-SUQQU

Makeup Review: SUQQU Christmas Makeup Kit A for Holiday 2009

by PJ on Thursday, December 17, 2009

in -SUQQU, 2009 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, beauty tools/accessories, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow

Earlier I posted the information on SUQQU‘s holiday 2009 collection. The collection features three limited-edition makeup kits, two for eyes and one for lips/nails. Today I am reviewing Christmas Makeup Kit A.

SUQQU Christmas Makeup Kit A includes Blend Eyeshadow in EX-06, Eye Lucent in EX-03, and a makeup bag.

Blend Eyeshadow in EX-06 is a cool-toned neutral palette. The case has the same deep violet shade as that of the other SUQQU Blend Eyeshadow palettes plus the snowflake details.

The four shades are (clock-wise from bottom right):

– moderately pigmented off-white with a pale yellow-toned pearly finish (base shade)
– pigmented dark brown with soft shimmer and a copper undertone
– sheer pale mauve with fine multi-colored shimmer
– pigmented medium warm grey with a soft pearly finish

SUQQU’s eyeshadows are renowned for their beautiful blendability, and, again, these shades blend seamlessly. Most of SUQQU’s eyeshadows are not very shimmery, and the Blend Eyeshadow palettes usually have either a softly glowy or a gently shimmery finish. EX-06, however, is overall more shimmery than many other Blend Eyeshadow palettes. If you like SUQQU eyeshadows but prefer them to be more shimmery, this palette is worth a look.

Compared with Blend Eyeshadow in #10 that I reviewed earlier this year, all the shades in EX-06 are more shimmery or pearly. The base is a lot more pearly, the lining shade looks a lot less matte, the lightening shade has more shimmer than pigment, and the warm grey has marginally more shimmer than the soft taupe in #10.

Also, the warm grey is more pigmented than the soft taupe in #10. This makes EX-06 more versatile, and it is easier to create a smoky-eye look with it. (But #10 is overall warmer and suits my warm-toned complexion better.)

The look that EX-06 creates is both chic and sophisticated. You can create a clean and demure look or a very sensuous look, depending on how you work the warm grey in particular.

If the finish of EX-06 is still not shimmery enough for you, you can layer Eye Lucent in EX-03 on top of EX-06. Eye Lucent is a loose powder eyeshadow, and it is one of the most shimmery eye makeup items from SUQQU. Two limited-edition shades (EX-01 and EX-02) were available back in spring 2008. EX-03 is a pale pink with a very pearly finish and very dynamic multi-colored shimmer.

One little nice touch I want to mention is that the seal stretches to the wall and the edge of the sifter (at the upper right edge of the pot in the photo above) with no glue underneath the extended part. With many seals that are firmly glued to the bottom of the sifters, I sometimes have to work hard to peel them off (and make a tiny mess). Little touches like this (at which Japanese consumer products excel) make things just a little bit easier.

The powder comes with a mini puff. It is particularly useful if you want to pack on the shimmer. If you want a sheer veil of shimmer, use an eyeshadow brush instead.

Christmas Makeup Kit A also includes a makeup bag. (It measures 12.5cm x 16.5cm x 6cm approximately.) I like the fact that the zippers come all the way down to the sides, which makes the bag easier and much less fiddly to use.

SUQQU’s holiday 2009 collection also includes Christmas Makeup Kit B (with a lip color palette, a nail color, and a makeup bag) and Christmas Makeup Kit C (with a mascara, a cream eyeliner, the popular eyelash curler, and a makeup bag).

(The product featured in this article is provided by SUQQU.)

SUQQU Clear Veil Powder

SUQQU Cheek Brush & Eyebrow Brush L

Japanese Beauty Brand Profile – SUQQU

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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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Update: SUQQU Holiday 2009 Collection

by PJ on Tuesday, September 29, 2009

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

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

Apart from the two Christmas Makeup Kits (A & B) that will be released on November 6th, SUQQU will release Christmas Makeup Kit C in Japan on December 4th. The kit includes:

– Eyelash Curler (reviewed here)
– Mascara Volume Long N in EX-02 (limited-edition shade)
– Eyeliner Creamy in EX-01 (limited-edition shade)
– original pouch

SUQQU Clear Veil Powder

SUQQU Cheek Brush and Eyebrow Brush L

Japanese Brand Profile: SUQQU

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SUQQU Holiday 2009 Collection

by PJ on Saturday, September 26, 2009

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

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

On November 6th, SUQQU will release two makeup kits for holiday 2009 in Japan. The Christmas Makeup Kit A (above) includes:

– Blend Eyeshadow EX-06
– Eye Lucent EX-03
– Original Pouch

The Christmas Makeup Kit B includes:

– Gloss & Lip Color EX-02
– Nail Color EX-25
– Original Pouch

Updated on September 29th, 2009:

Information on SUQQU Christmas Makeup Kit C.

