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

SUQQU Spring/Summer 2008 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Tuesday, February 19, 2008

in -SUQQU, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(part of the SUQQU spring/summer 2008
base makeup lineup)
(image from www.suqqu.com)

As SUQQU is one of the few Japanese brands available in the UK (in London’s Selfridges), I always look forward to all the new releases.

Following the spring color collection, released earlier in Japan and launching in the UK later, SUQQU will release the spring/summer base makeup collection on March 15th.

With many Japanese cosmetics brands, the spring/summer base makeup releases, mostly in March, tend to focus on sebum-controlling and maintaining a fresh complexion. On the other hand, the fall/winter lineups (launched around September) are more about combating dryness and creating a luminous look.

SUQQU’s base makeup collection for fall 2007 features a very delicately smooth and luxuriously velvety Powder Foundation Glow. It goes on beautifully, has a good coverage, and covers pores well, but it lacks the sebum-controlling ability. So it will be interesting to see what the new Powder Foundation Fresh can do.

The SUQQU spring/summer 2008 base makeup lineup includes:

Powder Foundation Fresh: 6 shades, 11g, SPF 27 PA++

Liquid Foundation Aqua: 6 shades, 24ml, SPF 26 PA++

Face Protector N (daytime sunscreen): 30g, SPF 30 PA+++

I am expecting these to be launched in the UK in April, and I look forward to testing all the items, especially Powder Foundation Fresh. If it has all the merits of Powder Foundation Glow plus a decent shine-controlling ability, it could be an all-round winner for me!

Loving SUQQU
(my personal take on SUQQU)

Anna Sui spring/summer 2008 base makeup collection
(featuring a cute loose powder compact)

Kanebo Coffret D’Or spring/summer 2008 base makeup collection
(More loose powder for me to try?)

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Beauty Duty for February 19, 2008

by PJ on Tuesday, February 19, 2008

in Weekly Beauty Duty

Enjoy!

A Touch of Blusher on how much people spend on cosmetics in Japan.

Teri from Beautiful Makeup Search says that you really need to see the MAC Fafi Collection in person to realize it’s true beauty – and a truly beautiful collection it is.

KRiSTOPHER reminds you to GO RED.

Lipstick, Powder ‘n Paint shares the red carpet winners and losers at this years BAFTA Awards.

Makeup Moxie reviews Napoleon Perdis Barely Blushing lip and cheek stain.

Lianne at TheMakeupGirl is in LOVE with MAC Slimshines….

WE LOVE BEAUTY.com’s own Celebrity Stylemaker – Mr. Paul Starr, was the makeup mastermind behind Lindsay Lohan’s Marilyn Monroe spread in New York Magazine.

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Beautifully Long-Lasting – Albion Eprise Water Face Color

by PJ on Monday, February 18, 2008

in -Albion, -Eprise, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - blusher, stash focus

(Albion Eprise Water Face Color in 100)

Before talking about my first ever Albion purchase, I’d like to briefly mention the brand itself.

Albion is one of the largest cosmetics brands in Japan. I have also occasionally come across passing mentions of Albion as a brand favored by the Japanese royalty. Few can really be sure of this, but it is true that Albion has always had a very upmarket image. [The Albion website is for information only and doesn’t offer on-line ordering.]

Albion’s most popular products are mainly skincare and foundation items. The Essential Skin Conditioner and Exage powder foundations are almost permanent fixtures on most best-selling and magazine readers’ favorite product lists.

One unique aspect of all Albion’s various skincare ranges is a creamy skin-softening emulsion that is applied in circular motion with a cotton pad before the toner and the moisturizer. The Albion sales assistants often remind customers that this moisturizer-like emulsion is not a moisturizer and that it is used to help the absorption of all the subsequent skincare products.

I have tried samples from Albion’s skincare routines but I personally didn’t enjoy using the skin-softening emulsions. They felt quite filmy on the skin and I didn’t feel like using any other product afterwards. Plus the circular motion during the application left my skin slightly red, not to mention that most of them had alcohol. (So do many of the toners.) But I am aware that some people swear by Albion’s unique skincare routines and can’t imagine using anything else.

