makeup

It is time to count down my favorite fall 2008 makeup collections. In the next week or two, as usual, I will present them in reverse order (in three posts).

10. Awake

(image from www.awake.co.jp)

Purple shades will probably always get my attention, and Awake‘s fall 2008 collection certainly is very purple. Apart from the eye palettes, Awake’s Moon Illusion collection includes lip glosses and nail colors, both of which feature a purple shade. This is a small seasonal lineup with a very coherent look.

You can see a review of some of the items from this collection at Autumn Masquerade.

9. Jill Stuart

(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

Packaging-wise, this is probably the prettiest makeup collection this season. The eyeshadow palette and blusher cases manage to look even more divine than the previous releases. But the color combinations are slightly predictable. Nevertheless, I will be looking forward to the spring 2009 collection.

Check out a review of some of the items (along with packaging comparison) at Musings of a Muse.

8. YSL

(images from www.ysl.com)

Even though I am disappointed with the Lilac Sky palette, which doesn’t suit me enough to worth a purchase, it doesn’t affect my view on this stunning-looking new range of 5-color eyeshadow palettes. The colors are rich and vibrant, with a mix of matte and shimmery shades. Whenever a magazine page features one of these, my eyes are usually immediately drawn to it.

7. Sonia Rykiel

(images from www.soniarykiel-cosmetics.com)

Sonia Rykiel‘s Actrice fall 2008 collection aims to capture the sophisticated glamour of silver-screen heroines. The colors seem lively but still easy to wear. The Quatre Eyeshadow Collection in 01 and 04 feature a soft lilac and violet respectively, while the limited-edition 06 has gold and silver in one palette. I haven’t tried anything from Sonia Rykiel after they changed the packaging from deep silver cases to striped ones, and I will definitely keep a mental note on the eye palette series.

The countdown continues in Part 2 and Part 3.

Related Posts:

Summer 2008 Makeup Top 10 –

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

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Dior Holiday 2008 Update (3)

by PJ on Saturday, September 27, 2008

in -Dior, 2008 Holiday, makeup

(all images from www.iswii.net)

Here are a few more photos from Dior’s holiday 2008 collection. The photo above is a close-up of the Holiday Collection Makeup Palette that I mentioned in an earlier post.

The photos below show more palettes from the collection. These are similar to the ones from last year. I am not certain if they are global releases. If the ones from last year were available where you are, chances are that you are probably going to see these new ones later. (By the way, the 2007 ones were sold in the UK, and I’d say I will be expecting to see them in October.)

Related Posts:

Dior Holiday 2008 Collection

Dior Holiday 2008 Update (1)

Dior Holiday 2008 Update (2)

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Last month, I mentioned that, being a lilac fanatic, I was very interested in trying Kesalan Patharan‘s Eye Color Palette in S007 from the brand’s fall 2008 collection. I have now tried it for quite a few times and I am ready to share my thoughts with you. (A very brief brand profile of Kesalan Patharan is towards the end of this post.)


From left to right:
– medium lilac with sparkles and some very slight iridescence
– light blue with fine shimmer
– semi-matte aubergine with sparse shimmer

(All shimmer and sparkles are multi-colored.)


First of all, I have to say I am disappointed with the lilac. The powder seems to be on the dry side and lacks adherence to the skin, and it takes some layering to get the color on the eyelids. After that, as I try to gently blend the color, the sparkles start to come off a little. Throughout the day, the finish gradually turns dull and somewhat muddy. It certainly does not look like what you see in the pan.

On the other hand, the other two shades actually perform a lot better. I usually wear a light wash of the blue to go with the lilac, and the color shows up nicely and stays well (no turning dull). I don’t have any problem with the application and the staying power of the aubergine lining shade either.

It is a huge pity that the lilac doesn’t have an optimally flattering finish. Otherwise, this would be a beautiful and easy-to-wear palette and the coloration of the lilac should be very similar to the stunning one in Lunasol’s Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral (which still reigns supreme as one of my favorite lilac palettes).

I thought I might talk a little more about the brand here. Kesalan Patharan is one of the few Japanese beauty brands that have an image of a professional beauty line. One of their best-selling products, I believe, is Sheer Micro Powder. It was chosen by Biteki readers as their favorite loose powder (in the February 2007 issue). It also happens to be the loose powder I have been asked about the most by my readers.

(Kesalan Patharan Sheer Micro Powder)
(image from www.kesalanpatharan.co.jp)

I have not used it, but I have been interested in it for a while. (One of my readers, Tammy, left a comment on this powder last year. You can have a look here if you are interested.)

(Kesalan Patharan is sold in Japan and some other Asian countries. Its official website is for information only and does not offer on-line ordering.)

Related Posts:

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Purple Variation

Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Stage Lights

I Love Colors – Lilting Lilac

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Chanel Holiday 2008 Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, September 24, 2008

in -Chanel, 2008 Holiday, makeup

(all images from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

Chanel will release its holiday 2008 collection in Japan on October 31st in Japan. The star item is Poudre Précieuse Or (above), which is a loose illuminating powder for the face and the body.

The rest of the collection includes:

Rouge Allure (6 new shades)



Aqualumière (1 new shade)



Lèvres Scintillantes (2 new shades)

Ombre D’Eau (1 new shade)

La Ligne de Chanel (eyeliner)



Le Crayon Yeux (1 new shade)



Le Vernis (1 new shade)


All items are limited editions except the six new Rouge Allure lipsticks.

