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

Can’t Live Without: Shiseido ZA Two-Way Foundation

by PJ on Sunday, March 23, 2008

in _Can't Live Without, _Japanese Brand Profile, -Shiseido, -ZA, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, stash focus

(Shiseido ZA Two-Way Foundation)

This favorite foundation of mine got a very brief mention in my post on my foundation routine almost precisely a year ago (the one in the cherry-pink case). After I did a couple of Foundation Face-Offs (SUQQU vs. Chanel and Lunasol vs. Coffret D’Or), I thought I should highlight my favorite foundation for the past few years.

Launched in 1997, ZA is a drugstore brand from Shiseido that is targeted at those in the mid-20’s. What is interesting about ZA is that it is a Shiseido line that is not sold in Japan. According to ZA’s website, it is available in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Indonesia, and Hawaii.

(ZA Two-Way Foundation)
(I wear #22.)
(image from www.za-ny.com)

Even though Sofina’s Raycious is also one of my favorite foundation lines, its annual powder foundation releases over the past few years seem to be getting paler and a lot more luminous. (I prefer a satiny matte finish.) Despite their very good sebum-control efficacy, the overly luminous finish doesn’t really suit me. This is where ZA comes in (while I use Raycious foundations mainly for highlighting and precision concealing).

For me, a good foundation should even out my skin-tone (particularly the mild redness), offer a medium coverage, create a matte finish, control shine, and minimize the look of pores. ZA’s Two-Way Foundation does all of these relatively well.

Basics

SPF 20, PA ++, 8 shades (see above)

Finish

The finish is predominantly matte with a very subtle and natural luminosity.

Texture

The texture is more on the dry side (which is good for sebum control). Among major Japanese cosmetics lines that release different powder foundations for spring/summer and fall/winter, this foundation’s texture is more like that of a spring/summer release.

Coverage

The coverage is around medium, and it covers mild redness and minor imperfections quite well. (I wear #22, a light-to-medium shade with a subtle yellow undertone. It evens out my mild redness effectively and gives a very natural look.)

Pore Coverage

It offers relatively good and pleasantly long-lasting pore coverage.

Shine Control

The shine-control ability is fairly good. The slightly drier texture makes the powder absorb sebum well, and the absence of shimmery particles means that the shine does not look more pronounced than it already does. (But it is worth mentioning that Coffret D’Or’s new Beauty Lasting Pack UV has an even better shine control ability.)

Lasting Power

It has a very good lasting power, which manifests in two ways. Firstly, what happens with some powder foundations I have tried is that, after I blot out the shine for several times during the day, the foundation starts to look patchy and cakey. But I have rarely experienced this with ZA. Also, the shade of the foundation darkens very minimally and only after a very long day. Sometimes I have to have my makeup on for more than 12 hours and this foundation still looks pretty good right before I take my makeup off.

Overall, this foundation really suits me. Even though there are a few other powder foundations I’ve tried that perform better in one or two categories above, this is by far one of the most well-rounded foundations that I have used so far in terms of my personal foundation-wearing preferences.

Unfortunately, for those of you that might be interested in ZA but don’t live in the regions mentioned above, I have not yet come across a website that carries ZA and delivers internationally. But I will keep you updated if I have more information.

Updated on April 2nd, 2008:

– Two readers have told me that ZA is no longer available in Hawaii.

– A reader has noticed that some ZA items are sold on-line. Please refer to the comment section for the link.

Thank you all for the alerts!

Paul & Joe Foundation Primer N

Raycious Pressed Powder

Lavshcua Loose Powder

(For me, all of these work well with ZA Two-Way Foundation.)

Other items in my “Can’t Live Without” series:

Dove Body Silk

RMK Cleansing Oil N

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Weekend Beauty Read for March 22, 2008

by PJ on Saturday, March 22, 2008

in Weekend Beauty Read

Happy Easter!

From The Beauty Blog Network:

The Daily Cookie brings you the scoop behind Danity Kane’s Welcome to the Dollhouse album cover photoshoot. Check out her exclusive Q&A with makeup artist JJ Jacobucci!

Beauty Anonymous brings you Chanel Limited-edition Highlighting Powders Duo!

A Touch of Blusher picks the top 10 spring 2008 collections.

Mischo Beauty shares a lesson on sun damage and the importance of using sunscreen.

