makeup

(Kanebo Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes)
(image from http://www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

Kanebo’s new makeup line, Coffret D’Or, was launched on December 16, 2007 in Japan. (The line is also available in Hong Kong and Taiwan as far as I know.) It is replacing the color makeup line T’Estimo and the base makeup line Revue.Upon seeing the first few images from the line a couple of months ago, I was not very enthusiastic. I thought the packaging was not particularly outstanding and the range of shades was not immensely imaginative.

However, as I saw more and more sneak-peek photos of the collection, Coffret D’Or’s debut lineup started to grow on me. I decided that I would try something from the line.

In many Japanese brands, I think the eyeshadow palettes play an important part in defining the image of the brand, in terms of both packaging and shade combinations. Their 3D Lighting Eyes in 04 Purple Variation really caught my eye. So there was no question which item I would want to try first.

I like the packaging of the palette. It is like a small gift box wrapped in jeweled ribbons. (Many Japanese brands are able to do cute and elegant at the same time without ever appearing tacky.)

04 Purple Variation faces severe competition with my other lilac-based palettes.



The individual shades deserve a detailed mention. First of all, the upper white strip consists of two finishes. (In the photo, you can see that the left half is slightly whiter than the right half.) The right half is a medium pigmented white with very fine multi-color sparkles. The left half is sheerer and has slightly larger multi-color sparkles. The two parts are meant to be used together
as a base (swept across with a brush or a wide sponge-tip) but they can still be used individually. I think the reason the two halves are packaged like this is to showcase the variation of sizes of sparkles and the multi-dimensional effect that they can create together (the namesake 3D effect, I suppose).

On the second row, from left to right:
— a dusty pink with very smooth shimmer and very fine sparkles (medium pigmented)
— a sheer and very pale blue with mild shimmer and slightly larger multi-color sparkles (not glitters)
— a well-pigmented muted violet with sparse multi-color sparkles

The dusty pink has a very mild warm mauve undertone and the pale blue has a hint of cool pale lilac undertone.

The palette is a joy to use. The texture of the powder is very smooth, the shades go on very easily, and blending is effortless.

What some people like about eyeshadow palettes of some Japanese makeup lines is that there are step-by-step instructions on how to use a palette to create the look that it is designed to create and to achieve the look in the promotional image.

(instructions on the back of the outer packaging)
(Please click on the image to see a larger version)


These instructions are very useful for people who may be wary of using 4 or 5 colors on the eyes at the same time and for people who might not feel comfortable asking sales assistants for application tips.
Before I explored other possibilities, I decided to follow the instructions to see what this palette can do for me. I was very pleased. The main idea of this range of palettes is to use the B shade (please refer to the photo above), which is slightly darker and less sparkling, in the outer 2/3 above the eyes to create subtle shadowing and the C shade (paler and more sparkling) in the inner 1/2 above (which overlaps the B shade) and below the eyes to make them pop.

I put the two photos together so you don’t need to refer back and forth:



The finish look is very soft, natural, and sensual, as the B and C shades are both relatively light. But the palette manages to very effectively enhance the dimension of the eyes. I think the delicate variation in shades, pigmentation, shimmer, and sparkles in this palette is a success. Every single element in this palette is doing something that you can see.
 

Out of the five promotional looks (modeled by five Japanese actresses as brand ambassadors for the line), I think the look presented by Tokiwa Takako best demonstrates the eye-sculpting effect of this range of eyeshadow palettes:

 

(Tokiwa Takako for Coffret D’Or)
(image from http://www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)


(Please note that Tokiwa Takako is using the 3D Lighting Eyes in 05 Gold Variation.)

The instructions seem to aim for a fresh and elegant daytime look. For a more intense evening look, smudging the violet shade further (instead of using the shade to simply line the eyes) will add more drama. (I tried that and it worked very well too.)

Overall, I adore this palette and the soft and understated look that it creates. The shimmer is smooth and velvety, and the multi-color sparkles are delicate but vibrant.

