Calvin Klein Cosmetics Available On-Line at Sephora

by PJ on Sunday, January 13, 2008

in -Calvin Klein, makeup

(image from www.sephora.com)

The CK Calvin Klein Beauty line is now up on the Sephora websites in the US and Canada (thanks to a friend who alerted me to this).

This is the first time I was able to have a slightly better look at the range of the collection. It appears that the initial lineup provides a palette of wearable colors, which is obviously typical of a debut lineup (or re-debut in this case). Not particularly edgy or trend-sensitive at this point, but we will see how things evolve.

Just a few things that are on my list of potentials:

— Tempting Duo Intense Duo Eyeshadow

#213 Silky Sunset seems to be a nice combination of pink and lilac. It would be interesting to compare the texture and finish of the lilac eyeshadow in this duo with other lilac eyeshadows I have.

— Flush with Desire Velvet Blush

#101 Shiver and #104 Desire both appear to be wearable for me. I am suspecting the finish of this blusher range to be semi-matte.

— Subliminal Purity Mineral Based Loose Powder

I am still in my loose powder phase and I would be interested in trying this out.

If you have tried any item from the new line, please do let me know. I’d love to hear from you! The line should be launched over here in the UK soon, and it would be great to hear what you like and don’t like about the new beauty line.

Related Posts:

Calvin Klein Launched in Hong Kong
(Check out the photos of the counter. It seems that there are more color choices for some of the items, such as the two types of lipsticks.)

Bring It Back! Calvin Klein Cosmetics
(Compare the packagings of the two lineups.)

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Weekly Splendid Reads for January 13, 2008

by PJ on Sunday, January 13, 2008

in Weekend Splendid Read

From the Splendicity community, comes this week’s most splendid posts.

Graphic-splendid-reads-thumb.jpg

BEAUTY
A Touch of Blusher shares initial observations on Spring 2008 makeup collections.
makeup loves me wants to know what you think of Lancome’s newest ambassador, Anne Hathaway.
Beautynomics says Thou Shall Take Care of Zee Eyes.
Beauty Gizmo reviews the Artemis Heel Smoother.
15 Minute Beauty Fanatic gives MAC’s Mascara X a shot!
Is there anything more refreshing than a hydrating facial mist? Style Goodies thinks not!
To start the new year off right, Wardrobe Oxygen is hosting weekly contests for its readers. This week a Sephora Smokey Eye Kit valued at $71 is up for grabs!
What is ‘Mom Hair‘ and can it possibly be a good thing? Find out at Hot Mama Daily.
The Raging Rouge Beauty Blog has announced the Bourjois Beauty Bounty giveaway! Almost $400 of Fabulous New Product Launches will go to one lucky winner!
Ellen from Lipstick, Powder ‘n Paint shares her thoughts on the new Conair Nano Silver Collection.

FASHION
Chic By Nature is loving this bamboo fleece hoodie by Kelly B.
STYLEnosh attends Project Runway alum, < href="http://www.stylenosh.com/stylenosh/2008/01/mychael-knight.html">Mychael Knight’s, launch party for his new collection.
Style Tots Poll : Are Crocs Good or Bad For Babies and Kids?
With the Golden Globes cancelled, Haute and Bothered‘s way concerned for THIS designer.
The Snarkstress wants you to exercise your right to vote – for Hollywood’s most stylish, that is.
Teen Style Lounge has found some ultra cute and affordable spring styles you can wear right NOW!
The Fashionable Kiffen lists five steps to organizing your wardrobe for the New Year.

SHOPPING
Check out 50 Fashion Trends In The Style It Less Closet.
She Knows Best presents the Michael Jordan Air Jordan XX3.
Let’s Go Shopping is giving away Cosmetics Worth $78.
The Latest Luxe is ready for an early Valentine’s Day treat with the Chloe Saskia Leather Satchel.

