Hope all of you are enjoying a wonderful day!
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(image from www.isetan.co.jp)
Sometimes, western brands release limited-edition items only for the Japanese market. (Have a look at another stunning eye palette released exclusively for Japan.)
I think this Givenchy Prismissime Eyes palette (#56) will probably be released globally, but I have not come cross it elsewhere. (#55 Tempting Chocolate is one of the latest Prismissime Eyes palettes.)
Currently, within Japan, it is available exclusively in Isetan Department Store in Shinjuku in Tokyo. (It has one of the best beauty departments I have ever seen.) It will be available in the rest of Japan later.
The striking combination of lovely pastels and intense dark shades intrigues me. Notice that the very on-trend lilac takes center stage among pastel pink and light aqua blue, and I love how the soft pastels really stand out from the darker shades.
Based on the first impression, I think this palette is seasonal as well as versatile!
Related Posts:
Dior’s Totally Dior Cannage
(another exclusive item for Japan)
Spring 2008 Makeup Trend Report
(featuring Givenchy’s spring 2008 collection)
Kanebo Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes
(one of my latest eye palette acquisitions)
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(Lancôme Tonique Douceur)
Since I have quite sensitive skin, I think I am rather picky about what skincare products to use.
Just like makeup, old favorites get discontinued and we look through new candidates. I used to love Shu Uemura’s Refreshing Lotion, but it was discontinued a couple of years ago. After I used up my last bottle, the audition process started again.
Although there are a couple of toners I really like from Japanese brands not available in the UK, when it comes to skincare products, I tend to use what is available locally. It makes shopping (and restocking) a little easier.
I think Lancôme‘s Tonique Douceur has been around ever since I started to be interested in cosmetics. I am not sure if the formula has ever changed, but when I tried samples of it in the past, I did like them. After comparing it with a couple of others just to be sure, I decided to settle on Tonique Douceur.
It is alcohol-free and has a light, soothing, and refreshing feel. (I don’t really like toners with a serum-y texture or those that leave a slippery film on the skin.) I find that it eases up the mild redness of my skin and helps the skin look clearer and more transparent.
Also, the ingredient list is shorter than those of a lot of other toners I have come across. For people with sensitive skin, the fewer ingredients applied on the skin, the better.
After water and glycerin, rosa centifolia flower (rose hip) water is third on the ingredient list. According to Paula Begoun’s Cosmetics Ingredient Dictionary, rose hip has antioxidant properties. It is a pity that the toner is packaged in a transparent toner. Otherwise the antioxidant properties would last longer.
I usually don’t use cotton balls or cotton pads when applying a toner. I dispense 4 or 5 drops of a toner, spread them across my palms, and gently pat the toner onto the skin. (I put Tonique Douceur in another bottle with a pump dispenser so I don’t accidentally pour too much out.) During the application, I also like to cover my cheeks and eyes with my palms and do some deep breathing. I find it very calming.
Overall this is a toner that really suits my slightly sensitive skin, and the fact that I don’t use cotton balls/pads also makes a 200ml bottle go a long way.
(Please note that Tonique Douceur contains fragrance and preservatives. Do make sure you read through the ingredient list if you have relevant concerns.)
Related Posts:
Other steps of my skincare routine:
Makeup remover
Daytime Moisturizer
Nighttime Moisturizer
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Enjoy!
A Touch of Blusher reports on the must-try look for spring 2008.
Beautiful Makeup Search makes a visit to 3 Custom Color Specialists and gushes about her favorite products from the line.
KRiSTOPHER gives away $500+ of boss Patrick and Skinner lingerie. Win it!
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Makeup Moxie unlocks the multi-tasking power of Milani Powder Mosaics.
Orgasmically aromatic. The Organic Beauty Expert offers up an intoxicating review of Liz Earle face care.
Lianne at TheMakeupGirl takes it all off and shows you a before and after with Elizabeth Arden’s newest liquid mineral makeup Intervene.
WELOVEBEAUTY.com is excited to share Celebrity Makeup Artist and WLB Stylemaker – Billy B’s amazing Grammy night with Tina Turner!
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(Loving the lilacs:Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral)
(under sunlight and minimal artificial lighting)
The Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes are part of Lunasol‘s spring 2008 collection. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors of the ocean, the collection captures the rich and diverse hues and the rippling glimmer of the world below the sea level.
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)The alluring shades are based on those of the coral reefs, and the palettes are aptly named Blue Coral, Green Coral, Lavender Coral, Orange Coral, and Coral Coral.
(Lunasol’s Sheer Contrast Eyes)(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)
Lunasol’s eye palettes are probably the brand’s most popular items. (Last year’s @Cosme reader survey reflected this, as the top three eye palettes are all from Lunasol.) Even though Lunasol had been one of my favorite brands, I never tried their eyeshadows. With Sheer Contrast Eyes’ eye-catching lineup, I thought it was time for me to dive in.
