-RMK

Spring 2010 Makeup Trend Round-Up

by PJ on Thursday, April 29, 2010

in -Chanel, -Coffret d'Or, -Estée Lauder, -Kanebo, -Kate, -RMK, 2010 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup trend reports

(Chanel’s spring 2010 makeup collection)
(image from www.iswii.net)

I nearly decided not to post a round-up of the makeup trends of spring 2010 because, unlike some of the previous seasons, there are not many clear makeup trends for spring 2010.

Nonetheless, one noticeable trend for this season is the continuation of medium-to-warm neutrals from previous seasons. They are relatively easy to wear and they suit many types of complexions. They also suit most occasions and you can wear them later on in summer and in the rest of the year. Chanel and Estée Lauder are two of the brands that have released these wearable neutrals for spring 2010.

(Estée Lauder Michael Kors
Eyeshadow Duo in Blonde Mink)
(image from www.esteelauder.co.uk)

Also, Kosé’s Visée released Glam Nude Eyes, in which all five variations are neutral-based, many of which are warm-toned.

(Visée Glam Nude Eyes)
(image from www.visee.jp)

One related trend that is worth mentioning is the appearance of orange-toned eyeshadow shades from Japanese lines. (All of the three lines mentioned below happen to be under Kanebo.)

Firs tly, apart from the usual neutral options such as BR-1, BR-2, and GD-1 in Kate‘s Gradical Eyes A, there is an OR-1, which is the kind of variation that is less often seen in Japanese cosmetics. I think it is an interesting reinterpretation of wearable warm neutrals.

(Kate Gradical Eyes A in OR-1)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.co.jp)

(Kate Gradical Eyes A)
(image from www.iswii.net)

Coincidentally, the Spring Modern Eyes series from RMK (which is ultimately owned by Kanebo) includes the Orangy Brown variation.

(RMK Spring Modern Eyes in Orangy Brown)
(image from www.rmkrmk.com)

Coffret D’Or already released an orange-toned shade in Color Mixing Eyes’ Orange Brown Mix from summer 2009. The orange trend seems to continue into summer and fall, as it appears that the line’s late summer/ early fall 2010 collection will also feature an orange-toned shade in one of the new Beauty C Curve Eyes palettes.

(Coffret D’Or late summer/ early fall 2010 collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

(I will be featuring Coffret D’Or’s Color Mixing Eyes in Orange Brown Mix and RMK’s Spring Modern Eyes in Orangy Brown later on.)

More neutral shades:

Dio r Spring 2010 Collection

SUQQU Spring 2010 Collection

Est Spring 2010 Collection

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RMK Summer 2010 Collection

by PJ on Saturday, April 3, 2010

in -RMK, 2010 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(images/info from www.joseishi.net/voce)

RMK will release its summer 2010 makeup collection in Japan on May 7th. The collection features:

– Mix Colors for Eyes (Shiny) (2 variations, limited editions)

– Mix Colors for Cheeks (Shiny) (1 variation, limited edition)

– Nail Color EX (30 shades)

Natural Makeup Recommendations (2 of 3): Cheeks & Lips

by PJ on Friday, March 26, 2010

in -Bobbi Brown, -Boots, -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, -Maquillage, -RMK, -Shiseido, -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - blusher, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss

My natural makeup recommendations continue with items for cheeks and lips. (See my recommendations on eye makeup here.)

Items for Cheeks

Sometimes, when you don’t have time to deal with eye makeup, using a blusher can really give the face an instant lift. The key is to use a shade that is as close to your natural flush as possible. I personally prefer moderately pigmented blushers without visible shimmer and those that are either matte or luminous matte.

– RMK Ingenious Powder Cheeks in MT-02 Light Pink (top)

It is marginally the lightest and the most cool-toned of the three blushers featured here. The brush included in the compact is very soft and easy to use, making this item very suitable for touch-ups away from home.

– Lavshuca Cheek Color in PK-1 (left)

This is the kind of default PK blusher shade which we expect from most Japanese makeup lines. The sparse pink-toned shimmery particles visible in the pan is not visible when worn.

– Boots No. 7 Cheek Colour in 25 Petal (right)

It is slightly warmer than the other two and has a very soft peach undertone. It is among my favorite blushers from non-Japanese brands. This shade is particularly good for spring and summer when most of us pick up a little bit of warmth on our complexions.

