A Touch of Blusher — Makeup, Skincare, Fragrance and a Bit of Fashion

With Japanese cosmetics, apart from the new lines springing up every now and then, an existing line sometimes revamps the packaging to keep things fresh.

Before being replaced by Aube Couture, Aube went through a few packaging revamps. About every two years, we would get a whole new Aube look. As the brand attempted to look and be more and more youthful and approachable, I have to stay I generally liked the packaging less and less. There was something about some of the older cases that really appealed to me.

I think I purchased Rouge Dressious in RS376 in 2001. At the time, the next Aube look had been introduced. It still featured dark-blue cases (with a gloss finish), but I think some of them (especially the lipstick cases) looked almost too streamline and simple. The old products, such as Rouge Dressious, were on their way out for good, and I thought I’d at least get one item and have it join my permanent collection.

(RS376 is an elegant deep rose-red.
The actual color looks cooler than it does in the photo.)

I don’t think this is how Aube looked when it was first launched, but it was how it looked when I first got interested in Japanese cosmetics and this is still by far my favorite Aube look. As “Aube” means “dawn” or “leaf” in French, I think the motif at the waist of the lipstick case was probably meant to be a leaf (even though it also looked like a tulip).

I absolutely love the gold details against the frosted dark-blue case. The case looks so classy and elegant and it also has a somewhat assertive air about it.

Now, Aube Couture is all about easy-to-use wearable makeup to create everyday looks, and the soft and amiable packaging was designed to help convey the brand message. But I think I will still miss the Aube that was glamorous, regal and sensual all at the same time.

From My Treasure Chest (1) – Dior Princess Ring

User-Friendly Makeup: Aube Couture

Aube Couture Early Fall 2009 Collection

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YSL Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

by PJ on Friday, June 12, 2009

in -YSL, 2009 Fall, makeup, skincare

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

Here is a quick look at YSL’s fall 2009 makeup collection. I like the look of the eye palette below, but this might be an Asia-exclusive release as it looks slightly different from the palette posted at Temptalia.

The new items includes:

– Palette Y Face Powder (above, limited edition)

– Ombres 5 Lumières 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes (2 new variations)

– Ombres Duolumières Eye Shadow Duo (2 new variations)

– Cream Blush (3 shades, limited editions)

– Gloss Volupté (4 shades)

– Rouge Volupté (4 new shades)

– Volume Effect Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara (1 new shade)

– La Laque (2 new shades, limited editions)

– Top Secret Refining Skincare Brush (Primer)

Two new skincare/pre-makeup items will be joining the Top Secret range:

– Top Secret Instant Eye Patch

– Top Secret Lip Plumper Essence

Updated on July 6th 2009:

More images of the collection:

(images from www.cosme.net)

YSL Spring/Summer Base Makeup Releases

YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils

YSL Golden Gloss in Golden Pink

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Skincare Review: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream & Oxygenating Night Cream

by PJ on Thursday, June 11, 2009

in -Elemis, skincare, skincare - moisturizing/others

(images from www.elemis.com)

Elemis is a UK-based spa and skincare brand that has a wide range of skincare and bodycare products. The Pro-Collagen range is one of the brand’s most extensive ranges, featuring items for the face, eyes, body, hands/nails and neck/bust. Today I am featuring the two facial moisturizers from the range.

– Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

This is the first product in the Pro-Collagen range and it is among Elemis’ most popular products. It has a cream consistency that is on the light side, and it absorbs well without leaving any greasy residue.

Some of the main moisturizing ingredients include glycerine, propylene glycol, wheat germ oil, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil. The “marine” ingredients are chlorella vulgaris extract, padina pavonica extract and porphyridium cruentum extract, all of which are algae extracts that act as emollients. (The anti-aging properties of algae can sometimes be exaggerated.)

The product contains ginkgo biloba extract, which is a potent antioxidant.

Even though this product is mainly marketed as a daytime moisturizer (that complements the night cream reviewed below), it does not contain any anti-UVA/UVB ingredient and should be paired with an adequate sunscreen product for daytime.

– Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream

The Night Cream has a richer consistency but it still absorbs relatively well. The main moisturizing ingredients include glycerine, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, and wheat germ oil. It also contains three algae extracts: laminaria digitata extract, padina pavonica extract and corallina officinalis extract.