(under artificial lighting,where shimmer is a little more visible on camera)
There was very little decision-making involved in which palette I wanted to try, and I am very pleased with what I got. Lavender Coral is a box full of prettiness…
— bottom right: very sheer pale yellow with a subtle gold undertone and plenty of sparkles
— top right: sheer pale pink with intense but fine shimmer
— top left: well-pigmented soft cool lilac with delicate shimmer
— bottom left: semi-matte deep warm violet with sparse shimmer
(All the shimmering particles are multi-colored. The sizes of the particles vary slightly among the four shades.)
The cool lilac is obviously the main shade in this palette. Not only is it one of the most visually beautiful lilac shades I have, it suits me very well. The pale pink is very sheer and mainly goes on as shimmer, but the abundant ultra-fine light-reflective particles and the superbly smooth texture make it both a competent base and a subtle but effective highlighter. (As a highlighter, this shimmery pale pink doesn’t have that harshness that some white or silvery highlighters may have.) The deep warm violet is a good eye-lining shade and isn’t so dark that it can look grey on the skin.
My only very minor issue is with the pale yellow, as the sparkles are a little bit on the big side for my personal liking. But this is not to suggest that it looks glittery or tacky. In fact, if you like high-voltage multi-colored sparkles with a pale-gold base tone, then you might really like this particular shade.
All the shades have a smooth and silky feel and are very easy to apply. They are also satisfactorily long-lasting.
I always tend not to over-layer my eyeshadows and keep the finish relatively sheer. For me, this palette, worn in this way, really stands out, because the subtle shimmer almost creates a unique wet finish. It resembles the surface of the glimmering sea under the sun and echoes so well the ocean theme of this collection.
I also came across a user’s comment on Lunasol’s eye palettes. Obviously from a Lunasol lover, her theory is that the only way to show that we are wearing the stunning Lunasol’s eyeshadows (and not possibly anything else) is to wear them sheer. Only by wearing them sheer can we do justice to the ultimate strength of Lunasol’s eye colors, which is the magical transparency showing through the rich pigments. Wonderfully said!
Even though I have several lilac eye palettes, each one is unique and different and this one is no exception, to say the least. I’ve understood first-hand why Lunasol’s eye palettes are able to draw people into the brand, make the brand more and more coveted, and widen the age range of loyal fans. I will continue to explore the possibilities of this palette and the essence of Lunasol.
Related Posts:
Must-Try Look for Spring 2008
(loving all the variations)
Spring 2008 Makeup Trend Report
(featuring the hot colors of this season)
Loving Japanese Brands: Lunasol
(how things got started…)
Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Purple Variation
(as fantastic as the Lunasol one, but in a very different way)
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Enjoy!
From The Beauty Blog Network:
A Touch of Blusher reports on the must-try look for spring 2008.
SugarShock wants to help you channel your inner cheerleader as she shares her top makeup tips to help you look younger.
The Muse rips into her new Paul & Joe Spring Collection: X Disney and gives her first impression of the goods!
Canadian Beauty tells you about Estee Lauder’s Newest Mascara – and it’s a keeper.
Savvy Skin asks about your favorite beauty products from the 70s, 80s & 90s.
Elke gets the backstage scoop on how to nails quick, thanks to Fashion Week.
Stylish Opinion not only finds a great Vitamin C based skincare, but totally affordable to boot.
The Beauty Blog Network members get interviewed in Glow Magazine.
Beauty Anonymous brings you a foundation that lets you create your own shade. Check out New Product:Revlon Custom Creations Foundation.
Beauty and Personal Grooming talks about the benefits of safflower oil on dry skin.
15 Minute Beauty Fanatic has quick tips to look radiant in the winter!
Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog gives you a step-by-step makeup tutorial showing you how to create a beautiful pastel eye.
Glossypink has the scoop on stunning Spring Haute Couture Looks galore!
Pursebuzz.com and Tarina Tarantino want to know How Hardcore Are You? Enter for a chance to win signed copy of Tokyo Hardcore and limited edition T-shirt.
Makeup Moxie‘s got beauty lust for the The Supernaturals Glambox by Smashbox.
All Lacquered Up reviews OPI’s Spring collection – India
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(Mamew brand logo)(image from www.mamew.jp)
It was estimated several years ago that there were between 3000 and 4000 cosmetics companies in Japan (from Textbook on Beauty, by Kaoru Saito). What we see in major Japanese cosmetics magazines is only a very small selection of them, and it is always interesting to see a new brand on the magazine pages.
Launched in October 2007, Mamew is a fairly new brand but it has been featured in major Japanese cosmetics magazines like Biteki and Voce as well as top fashion magazines like Vogue Nippon.
(the very minimally packaged Mamew Lineup)(image from www.mamew.jp)
What attracted the attention of these magazines are Mamew’s Mascara Kits (two versions: Volume Curl and Long Lash).