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Weekend Beauty Read for January 12, 2008

by PJ on Saturday, January 12, 2008

in Weekend Beauty Read

Before I present you with this week’s Weekend Beauty Read, I’d like to introduce you to The Beauty Ideal. It is a new on-line beauty magazine written exclusively by members of The Beauty Blog Network. Have a look, and enjoy!

In the meantime, take your time to enjoy these Weekend Beauty Reads:

Christine at 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic tries out the most moisturizing body scrub she’s ever seen!

Savvy Skin presents Beauty Tips from Lolcats.

What’s so great about Shanghai Lily: NARS Spring 2008? Daneen at Spoiled Pretty thinks…everything!

Check out the results of All Lacquered Up’s Fanatic’s Favorites Survey and see what polishes were voted the best of 2007.

Get your kabuki brush ready! Makeup Moxie reviews the new Maybelline Mineral Makeup.

Toya at The Life of A Ladybug tried out Prevage by Elizabeth Arden – and she LOVES it!

Beauty and Fashion Tech recommends two PCA Skin Care products for treating melasma and hyperpigmentation.

A Touch of Blusher invites you to spot the differences in Lancome’s spring 2008 collection in the US, UK, and Japan.

Stylish Opinion has started doing contests! Though this one is already with a lucky winner, be sure to sign up to get the latest contest posts.

Elke asks, “What do you want to see?” for the new year on my blog? Let her know!

Temptalia reviews MAC’s N Collection with photos, swatches, and in-depth commentary on each product!

Running out of space for your favorite makeup goodies? Enter to win a fabulous bag by Anna William on The Beauty of Life!

Beauty and Personal grooming – Ease razor bumps with this terrific cucumber-yoghurt soother.

Beauty Anonymous shares what she likes about Chanel Spring 2008 Aurora Blues Accent Collection.

Kyle at Face Candy goes over the new Contouring Powder Options.

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MAC A-Mei Color Collection Out Now: Further Update!

by PJ on Friday, January 11, 2008

in -MAC, makeup

My post on MAC A-Mei Collection has been updated with a link to photos of the MAC storefront display featuring the collection, counter display, and color swatches.

(Please scroll to the end of the post, and enjoy!)

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Spot the Differences! Lancôme Spring 2008 Collection: L.U.C.I.

by PJ on Thursday, January 10, 2008

in -Lancôme, 2008 Spring, makeup

(L.U.C.I.: Lancôme’s spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.lancome-usa.com)

(promotional image in the UK)
(Notice the differences!)


You have probably read from great beauty sites like Makeup Bag about Lancôme’s spring 2008 collection.

I saw the collection in the shops a while ago. Then, as I was reading about the US release, I noticed some differences in what the collections consist of. While the L.U.C.I Eyes palette (in the seashell shape) sold in the US has the bronze shade, the two sold in the UK feature turquoise and blue. (The bronze option doesn’t seem to be available here.)

On the UK promotional image, both models are wearing the turquoise palette, which the model on the right (Daria Werbowy) is holding in her hand.

Moreover, all three palettes are available in Japan:

(image from www.lancome.jp)

The collection, L.U.C.I. (which stands for “Luminescent Ultra Colour Intelligence”), is Gucci Westman’s last collection for Lancôme. The identity of this collection is marked by the iridescent reflectiveness in various items.

I was paying particular attention to the shades of the shimmer and iridescence. For the L.U.C.I Eyes palettes, the white shade in A Ray of Green Light (the one with the turquoise) has yellowish green iridescence, while the one in A Ray of Blue Light has lilac iridescence.

Other iridescent/shimmer hues can be seen in:

The pale Color Fever Shine lipstick: pinkish lilac iridescence
The pale Color Fever Gloss: blue shimmer (not iridescence)
Ombre Glacée (in A Ray of Pink Light): pink iridescence
Traceur Design Eyeliner: lilac iridescence
The pink nail color: subtle blue iridescence

Some of the iridescent hues are quite intense, especially those from the white shades in the L.U.C.I. Eyes palettes.

This collection is certainly very unique and has a coherent concept and a distinctive look. For this, this collection deserves accolade, and I think makeup fans will constantly refer back to some of these items.

