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

Weekend Beauty Read for March 1, 2009

by PJ on Sunday, March 1, 2009

Beauty Anonymous reviews Dior 5 Colour Eyeshadow from Dior spring 2009 collection.

Head on over to The Makeup Divas and enter to win 2 tubes of Covergirl’s Lashblast Luxe Mascara. While you are there, check out the other giveaways I have.

ThisThatBeauty reviews two new Lancome Collections and does two Lancome Face of the Day looks. Here’s Pink Irreverence and for Travel Chic CLICK HERE

Beauty Junkie in SF has found an eye cream she might actually use on a daily basis! No more puffy, dark circles!

The GRAMMY Awards may be over but Cybelesays.com got ahold of 2 of the official post party gifts to give away! Click here to enter.

StyleBell talks to celebrity stylist, David Babaii, on how you can create Angelina Jolie’s award winning Oscar half up half down hair style!

Check out another installment of 5 minutes, 5 questions over at Beauty in Real Life. This week the girls interviewed Gretchen Heber from naturallycurly.com. Check it out here!

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Fragrance Review: Bond No. 9 Brooklyn

by PJ on Sunday, March 1, 2009

in -Bond No. 9, fragrance

(image from Bond No. 9)

Bond No. 9‘s latest fragrance celebrates the dynamic Brooklyn. A modern interpretation of a woody fragrance, Brooklyn is both youthful and sophisticated, with a distinctive attitude.

Top notes: grapefruit, cardamom
Middle notes: Cypress wood, geranium leaves, juniper berries
Base notes: cedarwood, leather, guaiacwood

It starts off with a burst of citrusy energy and the woody (and somewhat spicy) impact soon follows. With woody notes among the heart (middle) and the base notes, it is almost woody through and through all the way from its first contact with the nose. Even though it is a lot woodier than most fragrances I am naturally drawn to, I enjoy the fact that it is so sharp and crisp, with a very contemporary feel.

Bond No. 9 describes Brooklyn as a unisex fragrance “with a desirably masculine attitude”, which I find accurate. There are no floral notes in this fragrance, and the scent is certainly neither sweet nor powdery. It poses quite a unique and intriguing contrast to some of the contemporary male fragrances that incorporate floral notes as the main elements. (One of the much discussed examples is Dior’s Dior Homme, which features lavender as a top note and iris as a middle note.)

Overall, Brooklyn is dry, crisp and edgy, and it seems to reflect the sights and sounds of a vibrant urban setting. The essence of this fragrance is also well captured by the colorful and eye-catching graffiti design elements on the flacon.

Brooklyn is available from March in Bond No. 9 boutiques and Saks Fifth Avenue stores. (In the UK, Bond No. 9 is sold exclusively at Harrods.)

Currently Bond No. 9 is holding a bottle design competition for Brooklyn. The only requirement is that the Bond No. 9 circular logo is included on the bottle. (See the official entry sheet below.) Otherwise do let your imagination run wild.

Two winners will be chosen in April and their designs will be put into production, and the winner’s name will be displayed on the bottle. Each winner will receive a bottle of Brooklyn each month for a year.

Entries should be sent to contactus@bondno9.com or Bond No. 9, 9 Bond Street, New York, NY 10012 by March 31, 2009.

Other Bond No. 9 creations:

Andy Warhol Lexington Avenue

The Scent of Peace

Coney Island

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Makeup Review: Barry M Cosmetics (2)

by PJ on Thursday, February 26, 2009

in makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - mascara

(Eyeliner Pen in Dark Emerald)

Earlier this month, I reviewed the colorful Deluxe Eyeshadow Kit from Barry M Cosmetics. Today I will be talking about three other (nicely turquoise and purple) items from Barry M: Eyeliner Pen, Super Soft Eye Crayon, and Lengthening Coloured Mascara.