If you prefer a lot of impact for the eye makeup, then this range of palettes might not appeal to you as much. But perhaps Coffret D’Or will bring out more intense color combinations later this year. Judging by the quality of this palette, I think it is worth the wait…

Updated on January 28, 2008:

If you are interested, there are reviews of 02 Blue-Green Variation on My Women Stuff and Mostly Make Up.

My other lilac-based palettes, along with a very short comparison (please click on the links for full reviews):

Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst
(The shades are sheerer and there are larger sparkles.)

T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes in 03

(The lilac shades are cooler and there is a wider range of lighter and darker shades for a more intense look.)

Lavshuca Eye Color Select in PU-2
(This palette from Lavshuca’s fall 2007 collection is overall a slightly darker and warmer version of the Coffret D’Or one.)

Please feel free to leave your comment if you’d like to ask me for more comparisons among these palettes and shades!

{ 22 comments }

(image from www.sephora.com)

The CK Calvin Klein Beauty line is now up on the Sephora websites in the US and Canada (thanks to a friend who alerted me to this).

This is the first time I was able to have a slightly better look at the range of the collection. It appears that the initial lineup provides a palette of wearable colors, which is obviously typical of a debut lineup (or re-debut in this case). Not particularly edgy or trend-sensitive at this point, but we will see how things evolve.

Just a few things that are on my list of potentials:

Tempting Duo Intense Duo Eyeshadow

#213 Silky Sunset
seems to be a nice combination of pink and lilac. It would be interesting to compare the texture and finish of the lilac eyeshadow in this duo with other lilac eyeshadows I have.

Flush with Desire Velvet Blush

#101 Shiver and #104 Desire both appear to be wearable for me. I am suspecting the finish of this blusher range to be semi-matte.

Subliminal Purity Mineral Based Loose Powder

I am still in my loose powder phase and I would be interested in trying this out.

If you have tried any item from the new line, please do let me know. I’d love to hear from you! The line should be launched over here in the UK soon, and it would be great to hear what you like and don’t like about the new beauty line.

Related Posts:

Calvin Klein Launched in Hong Kong
(Check out the photos of the counter. It seems that there are more color choices for some of the items, such as the two types of lipsticks.)

Bring It Back! Calvin Klein Cosmetics

(Compare the packagings of the two lineups.)

{ 6 comments }

MAC A-Mei Color Collection Out Now: Further Update!

by PJ on Friday, January 11, 2008

in -MAC, makeup

My post on MAC A-Mei Collection has been updated with a link to photos of the MAC storefront display featuring the collection, counter display, and color swatches.

(Please scroll to the end of the post, and enjoy!)

{ 2 comments }

(L.U.C.I.: Lancôme’s spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.lancome-usa.com)

(promotional image in the UK)
(Notice the differences!)


You have probably read from great beauty sites like Makeup Bag about Lancôme’s spring 2008 collection.

I saw the collection in the shops a while ago. Then, as I was reading about the US release, I noticed some differences in what the collections consist of. While the L.U.C.I Eyes palette (in the seashell shape) sold in the US has the bronze shade, the two sold in the UK feature turquoise and blue. (The bronze option doesn’t seem to be available here.)

On the UK promotional image, both models are wearing the turquoise palette, which the model on the right (Daria Werbowy) is holding in her hand.

Moreover, all three palettes are available in Japan:

(image from www.lancome.jp)

The collection, L.U.C.I. (which stands for “Luminescent Ultra Colour Intelligence”), is Gucci Westman’s last collection for Lancôme. The identity of this collection is marked by the iridescent reflectiveness in various items.

I was paying particular attention to the shades of the shimmer and iridescence. For the L.U.C.I Eyes palettes, the white shade in A Ray of Green Light (the one with the turquoise) has yellowish green iridescence, while the one in A Ray of Blue Light has lilac iridescence.