Temtpalia has a weekend getaway you’re bound to enjoy at the Pacific Palms Resort & Spa.

Raging Rouge gets her drink on in the only way a pregnant woman can… with tarte Cheek Stain in Tipsy.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic shows you how to recreate Stila’s look from Wayne Lee Fall 2008!

SugarShock thinks she may have found her signature scent, and as it turns out, it’s the perfect perfume for spring.

The Makeup Divas reviews Mac Fafi Lipsticks.

The Beauty of Life finds a way to keep her skin sparkling with Bliss Steep Clean!

Cybelesays checks out the latest in organic fragrances with a new favorite from Tsi~La.

Stylish Opinion finds any reason, any reason at all, to try out caffeinated soap.

The Beauty Blog Network interviews new member Mischo Beauty.

Elke shares her fav drugstore beauty products.

Beauty and Personal Grooming tells you to cover your gray with touch-up sticks.

Sure you’re in love with your flat iron, but are your strands silky straight and FLAT? StyleBell shows you how to Volumize Straight Strands.

Beauty Blogging Junkie has fallen for the crazy spatula-like applicator and holographic shine of this lip gloss by Thierry Mugler.

The Muse Hauls Heatherette! Check out her first impressions on this new MAC Collection!

Ever thought about changing your hair because someone else says you should? Mystical Beauty‘s Musings tells you why you shouldn’t in Cutting Long Hair.

Savvy Skin realizes most of her favorite skin care and beauty items are Old-School Beauty products.

marina from makeup loves me meets the heatherette boys (pictures included!) and checks out their collaboration with MAC.

Makeup Moxie has a tragic love affair with Sue Devitt Microquatic Lash Line Enhancer.

Glossypink has found the pale pink lipstick of her dreams!

Face Candy looks at the new Guerlain Terracotta goodies.

Toya tried the tarte health couture collection and she’s feeling healthy, beautiful, and oh so couture!

Product Girl takes a peak at Creative Scentualization’s Perfumers Palette.

Pursebuzz.com tries a new look with Heatherette Pigments, check out the video tutorial here!

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog gives you swatches of Chanel’s new summer makeup collection, woot!

Spoiled Pretty has found the definitive eyebrow kit. Find out what it is!

Don’t miss your chance to enter All Lacquered Up‘s Sally Hansen Giveaway. You could be one of three winners to receive the Tracey Reese for Sally Hansen Salon line collection.

Beauty Banter gives you a Girls Guide To Concealers… filled with tips and tricks from the makeup pros!

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Majolica Majorca Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, March 21, 2008

in -Majolica Majorca, -Shiseido, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Majolica Majorca 2008 summer collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

Majolica Majorca will release the summer 2008 collection in Japan on April 26th. The collection includes:

Powder Heat Metallic: 1 shade (limited edition)
Lash Heat Metallic: 1 shade (limited edition)

My last Majolica Majorca purchase was about two years ago. Since then, I haven’t been impressed by their seasonal releases. The summer 2008 collection is still not cutting it for me…

Interestingly, I haven’t bought anything from Majolica Majorca since Lavshuca was launched in spring 2006. At least for the past two years, I think Lavshuca does cute a lot better than Majolica Majorca…

Updated on March 29, 2008:

Here is another photo of the Majolica Majorca summer 2008 collection, which includes the three limited-edition nail colors.

(image from www.s-woman.net/maquia/)

Budget Princess 1: Majolica Majorca

Budget Princess 2: Lavshuca

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Cosme Decorte AQ’s Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, March 21, 2008

in -AQ, -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of Cosme Decorte AQ’s summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

AQ (which stands for “Absolute Quality”) is the top-end skincare/makeup line from Kose’s high-end brand Cosme Decorte. It will release the summer 2008 collection in Japan on April 16th. The collection features:

– Eye Shadow (palette): 1 new variation (#032)
– Lipstick: 3 new shades

One of Cosme Decorte AQ’s spring 2008 palettes (#030) includes a lilac and a rosy pink. Their summer 2008 eye palette also features a lilac, this time paired with a blue. The two shades look very good together.

Cosme Decorte AQ’s lipsticks are some of the priciest in Japan. They cost 6300 yen each (around 63 USD), the same price as Clé de Peau’s Rouge a Lèvre in Japan.

