makeup

A Touch of Lunasol Blusher: Contrasting Cheeks in Light Orange

by PJ on Tuesday, November 6, 2007

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - blusher

(Lunasol Contrasting Cheeks in #03 Light Orange)

Since its launch in 1999, Lunasol has been among my favorite brands. I love the good quality and the polished and sophisticated packaging and brand image.

One of the Lunasol items I have is Contrasting Cheeks in #03 Light Orange. It is not peachy or coral. It is, as the name indicates, a soft light orange. (But this shade has actually been discontinued. You can see the currently available shades below.)

(Lunasol Contrasting Cheeks)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)

I suppose it is called Contrasting Cheeks because every shade comes in two finishes. The two squares on the top left and bottom right in the pan have shimmer, while the rest is basically matte with very little shimmer. When I use the blusher brush to sweep across the pan and apply the color, the finish is still predominantly matte. I can also use the shimmery portion on the center of the cheek areas to impart an accent glow, which adds a very subtle dimension to the cheeks.

I chose this shade because I had quite a few of pink-tone blushers and I wanted something different. After testing it at the counter, I found that it was relatively sheer and thought I could “work” this. Indeed I can. It gives a healthy sun-kissed glow and the color merges with the pink undertone of my face very well. It does not make my cheeks look too orange at all.

For me, this is more of a summery shade. But it is certainly natural enough to be used all year round. Another great member of my blusher family…

More touches of blusher:

AYURA Aura Veil α

Lavshuca Cheek Color

Anna Sui Face Color Accent

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Chanel Ombre d’Eau Eyeshadow: A Joint Report with Beauty Anonymous

by PJ on Monday, November 5, 2007

in -Chanel, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(Chanel Ombre d’Eau in #50 Bay)

Today, Beauty Anonymous and I are joining together to bring you our thoughts on Chanel’s Ombre d’Eau Eyeshadows. I will focus on #50 Bay and there is a review of #10 Glacier and #20 Fountain over on Beauty Anonymous.

A couple of years ago, I was in a phase of neutral shades for eyes. Chanel’s Ombre d’Eau Bi-Phase Eyeshadow grabbed my attention, with many wearable shades. (They are called Ombre d’Eau Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow in the US.)

I bought (or, to be more precise, used my Boots advantage points on) #50 Bay, which is a warm bronze with quite a lot of fine iridescent shimmer to create an almost soft metallic finish.

Before taking out the sponge applicator, I shake the container vigorously to mix the pigment and the liquid. (There is a small stainless steel ball inside to help the mixing. It reminds me of using a Liquid Paper correction pen.)

The sponge applicator makes the application easy and fuss-free. The slanted facet of the sponge helps sweep the color onto the eyelids, and I can also line the eyes with the tip of the angled sponge (without blending afterwards). (It won’t be a very thin line. The thinnest line you can create is around 2-3mm.)

Once the color is applied on the eyelids, speedy blending is vital as the liquid does dry up rather quickly. If you leave it to dry, the slip disappears. When the color is in place, it is quite long-wearing.

One thing I have recently observed is that the pigment is not water-resistant at all. I was surprised to find that, when I applied the color on the back of my hand and place my hand under running water, the color was completely gone, with no rubbing, within seconds. (On the other hand, it is usually hard to rub off a powder eyeshadow just with water alone.)

But on my eyelids, under usual circumstances, I have never noticed fading, creasing, or transferring.

Overall, I enjoy using it. Even though the shimmer can be slightly too much for daytime, the fact that most of the shades are very low-key still makes them wearable in any time of the day.

Do head over to Beauty Anonymous, where you can read about two other lovely shades: #10 Glacier and #20 Fountain.

– Read about my personal take on Chanel.

– I compare Chanel Mat Lumière & SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow. See who wins!

– Find out why I won’t buy Les 4 Camélias de Chanel.

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Holiday Flashback: Sofina Aube Astral Rouge

by PJ on Thursday, November 1, 2007

in -Aube (Couture), -Kao, -Sofina, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss

(Sofina Aube Astral Rouge)

Sofina Aube Astral Rouge lip palette is among the first holiday items I have ever purchased, back in 2000. (Obviously I have not been using it for quite some time. But this very pretty item will always be among my permanent collection.)

(Sofina Aube’s original navy blue packaging)

Sofina Aube has gone through at least three major packaging overhauls, and the packaging of this palette reflects what Aube (Sofina’s color makeup line) used to look like around 2000, with a deep navy blue color scheme. (I do have to say I prefer the Aube packaging back in the “old” days…)

(loving the shades…and the star)

The palette includes four lip colors (wearable pink shades with various tones) and two lip glosses (a very sheer pink with minimal shimmer and a pearly white with more intense shimmer).

