(Simple Moisturising Foaming Facial Wash)

In my post on RMK’s Cleansing Oil N, I mentioned that I used a face wash after the cleansing oil. In the last few years, I have used (foaming) face washes from Chanel, Lancôme, L’Oréal, Nivea, and Johnson’s. After the Johnson’s one was discontinued (at least here in the UK) last year, I went through a mini-hunt for my next staple face wash.

(One of my favorite face washes is Lancôme’s Gel Clarté. But, it costs 17.5 GBP (for 125ml) and lasts about 5 weeks for me, so I’d rather go for a cheaper alternative, which is not impossible to find.)

Among the several face washes I picked up, two were from Simple, which is a UK drugstore skincare brand available in major chains like Boots and Superdrug. (It doesn’t seem to be available outside the UK, but I might be wrong.) I had never tried their products before, but the Moisturising Foaming Facial Wash (2.79 GBP for 150ml) impressed me.

It is a straightforward and gimmick-free face wash that gets the job done, and it happens to be fragrance-free and colourant-free. It has a fluidy gel consistency and it foams and rinses very well. (The main cleansing agents in this product are, as in the order on the ingredient list, sodium laureth sulfate, decyl glucoside, and cocamidopropyl betaine.)

What I like the most about this face wash is that, after I rinse it off, I simply feel nothing. No tightness, filminess, or slipperiness. The face feels well-cleansed, fresh, and not stripped. (I much prefer this to the other Simple’s face wash I tried, Refreshing Facial Wash Gel, which feels a little filmy after rinsing.)

This is very suitable for my oily-dry skin, and I have been using it both in the morning and the evening (after the cleansing oil if I wear makeup for the day). (When I use it after the cleansing oil, I only use 1/3 of the amount I use in the morning.) I think this face wash will suit people with most skin types (apart from those with very dry skin).

My other current daily skincare products:

Lancôme Tonique Douceur

Olay Daily Illuminating UV Fluid SPF 15

Olay Complete Care Night Enriched Cream

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Yves Saint Laurent, 1936 – 2008

by PJ on Tuesday, June 3, 2008

in -YSL, fashion



Yves Saint Laurent, one of the greatest fashion designers in the 20th Century, died in Paris on June 1st, at the age of 71.

He and his revolutionary and inspiring sense of beauty and style will be long remembered.

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Beauty Duty for June 3, 2008

by PJ on Tuesday, June 3, 2008

in Weekly Beauty Duty

Enjoy!

All About the Pretty sends a thank to Sephora.

Beautiful Makeup Search is heading over to the Bobbi Brown counter to select what she wants from the new Bronzed Pink Collection.

KRiSTOPHER finds the best – and worst – at Saks 40%-off sale.

Don’t like waterproof mascara? Lipstick Powder n Paint has the perfect alternative: The Laura Geller Mascara Sealer is prepped to protect your mascara formula from streaming down your face whilst keeping your lashes in tact, just the way you like ‘em.

Makeup Moxie reviews the Hourglass Illume Creme-to-Powder Bronzer Duo.

SugarShock Beauty shares a quick fix for tired eyes.

Lianne from TheMakeupGirl has discovered skincare for Supermama’s!

WE LOVE BEAUTY.com wants you to VOTE for Look of the Month May!

A Touch of Blusher‘s guest reviewer reports on the new Thierry Mugler makeup line.

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Lancôme Fall 2008 Collection

by PJ on Monday, June 2, 2008

in -Lancôme, 2008 Fall, makeup

I just came across images of Lancôme’s fall 2008 collection on a Japanese blog.

According to the writer, the theme of Lancôme’s fall 2008 makeup collection is The Beauty of India, which is reflected by the product designs. Do check out the link to enjoy the images.

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(Shibasaki Kou for Coffret D’Or Fall 2008)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

The Coffret D’Or website has been updated with the latest television commercials and the full lists of items used for the brand’s five makeup looks for fall 2008.

Enjoy!

Related Coffret D’Or Posts:

Trance Deep Eyes Palettes (for Fall 2008)

3D Lighting Eyes in Purple & Gold Variations

Full styling Rouge in RS-241 & RS-242

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Some of you might have heard about or seen the new makeup line by Thierry Mugler. I have not seen it in person myself, and today I am excited to present a guest review by my friend Lynn, who has tried out some of the products.

Hope you will enjoy this review!