Other iridescent/shimmer hues can be seen in:

The pale Color Fever Shine lipstick: pinkish lilac iridescence
The pale Color Fever Gloss: blue shimmer (not iridescence)
Ombre Glacée (in A Ray of Pink Light): pink iridescence
Traceur Design Eyeliner: lilac iridescence
The pink nail color: subtle blue iridescence

Some of the iridescent hues are quite intense, especially those from the white shades in the L.U.C.I. Eyes palettes.

This collection is certainly very unique and has a coherent concept and a distinctive look. For this, this collection deserves accolade, and I think makeup fans will constantly refer back to some of these items.

For me personally, even though I love blue-tinted lip glosses and lilac eyeshadows, I surprised myself by not being overly excited about this collection. I think I prefer the iridescence to be slightly more subtle. (I’d have to be very careful and use these shades very sparingly.)

But, if you like iridescent shimmer, you can surely add an eye-catching accent color to your eyes, lips or nails with this collection. Or, if you like a bit of an edge, then some of these items are definitely worth checking out.

Related Posts:

Dior Holiday 2007 Collection
(Again, notice the more extensive Dior Holiday 2007 range in the UK and Japan)

My Shopping List for Japan
(more things that can’t be found in the US or Europe)


{ 12 comments }

(Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in #250 Seascape)

.

Dior’s 5-Color Eyeshadow Palettes, along with the rest of Dior’s makeup line, have been through numerous packaging changes. But I have noticed that this particular color combination has been existing for at least 5 or 6 years.

I got #250 Seascape in 2006 with my Boots points, and I think this is a really beautiful and colorful eyeshadow palette. With blue and purple being on-trend this season (have a look at my spring 2008 makeup trend report), I thought I’d give this palette a mention.

The palette features:

Top left: a soft grey with a very slight ashy-blue undertone and soft purple iridescence
Top right: medium aqua blue
Bottom left: warm medium purple
Bottom right: pale mint green
Center: white with silvery sparkles

The shades are well pigmented and very smooth to apply and blend. They go on quite matte but have a satiny and luminous finish. The central white shade, though, feels a little gritty, probably because of the sparkles. On the other hand, the blue is one of my favorite blue eyeshadow shades.

With both the blue and the purple being quite vibrant, the palette can create a variety of looks, depending on where to place these two colors on the eyes. When I simply want a simple and fresh look, a wash of the mint shade can really brighten my eyes. It can also be used as a base to bring out the lively blue and purple.

Dior’s eyeshadows are known for the great texture and many palettes feature wearable but unique color combinations. Also, their seasonal releases are often good indications of what colors are currently trendy. But I have noticed that the finish of some of the latest palettes (with the powder in quilted patterns) is getting more and more shimmery. While the shimmery finish still looks smooth and flattering, I do hope their future releases will maintain a balance between satiny matte and shimmery finishes.

.

Related posts:

Dior’s Spring 2008 Makeup Collection
(Anything catching your eye?)

The Allure of Blue Eyeshadows
(See my other blue eyeshadows)

A Splash of Colors – Lilting Lilac
(soft, feminine, and wearable)

{ 8 comments }

(image from The Bay Christmas 2007 catalog)


One of my readers, Ebontien, has very kindly scanned and sent me another great image of the ck Calvin Klein Beauty line from The Bay Christmas catelog. The shade of the Flush Desire Blush here looks good to me!

You may have heard from various sources that Sephora will be launching the Calvin Klein Beauty line this month in the US. (For more information, do check out the post from Beauty Anonymous.)

Here in the UK, another reader has left a comment and mentioned that the line will be launched in the new House of Fraser store in Belfast in May.

This is the news I have been waiting to hear, and I am very excited. Now I am expecting the launch in possibly other House of Fraser stores or perhaps other department stores in the UK very soon.

I’d better start setting aside a budget for this!