This palette does bring back memories of the occasions where I had some of these shades on. It is interesting that some of my makeup purchases punctuate the various phases in my life. I know it sounds slightly silly and overly sentimental, but I am sure you know what I mean.

I will bring you more of my past holiday items every now and then. But if you want more of them now, do stop by Musings of a Muse for some more past holiday delights.

Holiday 2006 Items
(See what made the cut last year.)

Holiday 2007 Items
(See them at a glance!)

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Maybelline Dream Mousse Eyecolors: Divine Lilac & Fabulous Turquoise

by PJ on Wednesday, October 31, 2007

in -Maybelline, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow

(Maybelline Dream Mousse Eyecolors)

On the whole, I tend to save money for slightly pricier products with both wonderful quality and exquisite packaging. But, every now and then, I come across little gems like Maybelline’s Dream Mousse Eyecolors and I feel glad that they are very affordable. (I do like these chunky glass pots as well.)

What I like about Dream Mousse Eyecolors is that the finish is very flattering and the subtle shimmer effectively adds a little bit of dimension to the eyes.

If you want an intensely pigmented and shimmery finish from this collection of eyeshadows, then you will probably be disappointed. But if you want something natural and effortlessly pretty, then do give them a try.

(Divine Lilac & Fabulous Turquoise)

I have two shades, Divine Lilac and Fabulous Turquoise. (Divine Lilac is called Lilac Cloud in the US.) I have reviewed several lilac-based eyeshadow palettes, but Divine Lilac is actually the first lilac eyeshadow I purchased and it kick-started my collection of lilac eyeshadows. The shade is on the warm side, which, for me, is very wearable and flattering.

Fabulous Turquoise is a new shade that I just bought a few weeks ago (before I bought MAC’s Haunting). When I saw this in the shop, I was reminded of so many turquoise eyeshadows that I had tested before that had disappointing green and yellow shimmers. (Rimmel‘s Colour Mousse Eye Shadow in Splash and Bourjois‘ Mono Eyeshadow in Turquoise Ensoleillée…I am mainly talking about you two…) So I was ready for another turquoise disappointment. But I was delightfully surprised, as this is a nice real turquoise. The delicate finish and flattering shimmer are both present, and I immediately decided to bring it home.

For me, Divine Lilac is a wonderful everyday shade, while anything turquoise is always a bolder color and I wear Fabulous Turquoise sparingly.

It seems that a couple of new shades are quietly added to the Mousse Eyecolor lineup each season, so I will always check back to see if there are other mousse treats waiting for me.

If you love lilac:

Kanebo T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes in 03

Lavshuca Eye Color Select PU-2

If you love turquoise:

Alexander McQueen for MAC Eyeshadow in Haunting

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Loose Powder: A Reemerging Phase?

by PJ on Sunday, October 28, 2007

in -Anna Sui, -Cosme Decorte, -Kanebo, -Kosé, -Lunasol, -Magie Deco, -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - powder

I always find myself in various “phases” when it comes to makeup purchases. Powder foundations, eyebrow powder, lipsticks, lip glosses, and blushers are some of the major phases in the last few years. Recently there is a recurring phase emerging: loose powder.

There is something very elegant about using a loose powder to lightly set the foundation to create that wonderfully polished complexion. Usually, it takes less time to achieve it with a pressed powder, but a nice loose powder sitting on the dressing table always carries an air of glamor.

I tend to choose a sheer loose powder that is either totally matte or with very little fine shimmer. It is even more ideal if the loose powder can effectively diffuse pores.

Meet the candidates vying for my attention:

Anna Sui Loose Powder

(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

I have used the very first version of Anna Sui Loose Powder. Since then, it went through two packaging changes and now we are looking at the third version. (I do like the previous gold case.)

There are six shades available, which offer a good range of choices. The best selling shade in Asia is #200, which is a very sheer lavender with quite a lot of pearly shimmer. I have tested it and it doesn’t really suit me. I think a light beige (either #700 and #701, both matte) would suit me better.

Lunasol Micro Finish Powder N

(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)

I have read some good reviews of this loose powder, praising the fineness of the powder in particular. I also like the simple round case with the reflective copper-tone lid. #01 Translucent is an off-white with shimmer while I will be considering #02 Natural Beige, a light beige without shimmer.

Magie Deco Face Powder

(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco/)

Kosé’s top-end brand Cosme Decorte has launched a slightly more affordable (but still high-end) makeup line this fall, Magie Deco. The packaging draws part of the inspiration from the symmetric and structural Art Deco era. I have come across some magazine coverage of this loose powder and its pore-diffusing ability grabbed my attention. Four shades are available (Lucent/ Pearl Nuance/ Natural Beige/ Pink Sparkle), and I will be considering Lucent, a sheer matte pale beige.

