makeup

Maquillage Lasting Climax Rouge in RS310

by PJ on Wednesday, May 28, 2008

in -Maquillage, -Shiseido, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - lip color, stash focus

(Maquillage Lasting Climax Rouge in RS310)

Since I tried Maquillage‘s Clean Contrast Eyes in SV844, I had wanted to try something else from the line. I decided to go for one of their lipsticks and picked up Lasting Climax Rouge in RS310, from Maquillage’s spring 2008 lineup.

RS310 is medium warm rose and goes on a little more vibrant. It has a natural and slightly glossy finish. It goes on easily and the color and finish last well. While it is not the most moisturizing lipstick I have, it is not drying. (So far, my SUQQU lipstick is probably the most moisturizing lipstick I’ve had.)

I was expecting the Lasting Climax Rouge range to be quite sheer, and I was surprised by the medium pigmentation level when I tried the sample card, which contained five shades (but didn’t contain RS310). RS310 also has a medium color pay-off, while its pigmentation level is slightly lower than that of Coffret D’Or Full Styling Rouge Color.

In terms of the finish, compared with Coffret D’Or Full Styling Rouge Color and Lavshuca Jewelry Lips, this one is slightly glossier and has a tad more micro-shimmer. But it doesn’t have a frosty/metallic finish, which I don’t like.

Shade-wise, it is lighter, warmer and slightly more vivid than Coffret D’Or Full Styling Rouge Color in RS-241 and Lavshuca Jewelry Lips in PK-1. It is quite a girlie color.

Overall, as an RS (Rose) shade, Lasting Climax Rouge in RS310 is relatively vibrant, and I feel it is more of a cool PK (Pink) shade than a typical RS shade from Japanese brands. (Many RS shades I have seen are more muted.) I personally prefer to wear it for the evening (without layering it too much). For daytime, I simply gently dab it on for a mild stained look.

For another review (written in Chinese, with this very shade worn on lips), please check out this post.

Updated on June 6th, 2008:

Please check out the review of RD359 on Autumn Masquerade.

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Thoughts on photographing lipsticks: I have personally observed that capturing the actual color of a lipstick is a lot trickier than showing that of, for example, an eyeshadow. I think it is because the lipstick itself is more dimensional. A friend of mine commented that it might also be because it is in a semi-liquid form. (Interestingly, I don’t really have this issue with lip glosses. Maybe it is because they are inside solid containers.) The lipstick color in the photo you see above is closest to its actual color under sunlight. (I don’t tend to digitally fine-tune color, brightness, or contrast of my photos for my reviews.)

The two photos below are taken within minutes of the one above. As you can see, in terms of the lipstick color, the first one looks slightly warmer (than the one above), while the second one looks darker and cooler.

(You can see that, in the second one, less light is reflected back to the camera and the lipstick shade looks darker. When it comes to photographing other makeup items, there is usually not this degree of difference (when the amount of light reflected back to the camera slightly varies).)

Based on my experiences, I have also come to understand why a lipstick (in the container, not worn on a model’s lips), compared with other makeup items, can look so different in different magazines or even in different features in the same issue of a magazine.

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A Splash of Color: More Lilting Lilac

by PJ on Monday, May 26, 2008

in _I Love Colors, -Anna Sui, -Clarins, -Coffret d'Or, -Dior, -Kanebo, -Lunasol, -MAC, -Maquillage, -Paul & Joe, -Shiseido, makeup, makeup - base makeup, nail color/care

My post on Lilting Lilac was back in December, and how time has flown. One of my readers predicted that there would be a Part 2, and she is right.

Here I share with you new faces (since last year), old favorites, and generosity from friends.