Related Posts:

Bring It Back! Calvin Klein Cosmetics

(reminiscing the discontinued collection)

New Calvin Klein Cosmetics: First Look
(from a kind reader in Hong Kong)

Calvin Klein Eyeshadow in Ivory
(my only Calvin Klein item…for the moment)

{ 2 comments }

(Lunasol Full Glamour Gloss in 04 Bright Pink)

While Chanel’s Irréelle Blush in Tea Rose is one of my favorite blushers, Lunasol’s Full Glamour Gloss in Bright Pink is one of my favorite lip glosses.

First of all, even though the shade is named Bright Pink, it is not a bright neon pink that is hard to pull off. It is actually a very pretty and elegant medium-to-sheer pink which is very wearable. It should suit most skin-tones.

Apart from that, there are two things that I particularly like about this lip gloss. First, it has very beautiful and delicate multi-color shimmer that adds subtle dimension and fullness to the lips and makes lip lines appear less obvious.

Also, the slanted applicator (seen below) is well designed. It glides and spreads the gloss on very evenly. Two swipes, back and forth, on each lip, and it’s done. Sensually glossy, with rippling shimmer.

(Lunasol Full Glamor Gloss)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)


I also like the packaging. Very simple and sophisticated, which is generally the case with all Lunasol’s minimal and low-key packaging. But it still oozes glamor.

With a stunning spring 2008 collection, Lunasol continues to be a brand that I will pay a lot of attention to in 2008.

Related Posts:

Loving Japanese Brands: Lunasol
(my personal take on Lunasol)

Sony Curvy Lip Silicone
(It had sold more than 1 million copies by the time I wrote this post, but now it has sold over 2 million copies. Find out why!)

Beautiful Lips with Blue Lip Glosses?
(Have you tried them?)

{ 6 comments }

(Givenchy spring 2008 collection)
(images from www.cosme.net)


I stopped by several department stores in London a couple of days ago and saw that some spring 2008 makeup collections had been launched. I tested some of the items and I’d like to share some initial thoughts with you.

Givenchy’s spring 2008 collection (now available in Harrods), Denim Fétiche, features shades of blue and purple. The blue in the eyeshadow palette looks more vibrant and dimensional than it appears in photos and in the pan. Though still quite dark, it is not as ashy as it appears in some photos. It has some nice sparse silvery shimmer.

(In the two eyeshadow palettes, the top-left and bottom-right shades are shimmery, the bottom-left shades are matte, and the top-right shades are of a creamy texture.)

As for purples and mauves, the Prisme Again! Blush in #11 looks good with a combination of cold pinks and soft muted mauves.

(Ombre Éclat 4-Color Eyeshadow Palette)
(image from woman.excite.co.jp)

Then I saw Guerlain‘s spring 2008 collection is Harvey Nichols. The palettes do look very nice. I tested the lilac and the blue palettes. The finish is smooth and matte, but it appeared to me that the powder doesn’t glide particularly well. I like the lilac palette, but I would like it even more if the bottom two shades had a little bit of a lilac undertone. (They are basically a pale grey and a dark grey.)

(Dior spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

Then I tested some items from Dior‘s spring 2008 collection in Selfridges. I of course tried the limited-edition item Flower Blossom. Even though I am still leaning toward not buying it, this impressed me the most out of all the spring items I tried so far. The texture of the powder is very smooth and silky. The soft and almost fluffy powder imparts a sensually shimmery finish. The light pastel shades are pigmented enough to still look quite distinctive.

Like me, some readers are concerned that the patterns will wear out. I think the embossed patterns should stay for quite a while if the colors are only used lightly every now and then.

(YSL spring 2008 collection)
(images from woman.excite.co.jp)

I also saw YSL‘s spring 2008 collection in Selfridges. The texture of Ombre Duo Lumière is soft and airy as usual, but none of the shade stands out. The Pop Stick Blush has a nice cooling sensation, but the finish as a blusher is too shimmery and glossy for my personal liking. The shades of Eyecolor Touche are less than exciting. Overall, for me, this is not one of YSL’s more inspiring collections.