Items for Lips

– SUQQU Blend Lipstick in 16 Mizuka (upper left)

Go for this shade if you like a warm milky nude-pink for the lips. I usually dislike nude shades for the lips (I don’t think they are flattering), but this shade has enough pink in it so that it looks gentle and natural.

– Maquillage Lasting Climax Rouge in RS310 (right)

Go for this shade if you want more color for the lips. It is a warm-toned rose and is more pigmented than the SUQQU lipstick featured here. It can be layered for more vibrancy.

– Makemania Curvy Lip Silicone in 501 (bottom left)

The ultimate clear lip gloss. It has a very good lip-magnifying effect. (It does not achieve the effect with skin-irritating ingredients that dilate the blood vessels.) I also like the spatula applicator.

– Bobbi Brown Brightening Lip Gloss in Popsicle (bottom)

This is one of Bobbi Brown’s new items for spring 2010. It is a gentle warm pink that should be flattering for most people. It is softly pigmented but the color does show up on the lips. It has a long-lasting glossy finish with a touch of shimmer.

The final part features my recommendations on base makeup.

(Items from Bobbi Brown, RMK, and SUQQU featured in this post are provided by their respective companies.)

RMK Spring/Summer 2010 Base Makeup Release

by PJ on Wednesday, February 3, 2010

in -RMK, 2010 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(image/info from www.urcosme.com)

RMK will release Gel Emulsion Compact (7 shades, SPF 27, PA++) as the spring/summer 2010 base makeup item.

It is a gel-cream foundation that is claimed to have a light-weight consistency as well as a good coverage. It is also supposed to be both moisturizing and long-lasting.

RMK Spring 2010 Collection

by PJ on Tuesday, December 15, 2009

in -RMK, 2010 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(images/info from www.cosme.net)

RMK will release its spring 2010 makeup collection in Japan on January 22nd. The collection includes:

– Spring Modern Eyes (above, 5 variations)

– Spring Modern Cheeks (3 variations)

– Irresistible Lips C (3 new shades)

– Nail Color N (4 new shades)

(All the items in this collection are limited editions.)

Updated on December 17th, 2009:

More images of the collection:

(images from www.iswii.net)

RMK Holiday 2009 Collection

RMK Ingenious Powder Eyes

RMK Ingenious Powder Cheeks

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Fall 2009 Makeup Trend Round-Up

by PJ on Wednesday, October 21, 2009

in -Chanel, -Clé de Peau, -Dior, -Guerlain, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Kate, -Lunasol, -Max Factor, -Paul & Joe, -RMK, -Shiseido, -SUQQU, -YSL, 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup trend reports

(image from www.cledepeau-beaute.com)

Looking through the fall 2009 makeup collections released in the last couple of months, I think the main spring 2009 makeup trends, such as purples and soft neutrals, have taken on a more season-appropriate dimension and continued to dominate the makeup scene. Some palettes featured below feature pinks, which also continue the makeup trends earlier this year.

– Purples

Even as a fan of purples, I have been surprised to see how enduring the trend has been. I think it shows the wearability and versatility of the color. For fall 2009, most of the purples are darker, although there are still some lighter options.

(Shiseido Clé de Peau Satin Eye Color
in 108 Purple Amethyst)
(image from www.cledepeau-beaute.com)

(Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow
in 173 Night Butterfly)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(Dior Jazzclub palettes)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(YSL Ombres 5 Lumières
in 18 (Japanese release))

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

(YSL Ombres 5 Lumières
in 8 Midnight (UK/US release))
(image from www.ysl.com)

(Max Factor Eye Gradation Colors
in Violet Mauve (Japanese release))
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

– Warm Neutrals

(image from www.guerlain.co.jp)

As I tend to favor light-to-medium purples which are usually released in spring, warm neutrals are probably (very marginally) my favorite trend of this season. Among neutrals, I like beiges and browns with a warm tone. (Taupes generally suit me less.) This season, many warm neutrals have a pink, peach, soft-copper or warm-gold undertone.

