(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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Weekend Beauty Read for February 9, 2008

by PJ on Saturday, February 9, 2008

in Weekend Beauty Read

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: Maquillage
Clean 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’Or
3D 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 AQ
Pure 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)


Biteki’s latest TV commercial
(via Dailymotion)
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: RMK
Shiny 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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Beauty Duty for February 5, 2008

by PJ on Tuesday, February 5, 2008

in Weekly Beauty Duty

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!

KRiSTOPHER gives away $600+ of Patrick and Skinner lingerie.

It’s better to give than to receive says Product Girl.

Lianne at TheMakeupGirl gets a first hand look at Prescriptives custom blending experience…

VOTE for WELOVEBEAUTY.com’s January Look of the Month!

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The Beauty Ideal: February Issue Out Now

by PJ on Monday, February 4, 2008

in announcement

(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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(full of goodness…)
.

This is the first post to highlight some of the spring 2008 makeup items that I have got. There will be more to come later!

Even though I love Anna Sui, my last purchase was almost two years ago (Face Color Accent in 400). But after I saw some photos of the three limited-edition lip glosses for the spring 2008 collection, I decided to get the blue-tinted one.

(part of Anna Sui’s spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

I have several blue-tinted lip glosses and I love all of them. But if I have to be picky, I prefer the ones that are simply blue-tinted and with very sparse shimmering particles to the ones with more blue shimmer. I also tend to favor ones that have a deep warm aqua blue shade in the tube. (It is just for my visual pleasure…)

This lip gloss by Anna Sui has these particular aspects that I like in a blue lip gloss. It has a pleasing blue color in the tube, but it goes on very sheer. It looks like it has a lot of shimmer, but the particles look quite sparse on the lips.

The gloss has the signature Anna Sui scent. I don’t normally like scented lip glosses, but I am okay with this one.

It imparts a wet glossy shine that lasts well. As with my other blue lip glosses, this one also adds subtle depth and transparency to my lips, making them look fuller and more dimensional.

Plus, l simply enjoy looking at the warm tropical shimmery blue in the container. It is like Maldives in a tube…

.

Related Posts:

Loving Japanese Brands: Anna Sui
(my personal take on the brand)

Lunasol Full Glamor Gloss in Bright Pink
(It is not too bright at all and is one of my favorite lip glosses.)

Lavshuca Gloss Stick in PK-3
(See how Lavshuca does cute.)

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The Super Bowl Sunday is coming, and several beauty bloggers and I decided to write up sports-themed posts for all of you to enjoy.

Since I have a particular passion for Japanese makeup items, I thought I’d have a play-off between the two teams. (You can also read my previous post on Japanese and Western cosmetics.)

Meet Team Japanese:

(the defending champion)

Eyeshadow palette from Lunasol (Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral). This is a sneak-peek preview of this palette on my blog. I have been enjoying using this palette from Lunasol’s spring 2008 collection, and I will post a full review of it later on!

Eyeshadow single from Miss Elégance (Powder Color in 16). Discontinued but not forgotten, this adorable eyeshadow is a wearable matte chocolate brown.

Blusher from Ayura (Aura Veil α in Sweet Pink). Soft, delicate, warm, and feminine, this shade is perfect for the coming warmer months.

Lipstick from Anna Sui (Sui Rouge in 373). A flattering cherry-red with the signature Anna Sui scent.

Lip gloss from Paul & Joe (Lip Gloss N in 001 Black-Tie). Another dose of the mouth-watering cherry hue, this time with sparkling multi-color shimmer.

Team Japanese is looking impressive. Now let’s check out Team Western:

(the challenger)


Eyeshadow palette
from Dior (5-color eyeshadow palette in Seascape). Vibrant purple and warm blue are balanced by mint green and soft grey with purple iridescence.

Eyeshadow single from MAC (Alexander McQueen for MAC eyeshadow in Haunting). I haven’t bought a lot from MAC for the last couple of years, but this satiny matte turquoise has won me over.

Blusher from Chanel (Irréelle Blush in Tea Rose). This is one of my favorite blushers, as it creates a very natural flush on my cheeks.

Lipstick from Helena Rubinstein (Stellars Showlights in Hanky Pinky). A bouncy and playful pink with fine pink shimmer. Very Valentine’s Day…

Lip gloss from Nina Ricci (Tender Lacquered Lipglaze in Rose Jupon). Nicely pigmented and with a rich syrupy texture, it helps lips take on some extra dimension.

With some of my favorite makeup items from both teams, the play-off is fierce. But I think I know which team has edged out the other for me, for a second time…

Now, I’d like to invite you to head over to these beauty blogs to check out their Beauty Super Bowl posts! Have fun!


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Weekend Beauty Read for February 2, 2008

by PJ on Saturday, February 2, 2008

in Weekend Beauty Read

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

From The Beauty Blog Network:

Canadian Beauty weighs in on Benefit’s Thrrrob Blush.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic shares a great tip for fast, perfect skin!

A Touch of Blusher reviews Chanel Irreelle Eyeshadow Duos.

Savvy Skin tells you her opinions about the super popular Proactiv Solution for Acne.

For moisturizing and silky smooth lipstick, Beauty Anonymous loves Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick – Pretty in Pink.

Girl Gloss found a lip plumper that actually works!

As SugarShock grapples with a change of skin type in winter, she discovers a superhero for dry skin: Liz Earle’s Superskin Moisturiser.

Temptalia shows you how to look flawless and natural with ease!

Beauty and Personal Grooming writes about her skin and hair care routine in winter.

Glossypink pays homage to her favorite beauty icon and has a simple way to recreate her signature look!

Pursebuzz.com goes on the street to meet up with John Stapleton for a Tokyo Hardcore inspired Makeover.

Spoiled Pretty found a genie in a bottle that grants three eye makeup wishes. Find out what they are!

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog gives you pictures and swatches of Shu Uemura’s spring eyeshadow collection .

All Lacquered Up reviews Essie’s spring collection – In The Mood.

Makeup Moxie‘s getting fresh with her Bella Il Fiore Sweet Talk Mint & Lipgloss Set.

The Muse features Laneige’s Ultra Chic, Tiny, Portable and Sweet Darling Big Eyes Palette!

The Beauty Ideal February Issue from The Beauty Blog Network is live! And it’s all about love and beauty…..

Stylish Opinion finds a cool way to customize your cosmetic bag. Make your own!

The Beauty Blog Network gets link love from WWD for some of their beauty bloggers in the network!

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(Anna Sui Spring/Summer 2008
base makeup collection)
(images from woman.excite.co.jp)

March is the time when various Japanese cosmetics brands release their new base makeup items. (In Japanese cosmetics, “base makeup” refers to products including primer, concealer, foundation, pressed/loose powder, and highlighter…all the things to get that perfect canvas.) On March 1st, Anna Sui will launch its spring/summer base makeup collection in Japan. The collection includes:

– Control Color Primer UV (SPF 35, PA ++; containing “micro lucent powder” to brighten up the skin)

– Loose Compact Powder UV (six shades; 001, 002, 200 with SPF 15 PA ++, 700, 701, 702 with SPF 14 PA ++)

– Oil Control Paper

The Loose Compact Powder UV has caught my eye. The case (sold separately) can potentially be a beautiful and practical item to have. I look forward to seeing the detail of the packaging later on in some Japanese cosmetics magazines.

Related Posts:

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

Anna Sui Spring 2008 Collection

(I have got one of the lip glosses, which I will review very soon!)

My Anna Sui Foundation Cases
(Case galore…)

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