Updated on March 31st, 2008:

The Cosme Decorte AQ website has been updated to include information on the summer 2008 collection.

The makeup theme for the collection is Turquoise Lagoon, and the core of the collection is the Pure Grace Eyeshadow palette in #032, which includes turquoise and lilac (seen above). The Cosme Decorte AQ website also shows how to use this palette to create the look in the ad. (Both images are from www.cosmedecorte.com/aq.)

Apart from the eyeshadow palette and the lipsticks mentioned above, the collection also includes three new Nail Colors.

You can check the Cosme Decorte AQ website for more information on the collection.

Other upcoming summer 2008 collections:

Lunasol Summer 2008 Collection

Kate Summer 2008 Collection

EST Summer 2008 Collection

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Magie Deco Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, March 21, 2008

in -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, -Magie Deco, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of Magie Deco’s summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

Magie Deco will launch the summer 2008 collection in Japan on April 16th. The collection includes:

Shadow Brilliance eye palettes: 2 new variations
Luxual Long Mascara Waterproof: 2 shades

The Shadow Brilliance palettes seem to be selling well in Japan and the palette in 014 Believe in Magic is seen on the readers’ favorite eyeshadow palette list in Biteki (February 2008 issue). Shadow Brilliance’s color combinations are slightly more original than eye palettes from Maquillage, Aube, and Coffret D’Or, and I am sure there will be more lovely items to come from Magie Deco.

Updated on March 31st, 2008:

The Magie Deco website has been updated to include information on the summer 2008 collection. (All images are from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco/.)

The full Magie Deco summer 2008 collection includes:

– Shadow Brilliance eye palettes: 2 new variations

– Fairy Eyes cream eyeshadows: 4 new shades

– Fairy Rouge glosses: 3 new shades

– Lipsticks: 3 new shades
– Gem on Liner Waterproof (new): 2 shades
– Luxual Volume Mascara Waterproof (new): 2 shades
– Luxual Long Mascara Waterproof (new): 2 shades
– Nail Colors: 5 new shades
– Eye Makeup Remover (new)

You can see all the new product images on the Magie Deco website.

(I’d like to thank Betsy at Autumn Masquerade for the alert!)

Magie Deco Spring 2008 Collection

Magie Deco Holiday 2007 Collection

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Coffret D’Or Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, March 21, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, nail color/care

(part of Coffret D’Or’s
summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

Coffret D’Or will release 20 nail colors as its summer 2008 collection in Japan on April 16th.

The summer collections of Japanese cosmetics brands are usually a lot smaller than their spring and fall releases, and this is an example. These nail colors also add to Coffret D’Or’s debut lineup (released in December 2007) which didn’t feature items for nails.

Updated on March 29, 2008:

The Coffret D’Or summer 2008 collection will also include the Cuticle Care Oil.

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

I like the two-tier design, and the lilac and aqua look very pretty! This might join my cuticle oil collection…

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in 04
(one of my favorite spring 208 items)

Coffret D’Or Spring/Summer 2008 Base Makeup Collection
(loving the look…)

Foundation Face-Off: Coffret D’Or vs. Lunasol
(There is a clear winner for me.)

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Skincare Review: Marie Chantal Rose Signature Line

by PJ on Friday, March 21, 2008

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

(Marie Chantal Rose Lotion)

Marie Chantal is a line of essential oils and handmade skincare products. From the ingredient lists of the two items I am reviewing below, it is easy to see how they differ from many items sold in drugstores and department stores.

The two moisturizers in the Rose Signature range, Rose Lotion and Rose Cream, have very simple ingredient lists which do not feature a staggering number of ingredients. (You can check the Marie Chantal website for product ingredient lists.) Generally, for people with sensitive skin, the fewer the ingredients in a skincare product, the better. The fact that they are alcohol-free is also a huge plus for people with sensitive or very dry skin.

(Marie Chantal Rose Cream)

They are also free from parabens and other preservatives, and, according to the website, contain many organic ingredients.

The Rose Lotion has a rich lotion consistency, while the Rose Cream has a very rich texture. Both spread easily and have a gorgeous rose scent.