One of the spring 2008 collectons I look forward to seeing is Chanel‘s. I know that it is already available in the US, but Chanel’s seasonal collections are usually launched later in the UK. So I will be waiting patiently.

Related Posts:

Spring 2008 Makeup Trend Report
(Read about the upcoming major makeup trends!)

Anna Sui’s Spring 2008 Makeup Collection
(featuring some vibrant colors)

Lunasol’s Spring 2008 Collection

(one of my favorite spring 2008 collections so far)

{ 8 comments }

(Chanel Irréelle Blush in 80 Tea Rose)

Merry Christmas everyone!

Today I share my thoughts with you about one of my favorite makeup items. Chanel’s Irréelle Blush in Tea Rose is undoubtedly one of my favorite blushers.
(I really like the Chanel Irrèelle items, and I have the eyeshadows (single and duo), bronzing/shading powder, highlighter, and this lovely blusher.)

Tea Rose was out in spring 2005. I decided to use my Boots points on this after I tested it at the counter for many times. Initially, it looked either a bit too pink or a bit too pale. (I don’t really like putting counter testers on my face.) But, after even more testing, I decided that this shade should look good on me. (This is the Chanel blusher I mentioned in the post where my friend thought I was hypnotizing the sales assistant, who gave me all the skincare samples I asked for.)

When I put this blusher on my face for the first time, it actually looked better than I thought, and I wished I had made my decision a little sooner. It is a sheer and delicate pink with an essentially matte finish and a very subtle luminosity. It looks very natural and the finish doesn’t appear chalky.

For my complexion, this blusher stands on a great position in the cool-warm spectrum, and this is usually the blush I go for when I want a soft and effortlessly natural look. (I tend to go for soft matte pinks just slightly on the cool side anyway, but this shade suits me particularly well.)

One small complaint about this blusher is that the powder seems almost too firmly pressed, and, after a while, my blusher brush is not really able to pick up the powder very well. So, even for a sheer finish, it needs a bit of building up. But, simply because of this, the look is almost always very natural, as the powder goes on a little bit at a time. So the finish is even and seamless.

The brush that comes with the compact is quite coarse and I never use it. I hope Chanel will improve this.

Overall I love this blusher, and this is the one I usually travel with. The compact is not the slimmest by far, but, for me, I can’t go wrong with the look it gives me. Plus, the pouch protects the compact from scratches. A win-win for me indeed!

Related Posts:

Lavshuca Cheek Color in PK-1
(another very delicate pink)

Ayura Aura Veil α in Sweet Pink
(a slightly warmer pink)

Anna Sui Face Color Accent in 400
(looks naughty, but surprisingly wearable)

Chanel: The Perfect Black
(my personal take on Chanel)

{ 6 comments }

I am sure many of you have seen some of the upcoming spring 2008 collections. Apart from returning guests like pink and beige, it seems that cool tones will be stealing the show.

Two major makeup trends for spring 2008:

– blue eye colors
– lilac eye colors

First, blue. Chanel‘s spring 2008 makeup collection, Aurora Blues Accent, is now out in the US, and blue takes center stage.

(part of Chanel’s spring 2008 collection, Aurora Blues Accent)
(images from Bjooti.Net)

The new Chanel eyeshadow palette, Les 4 Ombres in Blue Cèlestes, includes a dark cold blue and a pastel blue. It also features grey, which is carried over from the makeup trend from fall 2007. The collection has a distinctive look, but I personally feel that it lacks a bit of warmth.

Givenchy‘s new denim-themed spring 2008 collection, Denim Fétiche, is also blue-oriented, right from the packaging to the shades.

(part of the Givenchy spring 2008 makeup collection,
Denim Fétiche)
(images from www.cosme.net)

Compared with Chanel’s collection, there seems to be a little more balance between cooler and warmer shades, which should make these palettes wearable for more people.