The Eyeliner Pen boasts a “waterproof, smudge-proof, and super long-wear” formula, and it is not an exaggeration. Once it sets, it is indeed smudge-proof and doesn’t budge. (This is not a smudge-able eyeliner for creating a smoky look.)

The retractable pen glides on very smoothly and the color is richly intense. The shade in Dark Emerald is more of a deep turquoise than emerald and beautifully so, with a softly metallic finish.

Available in eight shades, Eyeliner Pen includes some vibrant colors such as pink, silver, and gold. I would love to see a deep purple in this range.

(Super Soft Eye Crayon in No. 5 Purple)

The Super Soft Eye Crayon (5 shades) in Purple is a warm medium purple with a subtly pearly finish. It is quite a nice soft shade for daytime makeup.

I expected this to have some blendability, but it doesn’t have a lot of it. It does go on relatively smoothly but it doesn’t have a lot of movement when blended with fingers. Overall I see this as a moderately-pigmented chunky eyeliner or an eyeshadow that is applied close to the lashline.

(Lengthening Coloured Mascara in Electric Purple)

The Lengthening Coloured Mascara is available in 5 bright shades and adds color to the lashes. Electric Purple is a medium-to-dark warm purple that is pigmented and opaque enough to cover the original dark color of my lashes.

It gently lengthens the lashes (without clumping) and doesn’t add a lot of volume. While it does not dramatically lengthen or volumize the lashes, it can be a fun item to have if you want some funky color on your lashes. It can be used alone or on top of your usual lengthening/volumizing mascara or mascara base. For a pop of color, try using it on the ends of the lashes or on the lashes towards the outer corners of the eyes.

The Lengthening Coloured Masara range is waterproof, even though neither the packaging nor Barry M’s website indicates so.

Cult Product in the Making: MAMEW Mascara Kit

Clinique (Truly) Naturally Glossy Mascara

Kasalan Patharan Eye Color Palette in S007

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Oscars 2009 Fashion: Best-Dressed Three

by PJ on Tuesday, February 24, 2009

in -Giorgio Armani, -YSL, fashion, fashion - award fashion

I was watching the Oscars 2009 red carpet coverage on E! on late Sunday night, and there were a lot of beautiful gowns. I liked Angelina Jolie‘s simple Elie Saab gown with striking emerald green jewels from Lorraine Schwartz, Freida Pinto‘s blue John Galliano gown with all the exquisite details, and Sarah Jessica Parker‘s “barely mint” Christian Dior Haute Couture number. But below are my top three:

3. Anne Hathaway (Armani Privé)

I don’t think I have ever seen Anne Hathaway dressed badly on the red carpet. Even though I don’t think this Armani Privé gown was as glorious as the red Marchesa gown she wore at last year’s Oscars, it was still stunning. The only pitfall is that, from certain angles, it seemed that the bodice was not fitted as perfectly as it could.

2. Kate Winslet (Atelier Yves Saint Laurent)

Kate Winslet looks every inch of a goddess in this beautifully fitted YSL gown with asymmetric designs. The silhouette looks relaxed and not overly fussed. The unique color choice makes her stand out, but the overall look is somewhat low-key and very sophisticated.

1. Penelope Cruz (vintage Pierre Balmain)

In contrast to Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz doesn’t often do low-key at the Oscars. Some people might think this gown looks too bridal, but I think Penelope Cruz looks classic and regal with tremendous flair. The hairdo and the accessories successfully complete my favorite Oscars look this year.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, I think Marisa Tomei and Tilda Swinton deserve a mention.

– Marisa Tomei (Atelier Versace)

Marisa Tomei has never looked better on the red carpet. She always has a unique style, which I like, but sometimes it is a little too casual at award ceremonies. This time, everything comes together as she pulls off this complex but very stylish origami gown. I am not usually a fan of a relaxed hairdo on the red carpet, but it does suit her and she looks chic and fresh.