SUQQU Holiday 2008 Collection

SUQQU Fall 2009 Collection

SUQQU Loose Powder in Natural

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SUQQU Fall 2009 Website Update

by PJ on Monday, July 27, 2009

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

(images from www.suqqu.com/japan.html)

The SUQQU Japanese website has been updated to feature the fall 2009 collection. Do have a look if you are interested in the full lineup. (SUQQU’s English website hasn’t been updated with the information on the collection.)

Overall this is a very sophisticated neutral-toned collection with a lot of wearable items. I personally like the fact that many of the neutral shades are softly warm neutrals which would suit my complexion a little more. (Cool neutrals can look a little ashy and greyish on me.)

Among the three new Blend Eyeshadow palettes, I like the look of EX-03 and EX-05. (EX-04 might be very slightly too cool-toned for me.) Both seem to have a couple of shades with a subtle gold undertone. I am also interested in the Polish Face Color (top left in the second photo). I am looking forward to seeing these three items in person.

(A reminder: SUQQU’s fall 2009 collection will be launched in Japan on August 7th and all the items in the collection are limited editions.)

Many thanks to Betsy at Autumn Masquerade for telling me about SUQQU’s website update. You can read about her thoughts on the collection here.

Makeup Review: SUQQU Loose Powder in Natural

by PJ on Wednesday, July 22, 2009

in -SUQQU, 2007 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - powder

SUQQU‘s Loose Powder was released as part of the brand’s fall 2007 base makeup collection. It is available in two shades, Natural and Deep. The two shades work together to create highlight and contour for the face. Today I am reviewing the shade in Natural.

Color-wise, Natural is a sheer off-white cream. It has a subtly pearly finish. When I tested it on the back of my hand, I thought the finish might be too pearly for me. I was also worried that the luminous finish might make my pores look more obvious. But when worn on the face, it imparts a softly luminous finish that is neither pearly or frosty. It doesn’t accentuate the look of pores. Also, the powder is very light and fine.

The enclosed powder puff is relatively soft and easy to use.

Compared with Lavshuca Face Powder and Kiss Mat Chiffon Powder, this product doesn’t have any efficacy in shine control or pore coverage. (It also has the least amount of coverage among the three.) It will not work as a setting powder for those with combination or oily skin.

Among the loose powder products that I have reviewed, it is the closest to Crème de la Mer’s The Powder in Translucent. The main difference is that SUQQU’s finish is more natural and less shimmery and it doesn’t have the pink iridescence that the Crème de la Mer powder has. Overall, as a highlighting powder (particularly for daytime makeup), I prefer SUQQU’s.

Essentially, this is a finishing powder that works as a subtle highlighter, as it adds a soft and very natural glow for the face. It is also subtle enough to be used all over the face if the softly glowy finish is what you would like to go for. (It is able to help create the “brilliant skin” that is very popular in Japan right now.)

(SUQQU is currently available in Japan, Thailand, and the UK. Check here to see the information on all the SUQQU retail points.)

Updated on July 26th 2009:

Examples of “Brilliant Skin”, requested by reader Tamtam. (I am also considering writing up a separate post on this trend.)

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

(image from www.biteki.com)

More on SUQQU’s fall 2007 base makeup collection:

Foundation Face-Off: Chanel vs. SUQQU

Makeup Base Creamy & Brightup

SUQQU Fall/Winter 2009 Base Makeup Releases

by PJ on Monday, July 13, 2009

in -SUQQU, 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

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

On September 18th, SUQQU will release Concealer Tone Up and the fall/winter 2009 edition of Base Makeup Kit in Japan.

Concealer Tone Up is an orange-based concealer for the eye area. The product is designed to offer a natural but effective coverage while maintaining the moisture level in the eye area.

The limited-edition Base Makeup Kit includes:

– Dual Pressed Powder (full-sized product)
– Foundation (cream-type foundation, 16g)
– Makeup Base Creamy (7g, see review here)
– original pouch

I’d expect these two items to be available in the UK shortly after they are launched in Japan.

SUQQU Base Makeup Kit (Spring/Summer 2009)

SUQQU Clear Veil Powder

SUQQU Fall 2009 Collection
(including the base makeup item Polish Face Color)

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SUQQU Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

by PJ on Monday, June 8, 2009

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

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

SUQQU will release its fall 2009 collection in Japan on August 7th. The collection should be available in the UK around a month after the launch in Japan.