Special Report from New York—Thierry Mugler Bleu Glacis Cooling Effect Concealer, Bleu Effect Plexigloss Lip Lacker and Vinyl Gloss for Lashes

Owned by Clarins, the new Thierry Mugler cosmetic collection is called The Art of Metamorphosis: A Line of Make Up. In the United States, it is currently available at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and online at
http://boutique.thierrymugler.com. Bloomingdales is also expected to carry the line. I am going to share my impressions of the products I have been using lately: Bleu Glacis Cooling Effect Concealer, Bleu Effect Plexigloss Lip Lacker and Vinyl Gloss for Lashes. I was interested to note that the products are made in different countries. Bleu Glacis comes from Japan, the lipgloss from Italy, and the lash gloss is made in Germany.

Thierry Mugler Bleu Glacis Cooling Effect Concealer,
“Disguise with ice and light”

I became curious about this new line after reading an announcement about the line in a Fashion-Week edition of Women’s Wear Daily, but the real motivator to track it down was a paragraph in Allure about Bleu Glacis Cooling-Effect Concealer ($45 USD for 11 grams). It is unlike any concealer I have ever used—with a spongy, bouncy texture, and cooling sensation on the skin. The first time I applied it was on a nothing-on-my-face day, and it melded with my skin without creasing—almost like a waterproof product with a soft, matte finish. I find this remarkable since it is so watery and wet. When I am doing full make-up, I use Bleu Glacis on top of Clarins Perfecting Touch Primer, which is applied over Shiseido Benefiance Eye Cream. It is so effective at luminizing the undereye area that I find myself using fewer products, and it does not crease or fade for hours. Since I have some fine lines, I just redistribute if I see a little crease. Bleu Glacis comes with a thin sponge applicator, but I have been comfortable applying it with my fingers. Most days, I just brush on a bit of Bobbi Brown Eye Brightener to blend the Bleu with my complexion, but I will be trying out Teint Glacis, which is a foundation that is also a cooling-effect product. For me, Bleu Glacis is the Product of the Year—so far.

Dee, a sales associate representing the line at Saks, told me that Bleu Glacis worked beautifully for a woman with rosacea and darker skin. For her, it was more of a colour correcting layer to be followed by foundation. Dee also mentioned that Vincent Longo’s Water Canvas foundation has a similar texture, but very different properties. On my second visit to the Thierry Mugler outpost in Saks, I saw a makeup artist applying Bleu Glacis and Teint Glacis to a young woman with caramel-coloured skin, and the effect was flawless and stunning. She said “Wow!” when she saw herself, and remarked that she had not looked so well-rested in a long time.

Thierry Mugler Lip Lacker, Bleu Effect Plexigloss,
“Liquid Crystal Hologram”

Another product I purchased is Blue Effect Plexigloss Lip Lacker ($40 USD). It is very a lightweight and moisturizing gloss without any stickiness, and reminds me of liquid opals. Yes, liquid opals! How did they do that? I find myself just gazing at the beauty of the product wand sometimes and daydreaming about its inner light…chances are that it will need to be moved into another room if I want to get any work done today. The applicator is the same type of flexible spatula used in many Japanese lipglosses. I wore it alone as a test for lasting power, and it held up for about four hours on a warm day. My natural lipcolour is quite red and Bleu Effect looks like an intense translucent violet until I blend and distribute the colour to a subtle sheen. When used as a top coat over a darker colour, the effect can be intense and multidimensional. The lipgloss has a mild honey-flower fragrance, but no taste. At Saks, I saw the other two glosses from the collection—the Reflection Effects in Pink and Coral have more shimmer and a holographic quality.

Thierry Mugler Vinyl Gloss for Lashes,
“A new beauty ritual for vinyl shine”

Vinyl Gloss for Lashes ($49.00 USD) is a lightweight, very liquid formula that is meant to be painted on the lashes and layered. It provides delicate coverage with nice lengthening. I have found the liquid formula long-lasting and very black. The small brush, in my opinion, is not easy to maneuver, and needs to be wiped off very carefully to avoid drips and clumps. I think that an applicator like the MAC-Mascara-Fan brush would be amazing with this formula. (For people who may have issues with lashes sticking together, Mascara Fan beautifully separates the lashes before the mascara dries. I am a devoted MAC-Mascara-Fan fan.)