However, for me personally, even though they absorb relatively well, they didn’t quench my face effectively enough. I suspect that the reason is that both of them have plenty of occlusive moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and rosehip seed oil (which seal in the moisture) while the humectant moisturizing ingredient, glycerin (which can absorb moisture from the air), is further down the list. In many cases, such moisturizers leave my skin supple to the touch but I can feel the dryness and tightness underneath. (There is not enough moisture for the occlusive ingredients to seal in, even after I cleanse and tone my face.)

The kinds of moisturizers that suit me better have a little more humecants than occlusives. (I have oily-dry skin.) Whenever I come across a predominantly occlusive moisturizer, I use it as what I call a “top-up” moisturizer. It means I use it very sparingly on top of my usual moisturizer when the weather is particularly cold and dry and only on the cheeks where more emollients are needed. These two moisturizers work better for me this way, and the fact that they have very simple ingredient lists means I am not loading too many extra ingredients onto my sensitive skin.

Overall, the Rose Lotion and Rose Cream by Marie Chantal have many objective assets, but, just like any other moisturizer, the combination of various types of moisturizing ingredients might not suit all people.

(If you are wondering what ingredients are classified as occlusives/humectants, one article worth checking out is 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic’s post on moisturizer basics.)

Lancôme Tonique Douceur
(my favorite toner at the moment)

Olay Complete Care Night Enriched Cream
(light but very moisturizing)

10 Golden Skincare Rules
(Let’s all try to stick to them.)

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Spring 2008 Seasonal Top 10 (Part 3)

by PJ on Thursday, March 20, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Dior, -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2008 Spring, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1 and Part 2)

3rd: Dior

(image from www.dior.com)

Dior’s makeup collections tend to capture the trend very well, and this season’s release has done it again, with gorgeous pinks, lilacs, and warm neutrals to add depth.

(Dior spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

Visually stunning as well as wearable, the collection is a feast for the eyes. I always like a seasonal collection with a strong identity, and all the variation of pinks, along with the ad campaign, create a distinct look for this collection.

Dior’s eye palettes have been getting more and more shimmery. (Almost all the shades in this season’s two palettes are very shimmery.) Even though I am not sure I like this direction, the finishes of these shades are still flattering.

2nd: Coffret D’Or

(part of Coffret D’Or’s spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

Like EST, Coffret D’Or‘s spring collection is another sublime debut collection. I know some people were not looking forward to seeing T’Estimo being discontinued and replaced by Coffret D’Or. But I simply chose to see Coffret D’Or as the same line (plus base makeup products) being marketed under a new name and new packaging.

I do like the new packaging. It looks more gown-up than T’Estimo and I like the jeweled details on the eye palettes.

The 3D Lighting Eyes palettes are definitely the core of this collection. I have read more reviews where people choose not to buy the spring 2008 palettes from Maquillage or Aube (both of which are similarly priced) and go for Coffret D’Or instead (than the other way around). Even though the color combinations are not particularly unique or striking (see one of my other Coffret D’Or posts for the image of the five palettes), the texture, finish, and lasting power are what make them stand out. (Please check out my review on 3D Lighting Eyes in 04.)

Overall, this is a very exciting debut collection, and Coffret D’Or has probably already created many future loyal followers.

1st: Lunasol

(Lunasol Full Glamor Lips G)

(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)

Since Coffret D’Or is already so good, why makes Lunasol’s spring 2008 collection even better?

It is the core concept, which is what makes a collection memorable. It is also the visual impact of the whole lineup and how it translates to daily wear.

The colors of the sea and the shades of coral reefs provide the inspiration for this collection. The five Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes are simply gorgeous.

(Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes)

(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)

While the Sheer Contrast Eyes palette in Blue Coral (above, bottom left) is used for Lunasol’s main ad campaign and is heavily featured in Japanese beauty magazines, I chose Lavender Coral, which I reviewed earlier. The superb quality has consolidated Lunasol’s position as one of my favorite cosmetics brands.

With a distinctive concept and a beautifully wide range of vibrant yet wearable colors, this is the best collection for me in spring 2008.

This concludes my seasonal roundup for spring 2008. What about you? Which spring 2008 collection/item is your favorite?

More Thoughts on Spring 2008

When I was doing my “seasonal top ten” features in the last few seasons, I did feel that the brands I talked about might be a little repetitive for my readers. Since the top-ten countdown is only meant to reflect my own preferences, I never intend to feature a widely varied selection of brands from season to season.