So, with Albion, their makeup ranges are much more suitable for me to get a taste of the brand. I had long been interested in trying out Eprise, one of Albion’s makeup ranges. (Albion’s website is completely in Flash, so do click on the Albion link above to find the Eprise line.) As someone that loves blushers, when I saw Water Face Color from the spring 2008 collection, I almost instantly decided that this would be my first-ever Albion purchase.

(Eprise Water Face Color)
(image from www.albion.co.jp)

This item still features alcohol, which is third on the ingredient list (after water and cyclomethicone (a kind of silicone) and before talc). But, since this is applied after my toner and daytime mosturizer/sunscreen (occasionally after a makeup base and/or a liquid foundation as well), it doesn’t irritate my skin.

The bottle is shaken before application. The blusher liquid has a watery consistency and glides with ease. (But this is not a cheek stain and has a slightly milkier consistency than a typical water-based cheek stain.) It is very easy to blend and layers well for more intensity. The finish is softly luminous and non-greasy, without any visible shimmer. After the blending is done, it almost feels as if the color came from within the skin.

#100 is quite a natural pink for me. It has a bouncy feel but doesn’t make my cheeks look overly flushed.

Another aspect that impresses me is that the color is very long-lasting. I usually use a powder foundation so this liquid blusher would go underneath it. There were twice when I had it on for about 12 hours, and the fading was very minimal and barely noticeable. I was initially slightly worried that, like a couple of cheek/lip staining items I tested, the color wouldn’t easily come off with a cleanser, but it came off swiftly and effortlessly with my RMK Cleansing Oil.

Overall, this is a very good blusher for me. A little goes a long way, so this 10ml liquid blusher will last a long time and create a lot of long-lasting rosy cheeks. I have a feeling that it won’t be long before I am interested in trying another makeup item from Albion.

Chanel Irréelle Blush in Tea Rose
(one of my absolute favorites)

Boots No. 7 Cheek Colours
(home favorites)

Budget Princess: Majolica Majorca
(featuring two blushers from the line)

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Shiseido Hair & Makeup Creation 2008 – 10 Minds

by PJ on Monday, February 18, 2008

in -Shiseido, makeup

Later this month in Tokyo, the Shiseido Beauty Creation Institute will unveil Shiseido Hair & Makeup Creation – 10 Minds, a photographic showcase of editorial creations by 10 Japanese hair & makeup artists.

You can follow the link above for a preview of the works.

Have a look, and enjoy!

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Shiseido Clé de Peau Spring 2008 Collection – Blue Takes Center Stage

by PJ on Sunday, February 17, 2008

in -Clé de Peau, -Shiseido, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Eye Color Quad in 116 (left) and 117 (right))

(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/cpb)

Ever since I saw Clé de Peau‘s spring 2008 lineup on Japanese beauty magazines, I had been looking forward to seeing if the blue-purple eye palette would be featured for the main ad campaign and what the look would be like.

I was not disappointed when I saw this, to say the very least.

(Shiseido Clé de Peau Spring 2008 Collection)

(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/cpb)

There is a sense of softness and serenity, and the aqua blue eyeshadow doesn’t look out of place at all. The whole image has a water-painting quality to it.

I also feel that the blue worn on a large section of the lids conveys a quiet touch of confidence, assertiveness, and maturity that I find very appealing. It shows that a warm blue like this is not just a youthful and funky color. It can also look sensual and feminine.

Even though Clé de Peau has quite a low-key brand image, its recent collections have been very trend-sensitive. An edgy monochrome eye palette was featured in the fall 2007 collection. For this spring, Eye Color Quad in 117 combines the two hottest shades at the moment, blue and purple.

As I mentioned in the Spring 2008 Makeup Trend Report, while western brands are doing a lot of cold blues this season, Japanese brands are coming up with warmer blues. Clé de Peau’s spring 2008 lineup is just one example.