In October 2008, 7 shades of lipstick called “Rouge Unique, The ultimate pigment explosion” will be introduced. In a tiny printed swatch on a brochure I was given with my purchases, I see what seems to be a lavender-lilac shade called Fantasy. Do I hear applause, PJ? Also in October, a new mascara called “Flash on Lashes, Spectacular lash mascara” will join Vinyl Gloss for Lashes. Mousse Foundation, “The ultimate pleasure in foundation” will be introduced in December 2008. According to Jason, another Thierry Mugler sales associate, over fifty new products will be introduced to the line this Fall. As for me, I’ll be spending this summer cleaning out my cabinets to make way for those tempting new lipsticks, conjuring Glacis Powder and Liquid Opal Nail Varnish while keeping cool under a lovely Bleu Glacis veil.

Special thanks to PJ for publishing this review and encouraging lilac-shadowed blue lipgloss lovers everywhere!

Lynnderella

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If you are a fan of Japanese cosmetics and a member of Makeup Alley, then you probably have read some of the great product reviews by Kathi (fleckenschnitte). To me, her reviews are always informative and often very “inspiring” (I am sure you know what I mean…).

Now Kathi has her own blog, Lotus Palace, where she continues to review beauty finds from Japan. It is also a great blog to check out if you are looking for information on Korean cosmetics.

From now on, you will be able to find the link to her blog from my “Loving These Sites” list. I hope you will enjoy her blog as well!

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Weekend Beauty Reads for May 31, 2008

by PJ on Saturday, May 31, 2008

in Weekend Beauty Read

Enjoy!

From The Beauty Blog Network:

The faux tan has never been easier – The Daily Cookie finds a fool-proof self-tanner she loves!

Bionic Beauty found freebies just for you! Including Aveda skincare, Gillette body wash, and TiGi haircare.

Beauty Anonymous is loving the Foot Relief Cream and Body Exfoliator from Belli!

Christine, from Beauty in Real Life, let’s you in on the brilliance that is Max Factor’s Colorgenius Pressed Powder…it’s amazing.

The Muse gives you the lowdown on Stila Kitten Silk Eyeshadow Wash and Stila Kitten Silk Shimmer Gloss!

Raging Rouge discovers an easy way to shiny hair, and it’s chemical-free!

makeup loves me gives you the secrets behind sjp’s look in this weekend’s most anticipated release, sex & the city: the movie.

Beauty Blogging Junkie gives you the scoop on Denise Richard’s fave makeup items she’s been rocking on her new show, It’s Complicated.

StyleBell shows how you can get fantastic super sexy summer hair. Get ready for the summer!

Makeup Moxie agonizes over her MAC Tendertone Lip Balm.

It’s beauty on a budget at Girl Gloss, with skin swatches and a review of two great Sonia Kashuk sheer lipcolor and gloss duos!

Would you like those fine lines to disappear?The Makeup Divas tells you how you can wipe away the years with this new skincare line.

Sci-Fi goddess! Check out our newest member Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy as she does a gorgeous tutorial featuring the latest Neo Sci-Fi collection from M.A.C. that she has been raving about!

Toya at “The Life of A Ladybug” continues in her search for the best “Bronzers for Brown Girls!” In this edition, the Sephora Bronzing Essentials Kit!

Kitiya from Mischo Beauty shares a lesson on serums in her “Mischo Beauty School: Serums 101” post!

It’s time to update your summer makeup and Beauty411 shares the details on the new Bobbi Brown Bronzed Pink Collection. You won’t be able to resist!

Getting married and looking for your wedding day fragrance? Glossypink found one you’ll adore!

How does Fergie keep her tresses in top form while on tour? Here’s a hint…it involves PAM Cooking Spray. Visit Spoiled Pretty for the answer!

Face Candy looks at the new beauty products from Korres.

Pursebuzz.com shows you how to create a super simple French Twist in 6 minutes. All you need are bobby pins and a mirror :P Perfect for everyday, weddings and those special events.

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog shows you how to create a purple smokey eye using pigments from MAC Cosmetics.

Beauty Banter reveals the very best BRONZERS for summer face!

You could be one of All Lacquered Up’s THIRTY winners in the Estee Lauder Pearls of Light Giveaway.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic shows you what to do for your sunburn.

A Touch of Blusher presents Lilting Lilac Part 2.

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Nivea‘s My Silhouette! Gel-Cream claims to be a body-slimming product
that, with the combination of white tea and anise extracts, “slims and reshapes your silhouette”.

Most of us know that externally applied products will not alter the internal makeup of your body. (Even if you lose inches during the use of this product, it will be down to other factors.) So how does this product create the impression?

This product has several ingredients that might be able to create a feel and an appearance of tightness and smoothness. Firstly, it features more than a fair amount of alcohol, which is third on the ingredient list, after water and glycerine. This is typical of many body-slimming and anti-cellulite products, as alcohol can make the skin feel tauter.