– Tilda Swinton (Lanvin)

2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter - Arrivals

Tilda Swinton is in a category of her own, and only Tilda Swinton can do Tilda Swinton. (Imagine Tilda Swinton and Penelope Cruz swapping outfits. Both would have been total disasters.) Her avant-garde style is not to everyone’s taste, but I love her remarkbly distinctive sense of style. Her fashion choices are never random, contrived or purposefully attention-seeking (think Björk’s swan dress). They are always right for the occasion (without compromising her own sense of style and personality) and there is a refeshing coherence to them. A class act.

Golden Globe 2009 Fashion: Best-Dressed Three

Oscars 2008 Fashion: Best-Dressed 5

Viktor & Rolf at the Barbican

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YSL Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Releases

by PJ on Monday, February 23, 2009

in -YSL, 2009 Spring, makeup - base makeup

(image from www.biteki.com)

YSL will be releasing the spring/summer 2009 base makeup items in Japan on March 6th.

Matt Touch Compact Foundation SPF 20 has already been launched in the US. I didn’t see it the last time I walked past my local YSL counter, and I am looking forward to seeing it soon.

(image from www.cosme.net)

YSL’s Tient de Pearle (from nearly 10 years ago) is one of the very few foundations from western beauty brands that I actually liked. Even though it was not among the most sebum-controlling powder foundations for my oily skin, the powder was so silky and smooth that I did enjoy using it. I am hoping that Matt Touch will have a similar smooth texture with better sebum control. (Plus, Matt Touch is housed in a similar case to the opulent golden case for Tient de Pearle.)

In addition, YSL will release Matt Touch Radiant Base, in three color-adjusting shades, with SPF 12 and PA++.

(image from www.cosme.net)

YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils

YSL Golden Gloss in 03 Golden Pink

A Splash of Color: Gorgeous Gold

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Weekend Beauty Read for February 22, 2009

by PJ on Sunday, February 22, 2009

in Weekend Beauty Read

Beauty Anonymous features a preview of Paul & Joe Summer 2009 Makeup Collection.

A Touch of Blusher reviews Deluxe Eyeshadow Kit from Barry M.

The Makeup Divas reviews Gillette Venus Embrace & Spa Breeze shavers.

Raging Rouge raves about the latest fragrance by CLEAN, Simply Soap.

Face Candy gives you the details on Les Noirs de Chanel.

Check out Christine‘s picks for bringing some Spring to your toes. Head on over to Beauty in Real Life to get the details!

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Sass, Style & Substance for February 22, 2009

by PJ on Sunday, February 22, 2009

in Weekend Sass Style and Substance

Beauty Match
Norman Sands reveals a few well-guarded secrets to the perfect wedding makeup!

Raging Rouge
Raging Rouge raves about the latest CLEAN fragrance, simply soap.

Bags, Bling and Beauty
In the inaugural post of Bags, Bling and Beauty, read about the best thing to happen to pedicures since quick-dry.

STYLEnosh
Start to build your own timeless wardrobe: how to shop for a classic black blazer.

Beauty and Fashion Tech
Beauty and Fashion Tech begins a comprehensive review of the Nintento Wii Fit!

Girl Gloss
Girl Gloss looks at Lumene Beauty Base, a lip makeup base.

Splendicity Accessories
Here are the top 10 reasons why Chloe would prefer to invest in accessories over the stock market.

Steeping Beauty
Once upon a time Steeping Beauty saw a fashion show…

image: Stock.xchg

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Bodycare Review: ESPA Detoxifying Salt Scrub

by PJ on Sunday, February 22, 2009

in bodycare

(image from www.espaonline.com)

Last December, I reviewed the 24 Hour Moisture Complex from ESPA. Today, I am reviewing Detoxifying Salt Scrub from the Renew bodycare range.

