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

Dior Golden Dior Luminizing Makeup Jewel

by PJ on Sunday, April 20, 2008

in -Dior, 2008 Summer, makeup, makeup - blusher, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Dior Golden Dior Luminizing Makeup Jewel)

As I mentioned yesterday, I got the Golden Dior pendant. At my local Boots Dior counter, the summer 2008 display was not out yet. But, to be honest, since this would be strictly a collector’s item for me (which I probably will never use), it didn’t really matter. (I also trusted Dior’s packaging enough to not have seen the actual pendant before buying it.) I picked Lamé Pink, one of the two shades available in the UK.

Let’s see the name on the outer packaging, which pretty much shows what this item is for:

Golden Dior
Luminizing Makeup Jewel
(Bijou Enlumineur D’Été)
Touch-on Luminizer for Eyes, Cheeks, and Lips
(Enlumineur Crème Yeux, Joues, Lèvres)
156 Lamé Pink
(Rose Lamé)

(Please note that this shade might not be available globally. 166 Lamé Gold (Or Lamé) is the shade sold in North America.)

This is a multi-purposed item that you can use wherever you want. On the look of it, Lamé Pink is a warm pink with frosty gold shimmer. (I will update this post when I have a chance to play with the testers.)

Today we will focus on the packaging. There are two things I particularly like about this pendant. First, the dark surface makes fingerprints less apparent. Usually, Dior’s limited-edition items have reflective silver or gold finishes throughout which make fingerprints very visible. But, with this one, I worry less about it.

Also, the pendant has a nice thickness, which I didn’t expected. It gives a more substantial look to it.

Here are two photos of the interior of the pendant and the shade of Lamé Pink:

I like the inside of the pendant as well, especially the shape of the mirror, which goes with the overall design.

At the moment, I am liking it more than I thought I would. It is less blingy and has a slightly more understated look, but it is bold enough not to look boring. Even though it cost me 3900 points on my Boots Card (it retails for £39), it was worth it.

How I Get Dior “For Free”
(including Golden Dior)

DiorLight Jeweled Makeup Necklace
(from holiday 2007)

DiorLagoon Eyeshadow Duo
(the perfect turquoise)

{ 18 comments }

Chanel Fall 2008 and Holiday 2008 Collections

by PJ on Saturday, April 19, 2008

in -Chanel, 2008 Fall, 2008 Holiday, makeup

(part of Chanel’s fall 2008 collection)
(image from www.wwd.com)

WWD has released information on Chanel‘s fall 2008 and holiday 2008 collections.

Chanel’s fall 2008 collection is Peter Philips’ first creation since he took over the role of Chanel’s creative director of makeup in January 2008 from Dominique Moncourtois and Heidi Morawetz.

Gold takes center stage in both collections, and part of the fall 2008 collection (out in July) includes:

– Gold Fiction nail polish
– Facettes D’Or (gold loose powder)
– Gold Light Glossimer lip gloss

Part of the Chanel Holiday 2008 collection (out in October) includes:

– Poudre Precieuse Or (gold highlighting powder)
– Gold Shine Glossimer lip gloss
– Haute Chocolate nail polish (brown gold nail color)

(The WDD article has more information on the two collections.)

I have to say that if I had got to know about these two collections a month ago, I would probably have had virtually no interest at the time. But, interestingly, I just got Dior‘s Golden Dior pendant yesterday. Also, perhaps slightly more relevantly, after weeks of going back and forth in my mind, I decided to get another Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes palette (in Gold Variation) earlier this month (which I adore).

(I will bring you the Golden Dior pendant tomorrow and the Coffret D’Or palette in a couple of weeks’ time. Do come back!)

Personally, the shades we see in the photo above are a little bit on the warm side for me, and they are not the shades I’d go for at the moment. (But it does remind me of my own Chanel Ombre D’Eau in Bay.) Nevertheless, I look forward to seeing the full lineups in July and October and having some good testing at the counter…

The Perfect Black – Chanel
(my personal take on Chanel)

Chanel Irréelle Blush in Tea Rose
(one of my favorite blushers)

Chanel Mat Lumière
(against SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow)

{ 8 comments }

Weekend Beauty Read for April 19, 2008

by PJ on Saturday, April 19, 2008

in Weekend Beauty Read

Enjoy!

From The Beauty Blog Network:

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic finds a great new gel eyeliner!

makeup loves me is helping you get ready for wedding season, by giving away 10 sets of french manicure fake nails!

StyleBell tries the CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protecting Spray and loves it!