If I may, I am going to appreciate this beautiful image a little more…

The Allure of Blue Eyeshadows
(Everyone can wear blue.)

Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in Seascape
(featuring a beautiful warm blue)

Must-Try Look for Spring 2008
(Are you wearing it?)

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Splendid Weekend Reads for Febuary 17, 2008

by PJ on Sunday, February 17, 2008

in Weekend Splendid Read

From the Splendicity community, comes this weeks best in beauty, fashion, and shopping. Enjoy!

BEAUTY
A Touch of Blusher reports on the must-try look for spring 2008.
15 Minute Beauty Fanatic checks out Tarte’s Ready, Set, Glow kit, which is perfect for your tropical vacation!
My Wardrobe Today gives honest reviews of some beauty products she has tried recently.
Oscar Blandi shares with CelebLOOK how he gave Faith Hill her gorgeous do for the Grammy’s.
Aging Fabulous asks if anyone has tried Freeze & Go products.
Raging Rouge falls in love with the NARS Shanghai Lily Collection.
Exclusive interview with Fafi about her new MAC line at makeup loves me!

FASHION
Top Model Amy Lemons dishes on her favorite beauty products with Beauty Banter… and her catwalk beauty tips!
Haute & Bothered’s Got a Sneak Peek at Jovovich Hawk for Target’s Upcoming Line.
Snarkstress has been ruminating on whether Sarah Jessica Parker looks like a foot and would love to hear your uncensored take.
STYLEnosh asks, “Can you really be stylish in frigid temps?”
Style…a work in progress muses on a certain type of fashion paranoia in The (Un) touchables.
The Fashionable Kiffen dares to break a fashion rule by mixing black and deep blue.

SHOPPING
Teen Style Lounge wants you to listen to what your tee is saying and also offers another chance to view the Hottest Finds from the b5media Beauty & Style channel.
Let’s Go Shopping is giving away Gift Certificate Worth $35 From Heels.com.
Wardrobe Oxygen offers some wardrobe suggestions for those who live in warm climates.
The Latest Luxe enjoys some peep-toe fun with the Gucci Newton Bootie.

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Calvin Klein Beauty Launches in the UK in March

by PJ on Saturday, February 16, 2008

in -Calvin Klein, makeup

(“Hmm…what should I get from the new lineup?”)

I was browsing the latest (March) issue of In Style magazine today, and I came across the long-awaited news that Calvin Klein Beauty is launching in the UK in March. Finally!

According to In Style, Calvin Klein Beauty will be launched in House of Fraser on March 6th. But I am not sure how many House of Fraser branches will see the return of the cosmetics line. I am expecting the branch on Oxford Street in London to have it, and I will be stopping by next month!

I’ll keep you all posted!

Related Posts:

Calvin Klein Cosmetics Available on Sephora
(with my wish list)

First Look: Calvin Klein Cosmetics Counter
(first glance at the counter)

Bring It Back: Calvin Klein Cosmetics
(reminiscing the previous lineup)

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Weekend Beauty Read for February 16, 2008

by PJ on Saturday, February 16, 2008

in Weekend Beauty Read

Enjoy!

From The Beauty Blog Network:

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic uses her Cover Girl Outlast Lipcolor as a stain, and loves it!

Savvy Skin tells you how to Save Money While Looking Fabulous.

SugarShock finds a magical cure for winter-pasty skin: Per-fekt Body Perfection Gel.

Temptalia visits the Kryolan store and factory for some science-behind-the-beauty scenes, plus she learns all about the brand and its products!

A Touch of Blusher looks into the cult mascara in the making.

Beauty Banter gives you the truth about sunblock… what you need to know to protect your precious skin… (you’ll be shocked!)

makeup loves me shares her exclusive interview with fafi, designer of the most recent MAC line!

Beauty Blogging Junkie gets advice from Ouidad herself on how to love your curls!

Beauty Anonymous is anticipating the arrival of Boots No 7 Protect & Perfect Line in the US.