Coincidentally, the MAC for A-Mei collection, out in January 2008, includes a brighter, bolder, and slightly warmer blue. I have to say this is the kind of blue that I enjoy playing with more.

(MAC for A-Mei Eye Palettes)
(image from www.urcosme.com)

The warm and cool palettes are also put together to complement each other to create more possibilities.

Let’s move on to purple. I have always loved soft purple shades like lilac/lavender as well as darker purples like violet. Since this fall, we have seen rich bright purples in fashion, especially in accessories. Mulberry‘s Bayswater patent leather bag in purple is just one example of a hot fashion trend in fall 2007.

(Mulberry Bayswater bag in purple)
(image from www.mulberry.com)

Dior’s spring 2008 collection is very pretty in pink. It has a great mixture of warm and cool pinks, with mauves and lilacs as wonderful accent colors.

(Dior spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

The 5-Color Eyeshadow Palettes in 470 Spring Bouquet and 909 Pink May both look beautiful and feminine. Pink May (the lower of the two palettes in the photo above) seems to be a great assembly of pink, peach, soft lilac, and purple. This certainly carries more of a spring atmosphere than Chanel’s Blue Cèlestes palette.

Apart from blue, Givenchy‘s spring 2008 collection also incorporates elements of purple. I will be interested in seeing the actual color and finish of the blusher (pictured in the middle).

(part of Givenchy’s spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.cosme.net)

One of YSL‘s two new Ombre Duo Lumière palettes also features a plum-purple:
(YSL Ombre Duo Lumière)
(image from woman.excite.co.jp)

There are also collections and individual items that put blue and purple together to create a pleasing mix. Among them, Chanel’s 4 Fleurs de Chanel includes pale pink, blue, and lilac.

(Chanel 4 Fleurs de Chanel)

(image from uma.chanel.com)

Anna Sui‘s latest eyeshadow addition, Glitter Eye Color Stick, features bright blue and purple. The two colors also jump out from the limited-edition items, Sui Lip Gloss and Eye Color Accent J palettes.

(Anna Sui Glitter Eye Color Stick)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)
(Anna Sui’s Sui Lip Gloss and Eye Color Accent J)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

Guerlain‘s new array of 4-color eyeshadow palettes for spring 2008 includes a soft and sensual lilac palette and a cool blue palette. The blue one seems similar to the Chanel Blue Cèlestes in terms of the color combination.
(image from woman.excite.co.jp)

Clé de Peau‘s upcoming eyeshadow palette has a warm aqua blue and a stunning violet. A winning combination for me.

(part of Clé de Peau’s spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

Finally, Lunasol‘s Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes include 03 Blue Coral and 02 Lavender Coral, two vibrant palettes with warm blues and very pretty purples. Lavender Coral looks particularly alluring to me.


(Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)

It is worth mentioning that Lunasol’s existing eyeshadow palette ranges are doing extremely well this year. Skin Modeling Eyes (released spring 2007), Geminate Eyes (fall 2007), and Scent Form Eyes (fall 2006) occupy the top three positions in the eyeshadow category of @Cosme’ Best Cosmetics Award. I think the Sheer Contrast Eyes range, with the selection of both wearable and on-trend colors, is very likely to continue the immense popularity of Lunasol’s eyeshadows and Lunasol the brand itself.

I am personally very pleased to see more lilacs at makeup counters, as it is a very wearable color for me. As for blues, I am more excited about the warmer ones that seem to appear more from Japanese brands like Clé de Peau and Lunasol that we’ve just seen above.

I am probably going to pick up some (more) lilac eyeshadow palettes, and I will be reviewing them later on!

What about you? Are you happy with these spring 2008 makeup trends?

Related Posts:

The Allure of Blue Eyeshadows
(Everyone should try a bit of blue.)

A Splash of Color – Lilting Lilac
(one of my favorite colors)

T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes in Purple

(out this spring and even more on-trend in spring 2008)

{ 8 comments }