makeup

SUQQU Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Tuesday, August 19, 2008

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

(SUQQU Dual Pressed Powder)
(all image from www.suqqu.com/japan.html)

SUQQU is renowned for its base makeup, and the brand will release its fall 2008 base makeup collection in Japan on September 5th, 2008. (It should be available in the UK about a month later.)

The main new item is Dual Pressed Powder, which is essentially the pressed version of the two shades of Loose Powder released in fall 2007.

With the Loose Powder, the two shades (Natural and Deep) are meant to be used together. Natural is for the T-zone and the eye area as a subtle highlighter while Deep contours the face. I think this is how it works with the two shades (also named Natural and Deep) in Dual Pressed Powder as well.

All the parts (Natural (refill), Deep (refill), case, and brush) are sold separately.

If you simply want to see how the two shades work together and don’t care about the amount of powder you get, getting the pressed versions (even along with the case and the brush, all together 10500 JPY) will work out cheaper. (The Loose Powder costs 6300 JPY each (puff included).)

The fall 2008 release will also include a new shade for Powder Foundation Glow and Foundation (a cream foundation). Both products were first released in fall 2007. (Please see my review of Powder Foundation Glow here.)

(Powder Foundation Glow)

(Foundation)

SUQQU Fall 2008 Point Makeup Collection

Japanese Brand Profile – SUQQU

Foundation Face-Off: Jill Stuart vs. SUQQU

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Paul & Joe Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Sunday, August 17, 2008

in -Paul & Joe, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(image from www.iswii.net)

Here is the new promotional image for Paul & Joe‘s fall 2008 base makeup collection.

Generally, Paul & Joe’s base makeup items are revamped every two years or so. This season, it is the cream compact foundation and the fall/winter primer that will be updated:

– Creamy Powder Compact Foundation (6 shades, SPF 15, PA +)
– Moisturizing Foundation Primer (3 shades, SPF 12, PA +)

Two of the three shades of Moisturizing Foundation Primer will supposedly have more or less the same shades as the existing two (the neutral #01 (the one I have) and the slightly darker and warmer #02 ). #03 will be a new shade, which is translucent and with more shimmer than #01 and #02.

(Paul & Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer)
(image from www.cosme.net)

There will also be three additions to the Face Color (blusher/highlighter/contourer) range, in 11 Rhapsody, 12 Chic, and 13 Bohemian.

(Paul & Joe Face Color in 13 Bohemian)
(image from www.iswii.net)

It is worth noting that, with Japanese brands, blushers are often released with base makeup items and they are sometimes categorized as part of the base makeup range. I think this reflects the Japanese aesthetics of everyday makeup, where, just like foundation, blushers are meant to look ultra-natural and barely noticeable. I will go back to this in another post later on.

The official release date of the Paul & Joe fall 2008 base makeup collection is September 5th in Japan and September 1st in Taiwan.

If you have your September 2008 Biteki with you, you might have noticed the October teaser. Like last October with Voce, the October 2008 issue of Biteki will come with a Paul & Joe pouch with samples of the new foundation and primer. I am not usually a creamy compact foundation user, but I will probably try the primer. If I do, I will certainly share my thoughts with you.

Updated on August 24, 2008:

Paul & Joe has updated its website.

Loving Japanese Brands – Paul & Joe

Coffret D’Or Makeup Powder

Foundation Face-Off: Chanel vs. SUQQU

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Anna Sui Website Update

by PJ on Thursday, August 14, 2008

in -Anna Sui, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

Anna Sui’s website has been updated with information on the fall 2008 collection. The collection features the display-worthy Makeup Color Collection D, which marks the 10th anniversary of Anna Sui Cosmetics.

This set is officially out in Japan on August 21st. If you are considering buying this, do check the website for the photos. If, like me, you’ve decided not to splash out (it costs 18,900 JPY), you can still enjoy how Anna Sui presents their lovely products.

The website now also has new downloadable goodies, such as desktops and blogparts, for a limited period of time only. I have placed an Anna Sui clock at the end of the sidebar just for fun, probably for limited time as well…

If only I could have a life-size photo of this set as my computer desktop…that’s all I ask for…

Also, if you are an Anna Sui fan, do check out Citrine’s Blog and her beautiful collection of Anna Sui items.

Loving Japanese Brands – Anna Sui

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Magie Deco Fall 2008 Collection

by PJ on Thursday, August 7, 2008

in -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, -Magie Deco, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(All images are from
www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco)

Magie Deco has updated its website to feature its fall 2008 collection – Bordeaux Magic.

This is yet another interpretation of red by a Japanese brand for fall 2008, and the color figures in the eye palette, eyeshadow single, cream eyeshadow, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara and nail color. The collection therefore has a very coherent look.

(the two new Shadow Brilliance palettes)

Compared with SUQQU and Lunasol, the red used in Magie Deco’s collection is deeper and has a plum-purple tone, which fits the theme. #21 Bordeaux Shadow palette looks especially striking.

I think the wine-reds in this collection can be more wearable for some people than warmer reds, but I am only judging by the colors themselves, not finish or pigmentation level.

Again, Magie Deco has come up with interesting color combinations for the eye palettes to give itself an edge over wearable but somewhat safe palettes from Maquillage and Coffret D’Or, although I didn’t expect its seasonal theme to be so similar to those of Lunasol and SUQQU.

Personally, neither of the two palettes suits me enough to tempt me for a purchase. But Magie Deco is a brand that I really want to try and I hope there will be a good palette for me soon. (When it’s love at first sight, I’ll know it.)