The Makeup Divas reviews and falls in love with La Mer foundations and powder.

Beauty Anonymous loves the natural-looking makeup from Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad Eye Shadow.

Girl Gloss loves the all natural classic flavored lip balms from the Badger Company.

Beauty411 reviews Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser and Toner and has the 411 on the upcoming Kiehl’s Earth Day promotion!

Find out why the Muse is loving Givenchy’s Perfect Again! Corrector Palette!

Cybelesays helps you get stick straight hair with this 6″ Powerhouse.

Stylish Opinion finds cosmetic bags that are actually eco friendly.

The Beauty Blog Network welcomes and interviews it’s newest member, Beauty 411.

Elke reviews the “Gilette Venus“. Is it worth the hype?

The Beauty of Life smiles pretty after discovering the tartly terrific Lemonade Smile Toothpaste by GoSMILE!

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog checks out Goldrush, Dior’s newest summer makeup collection, and gives you pictures and swatches!

Want lashes as sharp and precise as hi-def TV? SugarShock Beauty gives you the lowdown on Cargo’s blu-ray Mascara.

The Daily Cookie digs shu uemura’s new Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine lip colors – check out why!

Beauty Blogging Junkie knows you’ll love this news: no need to drop $300 on a T3 Hair Dryer anymore. The brand has come out with a $119 version that works JUST AS WELL but takes just a bit longer to dry.

Mischo Beauty shares her recommendations for an at-home skincare regimen to maintain the health of your skin in-between facials.

Kia of Yummy411 tries out MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish Loose Foundation.

The Beauty Bug reviews the best exfoliating cleansers that all leave your skin soft, retexturized, and glowing!

Beauty Junkie in SF discovers great things come in small packages.

Beauty Banter asks super hot Rock Mistress Alison Sudol of A Fine Frenzy to dish on her favorite skin products for a pore-free complexion!

Glossypink has found an amazing sunscreen that doubles as a makeup primer!

SPINLASH – the mascara with a rotating brush – promises to simultaneously separate, shape, coat, lengthen and volumize eyelashes. Does it deliver? Spoiled Pretty finds out!

Toya interviews her first beauty lover of color – Angie! Do you want to be interviewed, too?

Pursebuzz.com teams up with Beauty from the Earth for a fantastic contest. The winner will win 10 jars of multipurpose mineral makeup of your choice! Click here to enter. Good luck!!!

Makeup Moxie craves a luxe tropical vacay after trying Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean Breeze Body Shimmer.

A Touch of Blusher is putting gold on the lips.

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Skincare Review: Rodial Glamotox SPF 18 & Glamotox Night

by PJ on Friday, April 18, 2008

in skincare, skincare - moisturizing/others

(Rodial Glamotox SPF 18)
(image from www.rodial.co.uk)

Rodial is a British skincare and bodycare line sold in the UK in department stores such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fenwick. In the US, it is sold in Henri Bendel, Space NK, and other boutiques. Below I review two of Rodial’s moisturizers.

Rodial Glamotox SPF 18

Apart from the SPF, this moisturizer uses butyl methoxybenzoylmethane to protect the skin from harmful UVA rays. In terms of sun protection, this is an ideal daytime moisturizer to be used alone after cleansing and before makeup.

It has a rich lotion consistency but it is easy to apply. The skin feels very conditioned and moisturized.

It absorbs relatively well, although it does leave some visible shine. But it shouldn’t be a concern if you are a regular foundation wearer, and the product grabs (powder) foundation very well.

This is a suitable daytime moisturizer for people with dry or very dry skin. For me, it is a competent moisturizer for colder days in winter to help my powder foundation stay longer.

(Rodial Glamotox Night)
(image from www.rodial.co.uk)

Rodial Glamotox Night

This nighttime moisturizer comes in the form of clear oil, thanks to a variety of plant oils such as sesame seed oil, green tea seed oil, wheat germ oil, rose hip oil, soybean oil, apricot kernel oil, and sunflower seed oil. They are all considered to be good and non-irritating moisturizing agents. Green tea seed oil and rose hip oil also have anti-oxidant properties.

If you are familiar with DHC’s Olive Virgin Oil, Glamotox Night has a very similar oily texture. Because the majority of the ingredients are oils, this moisturizer has a very occlusive quality and is not ideal for people with oily skin. Just like DHC’s Olive Virgin Oil, this is best applied at the end of your nighttime skincare routine to seal in the moisture (if you happen to need something occlusive like this).

I see this as a multi-purposed product. Apart from being used on the face (for people with very dry skin), it can be used as a cuticle oil or added to a hand cream to boost up the level of emolliency. It can also moisturize very dry areas like elbows and knees.