But it is very refreshing to see Eprise, Clinique, Clé de Peau, and Maquillage come up with appealing collections. Also, Coffret D’Or‘s and EST‘s strong debut color makeup lineups prove to be serious competitors.

On the other hand, for me, the spring 2008 collections from Chanel, YSL, Jill Stuart, and Lavshuca are relatively disappointing. But I am sure these favorite brands of mine will wow me later this year.

Coffret D’Or’s Spring/Summer 2008 Base Makeup Collection
(The loose powder is on my shopping list.)

Foundation Face-Off – Lunasol vs. Coffret D’Or
(Is Lunasol still winning?)

Loving Japanese Brand – Lunasol
(my personal take on Lunasol)

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EST Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Thursday, March 20, 2008

in -Est, -Kao, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of the EST Summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.cosme.net)

EST will release the summer 2008 collection in Japan on April 26th. The collection includes:

Emotional Aura Gloss: 10 shades, fragrance-free
Nail Color: 12 shades
Nail Foundation (base coat)
Nail Color Remover

Essentially, the collection features more basics which add to the debut collection launched in November 2007, which has been generally very well received. I particularly look forward to seeing the shades of the glosses.

I will update this post with more images later on.

Updated on March 31st, 2008:

The EST website has been updated to include information on the summer 2008 collection. (All images are from www.kao.co.jp/est/.)

(EST Emotional Aura Gloss)

Like EST’s Emotional Aura Lips, the lip glosses are grouped into three categories. Innocent Colors (#101-106) are moderately pigmented, Pure Colors (#201, 202) are on the sheer side, and Deep Colors (#301, 302) are more heavily pigmented.

You can check the EST website to see the shades of the Nail Color.

Lunasol Summer 2008 Collection

Kate Summer 2008 Collection

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Spring 2008 Seasonal Top 10 (Part 2)

by PJ on Wednesday, March 19, 2008

in -Albion, -Clinique, -Eprise, -Est, -Kao, 2008 Spring, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1)

6th: Clinique

(Clinique spring 2008 collection)
(from Voce February 2008
Spring 2008 Makeup Catalog, p. 14 – 15)

I did surprise myself initially by liking this collection. But as the Color Surge Trios have been looking lovely for the past few weeks, I’ve decided to include Clinique‘s spring 2008 collection in my top ten.

(Clinique Color Surge Trios)
(from Voce February 2008
Spring 2008 Makeup Catalog, p. 14)

With brands like Chanel and Givenchy featuring dark and ashy blues for spring, which don’t really appeal to me, Clinique’s soft and cheerful pastels are unexpectedly welcoming. The color combinations are straightforward and wearable, and the lilac and pink look especially dreamy. As someone who doesn’t wear green very much, I actually find the green palette very tempting too.

5th: Eprise

(part of the Albion Eprise spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.albion.co.jp)

Eprise‘ spring 2008 collection is not hugely extensive but still includes items for eyes, cheeks, lips, and nails. Most of the shades have a gentle and girlie feel. Like Clinique, Eprise’ Creamy Eye Colors also feature pastel blue, green, and lilac.

(Eprise spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.albion.co.jp)

What instantly attracted my attention upon seeing this collection was the Water Face Color, which is a range of liquid blushers. I picked up the shade in 100, a very natural pink. Easy to use and long-lasting, it is definitely a great makeup purchase for this season.

4th: EST

(image from www.kao.co.jp/est)

The EST debut color makeup collection was launched on November 24th, 2007. But Biteki’s spring 2008 makeup catalog (March 2008 issue) includes this collection, so I am counting it as a spring 2008 release.

(EST Emotional Aura Eyes palettes)
(image from www.kao.co.jp/est)

As should a debut color collection, it includes all the basics. I think the highlights of the collection are the Emotional Aura Eyes (above) and Emotional Aura Pack (featured in the ad image above), which is a selection of highlighters for different parts of the eye area. (Please see my brand profile on EST for more on this item.)

Overall, this is a triumphant debut collection with a very feminine and sophisticated feel. I look forward to seeing how this color makeup line evolves.

Do come back for Part 3!

Other spring 2008 collections worth checking out:

Lavshuca Spring 2008 Collection

Kate Spring 2008 Collection

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