Above:
– Maquillage Clean Contrast Eyes in SV844
– Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Stage Lights
– Paul & Joe Eye Color in 05 (to be reviewed later)
– MAC Pigments in Violet and Frozen White (off-white with blue/lilac iridescence), in small pots from a lilac-loving friend

– Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow palette in 250 Seascape
– Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in 04 Purple Variation
– Clarins Palette Impression in 03 The Mauve Garden
– Anna Sui Pressed Face Powder in 200
– Ferro Eye Candy Shimmer in February

– (left) Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes in 02 Lavender Coral
– (right) Lunasol Scent Form Eyes in 02

…and one more before there is more:

– Revlon Glimmer Gloss Nail Enamel in 610 Grape Shimmer (upper left)

Other Splashes of Colors:

– Girlie Pink

– Citrus Orange

– New-Leaf Green

– Terrific Turquoise

– Aqua Blue

{ 8 comments }

Anna Sui Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, May 23, 2008

in -Anna Sui, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, bodycare, haircare, makeup

(Mini Rouge W)

(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

On June 5th in Japan, there will be more items from Anna Sui‘s summer 2008 collection being released. They include:

– Mini Rouge W (limited-edition, 3 shades, seen above)

– Bath & Body Primary Kit: The set includes a pouch with Hair Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Shampoo, each in a travel-size 60ml bottle.

(Bath & Body Primary Kit)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

– Hair Spray G: A hair-conditioning product (not a styling product).

– UV Body Spray G: SPF 30/ PA+++

(Left: Anna Sui UV Body Spray G

Right: Anna Sui Hair Spray G)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

These items join the currently available eyeliner pencils, mascaras, and nail colors as the full lineup of the Anna Sui summer 2008 collection.

Mini Rouge, released last fall (packaged in black cases), has been very popular, so I am sure these three white limited-edition ones will be equally coveted. (As far as I know, the black Mini Rouge shades are not limited-edition items.)

Anna Sui Lip & Eye Luxury Palettes

Loving Japanese Brands – Anna Sui

My Latest Foundation Cases
(featuring Anna Sui and Jill Stuart)

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Coffret D’Or Fall 2008 – Second Helping!

by PJ on Thursday, May 22, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(More from Coffret D’Or fall 2008)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

I have been quite excited about Coffret D’Or’s early fall 2008 collection, and now there is more.

On July 16th, Coffret D’Or will release Part II of its early fall 2008 collection, which includes:

– Fluffy Shine Eyes (new, 5 shades, seen above)
– Combient Rouge (5 new shades)

The Fuffy Shine Eyes shades look soft and wearable. I am liking the lilac and the pale cool green at the moment. I think the emphasis will be on shimmer rather than pigmentation.

I’d like to see swatches of these to have an idea of the finish, as I much prefer something not too shimmery or glittery. Before that, I will concentrate on saving up for the upcoming Trance Deep Eyes palettes.

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Purple and Gold Variations

Coffret D’Or Full Styling Rouge in RS-241 & RS-242

Lavshuca Fall 2008 Collection

Kate Fall 2008 Collection

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Foundation Face-Off (3) – Jill Stuart vs. SUQQU

by PJ on Wednesday, May 21, 2008

in -Jill Stuart, -SUQQU, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation

(Jill Stuart Smooth Silk Powder Foundation
& SUQQU Powder Foundation Fresh)

Today I am bringing you the third foundation face-off, this time between Jill Stuart’s Smooth Silk Powder Foundation and SUQQU’s Powder Foundation Fresh. Both are spring/summer 2008 releases.

(A note on my foundation concerns, preferences, and habits to set the perspective for the review: I have oily skin which is prone to some slight redness. I prefer powder foundations that control shine well, offer at least medium coverage, and have decent pore coverage. I usually don’t wear a primer or a concealer.)

Basics

– Jill Stuart Smooth Silk Powder Foundation: SPF 20/ PA ++, 5 shades
– SUQQU Powder Foundation Fresh: SPF 27/ PA ++, 6 shades

Finish

Jill Stuart has a very soft-focus and glowy finish, while SUQQU gives a luminous matte finish. Neither has visible shimmer.

Texture

Jill Stuart’s powder is very smooth and velvety and has an almost-moist feel. SUQQU’s powder is slightly drier but it is still quite silky.

Coverage

Jill Stuart offers a nearly-medium coverage, which I am quite happy with. SUQQU offers a good medium-to-full coverage. I feel that SUQQU covers my mild redness better than Jill Stuart, but I think this might be only because the SUQQU shade I tried, #25, is more yellow-based than Jill Stuart’s #103.

Pore Coverage

Jill Stuart’s pore coverage is satisfactory, while SUQQU’s pore-concealing ability has some room for improvement.