Canadian Beauty gives you her thoughts on Clinique’s Blended Face Powder.

EyeshadowCult.com‘s Angie shares her guide to clear & healthy skin, because real beauty starts with beautiful skin!

Raging Rouge proudly announces she is in a Long Term Relationship… with her hair!

Beauty and Personal Grooming shares 12 beauty uses of baking soda.

Glossypink finds an eyeshadow primer that is the perfect fit!

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Spoiled Pretty is showing their readers some love – by hosting FIVE GIVEAWAYS. Get on over there and enter today!

The Beauty of Life shares a truly colorful runway-to-reality look in this week’s Trend-Filled Thursdays column!

Happy Valentine’s Weekend, single, still looking? Let Pursebuzz.com teach you how to woo a gal with these fun pick up lines.

If you’re a lip balm addict and a chocoholic, you’ll definitely want to check out Makeup Moxie‘s review of the new On10 lip balms.

The Muse shares her haul of MAC Fafi and gives her first impressions, reviews, and general babbles about this hot new collection from MAC!

Go backstage at Tracy Reese with All Lacquered Up and Sally Hansen.

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Where do you fit into this?

by PJ on Friday, February 15, 2008

in makeup, skincare, What do you think? Beauty topics and thoughts

(Come back to my purse!)

Every year, Biteki‘s reader survey reveals interesting aspects of their readers. In the last couple of years, I have found some statistics particularly fascinating.

Among the recently surveyed 664 Biteki readers (average age 31.2), their average monthly expenditures on makeup and skincare (in 2007) are:

Makeup: 8030 Yen (74.8 USD, 38.5 GBP)

Skincare: 13110 Yen (122.1 USD, 62.8 GBP)

(from Biteki February 2008, p. 38)

When I compare my own expenditures with the average figures, there are some intriguing observations.

First of all, I used to spend more money on skincare than on makeup products. But, in recent years, it has been the opposite. At the moment, purely in terms of the ratio between my skincare and makeup expenditures, mine is somewhat close to the reverse of what we see above.

Secondly, I was particularly fascinated by the expenditure on makeup. The people surveyed are Biteki readers, who are probably more interested in cosmetics and more eager to try out new products than the rest of the general public in Japan. If this is the case (and if we think about the four potentially “damaging” bombardments of seasonal collections every year), it appears that 74.8 USD, for them, isn’t a large sum of money and leaves relatively little room for experimenting or collecting after the regular re-stocking (like replacing mascaras and refilling the foundation). (Bear in mind that it is entailed that some surveyed readers spent less or much less than 74.8 USD per month.)

Also, most of the products on the readers’ favorite lists are from high-end department store brands and would eat up a big portion of the 74.8 USD. (For example, both the readers’ favorite eye palette (from Lunasol) and powder foundation (from Albion Exage) cost around 50 USD.) From this, it appears that the average Japanese consumer is quite selective in buying cosmetics.

Thirdly, while I do think that 122.1 USD can be quite a lot to spend on skincare products in a month, this amount doesn’t strike me as unusual. Apart from the fact that Japanese brands tend to update their skincare lineups much more frequently than most western brands, it seems that many Japanese brands feature more elaborate skincare routines. So there are potentially more products to purchase on a regular basis.

What is your take on these figures? Are these average spendings more or less than what you would expect? How would you compare your spending habits with those of a typical Biteki reader in Japan? Have your spending habits and preferences changed over the years?

Biteki Readers’ Favorite Cosmetics Products in 2006
(Find out what they are!)

My Ultimate Makeup Archive
(getting larger month by month)

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Stila Eyeshadow Mega-Galore

by PJ on Thursday, February 14, 2008

in -Stila, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow

Even though I am not really a Stila fan, I was still drawn into this beautiful collection of Stila eyeshadows. There is a wonderful variety of colors, but almost every shade is nicely wearable.

On the other hand, my lilac love continues and I’ve come across this very pretty and feminine Eyeshadow Quad in Montmartre: