makeup

Japanese Brand Focus: Elégance

by PJ on Thursday, April 24, 2008

in _Japanese Brand Profile, -Elégance, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Champs de Fleurs –
Elégance Spring/Summer 2008 Collection)
(image from www.elegance-cosmetics.com)

From now on, I will be regularly talking about popular Japanese beauty brands that have been rarely mentioned in beauty blogs written in English.

Today I start with Elégance, a brand I personally really like.

As far as I know, Elégance is a French fashion brand. (Their boutique in London is just off New Bond Street and their Paris boutique is on rue Saint Honoré.) But, it seems the Elégance beauty line is only available in Asia.

The Elégance beauty line is developed and produced by Albion (which is currently owned by Kosé).

(Like Anna Sui, Paul & Joe, and Jill Stuart, I classify the Elégance beauty line as a Japanese line.) This high-end line has been doing consistently well in Japan. Over the years, their mascaras and base makeup items have proven to be especially popular. (Relatively, their skincare line doesn’t seem to enjoy as much attention.)

I have two items from Elégance. They were bought a few years ago, and they have been discontinued. One is Verytrue Lip, a natural-looking lip gloss, and the other is Purity Eyes, a cream-to-powder eyeshadow in pale blue.

Elégance consistently uses gold as the main color in the packaging. I think, with gold as the main color scheme, the rest is best kept simple. I think this simplicity has been well maintained throughout the line. As YSL uses straightforward square and rectangular shapes for their gold cases, Elégance opts for circular cases. While YSL looks chic and glamorous, Elégance has an extra touch of softness and femininity.

Two of the items from the current lineup that appeal to me are the powder blusher (in 9 shades) and the loose powder (in 3 shades):

(image from www.elegance-cosmetics.com)

I would love to have more items from Elégance, but they are quite pricey. The loose powder above costs 8400 yen (about 80 USD). But I think I will definitely consider adding one or two items to my collection later.

As Miss Elégance, Elégance’s very cute (and much more affordable) sister line, was discontinued in 2007, I really hope Elégance will do well for many years to come.

(The Elégance beauty line is currently available in Japan and Taiwan.)

Other Japanese beauty lines!

MAMEW

SUQQU

“Loving Japanese Brands” Series

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Jill Stuart Moist Silk Liquid Foundation

by PJ on Tuesday, April 22, 2008

in -Jill Stuart, 2007 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, stash focus

(Jill Stuart Moist Silk Liquid Foundation)

Jill Stuart‘s Moist Silk Liquid Foundation was released in fall 2007. At that time, I was not sure if it would replace Tint Liquid Foundation (Jill Stuart’s first liquid foundation). But, at this moment, both are listed on Jill Stuart’s website.

The packaging is beautiful and very princessy, and it has almost become a permanent fixture on my dressing table.

Here is how it performs for me:

The Basics

SPF 18, PA +++, 30ml, 5 shades
(Mine is 103 Nude, a neutral light-to-medium beige. Ethanol is seventh on ingredient list, but this foundation doesn’t irritate my skin.)

Texture & Consistency

It has a light-cream consistency. The very smooth texture largely comes from talc, and the richness of the consistency is mainly down to squalene (which is a very effective moisturizing ingredient used in many moisturizers). The foundation is not very liquid-y and the bottle has to be tapped against the back of my hand to slowly dispense the foundation.

Slip & Blendability

The foundation has a good slip and blends relatively easily. It dries a little fast so swift blending is ideal.

Finish

The finish is smooth and satiny (neither matte or luminous), and it has a pleasing soft-focus look to it.

Coverage

This foundation gives a natural medium-to-full coverage. The level of coverage is a lot higher than Paul & Joe’s Light Cream Foundation reviewed earlier.

Pore Coverage

For me, among non-powder foundations (which almost always cover pores less effectively than powder foundations), the pore coverage is fairly good.

Lasting Power

The lasting power is relatively satisfactory. It doesn’t have an optimal lasting power for me only because it is quite emollient for my oily skin for most part of the year. Other than that, the color does stay true and does not darken overtime.

Overall, liquid foundations are more suitable for me in winter no matter whether they are spring/summer or fall/winter releases. This one is no exception. In colder days and when I need more coverage than what Paul & Joe’s Light Cream Foundation can give me, this is definitely the one I’d go for.

Loving Japanese Brands – Jill Stuart
(my personal take on Jill Stuart)

Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst
(my very first lilac-based eye palette)

Jill Stuart Powder Foundation Compact S
(the latest member of my foundation case collection)

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Coffret D’Or Late Summer/ Early Fall Collection – First Look

by PJ on Monday, April 21, 2008

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

(part of Coffret D’Or’s late summer/ early fall collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Coffret D’Or has been doing so well in Asia since its launch in December last year (especially the eye palettes). If you have been looking forward to the second major color collection, here is a glimpse of it!