One ingredient I am concerned about is rosa damascena flower oil, which is a fragrant plant oil that may cause skin irritation. It is high enough in the ingredient list (among the various emollients) to warrant some concerns. (I would worry less if it were among the preservatives towards the end of the list.)

It is worth mentioning that this product contains no silicone derivatives. I am not opposed to a moderate amount of silicone in skincare products (as it can preserve the efficacy of some skin-benefiting ingredients better than water), but I am aware of the fact that some consumers look for skincare products that are silicone-free.

For me, I prefer the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, as it is lighter in consistency and leaves the skin feeling more quenched. (Even though the Oxygenating Night Cream is richer, it can actually leave my skin slightly tight.) Overall, I would recommend the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (as a nighttime moisturizer) to those with slightly oily, normal, and slightly dry skin.

(Some of the ingredient information above is based on Paula Begoun’s Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary.)

Clinique Youth Surge SPF 15

Crème de la Mer Skincare Review

Elizabeth Arden Intervene Radiant Serum & Night Cream

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SHISEIDO Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

by PJ on Thursday, June 11, 2009

in -Shiseido, -SHISEIDO (Global Brand), 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

On January 1st this year, Shiseido released a new range of lip products (Perfect Rouge and Smoothing Lip Pencil) to launch a new line simply called SHISEIDO. (I am assuming that the line is replacing Shiseido The Makeup) The line continues to feature creations by Dick Page, Shiseido’s Artistic Director.

On August 1st, new eye makeup items will be available, and, on September 1st, the line will feature new base makeup products.

The new additions include:

– Luminizing Satin Eye Color (15 shades)
– Smoothing Eyeliner Pencil (2 shades)
– Natural Eyebrow Pencil (4 shades)
– Perfect Mascara (2 shades)
– Eyelash Curler
– Advanced Hydro Liquid Compact (SPF 15, 6 shades)
– Translucent Loose Powder (1 shade)

Bring It Back! Shiseido’s Inoui ID

Maquillage Fall 2009 Point Makeup Collection

Maquillage Fall/Winter 2009 Base Makeup Collection

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Kanebo Twany Glamacy Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

by PJ on Thursday, June 11, 2009

in -Glamacy, -Kanebo, -Twany, 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(image/info from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Twany Glamacy will release its fall 2009 makeup collection in Japan on August 16th. The lineup includes:

– Eye Color: 1 new shade
– Eye Color UB (Under-Brow): 1 new shade
– Eye Color UE (Under-Eye): 1 new shade
– Eye Color Set (left in photo): 1 variation, limited edition
– Eye Collection 09 AW (right in photo): 2 variations, limited editions
– Liquid Eyeliner: 1 shade
– Powder Eyebrow: 2 variations
– Lipsticks: 5 new shades
– Serum Highlight: 1 shade
– Eye Makeup Remover

Twany Glamacy Fall 2008 Collection

New Brand Focus: Twany Glamacy

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Kosé Addiction Update

by PJ on Wednesday, June 10, 2009

in -Addiction, -Kosé, 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(images from www.addiction-beauty.com)

Two weeks ago, I mentioned the upcoming department store brand Addiction. Kosé has now set up the brand’s official website, which doesn’t have information on the lineup yet but has stated that the launch date is July 15th.

From what we can see now, the packaging features dark-brown cases that look quite minimal and chic, and the brand logo looks sleek and modern. The brand appears to carry items that fit into different-sized cases.

The website will probably have more information on the products as the launch date approaches.

Updated on June 11th 2009:

A slightly closer look at some of the items:

(image from www.fashionsnap.com)

It seems that the items are housed in black cases instead of dark-brown ones as previously mentioned…

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Chanel Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, June 10, 2009

in -Chanel, 2009 Fall, makeup

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

Here is a very quick look at Chanel’s fall 2009 makeup collection. The star item of the season is the limited-edition Eye Gloss palette above.

The rest of the collection includes:

– Les Tissages (1 new shade)

– Les Quarte Ombres (1 new variation)

– Irréelle Duo (1 new variation)

– Rouge Allure (6 new shades)

– Joues Contraste (1 new shade)

– Poudre Douce (1 new shade, limited edition)

– Le Vernis (2 new shades)

The collection will also include one new limited-edition shade of Le Crayon Lèvres and two new shades of Lèvres Scintillantes.