SUQQU Loose Powder

(image from www.suqqu.com)

I like the deep violet packaging of the new SUQQU foundation line. The Loose Powder comes in two shades, Natural and Deep. The idea is to use both shades, with Natural for highlighting and Deep for contouring. Priced at 35 pounds (around 70 USD), it is unlikely that I will pick up both. Next week I will visit the SUQQU counter and see which one suits me better overall.

It is very likely that I will pick up at least one of these four. Which one will it be? I will keep you posted!

Straight onto My Shopping List: Lavshuca Holiday 2007 Palette

by PJ on Wednesday, October 24, 2007

in -Lavshuca, 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Lavshuca Holiday 2007 palettes)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca/)

As I mentioned yesterday, for this holiday season, not a lot of items have made the cut for my shopping list (only the DiorLight pendant and the MAC Antiquitease Royal Assets palettes). But when I saw these holiday 2007 palettes from Lavshuca (out on November 1 in Japan), the decision was made very quickly: I am getting one of these.

There are two versions, one with beige shades and one with pink and lilac tones. I am definitely leaning toward the pink and the lilac shades.

There is also a transparent lid on the lip color compartment so the eyeshadow powder won’t fly all over the lip shades and make them look dusty. A very thoughtful touch.

Also out on November 1 is a new range of lip colors, Liquid Rouge. Like Jewelry Lips, they will be very petite and compact.

(Lavshuca Liquid Rouge)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca/)

At the moment, on the website, PK-1, PK-3, and RS-1 look pretty good. We’ll see how they are compared with Color Conc Rouge that I tried earlier. (They look slightly cuter already, I have to say…)

Dior Diorissime Palette
(a great palette for both eyes and lips)

Lavshuca Eye Color Select in PK-1 and BU-1
(two of my favorite items from Lavshuca)

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Foundation Face-Off: Chanel Mat Lumière & SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow

by PJ on Sunday, October 21, 2007

in -Chanel, -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation

(SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow & Chanel Mat Lumière)

(ample amount for numerous applications)

I happened to get some generous trial samples of two of the foundations I was looking forward to trying out: Chanel Mat Lumière and SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow. The samples allow many applications so I was able to really compare them.

Finish:

Both have a pleasingly matte finish. Chanel’s finish lives up to its name, as it is predominantly matte but with a natural and subtle luminosity. SUQQU creates more of a velvety matte finish, which looks very polished. I am happy with both.

Coverage:

As I usually go for a medium or medium-to-full coverage, SUQQU wins it here for me. It has an effortless medium-to-full coverage without looking chalky or cakey at all. The ultra-smooth powder almost has a moist feel, which is a joy to use. On the other hand, Chanel gives a natural and sheer-to-medium coverage. Personally, I would like a bit more coverage than this.

Pore Concealing:

Again, SUQQU wins it hands down in this category. Powder foundations from Japanese brands often do exceptionally well in smoothing out pores. Chanel falls short in covering pores effectively.

Shine Control:

This is where Chanel performs better than SUQQU. Sometimes, the trade-off for a velvety and almost moist powder foundation is that the powder doesn’t absorb sebum very effectively. In this case, Chanel’s slightly dryer powder tackles this area more successfully.

Overall, I still prefer SUQQU’s Powder Foundation Glow. It creates a great coverage and finish, and it conceals pores very well and gives a smooth and polished look. (I just need to remember to blot out the shine a bit more often.) But Chanel’s Mat Lumière is not bad at all, and it will suit someone that wants a sheer and natural look. Both are a worth a good look.

Notes on the basics:
Chanel Mat Lumière: 6 shades, SPF 10 PA +
SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow: 5 shdes, SPF16 PA ++
(PA indicates the strength of UVA protection, ranging from PA+ to PA ++++)

SUQQU Fall 2007 Foundation Lineup
(See the other brand-new items apart from the foundation reviewed above.)

SUQQU: Sensuality with an Attitude
(my personal take on one of the most welcome additions to the UK beauty scene)

Chanel: The Perfect Black
(Find out why Chanel is one of my favorite brands.)

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Sofina Raycious Pressed Powder Mini-Galore

by PJ on Thursday, October 18, 2007

in -Kao, -Sofina, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - powder, stash focus

(My three Sofina Raycious pressed powder compacts:
Left: Raycious Lucent Powder
Middle: Raycious Ray Blend Powder
Right: Raycious Ray Contrast Powder)

After showing you all my Sofina Raycious powder foundation cases (you can read both Part One and Part Two of the post), I am now bringing you more items from my Raycious collection.