(Mamew Mascara Kit)(image from www.mamew.co.jp)
The mascara liquid and the brush are packaged separately, and each application involves putting the mascara onto the brush (just like putting toothpaste on a toothbrush, I suppose).
(image from www.mamew.co.jp)
You might think this is a lot of trouble, but here are the unique strengths of this product (from the Mamew website):
1. You can have more control of how much pigment goes onto the brush.
2. You can curl the lashes and keep the curl more effectively with the blush made with dense natural hair.
3. You can benefit from a fresh application every time by cleansing the brush after each use.
4. You can enjoy an easier application with the slim brush handle.
Apart from these, I think the unused mascara will probably remain moist longer. Also, this seems to be an updated version of the most traditional mascaras with a brush picking up the black pigment.
Judging by the increasing level of press interest, Mamew’s Mascara Kit has a potential to be a cult beauty item in Japan.
(Mamew is currently sold in Japan only, and the website’s on-line ordering service opens to residents in Japan.)
Related Posts:
“Loving Japanese Brands” Series
(my sensational seven)
Lash Out! – by Laura Mercier
(featuring mascaras from Dior, YSL, and Max Factor)
You Mean That’s NOT Real?
(What do you think?)
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(item used: MaquillageClean Contrast Eyes 2 in SV844)
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/mq)
In the last couple of years, I have been enjoying wearing eyeshadows of various lilac hues. I find them easy to wear for both daytime and evening, and they look flattering in a natural way.
For spring 2008, I have been excited to see some major cosmetics brands (many of them Japanese) featuring lilac eyeshadows. (You can read more about spring 2008 makeup trend in one earlier post.) I thought I’d share with you some of the looks that I have come across that represent distinct variations of this season’s trendy look.
One of my favorite lilac looks this season is from Shiseido Maquillage (above). Accompanied by a silvery grey to create a soft contrast, the lilac shade in Clean Contrast Eyes 2 palette in SV844 is relatively pale. I think the whole look is clean and very pleasantly fuss-free.
(item used: Coffret D’Or3D Lighting Eyes in 04)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)
Kanebo’s Coffret D’Or also has a lilac palette in their debut collection for spring 2008 (which I have reviewed earlier). It is also a very subtle look (above), mainly because, apart from the violet for lining the eyes, the other shades are a pale blue and a dusty pink that have a subtle lilac undertone and not true lilac themselves. But all the shades in this palette complement one another so well that this palette is joy to use.
Next we see a more classic lilac look from (Kosé’s) Cosme Decorte AQ‘s latest look:
(item used: Cosme Decorte AQPure Grace Eyeshadow palette in 030)
(image from www.cosmedecorte.com)
This is lilac as an ultra feminine and elegant shade for the eyes. But it is not stealing the show, as it is worn with a beautiful cherry-red lipstick (Pure Grace Lipstick in RO620) to create a superbly exquisite and polished look.
Now, we see a very colorful way to wear lilac.
(cover of Voce’s March 2008 issue)(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)
(from Biteki’s latest TV commercial)(image from www.biteki.com)
Coincidentally, both Voce and Biteki, two of the top cosmetics magazines in Japan, are featuring lilac worn with green under the eyes in their March 2008 issues. As you can see, the look can be edgy or feminine. (At the moment, I don’t know what items are used to create these two looks, but I will certainly update this post when I have more information.)
In contrast to the elegant look from Cosme Decorte above, where all the shades are of a cooler tone, RMK incorporates warm shades for lips and cheeks for spring 2008.
(item used: RMKShiny Mix Eyes in 03 Silver Purple)
(image from www.rmkrmk.com/global)
I think this is quite a modern way to wear lilac. At first I was not sure if I liked it, but then I realized that another possible way to look at it is to see it as a more intense version of Maquillage’s spring 2008 look.
(images from RMK & Maquillage)
So, of all the looks that we have seen, which one is your favorite?
Related Posts:
A Splash of Color: Lilting Lilac
(from my “I Love Colors” series)
Lavshuca Eye Color Select in PU-2
(warm and sophisticated)
Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst
(my first lilac eye palette)
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Enjoy!
A Touch of Blusher reviews a shiny new lip gloss from Anna Sui’s spring 2008 collection.
GlamBlush is all over the catwalk beauty trends for Fall 2008. See what’ll be hot in 6 months!
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It’s better to give than to receive says Product Girl.
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VOTE for WELOVEBEAUTY.com’s January Look of the Month!
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(image from magazine.beautyblognetwork.com)
The Beauty Ideal is the on-line magazine written exclusively by The Beauty Blog Network members, and the February 2008 issue is out now!
This issue is all about Valentine’s Day, with features on Valentine’s Day makeup looks, 5 dangerously sexy makeup products, the top 5 red lipsticks, and more.
Or, if you are interested, you can check out my suggestions for Valentine’s Day gift ideas for both girls and guys.
Enjoy!
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