & Liner.

Beautiful Lips – with Blue Lip Glosses?
(featuring Guerlain by Emilio Pucci Lip Gloss in Sparkling Sea)

Chanel Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

YSL Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

{ 4 comments }

Chanel Spring 2009 Collection

by PJ on Friday, December 5, 2008

in -Chanel, 2009 Spring, makeup

(images and info from www.iswii.net)

Here is a quick look at Chanel‘s spring 2009 makeup collection, titled Bohemian Fantasy. The limited-edition star item for the season is the lip palette, seen below.

(Hydrabase, 6 new shades)

(Aqualumière, 2 new shades)

The collection also includes one new shade of Le Crayon Yeux and one new shade of Inimitable Mascara Waterproof.

Chanel Irréelle Blush in Tea Rose

Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Stage Lights

Chanel Irréelle Duo in Désert-Rose and River-Light

{ 11 comments }

Makeup Review – SUQQU Eyelash Kit

by PJ on Friday, December 5, 2008

in -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, beauty tools/accessories, makeup, makeup - mascara, skincare, skincare - cleansing/toning

Since SUQQU was launched in September 2003, some products have, one after another, become the brand’s most talked-about items. Among them, one that some of you have told me about is the Eyelash Curler. Currently, it is included in SUQQU’s Eyelash Kit, which I am reviewing today.

The SUQQU Eyelash Kit includes:
– Eyelash Curler
– Mascara Volume Long in EX-01 Green
– Screw Brush
– Eye Makeup Remover (travel-sized, 50ml)

The items come in a roll-up folder, which is presented a bucket pouch. The curler doesn’t come with refills but they are available separately at the SUQQU counter.

First, the Eyelash Curler. The problem I have with eyelash curlers of this design is that they simply do not get to the two ends of my lashes, and it seems that SUQQU’s version has the same issue. The curler does give a flattering curve to the lashes and the rubber pad seems very sturdy and durable, but I have to position the curler in so many angles to get to the two ends of the lashes that it takes a lot of time to achieve a finished look. Also, my middle lashes end up being curled for too many times and the curl looks slightly less natural.

According to what I have heard in the past few years, this curler does work well for most people, but unfortunately it doesn’t perform well enough for me. I have to say I still much prefer the precision lash curler that I previously talked about. It is much more efficient to use and I can achieve a natural fan-like curve in a very short amount of time.

SUQQU has three kinds of mascaras: Volume, Long, and Volume Long. (All three are water-resistant.) The one in this kit is a Volume Long version in a limited-edition green shade. On my dark lashes, the green pigment doesn’t show up very much, but I do like the soft look and it doesn’t clash with eyeshadows of other shades. For me, this mascara, which contains fibers, does a better job at building up length than adding volume. (The Separate Curl Mascara in RMK’s Christmas Palette 2008 delivers more volume.)

The Screw Brush and Eye Makeup Remover are very good additions to the kit. The brush is surprisingly soft and separates lashes nicely. (It is also a very good eyebrow brush if you find the bristles of most eyebrow brushes to be too hard and scratchy.) The Eye Makeup Remover has a bi-phase formulation, which I always like. It takes off the Volume Long Mascara very easily, and it doesn’t feel greasy or irritate my eyes.

Overall, this is a good kit to try if you are interested in both the Eyelash Curler and the mascara. (The Kit is priced at £40, which is the prices of the two items combined.) This kit is a limited edition and is currently still available at the SUQQU counter in Selfridges on London’s Oxford Street.

SUQQU Holiday 2008 Collection

SUQQU Spring 2009 Collection

Review: SUQQU Fall 2008 Collection Part 1 & Part 2

{ 4 comments }

Holiday 2008 Review – Bobbi Brown Copper Diamond Shimmer Brick Compact

by PJ on Wednesday, December 3, 2008

in -Bobbi Brown, 2008 Holiday, makeup, makeup - base makeup - powder, makeup - blusher, makeup - eyeshadow

Shimmer Brick is probably one of Bobbi Brown‘s most popular items. For holiday 2008, Bobbi Brown has released a limited-edition Copper Diamond Shimmer Brick Compact.

The five subtly different shades are packaged in a very glamorous gold case with a decent-sized mirror, although the case always seems slightly lighter than how I’d like it to be (especially when I compare it with Dior’s Night Diamond, which is smaller and thinner but a lot heavier).

The compact includes various shades of beige and light bronze. The combination of these shades is a warm beige with hints of gold that should suit most skin tones (unless you have a cool-toned fair skin tone, in which case a platinum-toned highlighter would be more complementary). When applied with a powder brush, the finish is shimmery with visible multi-colored shimmery particles. When used as eyeshadows, they can be built up to a metallic finish (with a low pigmentation level.)

I personally find this compact to be the most useful as a highlighter for cheek bones. (For me, it is almost too shimmery for the T-zone.) I use it over my powder foundation and under my (predominantly matte) loose powder. This way, the finish is more glowy than shimmery and suits me a lot better.

Apart from a face highlighter, it can be easily used as a body shimmer to add a bit of pizazz to your party looks.

For swatches and FOTDs, please check out this post by The Muse at Musings of a Muse.

Bobbi Brown Basics Eye Palette

Bobbi Brown Metallic Eye Shadows

{ 2 comments }

Ettusais Spring 2009 Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, December 3, 2008

in -Ettusais, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(images and info from www.cosme.net)

Ettusais will release its spring 2009 collection in Japan on January 22, 2009. The relatively small collection includes three shades of Sweet Marble Cheek Color (seen above) and three shades of Sweet Marble Gloss. Both items are limited editions.