Shine Control

For me, this is usually the deciding factor on a foundation. Here, the luminous and glowy Jill Stuart fails to impress me as it has very little shine-control ability. Even a good matte loose powder can’t keep the shine away (my face becomes shiny within an hour) and constant touch-ups are a must for me.

On the other hand, even though SUQQU’s shine control is not the best that I have experienced, at least it is what I would expect from a spring/summer powder foundation release from a Japanese brand, which is usually more about sebum control than a fall/winter release. (Again, out of all the foundations featured in the face-off posts along with the ZA Two-Way Foundation, Coffret D’Or’s Beauty Lasting Pact UV offers the best shine control.)

Staying Power

Neither of them darkens overtime or loses the coverage too quickly, but, as mentioned above, Jill Stuart’s silky smoothness turns shiny very quickly on me, making it a very high-maintenance foundation for my oily skin.

Between the two, I favor SUQQU Powder Foundation Fresh. It offers good coverage and decent shine-control, and it stays on well throughout the day. A good loose powder can easily enhance the pore coverage. I think this should be a good powder foundation for most skin types. As for Jill Stuart’s Smooth Silk Powder Foundation, I wouldn’t recommend it if any part of your face tends to be on the oily side, as it doesn’t control shine and the glowy finish will make shine appear more obvious.

(I’d like to thank my friend Betsy at Autumn Masquerade for very kindly sending these samples to me. Please head over to read her review on SUQQU’s Powder Foundation Fresh.)

Foundation Face-Off (1) – Chanel vs. SUQQU

Foundation Face-Off (2) – Lunasol vs. Coffret D’Or

My Latest Foundation Cases
(Anna Sui and Jill Stuart)

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CHICCA Fall 2008 Collection – First Look

by PJ on Tuesday, May 20, 2008

in -Chicca, -Kanebo, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of CHICCA’s fall 2008 collection)
(image and information from www.nikkei.co.jp)

One of Kanebo’s top-end brands, CHICCA, will release its fall 2008 collection in Japan on August 6th. The collection includes:

– Enthralling Soft Pencil Eyeliner (new, 5 shades)
– Enthralling Powder Eye Shadow duo (5 new variations)
– Enticing Lip Stain (5 new shades)
– Enticing Lip Gloss (5 new shades)

This collection focuses on the eyes, and each of the five shades from the four products will altogether create one of CHICCA’s five looks for fall 2008 (this is similar to how Lunasol’s new items were promoted in 2007):

– Night Glow (blue-based)
– Evening Party (green-based)
– Tête-à-tête (brown-based)
– Love Avenue (purple-based)
– Mysterious Love (lead-based (dark grey))

Since I came across the news of CHICCA’s launch earlier this year, I have been waiting to see a powder blusher and a loose powder (two of the makeup items that I have recently been interested in the most). The powder blusher is not featured in the fall lineup, but perhaps the fall/winter base makeup collection (if CHICCA is releasing one) will include a loose powder….

(The photo above shows the Love Avenue items (not the blue-based Night Glow look). Sometimes, photos on Nikkei Net do not do the products justice and the colors are not accurate. I look forward to seeing the items on the CHICCA website later on.)

Updated on August 26th, 2008:

The CHICCA website has been updated to include information on the fall 2008 collection. Please click on the link above to have a look.

CHICCA Summer 2008 Collection

Brand Launch: Kanebo CHICCA

Lavshuca Fall 2008 Collection

Kate Fall 2008 Collection

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YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils

by PJ on Monday, May 19, 2008

in -YSL, makeup, makeup - mascara, stash focus

(YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils in 1 High Density Black)

Two weeks ago, I wrote about Clinique’s Naturally Glossy Mascara, which is one of my favorite mascaras due to its natural subtlety. Today the mascara I am talking about is almost the polar opposite.

YSL‘s Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils does add length, but it is mostly about volume. The heavy-duty densely creamy mascara coats lashes effectively, making them look thicker with minimal efforts. Very little layering is required to achieve a good deal of volume.

The shade in 1 High Density Black is a fairly black shade without greyishness. The intense shade adds to the dramatic effect.