I think these items will be released in other Asian countries as well as in Japan. For Chanel’s holiday 2008 release information in the US (which slightly varies), please check out the post at Makeup Bag.

Other Holiday 2008 Information:

Dior

YSL

Bobbi Brown

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YSL Holiday 2008 Collection

by PJ on Monday, September 22, 2008

in -YSL, 2008 Holiday, makeup

(all images from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

YSL will release its holiday 2008 collection in Japan on October 31. The star item is “Lip Palette Bow Collection” (seen above, the name can vary in the US and Europe). It includes a lip color of a raspberry shade and a pink lip gloss with iridescent shimmer that can be used as a top coat to help the lip color stay longer. The packaging features both matte and glossy textures of gold, and the lip color and gloss are infused with a fruity mango scent.

The rest of YSL’s holiday 2008 lineup includes:

Makeup Palette Bow Collection (with shades for eyes and lips, in a case of a clutch-bag design and presented in a black velvet pouch)



4-Color Eyeshadow Bow Collection




Radiant Touch Bow Collection (works as a highlighter, concealer, and a base)



Golden Touch Bow Collection (adds pink-gold radiance to the complexion)

Mini Touche Blush (two shades, available in Japan only)



Rouge Pur (Pure Lipstick, 1 new shade)



Golden Gloss (1 new shade)



La Laque (2 new shades)



Young Sexy Lovely Collector Edition Radiant Eau de Toilette (50ml)


The bow lip palette looks cute but it doesn’t wow me, at least for the moment. What do you think about it in comparison with the heart pendant from holiday 2007?

Related Posts:

YSL Fall 2008 Makeup Collection

YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils

YSL Golden Gloss in Golden Pink

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(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

Shu Uemura will release its holiday 2008 collection in Japan on November 1st. The collection features colorful works by Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa.

The collection includes:

Palette Christmas Collection 2008 (or “Holiday Collection Eye Color Palette” in the US, 3 variations)

(Midnight Winter Sakura)
(image from www.shuuemura-usa.com)


(Adorned Marguerite)
(image from www.shuuemura-usa.com)

(Secret Luscious Rose)
(image from www.shuuemura-usa.com)

Gloss Unlimited Mini Trio Delicious Rose

(image from www.shuuemura-usa.com)


Makeup Box

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)


Portable Brush Set

(image from www.shuuemura-usa.com)

Rouge Unlimited (3 new shades)

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

Nail Enamel Supplement Mineral (2 new shades)

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

Christmas Set:

Fluid Foundation or Cream Foundation (full size)
UV Under Base Mousse or Under Base Cream (full size)
Depsea Water Rose (13ml)
Pedal Sponge
Original Sponge Case
Original Vanity Pouch

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

These are the items that will be launched in Japan (all limited editions). To see/purchase the products currently available in the US, please check out the Shu Uemura US site.


You can read the interview with Mika Ninakawa on The Japan Times.

Related Posts:

Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura

Time-Travel Through Japanese Cosmetics

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Dior Holiday 2008 Collection Update (2)

by PJ on Friday, September 19, 2008

in -Dior, 2008 Holiday, makeup

(image from www.cosme.net)

Continuing with all the holiday releases, Dior will release Holiday Collection Makeup Palette in Japan on December 1st. (See some of the November releases here.)

The palette includes six eyeshadows, a blusher (DiorBlush #939 (Rosebud)), a pressed powder, a Dior Addict gloss (#257) and a mini DiorShow Blackout mascara (#099).

It is likely that this palette will be available outside Japan. (The holiday 2007 version of the palette was available in the UK for around £45.)

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(image from www.suqqu.com/japan.html)

SUQQU’s fall 2008 makeup collection has been released in the UK (in London’s Selfridges). From September 25th until 28th, there will be a fall 2008 makeup event at the counter. For a £30 booking fee (redeemable against any SUQQU purchase on the day), you will experience SUQQU’s unique gankin (facial) massage followed by a makeover using items from SUQQU’s fall 2008 collection.

(I got the information from the September 4th edition of Weekly Journey, which is a weekly paper mainly for Japanese people living in London. (Check here for its website.) Many thanks to my reader, Yasumi, for reminding me that Weekly Journey regularly features news of Japanese cosmetics in London!)

Related Posts:

Japanese Brand Profile – SUQQU

Japanese Cosmetics in the UK

Beauty City Guide – London

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(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

Est will release the Diamond Splash Eyes palette on November 1st in Japan for the holiday 2008 period.


The palette will include three eyeshadow shades of pink and brown. Again, as with most Japanese holiday releases, it is an ultra-wearable color combination for virtually any party outfit you choose to put on in the festive season. The palette design itself certainly has a festive vibe as well.

Related Posts:

Capturing Your Emotional Beauty
(Profile on Est)

Est Fall 2008 Makeup Collection

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(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

Back in the Raycious days, I don’t recall a creamy compact foundation being released. (The (remotely) closest product was probably the Stick Foundation, which has a cream-to-powder consistency.)

On October 14th, Primavista, Raycious’ successor, will release Creamy Compact Foundation (SPF 33, PA++), which follows the launch collection released on September 1st. It claims to be able to create a smoother and softer appearance for the skin.

My skin is usually too oily for any liquid or cream foundation, so I am not personally excited by this. (Bare in mind that many technically “oil-free” products use waxy substances instead to help the product glide, and they can feel equally greasy for people with oily skin.) But I will still be interested to read about feedback for any Primavista release.

Related Posts:

Paul & Joe Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

SUQQU Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

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