(Estée Lauder Signature Eyeshadow Quad
in 15 Rose Gold)
(image from www.esteelauder.co.uk)

(Guerlain Ombre Eclat 4 Shades
in 406 Tsarina)
(image from www.guerlain.com)

(Jill Stuart Seductive Eyes
in 07 Mysterious Queen)
(image from www.iswii.net)

– Greys

(image from www.rmkrmk.com)

Greys are usually too cool for my slightly warm-toned complexion, but they are generally great for creating classic retro looks as well as smoky eyes.

Some of the greys for this season are more green-toned, like those from Chanel, and some of them, like those from RMK, are more blue-toned.

(Chanel Les 4 Ombres de Chanel
in 16 Murano)
(image from www.chanel.com)

(Dior 2-Color High-Contrast Eyeshadow
in 055 Cocktail Look)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(Paul & Joe Color Powder CS in 062)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(RMK Mystique Eyes in 03)
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

One collection that hits the grand slam is Kate’s fall 2009 collection. Apart from the new Reflect Mirror Eyes series, Kate released a purple palette, a warm-brown palette, and a grey palette.

(Kate Diamond Cut Eyes in PU-1)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(Gradical Eyes S in BR-4)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(Deep Trap Eyes in PU-1)
(image from www.iswii.net)

Also, Dior’s and YSL’s eye palettes (above) include both purples and greys.

– Warm Lips

(image from www.suqqu.com)

Last but not least, it seems that many of the lip colors released for fall 2009 are on the warm side. Many of them are warm pinks and reds with a peach, beige, or brown undertone. (It appears that there are a lot fewer rose-toned lipsticks for this season.)

(Dior Addict High Colors)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(Lunasol Full Glamour Lips S)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)

(SUQQU Lip Color Pencils & Dual Gloss Colors)
(image from www.suqqu.com)

Onto the holiday season, it seems that some major brands are still releasing purple shades. Look out for those from Dior, Sonia Rykiel, and Clinique.

(image from www.iswii.net)

More on the fall 2009 collections featured above:

Chanel
Dior
Jill Stuart
Kate
Lunasol
Max Factor
Paul & Joe
RMK
SUQQU
YSL

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RMK Holiday 2009 Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, September 30, 2009

in -RMK, 2009 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(image/info from www.cosme.net)

RMK will release its holiday 2009 collection in Japan on November 6th. The limited-edition Christmas Palette 2009 includes:

– Eye Color (4 shades)
– Cheek Color (2 shades)
– Gloss Lips EX-12 (mini-size)
– (pressed) Powder
– applicators
– mini bag

RMK Ingenious Powder Eyes

RMK Ingenious Powder Cheeks

RMK Powder Foundation EX

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Makeup Review: RMK Ingenious Powder Eyes

by PJ on Monday, September 21, 2009

in -RMK, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow

(RMK Ingenious Powder Eyes in P-13 Purple)

Last month, I reviewed RMK’s Ingenious Powder Cheeks, which is part of RMK’s makeup revamp this May. Today I am sharing my thoughts on three shades of the new Ingenious Powder Eyes.

As I mentioned earlier, the shade names of the new blushers and eyeshadows put the items into various categories. With Ingenious Powder Eyes, there are DK (dark), BR (brown), P (pearlescent), SH (shimmery) and ME (metallic) shades. (There is also Ingenious Jelly Eyes, with all shade names beginning with JE.) The three shades I am reviewing here are from different categories.

P-13 Purple is a moderately pigmented medium-to-light purple that has a soft pearly finish with subtly multi-colored shimmer. It goes on slightly cooler than it looks in the pan. The powder is smooth and silky and it is very easy to apply and blend. It can create both a sheer and a slightly more intense look when layered, and I particularly like the delicate shimmer of the finish.

Compared with SH-07 Shiny Purple that I had a chance to try at the counter, SH-07, as I remember, is slightly darker and has a more dimensional finish (possibly due to the shimmery particles of varying sizes). But P-13 is by no means flat. It has a gentler finish compared with SH-07.

BR-03 Brown is a pigmented semi-matte brown with a hint of shimmer. It goes on slightly warmer than it looks in the pan, and it doesn’t turn grey or ashy overtime. It can be used as an effective depth-enhancing shadowing color for the eyelids or as a subtle eye-lining color. If you are looking for brown-toned essentials for your eyeshadow collection, this is definitely worth a look.