Coffret D’Or’s late summer/ early fall collection will be released in Japan on June 16th. The collection includes:

For eyes:
– Trance Deep Eyes palettes: 5 variations
– Star Dazzling Liner: 3 new shades

For eyebrows:
– W Styling Eyebrow (OV): 3 shades (oval-shaped pencil)
– W Styling Eyebrow (RO): 3 shades (round-shaped pencil)
– W Styling Eyebrow Tip Powder: 3 shades

For lips:
– Full Memory Rouge (Color): 10 shades
– Full Memory Rouge (Glow): 10 shades
– Full Styling Rouge (Color): 2 new shades
– Full Styling Rouge (Glow): 2 new shades

With the new Trance Deep Eyes palettes, the emphasis will be on adding definition to the eyes with the two highlighting shades and the two much darker shadowing shades. Compared with the 3D Lighting Eyes series, the new palettes will create a very different look. I look forward to seeing the other three palettes and the promotional images and videos later on.

I will definitely update this post when there is more information!

Updated on April 29th, 2008:

Please check out this blog post for photos of all the new eye palettes and their swatches!

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Purple Variation

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

Coffret D’Or Spring/Summer Base Makeup Collection

Coffret D’Or Summer Collection

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Dior Golden Dior Luminizing Makeup Jewel

by PJ on Sunday, April 20, 2008

in -Dior, 2008 Summer, makeup, makeup - blusher, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Dior Golden Dior Luminizing Makeup Jewel)

As I mentioned yesterday, I got the Golden Dior pendant. At my local Boots Dior counter, the summer 2008 display was not out yet. But, to be honest, since this would be strictly a collector’s item for me (which I probably will never use), it didn’t really matter. (I also trusted Dior’s packaging enough to not have seen the actual pendant before buying it.) I picked Lamé Pink, one of the two shades available in the UK.

Let’s see the name on the outer packaging, which pretty much shows what this item is for:

Golden Dior
Luminizing Makeup Jewel
(Bijou Enlumineur D’Été)
Touch-on Luminizer for Eyes, Cheeks, and Lips
(Enlumineur Crème Yeux, Joues, Lèvres)
156 Lamé Pink
(Rose Lamé)

(Please note that this shade might not be available globally. 166 Lamé Gold (Or Lamé) is the shade sold in North America.)

This is a multi-purposed item that you can use wherever you want. On the look of it, Lamé Pink is a warm pink with frosty gold shimmer. (I will update this post when I have a chance to play with the testers.)

Today we will focus on the packaging. There are two things I particularly like about this pendant. First, the dark surface makes fingerprints less apparent. Usually, Dior’s limited-edition items have reflective silver or gold finishes throughout which make fingerprints very visible. But, with this one, I worry less about it.

Also, the pendant has a nice thickness, which I didn’t expected. It gives a more substantial look to it.

Here are two photos of the interior of the pendant and the shade of Lamé Pink:

I like the inside of the pendant as well, especially the shape of the mirror, which goes with the overall design.

At the moment, I am liking it more than I thought I would. It is less blingy and has a slightly more understated look, but it is bold enough not to look boring. Even though it cost me 3900 points on my Boots Card (it retails for £39), it was worth it.

How I Get Dior “For Free”
(including Golden Dior)

DiorLight Jeweled Makeup Necklace
(from holiday 2007)

DiorLagoon Eyeshadow Duo
(the perfect turquoise)

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Chanel Fall 2008 and Holiday 2008 Collections

by PJ on Saturday, April 19, 2008

in -Chanel, 2008 Fall, 2008 Holiday, makeup

(part of Chanel’s fall 2008 collection)
(image from www.wwd.com)

WWD has released information on Chanel‘s fall 2008 and holiday 2008 collections.

Chanel’s fall 2008 collection is Peter Philips’ first creation since he took over the role of Chanel’s creative director of makeup in January 2008 from Dominique Moncourtois and Heidi Morawetz.

Gold takes center stage in both collections, and part of the fall 2008 collection (out in July) includes:

– Gold Fiction nail polish
– Facettes D’Or (gold loose powder)
– Gold Light Glossimer lip gloss

Part of the Chanel Holiday 2008 collection (out in October) includes:

– Poudre Precieuse Or (gold highlighting powder)
– Gold Shine Glossimer lip gloss
– Haute Chocolate nail polish (brown gold nail color)

(The WDD article has more information on the two collections.)

I have to say that if I had got to know about these two collections a month ago, I would probably have had virtually no interest at the time. But, interestingly, I just got Dior‘s Golden Dior pendant yesterday. Also, perhaps slightly more relevantly, after weeks of going back and forth in my mind, I decided to get another Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes palette (in Gold Variation) earlier this month (which I adore).

(I will bring you the Golden Dior pendant tomorrow and the Coffret D’Or palette in a couple of weeks’ time. Do come back!)

Personally, the shades we see in the photo above are a little bit on the warm side for me, and they are not the shades I’d go for at the moment. (But it does remind me of my own Chanel Ombre D’Eau in Bay.) Nevertheless, I look forward to seeing the full lineups in July and October and having some good testing at the counter…

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

Chanel Irréelle Blush in Tea Rose
(one of my favorite blushers)

Chanel Mat Lumière
(against SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow)

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Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura – First Look

by PJ on Thursday, April 17, 2008

in -Shu Uemura, makeup

(Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura)
(image from www.cosme.net)

In January, WWD reported on the Dutch designer duo Viktor & Rolf‘s collaboration with Shu Uemura and the release of three limited-edition pairs of false eyelashes.