Related posts – a quick look back at Magie Deco:

Summer 2008 Collection

Spring 2008 Collection

Christmas 2007 Collection

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Kosé Cosme Decorte AQ Website Update

by PJ on Thursday, August 7, 2008

in -AQ, -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Cosme Decorte AQ Shadow Supreme)
(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/aq)

Cosme Decorte AQ has updated its website to feature the fall 2008 collection in the revamped packaging. (Please check my previous post for quick details of the lineup.)

Overall the palettes look good. Each of them combines a more vibrant color (blue, green, violet,…) and dark/light neutrals. I am happy that there is one palette with purple, but the shade, beautiful as it is, looks just a little bit too warm and dark for me. I should not be surprised, since we are entering fall. (AQ items are pricey, so I have to be picky.)

Please be aware that the price of the palette itself does not include the two sponge/brush applicators, which are sold separately for 525 JPY (about 4.8 USD) each. (This is not uncommon with Japanese cosmetics. For example, with Lunasol’s blushers, the refill, the case, and the brush are sold separately as well.)

The collection will be available in Japan on August 21st.

Related Posts:

Beauté de Kosé Fall 2008 Collection

Esprique Precious Fall 2008 Collection

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More Coffret D’Or Trance Deep Eyes Reviews

by PJ on Wednesday, August 6, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Fall, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow

If you are looking for reviews of other palettes in the new Trance Deep Eyes range than the ones I’ve talked about (Rose and Grey Variation), here are reviews of two other palettes for you:

– Khaki Green Variation on Beauty Anonymous

– Blue Variation on Autumn Masquerade

Enjoy!

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EST Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Tuesday, August 5, 2008

in -Est, -Kao, -Sofina, 2008 Fall, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

EST (owned by Kao) will release its fall 2008 base makeup collection in Japan on August 23. The lineup will include:

– Powder Makeup Visually Moist (6 shades, SPF 20, PA++)
– Perfect Base Fresh Touch (SPF 15, PA ++)
– Perfect Base Moist Touch (SPF 10, PA+)

The Fresh Touch primer is a liquid-type sebum-controlling primer, while the Moist Touch primer is cream-based and provides extra moisture for the skin.

All items are fragrance-free.

Also, the EST website has been updated to feature the fall 2008 point makeup collection.

Related Posts:

Capturing Your Emotional Beauty
(EST Brand Profile)

EST Fall 2008 Point Makeup Collection

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Paul & Joe Eye Color in 05

by PJ on Monday, August 4, 2008

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

(Paul & Joe Eye Color in 05)

More lilac for today…

Almost all Paul & Joe‘s eyeshadows are available in singles, and the occasional palettes are usually seasonal limited editions. As I am more of a palette person, this is the only Paul & Joe eyeshadow I have, and, yes, it is a lilac.

This is a sheer light lilac. The color only builds up minimally when layered. The powder is very soft and has almost a fluffy feel. I can also use my fingers to apply this eyeshadow and get a nice and natural look.

It has a low-key mildly shimmery finish. What is unique about this shade is the very subtle warm pink and gold shimmer. It adds some vibrancy to the overall finish and prevents the shade from looking one-dimensional when worn alone.

I can use this alone for a barely-there look, as the sheer lilac and the soft veil of shimmer can brighten my eyes. I can also use it to complement my lilac-based eye palettes as a base or where needed.

For me, this is a good time-saver when I want a quick and easy minimal lilac look. It is also nice for travelling when I don’t want to spend too much time putting on makeup but want to look refreshed. (Again, I can use my fingers to apply it, so there is more precious packing space.) I will obviously have to pair it with other colors if I want more depth, but, overall, this is a simple and foolproof basic in my lilac repertoire.

Loving Japanese Brands – Paul & Joe

Paul & Joe Foundation Primer N

Paul & Joe Loose Powder

Paul & Joe Pressed Powder

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Sonia Rykiel Website Update

by PJ on Monday, August 4, 2008

in -Sonia Rykiel, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(all images from www.soniarykiel-cosmetics.com)

Sonia Rykiel Beauté has updated its website to include information on the fall 2008 makeup collection, titled Actrice. (Please check my previous post for quick details of the items.)

You’ll see all the variations of the new Quatre Eyeshadow palettes as well as other upcoming items. The link on the page for the palettes will give you some ideas about how to use the shades in this palette range.

The collection will be out in Japan on August 22nd.

Beauty Brand Focus – Sonia Rykiel

Other brand-focus posts – Kanebo Freeplus & Elégance

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Kosé Website Update Galore

by PJ on Sunday, August 3, 2008

in -AQ, -Kosé, -Magie Deco, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Beauté de Kosé Metallic Luster Eyes)
(image from www.kose.co.jp/bko)

Some websites of the Kosé lines have been updated in the last couple of days to feature the fall 2008 collections. (Please check the sites for Cosme Decorte AQ and Magie Deco for details.) I will mention Beauté de Kosé very briefly today and share my thoughts on AQ and Magie Deco later this week.

If you are interested in Beauté de Kosé’s fall 2008 collection, just out on August 1st, please note that all items are limited editions.

The collection includes two Metallic Luster Eyes palettes (seen above), two new shades of Eye Fantasist, two new shades of Rouge Fantasist Aqua Vinyl, and three new shades of Nail Dramatist. Please check the Beauté de Kosé website for swatches.

Other new collections from Kosé:

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