For me personally, even though I love blue-tinted lip glosses and lilac eyeshadows, I surprised myself by not being overly excited about this collection. I think I prefer the iridescence to be slightly more subtle. (I’d have to be very careful and use these shades very sparingly.)

But, if you like iridescent shimmer, you can surely add an eye-catching accent color to your eyes, lips or nails with this collection. Or, if you like a bit of an edge, then some of these items are definitely worth checking out.

Related Posts:

Dior Holiday 2007 Collection
(Again, notice the more extensive Dior Holiday 2007 range in the UK and Japan)

My Shopping List for Japan
(more things that can’t be found in the US or Europe)


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Jill Stuart Launches in Taiwan in April

by PJ on Wednesday, January 9, 2008

in -Jill Stuart, all about Japanese cosmetics, all about Japanese cosmetics (overseas availability information)

(some of my Jill Stuart items)


After previous speculation, it has been confirmed that the Jill Stuart Beauty line will be launched in Taiwan in April.

Taiwan will become the only place outside Japan where the full line is officially available.

As with many other Japanese brands available in Taiwan, it is expected that the overall price-point will be around 10% lower than the retail price in Japan and that all the subsequent seasonal collections will be launched more or less simultaneously in Taiwan. (The Jill Stuart Beauty line is developed, produced, and marketed by Kosé, one of the largest cosmetics companies in Japan. So I usually classify the beauty line as a Japanese line.)

Like previous launches of popular Japanese cosmetics brands (such as Anna Sui, Paul & Joe, Majolica Majorca, and Lavshuca), the news of Jill Stuart’s upcoming launch has hugely excited makeup fans in Taiwan, some of whom travel to Japan regularly to pick up the trendiest and hippiest beauty items.

Many popular Japanese cosmetics brands eventually make their way to Taiwan (in most cases), Hong Kong and Singapore, so I am not totally surprised at the news. (The line debuted in Japan in fall 2005.) I suspect this is also an attempt for the line to test the water before it is considered to be launched in other countries. We’ll see!

(You can read a little bit more about the brand and the launch here if you happen to read Chinese.)

Updated on February 28th 2008:

The first Jill Stuart Beauty counter outside Japan will open on March 6th in Taipei’s Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (Hsinyi A8). (Check here for the source (in Mandarin).)

Updated on March 4th 2008:

Another source mentions that the launch date is March 28th, which should be more accurate.

Updated on March 8th 2008:

Have a look at the price list and the confirmation that there will also be a Jill Stuart counter in SOGO Chung-Hsiao Taipei on March 28th.

Related Posts:

Jill Stuart Launches in the US?
(Is it also happening over in the US?)

Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst
(out in spring 2007, but still very on-trend this year)

Loving Japanese Brands: Jill Stuart Cosmetics
(my personal take on Jill Stuart)

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Shu Uemura, 1928-2007

by PJ on Wednesday, January 9, 2008

in -Shu Uemura

(image from www.shu-uemura.com.tw)

Shu Uemura, one of the most celebrated makeup artists in the world, died of pneumonia on December 29, at the age of 79 [from WWD].

He, along with his inspirational sense of aesthetics and style, will be truly missed.

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Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in Seascape

by PJ on Tuesday, January 8, 2008

in -Dior, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow Palette in #250 Seascape)

.

Dior’s 5-Color Eyeshadow Palettes, along with the rest of Dior’s makeup line, have been through numerous packaging changes. But I have noticed that this particular color combination has been existing for at least 5 or 6 years.

I got #250 Seascape in 2006 with my Boots points, and I think this is a really beautiful and colorful eyeshadow palette. With blue and purple being on-trend this season (have a look at my spring 2008 makeup trend report), I thought I’d give this palette a mention.

The palette features:

Top left: a soft grey with a very slight ashy-blue undertone and soft purple iridescence
Top right: medium aqua blue
Bottom left: warm medium purple
Bottom right: pale mint green
Center: white with silvery sparkles

The shades are well pigmented and very smooth to apply and blend. They go on quite matte but have a satiny and luminous finish. The central white shade, though, feels a little gritty, probably because of the sparkles. On the other hand, the blue is one of my favorite blue eyeshadow shades.