This time it is all about the pressed finishing powder.

Apart from powder foundations, Sofina Raycious also releases pressed finishing powder compacts, which are mainly used with Raycious’ liquid foundations. But I do use them after my powder foundation to create a polished look.

The one on the left (in the photo above) is the first edition (Raycious Lucent Powder), released several years ago. It comes in two finishes. The upper section is sheer and completely matte. It is simply the best finishing powder I have ever used in term of controlling shine and concealing pores. The polished look is also long-lasting. The lower section is a wonderful highlighting powder. It imparts a natural luminous glow without being shimmery or glittery. (I have several refills of Lucent Powder and I put in a new one for the photos.)

The middle one is the second edition (Raycious Ray Blend Powder) and the right one is the third and (the only) currently available edition (Raycious Ray Contrast Powder). (Just like the Raycious powder foundations, when a new edition is released, the previous one is discontinued.) The second edition gives more overall luminosity while the third edition has a section for subtle shading.

All of them have SPF 14 and PA+.

The first edition comes with a square puff, and the other two come with a brush:

As for the packaging (seen below), the first edition is on the left and the third is on the right. (I only bought the refill of the second edition at the time. The second-edition case is in the same shape as the first one. The only difference is that the case is semi-transparent.)

Overall, most Raycious foundations really suit me and the finishing powder is no exception. I will always look forward to any new edition.

I have some more Raycious items to come in the future!

Related Posts:

My Foundation Routine
(See my other favorite foundation products.)

Loving Japanese Brands: Sofina
(Read about my personal take on Sofina.)

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Bring It Back! Nina Ricci Cosmetics

by PJ on Wednesday, October 17, 2007

in _Bring It Back, makeup, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, makeup - mascara, stash focus

(Nina Ricci Cosmetics seasonal looks)

I think most of you might still remember the curvy and quirky original packaging of Nina Ricci‘s makeup and skincare items. It was fairly cute but I wasn’t particularly a fan of that. But, around 2002, the packaging went through an overhaul and personally I think it came out so much better. Using both reflective and frosty finishes, the new look was sleek and modern.

The two items I have from the revamped range were the Tender Lacquered Lipglaze in #2 Rose Jupon and Extension Lashwear in #01 (black). The Extension Lashwear mascara does a good job in separating and defining the lashes, while the lipglaze is one of the best lip glosses I have ever used thanks to the richness of the color and the syrupy and glassy finish.

(my two Nina Ricci items)

What I also like about the new Nina Ricci makeup line is that each season they released a beautiful seasonal look. Like the packaging, the seasonal looks were modern and with a slight editorial edge which varied from season to season. Each seasonal look was on a leaflet featuring the key items. The styling of the leaflets was consistent, which made it fun to collect and compare them. You can see some of the beautiful seasonal looks above.

Sadly, Nina Ricci left the UK a couple of years ago. (Now only the fragrances are sold here.) The website is functioning but the beauty section has not been updated for a long time. It makes me wonder whether they are still coming up with new items in other countries. I don’t think so, but if you have any information on Nina Ricci where you are, I’d be very interested to know!

Some other “Bring It Back!” Posts:

Inoui ID
Cynthia Rowley
Bulgari Skincare (which IS coming back!)
Helena Rubinstein
Calvin Klein Cosmetics (which has come back!!)

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A Splash of Color — Girlie Pink

by PJ on Sunday, October 14, 2007

in _I Love Colors, -Ayura, -Kao, -Lavshuca, -Paul & Joe, -Sofina, all about Japanese cosmetics, bodycare, makeup, makeup - base makeup, skincare, stash focus

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I thought it would be fitting to do another A Splash of Color post on another of my favorite colors, pink.

I’d also like to invite you to have a look at the website of Breast Cancer Care, UK’s leading organization which provides information, practical assistance, and emotional support for anyone affected by breast cancer. You can read more about exactly what Breast Cancer Care does.

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makeup

A Touch of Lunasol Blusher: Contrasting Cheeks in Light Orange

Chanel Ombre d’Eau Eyeshadow: A Joint Report with Beauty Anonymous

Holiday Flashback: Sofina Aube Astral Rouge

Maybelline Dream Mousse Eyecolors: Divine Lilac & Fabulous Turquoise

Loose Powder: A Reemerging Phase?

Straight onto My Shopping List: Lavshuca Holiday 2007 Palette

Foundation Face-Off: Chanel Mat Lumière & SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow

Sofina Raycious Pressed Powder Mini-Galore

Bring It Back! Nina Ricci Cosmetics

A Splash of Color — Girlie Pink

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