The new items include:

– Blend Eyeshadow (3 new variations)

– Dual Contour Shadow (2 variations)

– Dual Gloss Color (2 variations)

– Lip Color Pencil (5 shades)

– Polish Face Color (1 variation)

In 2008, SUQQU released three limited-edition Gloss & Lip Colors for both spring and fall. This year, the new Dual Gloss Color supposedly contains two lip glosses.

All the items in SUQQU’s fall 2009 collection are limited editions.

News in Brief: SUQQU, RMK & Chanel

by PJ on Wednesday, June 3, 2009

in -Chanel, -RMK, -SUQQU, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics

(image from www.suqqu.com/global)

– SUQQU will release Perfect Eye Makeup Kit tomorrow (June 4th) in London’s Selfridges. The limited-edition kit, retailing for £68, includes a green-toned Blend Eyeshadow EX-02, Mascara Volume Long N EX-01 Green, Eye Make Up Remover (50ml), Eye Cream (4g), Screw Brush, and an original bag. (The eye palette, mascara and screw brush are available only in this kit.)

(image from www.rmkrmk.com)

– RMK‘s makeup collection renewal items will also be available in Selfridges tomorrow. The Ingenious Power/Jelly Eyes retail for £16 and the Ingenious Powder/Jelly Cheeks retail for £19.50. I swatched a few colors and was quite pleased with the texture of the powder. I particularly liked SH-07 Shiny Purple, which has beautifully dimensional shimmer.

(image from www.selfridges.com)

– I stopped by the Chanel counter in Harvey Nichols and one SA confirmed that the Chanel Studio (which used to carry items only available in Asia and North America) had left Harvey Nichols and would be moving to Selfridges. There was no sight of the Tokyo Happening collection in either counter. Instead, the London Madness collection is available.

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Product Review: SUQQU Cheek Brush & Eyebrow Brush L

by PJ on Monday, May 25, 2009

in -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, beauty tools/accessories

(SUQQU Cheek Brush and Eyebrow Brush L)

When I first stopped by SUQQU‘s counter in London’s Selfridges in 2006 (which happens to be around the time I started my blog), I was very impressed with the brand’s makeup brush range. The hair of some of the brushes is luxuriously soft, and the range has a good attention to detail. (There are four types of eyebrow brushes and eyeliner brushes.) Today I am reviewing Cheek Brush and Eyebrow Brush L.

– Cheek Brush

This is probably the softest blusher brush that I have ever come across. It is impossible to show the softness of the bristle-heads in the photo, so I will try to describe it in words. The sensation felt from running through the brush hair through the fingers is somewhat similar to that from a gentle breath on the back of the hand. The fingers almost feel a sense of soft, airy and velvety warmth.

In terms of application, there are two things I like about this brush. Firstly, it is smaller than most blusher brushes. The widest part of the brush measures about 2.6 cm, while the longest part (of the brush hair) measures about 3.4 cm. (It is not a blusher brush that can double as a powder brush or a contouring brush.) The fact that it is not too big makes it very easy to focus on the cheek bones and gradually blend the blusher outwards to create a delicate and natural finish.

Secondly, the bristle-heads pick up the blusher powder gently, so it is suitable for applying a very pigmented blusher (especially for someone like me, who can often be (accidentally) heavy-handed with blushers).

– Eyebrow Brush L

SUQQU has four eyebrow brushes. Eyebrow Brush S is the usual small angled brush, and the other three are soft-edged ones, which I think are quite unique. Eyebrow Brush L is the largest one of the four.

I don’t often use the usual eyebrow brushes. I think the hair tends to be rather hard and the lines it creates is usually quite harsh. (I also don’t use an eyebrow pencil.) I usually use a small eyeshadow brush to run through the core/bones of the eyebrows. The look is softer, more natural but still defined.

Eyebrow Brush L is very similar to the eyeshadow brush I use to apply eyebrow powder. It looks like an eyeshadow brush, but the hair is harder so the brush can still give ample core structure to eyebrows.

The photo above is taken from another angle to show the bulk of the brush and the shape of the bristle-heads. There are no hard edges so the brush doesn’t create any harsh lines. It blends the eyebrow powder seamlessly, and it also makes it very easy to fill in gaps in the brows.

Without a doubt, SUQQU’s most popular makeup tool is the Eyelash Curler. However, with their superb quality, I personally think these two brushes, which are beautifully shaped and sized, are definitely among SUQQU’s best products. If you have a chance to stop by a SUQQU counter, do have a look at the brush collection.

(The SUQQU counter in Selfridges regularly holds events for the seasonal makeup collections. You will have a chance to experience the brushes when you book a makeover session during the event.)

EcoTools Makeup Brushes

Purple Dot Makeup Brushes

The Only Lash Curler I Ever Need

Can’t Live Without – Starbucks Napkins

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