The shades in the ME (Metallic) category are among the most sparkly eyeshadows that I have come across in Japanese cosmetics. ME-05 Metallic Green is a very sparkly light warm green. The shade is mainly composed of sparkly particles (with only a little bit of pigment), and the green finish is mostly from the sparkles. (There are also hints of sparkles of other shades.)

I was worrying about the sparkle fallout when I was trying it for the first time, but it was not as bad as I had expected. The sparkles stayed on my eyelids with just a slight fallout after a day’s wear. Considering the size of the sparkles, I think the shade lasts quite well.

P-13 and BR-03 come with brush applicators and ME-05 comes with a sponge applicator. All three shades are easy to apply and last relatively well.

Overall these are quality items. I also like the shade categories. Once we are familiar with the various finishes, we know more or less what to expect when new shades are added to the lineup. If you have a chance to stop by the RMK counter, do have a play with all the different shades of Ingenious Powder Eyes.

(In the UK, RMK counters can be found at Selfridges London Oxford Street and Selfridges Trafford Centre Manchester. You can check out this page on the RMK Global website for all the RMK counters in and outside Japan.)

RMK Powder Foundation EX

RMK Super Basic Liquid Concealer

Can’t Live Without: RMK Cleansing Oil

Japanese Cosmetics in the UK

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Makeup Review: RMK Ingenious Powder Cheeks

by PJ on Tuesday, August 11, 2009

in -RMK, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - blusher

In May, RMK revamped its eyeshadow and blusher singles. Today, I am reviewing two shades from the new Ingenious Powder Cheeks. (Next week, I will be reviewing three of the new Ingenious Powder Eyes.)

One feature of the new eyeshadows and blushers is that the shade name indicates the finish. With Ingenious Powder Cheeks, MT stands for “matte” while P stands for “pearlescent”. Also, according to RMK’s website, within the blusher’s P shades, there are Shiny types and Holographic types.

MT-02 Light Pink and P-07 Holographic Pink look quite similar in the cases, but they have considerably different finishes when worn.

(RMK Ingenious Powder Cheeks
in MT-02 Light Pink)

(RMK Ingenious Powder Cheeks
in P-07 Holographic Pink)

MT-02 Light Pink is the second lightest shade among the eight MT(matte) shades. It is a light medium-to-cool pink with a softly matte finish. P-07 Holographic Pink is slightly darker and warmer, but the main difference is that it has a pronounced (but not over-the-top) gold-toned iridescence. Both shades are moderately pigmented, and the powder is very fine and goes on smoothly. Both blend very easily and have a decent staying power.

I personally prefer Light Pink to Holographic Pink. I tend to prefer matte and semi-matte blushers that are slightly on the cool side, and Light Pink has the finish and color that appeal to me. The look it creates is soft and sweet without being too girlie.

Color-wise, compared with two of my favorite blushers, it is cooler than Chanel’s Irréelle Blush in Tea Rose and lighter than Lavshuca’s Cheek Color in PK-01. I think this should be a relatively natural, easy-to-wear and mistake-proof shade for most people with fair, light and light-to-medium complexions.

In comparison, Holographic goes on quite glowy on me and suits my oily skin less. But when I swatched it on my arm (which is obviously a lot less oily), I do think the finish is quite flattering and will suit those with dry skin who want a luminous finish on the cheeks.

Overall, the Ingenious Powder Cheeks range is worth looking into if you like the delicate and natural finish that Japanese blushers tend to create. If you think the two shades I have reviewed here are too light or too cool for you, there are quite a few darker and warmer shades available.

The new blusher lineup also includes Ingenious Jelly Cheeks, which features six shades with a soft cream-to-powder texture.

A Touch of Blusher Talks…blushers!

Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact in 01 Baby Blush

Albion Eprise Water Face Color in 100

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Mauve

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RMK Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

by PJ on Monday, July 13, 2009

in -RMK, 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(images/info from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

RMK will release its fall 2009 makeup collection in Japan on August 21st. The theme of the collection is Autumn Mystique, according to RMK’s official website.

The lineup includes:

– Mystique Eyes (above, 4 variations)

– Ingenious Gel Eyeliner (3 shades plus 4 limited-edition shades)

– Ingenious Pencil Eyeliner (7 shades)