With both the blue and the purple being quite vibrant, the palette can create a variety of looks, depending on where to place these two colors on the eyes. When I simply want a simple and fresh look, a wash of the mint shade can really brighten my eyes. It can also be used as a base to bring out the lively blue and purple.

Dior’s eyeshadows are known for the great texture and many palettes feature wearable but unique color combinations. Also, their seasonal releases are often good indications of what colors are currently trendy. But I have noticed that the finish of some of the latest palettes (with the powder in quilted patterns) is getting more and more shimmery. While the shimmery finish still looks smooth and flattering, I do hope their future releases will maintain a balance between satiny matte and shimmery finishes.

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Related posts:

Dior’s Spring 2008 Makeup Collection
(Anything catching your eye?)

The Allure of Blue Eyeshadows
(See my other blue eyeshadows)

A Splash of Colors – Lilting Lilac
(soft, feminine, and wearable)

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Beauty Duty for January 8, 2008

by PJ on Tuesday, January 8, 2008

in Weekly Beauty Duty

A Touch of Blusher brings you Spring 2008 Makeup Trend Report.

KRiSTOPHER gives you “Free Porn“.

Lipstick, Powder ‘n Paint is awaiting the Golden Globes with baited breathe. Which celebs will portray a glamorous red carpet look and which will look like red carpet roadkill?

“Super Model in a bottle!” Make Her Up has the perfect product for you. PLUS: Pictures of Petra Nemcova

Makeup Moxie predicts some beauty trends for 2008.

TheMakeupGirl is loving N.V. Perricone’s Hydrating Nutrient Mask…

WELOVEBEAUTY.com is giving away 100 pieces of Anastasia’s NuBrow – Brow Enhancing Serum! Sign up to be a WLB Insider or refer a friend to win!

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My Beauty Weakness: Cute Cuticle Oils

by PJ on Sunday, January 6, 2008

in -Ayura, -Paul & Joe, all about Japanese cosmetics, nail color/care, stash focus

(cuticle oil from Paul & Joe (left)
and Ayura (middle and right))

I have to admit in the beginning that, to moisturize my cuticles, I prefer very emollient and dense cuticle creams and that I also use very thick lip balms on my cuticles. In general, cuticle oil, on its own, does not do a lot for me.

But I do have a weakness for cute-looking cuticle oils. A big reason why I bought these three is that they look so adorable. They are like little treats, and I don’t really use them regularly. But, when I do, I use them as a nail/cuticle conditioner underneath my hand cream and cuticle cream.

The Ayura one in the middle is what started this weakness. It was a limited-edition item included in a set a few years ago and it was never sold on its own. The three layers of oil (of pink, peach, and lime-green shades) are mixed together before use. It is well-absorbed and smells divine. (This cuticle oil was a one-off creation based on the scent of Spirit of Ayura, one of my favorite fragrances.) I stopped using it after I decided I wanted to keep these colorful layers close to their entirety.

When Ayura’s nail items changed their packaging a couple of years ago, they released After Bath Nail Essence (a general item, not limited-edition). It is not an oil and has a serum texture. The inclusion of alcohol in this prevents it from being more moisturizing, and I make sure I apply a hand cream right afterwards.

The Paul & Joe Nail Treatment Oil (pictured left) has the same light oil texture as the Ayura limited-edition one. It penetrates well and conditions the nail area nicely before I apply my hand cream and cuticle cream.

The link to the Paul & Joe Nail Treatment Oil above shows the new version (Nail Care Oil), out on February 1st. I will be checking it out and see how different it is from the one I have…

Related Posts:

Can’t Live Without: Garnier Hand Cocoon
(one of my favorite hand creams)

Ayura Spring 2008 Collection
(a new look for my all-time favorite brand)

Paul & Joe Foundation Primer N
(tried and tested…and loving it)

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