This collaboration coincides with the 25th anniversary of Shu Uemura’s flagship Beauty Boutique on Omotesanto, Tokyo, where the false eyelash collection was unveiled.

According to WWD, the three pairs are called Wing, Wing 2, and Rhombus, and each pair will retail at 75 euros (about 119 USD at the current exchange rate).

So far I have not come across information on the launch date and availability. I will update this post later on with more information.

Updated on April 20th, 2008:

Here is an additional photo of the three pairs of false eyelashes:

(image from woman.excite.co.jp)

In Japan, the collection will be launched on June 19th and the booking will start on May 1st.

If I Could Go to Japan Right Now

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Voce Magazine 10th Anniversary Monthly Feature

by PJ on Thursday, April 17, 2008

in -Dior, makeup, skincare

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

In 2008, the popular Japanese beauty magazine, Voce, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

From March 2008 and for 12 months, each monthly issue includes a book-in-book titled The World Beauty Heritage, featuring a prestigious western or Japanese beauty brand.

Thankfully, Voce is putting pages of this feature on the official website. Even though the texts are in Japanese, the beautiful images are definitely worth checking out. (If you do read Japanese, many featured products include links to their entries in the Voce on-line beauty product database.)

So far the brands featured are:

March 2008: Dior
April 2008: Estée Lauder
May 2008: Cosme Decorte

The webpage is updated monthly as each printed issue is published. So do go back later for more.

Japanese Beauty Magazine: Biteki

My Ultimate Cosmetics Archive

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24-Carat Shine – YSL Golden Gloss in 03 Golden Pink

by PJ on Sunday, April 13, 2008

in -YSL, makeup, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(YSL Golden Gloss in 03 Golden Pink)

Golden Gloss from Yves Saint Laurent was launched in summer 2006. I still remember walking past the YSL counter and the dazzling golden shimmer from these glosses was calling out to me. After testing the various shades, all with golden shimmer, I decided to pick up 03 Golden Pink.

As I mentioned in my very first post on YSL, I love the brand’s classy and opulent gold packaging. In the case of Golden Gloss, the packaging echoes the product perfectly. (According to the YSL website, each gloss contains 24-carat gold (a very tiny amount of course), and gold is indeed listed in the ingredient list.)

(YSL Golden Gloss)

(image from www.ysl-parfums.com)

03 Golden Pink is a warm red pink with mainly very sparkling gold shimmer as well as some subtle shimmer in other hues. It has a fairly good amount of color and is not overly sheer. The gold shimmer works well with the shade, and it is sparse enough so the finish doesn’t look frosty.

The overall look is vibrant and glamorous, and the beautiful finish lasts well. The enclosed brush applicator is easy to use and quickly creates a very glossy shine on the lips.

The gloss has a subtle fruity scent. Normally I like my lipsticks and lip glosses to be scent-free, but I do find this scent quite pleasant.

If you like very sparkling (but not glittery) lip glosses to add pizazz to your lips, Golden Gloss is certainly a range to consider!

Some of my other favorite lip glosses:

Lunasol Full Glamor Gloss in Bright Pink

Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N in Black-Tie

Lavshuca Gloss Stick in PK-3

Sony Curvy Lip Silicone in 501

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Product Review: Crème de la Mer The Powder in Translucent

by PJ on Friday, April 11, 2008

in -Crème de la Mer, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - powder

(Crème de la Mer The Powder)
(image from www.cremedelamer.com)

When a luxury skincare line goes into makeup, it does get my attention. I was intrigued when Crème de la Mer launched the foundation line, just as I was when SKII launched their first foundation many years ago.

The Powder, a loose face powder, is part of Crème de la Mer’s Skincolor range, which also includes Fluid Foundation and Crème Foundation along with Foundation Brush and Powder Brush.

Apart from the lid, the large jar is made of glass. The heaviness of it does have a very luxurious feel.

This talc and mica based powder is very light and soft, and it almost has a fluffy feel. The enclosed puff is plush and soft to the touch.

The shade in Translucent is sheer and does not have any substantial coverage. It is quite a shimmery loose powder that has little efficacy in controlling shine or diffusing the appearance of pores.

Under artificial lighting, quite a lot of fine silver and pink shimmer and some pale pink iridescence are visible. Under natural sunlight, the pink iridescence can look more intense, so care must be taken when you use this for your daytime look. Less is definitely more.

Personally I prefer matte loose powder with no or minimal shimmer, and I would use this very sparingly as a highlighter. But if you enjoy both shimmer and iridescence in your overall setting powder, then this is definitely worth a look.

More Loose Powder!

Lavshuca Face Powder in Lucent

Paul & Joe Face Powder

Prescriptives Magic Liquid Powder

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