Common traits of Rodial Glamotox SPF 18 and Glamotox Night:

– Both feature ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, a kind of Vitamin C ester, as an anti-oxidant.

– Both use orange flower oil, rosa damascena oil, and grapefruit peel oil as fragrances. Even though they are towards the end of the ingredient list, they might still be potentially irritating for some people.

– Both are paraben-free but do contain other preservatives.

Some of my skincare favorites:

RMK Cleansing Oil N

Rose & Co. Apothecary Rose Petal Salve

Olay Complete Care Night Enriched Cream

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Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura – First Look

by PJ on Thursday, April 17, 2008

in -Shu Uemura, makeup

(Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura)
(image from www.cosme.net)

In January, WWD reported on the Dutch designer duo Viktor & Rolf‘s collaboration with Shu Uemura and the release of three limited-edition pairs of false eyelashes.

This collaboration coincides with the 25th anniversary of Shu Uemura’s flagship Beauty Boutique on Omotesanto, Tokyo, where the false eyelash collection was unveiled.

According to WWD, the three pairs are called Wing, Wing 2, and Rhombus, and each pair will retail at 75 euros (about 119 USD at the current exchange rate).

So far I have not come across information on the launch date and availability. I will update this post later on with more information.

Updated on April 20th, 2008:

Here is an additional photo of the three pairs of false eyelashes:

(image from woman.excite.co.jp)

In Japan, the collection will be launched on June 19th and the booking will start on May 1st.

If I Could Go to Japan Right Now

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Voce Magazine 10th Anniversary Monthly Feature

by PJ on Thursday, April 17, 2008

in -Dior, makeup, skincare

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

In 2008, the popular Japanese beauty magazine, Voce, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

From March 2008 and for 12 months, each monthly issue includes a book-in-book titled The World Beauty Heritage, featuring a prestigious western or Japanese beauty brand.

Thankfully, Voce is putting pages of this feature on the official website. Even though the texts are in Japanese, the beautiful images are definitely worth checking out. (If you do read Japanese, many featured products include links to their entries in the Voce on-line beauty product database.)

So far the brands featured are:

March 2008: Dior
April 2008: Estée Lauder
May 2008: Cosme Decorte

The webpage is updated monthly as each printed issue is published. So do go back later for more.

Japanese Beauty Magazine: Biteki

My Ultimate Cosmetics Archive

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Too Cute – Daisy Marc Jacobs pour Sephora

by PJ on Wednesday, April 16, 2008

in -Marc Jacobs, beauty tools/accessories, fashion, fragrance

(Daisy Marc Jacobs pour Sephora)
(image from www.sephora.com)

When I saw the items from the Daisy Marc Jacobs pour Sephora collection, I found myself clicking on each of the items and doing that all over again…

Daisy is not my favorite Marc Jacobs fragrance, but I like the design of the bottle and these items are also seriously cute.

I think the two cases appeal to me the most, especially the round Treasure Beauty Case:

(Daisy Marc Jacobs pour Sephora
Treasure Beauty Case)
(image from www.sephora.com)

I know it is a borderline cuteness overload, but I really like the look of it. I wish Sephora could specify the dimensions of this case, so I can visualize it right in front of me…not that I haven’t been doing that enough already…

This is not my first time to write about Marc Jacobs, and it probably won’t be the last. I enjoyed my trip to the first Marc Jacobs boutique in the UK last year, and I think I will talk about one of my favorite Marc Jacobs fragrances later on…

(Thank you, Betsy (at Autumn Masquerade), for letting me know about this collection!)

Some doses of fashion:

“The new way of selling clothes seems to be not wearing them.”

Budget Favorite: River Island

UK Fashion Hotspot: Nottingham

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Sophisticated Elegance – Lunasol Scent Form Eyes

by PJ on Tuesday, April 15, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(Lunasol Scent Form Eyes in 02, under sunlight)

Lunasol‘s Scent Form Eyes palettes were released in fall 2006. The brand’s eye palettes have always been popular, but, as I remember, the beautiful Scent Form Eyes made Lunasol an even more coveted brand.

(Lunasol Scent Form Eyes)
(image from /www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)

Out of the five, #03, with olive green and dusty warm rose, has been by far the most popular. It was also voted as Biteki readers’ favorite eye palette in the annual survey (Biteki, February 2007).

I nearly decided to have #03, but I settled for #02 instead.