Next to alcohol on the ingredient list is cyclomethicone, a kind of silicone. Its main purpose in this product, I think, is to create a feel of smothness for the skin. (The product also contains dimethiconol, another kind of silicone.)

At best, this product will create a toned appearance and feel. The anise and white tea extracts will not change the shape of your body.

Overall, this is a lightweight gel-cream body moisturizer that dries quickly, leaves the skin smooth, and has a pleasant aroma. But it would be a much better body moisturizer for everyday use without the alcohol.

Related Posts:

Can’t Live Without – Dove Body Silk

Johnson’s Baby Lightoil Spray

E45 Endless Moisture Range

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(part of Sonia Rykiel’s Summer Makeup Collection:
Divines Vacances)
(image from www.soniarykiel-cosmetics.com)

Like Paul & Joe and Elégance, Sonia Rykiel is a French fashion brand (which I personally like very much). But, just like the brands mentioned above, the Sonia Rykiel beauty line is essentially Japanese and is developed and manufactured in Japan for Japanese and Asian consumers in general.

During my trip to Paris several years ago, staff in the Sonia Rykiel boutique confirmed that the line was not sold in France. At the moment, it is available in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Macau. (Please check Sonia Rykiel Beauté’s international shoplist for details of retail points outside Japan.)

The Sonia Rykiel beauty line features full skincare, base makeup, and color makeup ranges. All three areas have been performing relatively well in the Asian market. But the brand is particularly famous for its base makeup range. Their Treatment Makeup Base and Water Gel Foundation (both have been updated a couple of times in the past years) have been Sonia Rykiel’s best-selling products. (The brand claims that 80% of Water Gel Foundation, seen below in the center, is water and that it is an ultra-moisturizing foundation.)

(Left to right:
Treatment Powder Foundation,
Water Gel Foundation,
and Moisture Arising Cream Foundation)
(image from www.soniarykiel-cosmetics.com)

Skincare-wise, I have tried several samples, and the one that left me with a very good impression is the cleansing oil. It cleansed well, rinsed easily, and left no oily residue. (It has also been updated so I can’t say for sure how well the current version works.)

One of Sonia Rykiel’s best-selling skincare products is Hydra Premier Primer Moisture Essence (seen below). As I mentioned a couple of times in the past, many Japanese brands feature more elaborate skincare routines, and this product reflects this. This is a light serum-type product that is used right after cleansing and before any other skincare item is applied. It is supposed to work as a “primer” for subsequent skincare products and help them absorb better.

(Hydra Premier Primer Moisture Essence)
(image from www.soniarykiel-cosmetics.com)

I got a trial sample of this several years ago, and, to my surprise, alcohol was one of the major ingredients. (Maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise, since alcohol features heavily in Japanese skincare products.) I have to say I would never put this on my face. In the ad above, to me, it’s a splash of (irritating) alcohol, not a splash of water…

I am a lot more pleased with Sonia Rykiel’s makeup products. I have Mono Eyeshadow in #16 and Aqua Cheek Color in 01. Sonia Rykiel revamped the entire color makeup line about two years ago, so both were discontinued (which is why I haven’t touched upon them since I started my blog).



I especially like the Mono Eyeshadow. Its smooth and silky texture rivals that of some of the best eyeshadows I have tried in the last couple of years. (The finish of this particular shade is luminous matte with very little shimmer.) The Aqua Cheek Color is a stick blusher with a cream-to-powder texture. This pigmented blusher takes a bit of time to blend, but the velvety finish is beautiful and long-lasting.

Overall, this is a brand that I do constantly pay attention to, especially its base and color makeup items. (Currently, I am quite interested in the eyeshadow palettes, loose powder, and lip glosses.) Their seasonal makeup collections are often very visually pleasing.

If you are going to Asia this summer and are interested in checking out beauty lines not available in the west, this brand is worth a look. (In Tokyo in particular, Sonia Rykiel Beauté is available in major department stores such as Takashimaya Shinjuku, Isetan Shinjuku, and Seibu Ikebukuro. All have heavenly beauty departments which cover a great variety of brands.)

Edited on May 30, 2008:

Sonia Rykiel is a high-end line and its pricing is similar to Lunasol’s. A Sonia Rykiel lipstick costs about 33 USD and a 4-color eye palette costs about 50 USD in Japan. All the items’ retail prices in Japan are listed on the Sonia Rykiel Beauté website.

On Other Japanese Cosmetics:

– Vecua

– Elégance

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