Chanel Tokyo Happening Collection

Chanel Huile Confort and Lotion Confort

My Personal Take on Chanel

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Update: Coffret D’Or Summer 2009 and Lunasol Fall 2009

by PJ on Tuesday, June 9, 2009

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

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

My post on Coffret D’Or’s summer 2009 collection has been updated with a link to some very good close-up images of the Color Mixing Eyes palettes.

Also, Beauty Anonymous has posted a link to a Chinese blog post which includes photos of the upcoming eye palettes from Lunasol’s fall 2009 collection.

Updated on June 14th 2009:

Autumn Masquerade and Beauty Anonymous have posted a link to a blog post (from the same Chinese blog as mentioned above) that features all the palettes from Lunasol’s fall 2009 collection.

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Foundation Face-Off (4): Dior vs. Esprique Precious

by PJ on Tuesday, June 9, 2009

in -Dior, -Esprique (Precious), -Kosé, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation

It has been over a year since my last Foundation Face-Off, and I hope you will enjoy this long overdue addition. Today I am taking you through two spring/summer 2009 releases: Dior’s Snow Whitening UV Compact (White Reveal UV Shield Makeup) and Beauté de Kosé Esprique Precious’ Dramatical Stay Pact UV EX. The two trial samples are from the April and May 2009 issues of Biteki.

(I have oily skin that is prone to slight redness. I prefer powder foundations that control shine well, offer at least medium coverage and have decent pore coverage. I don’t usually wear a primer or a concealer. I have a light-to-medium complexion and ZA Two-Way Foundation in 22 is one of my ideal shades. (I haven’t used MAC foundations for a very long time so I don’t know which shade is currently the closest to my complexion.))

Basics

– Dior Snow Whitening UV Compact (White Reveal UV Shield Makeup): SPF 30, PA +++, 6 shades (shade tested: 020)
– Beauté de Kosé Esprique Precious Dramatical Stay Pact UV EX: SPF 25, PA ++, 7 shades (shade tested: OC-410)

Both shades are lighter than ZA Two-Way Foundation in 22.

Finish

The two differ quite a lot in finish. Dior has a luminous and glowy finish, while Esprique Precious has a soft matte finish which is only very subtly luminous. Neither has visible shimmer.

Texture

Dior has a soft velvety texture, while EP has a slightly drier feel (which is far from chalky). Both go on evenly and smoothly.

Coverage

Both have a light-to-medium coverage, but Dior has marginally more coverage. With Dior, I feel that the coverage is more based on the luminous semi-transparent light-reflective powder than on opaque pigment. One thing I don’t like about this is that, as I have applied the powder evenly and then look straight at the mirror, the coverage looks sufficient on the forehead, chin and top of the cheeks (wherever the light hits straight on and creates the coverage) but the sides of my nose and the sides of my face (where the light bounces off sideways from where I can see) seem to get almost no coverage.

Even though this type of coverage creates more dimension for the face and should please some people (as the powder emulates a shading effect), I prefer EP’s soft-focus and even-looking coverage.

Pore Coverage

Dior’s luminous and glowy powder can exaggerate the look of pores. On the other hand, EP has a decent pore coverage.

Shine Control

Again, Dior’s glowy finish can make shine more pronounced overtime. EP has a fairly good shine control.

Staying Power

Dior does have a reasonably good staying power (with all the blotting), but I am more impressed with EP’s lasting ability. It can be a little hard to tell how the coverage and finish last since they are on the natural side, but, after a whole day, there is no patchiness and my skin tone still looks very even.

Overall, Dior reminds me of Primavista’s Powder Foundation Moist Touch and Esprique Precious reminds me of Coffret D’Or’s Beauty Lasting Pact UV. (Coffret D’Or has slightly better shine control). For me, between Dior and Esprique Precious, Esprique Precious is the obvious winner. If it had more coverage, it would definitely be a product I’d consider buying.

You can read my friend Betsy’s review of Esprique Precious Dramatical Stay Pact UV EX on Autumn Masquerade.

Japanese Base Makeup Week

RMK Powder Foundation EX

Foundation Face-Off (1) – Chanel vs. SUQQU

Foundation Face-Off (2) – Lunasol vs. Coffret D’Or

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