(Perhaps one of the most beautifully packaged mascaras…)

What I have found is that I do have to be quite light-handed with the application. Otherwise it will clump a little. I think the best way to apply this mascara is to use soft upward strokes. The zig-zag technique, which is usually useful in building up volume, will create clumps with this mascara. Also, the mascara seems to dry fairly quickly, so a speedy application is more ideal.

Overall, I think this mascara is designed to perform efficiently with very simple, swift and soft strokes. Some initial practice does pay off in the end.

Like Clinique’s Naturally Glossy Mascara, this mascara has also been around for years, and I am not surprised. If you are after (instant) volume for your lashes, then this mascara might be worth considering.

YSL Golden Gloss
(gold for packaging, gold for lips)

YSL Gold Celebration Palette
(from Holiday 2006)

Keep It Gold – YSL
(my personal take on YSL)

{ 16 comments }

Lavshuca Fall 2008 Collection – First Look

by PJ on Wednesday, May 14, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of the Lavshuca fall 2008 collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Lavshuca will release its fall 2008 collection in Japan on August 1st. The collection includes:

– Rouge Star Classics (11 shades)
– Dual Prism Eyes (8 variations) (More lilac, please…)
– Powder Compact Eyebrow (2 shades)
– Liquid Pen Eyeliner (2 shades)
– Eyeliner Pencil N (2 shades)
– Eyebrow Pencil N (3 shades)
– Creamy Liquid Foundation (5 shades)
– Color Conc Rouge (2 new shades)
– Grade Color Select (2 new shades)

Even though there were a couple of good items, I wasn’t very impressed with Lavshuca’s fall 2007 or spring 2008 collection overall. But they came up with a great summer collection this year and the beautiful packaging evolves towards fall. The look of both the lipsticks and eyeshadow duos is stunning.

For me, it is probably set to be Lavshuca’s best seasonal collection since spring 2007. I think I will surely pick up some of these items!

Lavshuca Eye Color Select in PU-2
(from fall 2007)

Lavshuca Color Conc Rouge in PK-1
(from fall 2007)

Lavshuca Winter Make Collection
(from holiday 2007)

Loving Japanese Brands – Lavshuca
(my personal take on my favorite Japanese drugstore brand)

{ 12 comments }

Kate Fall 2008 Collection – First Look

by PJ on Wednesday, May 14, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Kate, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of the Kate fall 2008 collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

It is only mid-May, but news of the fall 2008 makeup collections has been rolling in.

Kanebo Kate will release its fall 2008 collection in Japan on August 1st. The collection includes:

– Deep Trap Eyes (5 variations)
– Powder Gel Liner N (4 shades)
– Curb Wax Mascara (1 shade)
– Rouge Extra (14 shades)
– Line Spicy N eye palette (1 new variation)
– Gradical Eyes S palette (1 new variation)
– Glam Trick Eyes palette (1 new variation)

Below is information on how the shades in the new palette series, Deep Trap Eyes, are used:

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Still, I have not yet bought any item from Kate. Would anything from this collection change everything? We’ll see!

Kate: Lavshuca’s Edgier, Darker Sister

Lavshuca Fall 2008 Collection

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CHICCA Summer 2008 Collection Update

by PJ on Wednesday, May 14, 2008

in -Chicca, -Kanebo, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of CHICCA’s summer 2008 collection)

CHICCA has updated its website to include full information on the summer 2008 collection: Love Island – Golden Sun.

Please see my previous post for quick details of the collection. For a brief brand profile, please have a look at this post.

Some of you have e-mailed me and told me that you would be travelling to Japan in the coming summer. (By the way, I envy you…) If you are planning to travel to Japan in the near future and are interested in testing out or purchasing some top-end beauty items, CHICCA is one of the brands you might be interested in.

The brand in under the Kanebo group, so the pedigree is there. I have not seen the items in person, but I’d think the quality should be similar to that of SUQQU (also under the Kanebo group), most of whose makeup items are outstanding.

CHICCA is currently only sold in two department stores in Japan: Isetan Shinjuku in Tokyo and Hankyu Umeda in Osaka.

More upcoming collections:

Coffret D’Or Early Fall Collection

Sofina Aube Early Fall Collection

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