This is essentially a two-in-one product, which works both as a salt scrub and bath salt. The salt particles are mainly of two sizes. Most of them resemble finely ground table salt and some resemble coarse sea salt. When applied onto the skin, it is the smaller salt particles that are doing the exfoliating job. The larger salt particles drop into the bath as they are meant to be bath salt.

The product features a mixture of plant oils, which include sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil, and coconut oil. They moisturize the skin during the exfoliating. Some might find them to be a little too emollient. In this case, a small amount of cleanser can be used afterwards just to take off the extra emolliency.

The product has a fairly long-lasting citrusy scent, which is from added fragrant components.

Overall this is quite a heavy-duty body scrub that leaves the skin smooth and conditioned. I would suggest using very soft and gentle circular motions and avoid any sensitive area of the skin.

Can’t Live Without: Dove Body Silk

Nivea My Silhouette

E45 Endless Moisture

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Coming Up: Japanese Base Makeup Week

by PJ on Friday, February 20, 2009

in all about Japanese cosmetics, announcement, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, makeup - base makeup - powder, makeup - base makeup - primer/concealer

To me, one of the most fascinating aspects of Japanese cosmetics is the generally outstanding quality of the base makeup*.

In the first week of March, I will be posting five articles on Japanese base makeup. These posts are largely based on the questions that I have often been asked in the past two years by readers new to or interested in Japanese makeup. I hope these articles will be helpful to some of you as well as any future reader who might have similar questions.

The first article will go up on Monday March 2nd. If you have any question on Japanese base makeup or suggestions on what you would like to see covered, please feel free to leave a comment or send me an e-mail.

Thank you very much, and stay tuned!

* In Japan, “base makeup” (or “base make”) refers to items applied before any color is added. They include primers, concealers, foundations, highlighting/contouring items, and loose/pressed powder. With some Japanese brands, they can also include delicately pigmented blushers.

Items featured in the photo:

Jill Stuart Moist Silk Foundation

Paul & Joe Light Cream Foundation

Anna Sui Fluid Foundation

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Skincare Review: Själ Mineral Källa & Kura Intuitif

by PJ on Friday, February 20, 2009

in skincare, skincare - cleansing/toning, skincare - moisturizing/others

(images from www.sjalskincare.com)

Själ is a high-end skincare line featuring a concise range of products, with a cleanser, toner, a serum, two facial moisturizers, and an eye cream. (“Själ” is a Swedish word meaning soul.) Today I am reviewing the Mineral Källa Energy Tonic and Kura Intuitif Cellular Repair Cream from the range.

– Mineral Källa Energy Tonic (above)

Currently the only toner from Själ, Mineral Källa comes with a spray dispenser. Some of the key ingredients are rice bran extract and ginseng extract.

The product contains benzyl alcohol. When it is towards the top of the ingredient list, it can irritate the skin. But, as it is second to last on the ingredient list of this product, it is very unlikely to cause skin irritation.

Overall the toner sinks in fairly easily, but, compared with one of my favorite toners, Lancôme’s Tonique Doucer, I feel that Mineral Källa is slightly less calming.

The product does not contain parabens.

– Kura Intuitif Cellular Repair Cream

It is the more emollient one of the two facial moisturizers from Själ. Some of the moisturizing agents are squalane, borage seed oil, glycerin, grape seed oil, and a small amount of shea butter and mango butter. It is alcohol free.

Even though the product is targeted at those with dry or very dry skin, the texture is not overly dense or balmy.

One thing worth noting is that both products contain a small amount of gold and silver. Even though it is one of Själ’s main selling points, there are some potential issues with these ingredients. Gold could be a skin irritant and there is no research showing that it has benefits when applied topically on the skin. Also, while silver does have disinfecting properties, it should not stay on the skin for a prolonged period of time. (Information from Paula Begoun.)

I think the two products would have been better formulated had these two ingredients been left out. The Energy Tonic would have suited most skin types and the Cellular Repair Cream, with its soft and smooth texture, would have suited those with normal or dry skin.

Redefining Skin Types

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