The colors:

Bottom left: white with a very faint lilac undertone
(with silver, pink, lilac, blue, green sparkles)
(cream-to-powder texture)

Top left: sheer and pale lilac
(subtly iridescent with very fine shimmer)

Top right: dusty rosy pink with a faint lilac undertone
(luminous matte with almost no shimmer)

Bottom right: dark grey with an eggplant undertone
(with sparse sparkles)

Below is the palette under artificial lighting. This is mainly to show the level of shimmer in each shade. (The colors look a lot warmer here. Please refer to the photo above for the actual shades.)

(under artificial lighting)
(Please click on the photo to see a large version.)

Out of all my lilac eye palettes, this is perhaps the most understated one. If you want intensely pigmented colors, then you will be disappointed with this palette. Apart from the dark eye-lining shade, the other three are relatively sheer. (The top-right dusty rosy pink, as a shadowing shade, goes on slightly darker and is more opaque than the top-left pale lilac.) But all the shades do stay on very well.

Even though the look is subtle, it has its range of versatility. Since two main shades are not particularly shimmery, I can create a soft luminous matte look with them. But when I do want shimmer, I can apply the highlighter to top up as much shimmer as I want.

The cream-to-powder highlighter can be applied with a brush or with fingers. When applied with fingers, it gives a more intense finish. The subtle lilac undertone of the highlighter wonderfully complements the other colors, which show through from underneath and merge seamlessly with the multi-color shimmering particles. (The highlighter can also be used as a base.)

Overall I like the elegant subtlety of this palette. My only minor complaint is that the rosy pink goes on slightly more red. But this is nonetheless a beautifully arranged palette, and I think the Scent Form Eyes series really shows that Lunasol is one of the most sophisticated and elegant brands in Japan.

(In case you are wondering, the powder does have a faint scent. But it is not as strong as the scent in the Jill Stuart eye palettes.)

Some of my other lilac palettes:

Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in 04

Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Stage Lights

{ 6 comments }

Beauty Duty for April 15, 2008

by PJ on Tuesday, April 15, 2008

in Weekly Beauty Duty

Enjoy!

Beautiful Makeup Search finds an alternative way to use the Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil.

KRiSTOPHER secretly loves the Uggs of sandals.

Makeup Moxie conceals her beauty boo-boo’s with Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector.

Product Girl asks the question… to prime or not to prime?

SugarShock Beauty is channelling her inner feisty screen siren with Glamour Glaze LipGloss by Pink Beauty.

Looking for some natural products for your man this spring? OBE did a little Q & A with co-creator of Organic Grooming to introduce you to the future of organic body care for the guys!

TheMakeupGirl has partnered with Milani Cosmetics for a giveaway of massive proportions!

WE LOVE BEAUTY.com got a sneak peek at Benefit Cosmetics new fragrance – B Spot – and boy does it smell good!

A Touch of Blusher is putting gold on the lips.

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24-Carat Shine – YSL Golden Gloss in 03 Golden Pink

by PJ on Sunday, April 13, 2008

in -YSL, makeup, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(YSL Golden Gloss in 03 Golden Pink)

Golden Gloss from Yves Saint Laurent was launched in summer 2006. I still remember walking past the YSL counter and the dazzling golden shimmer from these glosses was calling out to me. After testing the various shades, all with golden shimmer, I decided to pick up 03 Golden Pink.

As I mentioned in my very first post on YSL, I love the brand’s classy and opulent gold packaging. In the case of Golden Gloss, the packaging echoes the product perfectly. (According to the YSL website, each gloss contains 24-carat gold (a very tiny amount of course), and gold is indeed listed in the ingredient list.)

(YSL Golden Gloss)

(image from www.ysl-parfums.com)

03 Golden Pink is a warm red pink with mainly very sparkling gold shimmer as well as some subtle shimmer in other hues. It has a fairly good amount of color and is not overly sheer. The gold shimmer works well with the shade, and it is sparse enough so the finish doesn’t look frosty.

The overall look is vibrant and glamorous, and the beautiful finish lasts well. The enclosed brush applicator is easy to use and quickly creates a very glossy shine on the lips.

The gloss has a subtle fruity scent. Normally I like my lipsticks and lip glosses to be scent-free, but I do find this scent quite pleasant.

If you like very sparkling (but not glittery) lip glosses to add pizazz to your lips, Golden Gloss is certainly a range to consider!

Some of my other favorite lip glosses:

Lunasol Full Glamor Gloss in Bright Pink

Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N in Black-Tie

Lavshuca Gloss Stick in PK-3

Sony Curvy Lip Silicone in 501

{ 12 comments }

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