All About Japanese Cosmetics: New Category Added

by PJ on Tuesday, October 30, 2007

in -Anna Sui, -Ayura, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Kao, -Kate, -Kosé, -Lavshuca, -Lunasol, -Majolica Majorca, -Paul & Joe, -Shiseido, -Sofina, -SUQQU, -T'Estimo, all about Japanese cosmetics, announcement

(You can tell that I love my Japanese cosmetics…)


Most of you who read my blog certainly know that I have a passion for Japanese cosmetics. While I do try to keep a balance between western and Japanese cosmetics on my blog, I do think, for me, Japanese cosmetics items do better on my scoreboard in most areas.

If you would like to look through my posts related to Japanese cosmetics, I have made it a bit easier for you by adding the category “All About Japanese Cosmetics“ on the sidebar (under “Read by Topics”). As of now, there are 96 posts under this category, and the number will certainly grow week by week.

Please enjoy!

Here are just a few highlights:

Loving Japanese Brands
(where I highlight 7 wonderful Japanese brands)

Japanese vs. Western…Who’s Winning?
(Which side are you on?)

If I Could Go to Japan RIGHT NOW
(I share my dream shopping list.)

A couple of the items featured in the photo above:

Kanebo T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes 03

Lavshuca Eye Color Select PK-1

More to come!!

{ 43 comments }

Beauty Duty for October 30, 2007

by PJ on Tuesday, October 30, 2007

in Weekly Beauty Duty

99 Products has a beauty weekend with friends and ends up trying Diesel’s new fragrance.

A Touch of blusher asks, “Why are anti-aging products getting more expensive?”

See why Beautiful Makeup Search is in love with Bobbi Brown’s new palette system.

Make Her Up: Jessica Simspon creating her own fragrance line!

Kristopher explains why a Louis Vuitton bum bag puts you in a classic position. Lewd wink.

Lipstick, Powder ‘n Paint says Fashion, Fragrance and now Face… Calvin Klein has it all

Makeup Bag shows us Seven Reds in Seven Days.

Product Girl plays with false lashes for the first time… and loves it.

TheMakeupGirl Shows us how to wear MAC pigment in her Face of The Day Series

WE LOVE BEAUTY’s Exclusive Giveaway: Smashbox Limited-Edition Photo Finish Lipstick for IOC

{ 0 comments }

Loose Powder: A Reemerging Phase?

by PJ on Sunday, October 28, 2007

in -Anna Sui, -Cosme Decorte, -Kanebo, -Kosé, -Lunasol, -Magie Deco, -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - powder

I always find myself in various “phases” when it comes to makeup purchases. Powder foundations, eyebrow powder, lipsticks, lip glosses, and blushers are some of the major phases in the last few years. Recently there is a recurring phase emerging: loose powder.

There is something very elegant about using a loose powder to lightly set the foundation to create that wonderfully polished complexion. Usually, it takes less time to achieve it with a pressed powder, but a nice loose powder sitting on the dressing table always carries an air of glamor.

I tend to choose a sheer loose powder that is either totally matte or with very little fine shimmer. It is even more ideal if the loose powder can effectively diffuse pores.

Meet the candidates vying for my attention:

Anna Sui Loose Powder

(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)


I have used the very first version of Anna Sui Loose Powder. Since then, it went through two packaging changes and now we are looking at the third version. (I do like the previous gold case.)

There are six shades available, which offer a good range of choices. The best selling shade in Asia is #200, which is a very sheer lavender with quite a lot of pearly shimmer. I have tested it and it doesn’t really suit me. I think a light beige (either #700 and #701, both matte) would suit me better.

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

I have read some good reviews of this loose powder, praising the fineness of the powder in particular. I also like the simple round case with the reflective copper-tone lid. #01 Translucent is an off-white with shimmer while I will be considering #02 Natural Beige, a light beige without shimmer.

Magie Deco Face Powder
(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco/)

Kosé’s top-end brand Cosme Decorte has launched a slightly more affordable (but still high-end) makeup line this fall, Magie Deco. The packaging draws part of the inspiration from the symmetric and structural Art Deco era. I have come across some magazine coverage of this loose powder and its pore-diffusing ability grabbed my attention. Four shades are available (Lucent/ Pearl Nuance/ Natural Beige/ Pink Sparkle), and I will be considering Lucent, a sheer matte pale beige.

(image from www.suqqu.com)

I like the deep violet packaging of the new SUQQU foundation line. The Loose Powder comes in two shades, Natural and Deep. The idea is to use both shades, with Natural for highlighting and Deep for contouring. Priced at 35 pounds (around 70 USD), it is unlikely that I will pick up both. Next week I will visit the SUQQU counter and see which one suits me better overall.

It is very likely that I will pick up at least one of these four. Which one will it be? I will keep you posted!

Read more about the featured brands:

Anna Sui
(Gothic Princess)

Lunasol
(Polished Sophistication)

SUQQU
(Pure Class)

{ 8 comments }

Splendid Sunday Reads for October 28, 2007

by PJ on Sunday, October 28, 2007

in Weekend Splendid Read

From the Splendicity members, comes another round of their best links.

BEAUTY

Face Candy shows us Guerlain’s latest – and it is gold.
Makeup Loves Me tells us about her love for Lancome’s Color Fever Gloss in Volcanic.
A Touch of Blusher shares her shopping list for Japan.
Beauty Banter has the exclusive information regarding Smashbox Cosmetics and Petro Zillia’s collaboration.
The Scented Life describes Mariah’s new fragrance.
15 Minute Beauty Fanatic shares what is on her Bobbi Brown wish list.
Beautiful Makeup Search says that this from Smashbox is a Must-Have for Tired Eyes.
Beautynomics reviews Tarte’s Lip Stain and Lip Enchancing Duo.
Vanity Vibe tells us if she thinks that the SK-II Air Touch Foundation and Blush is worth it.
eBeautyDaily lists 50 Beautiful Things you can do with Vaseline.
Hot Mama Daily gushes about Mama Mio’s Skincare.

FASHION

Chic by Nature introduces us to Five Accessories Eco Bags.
Spork Fashion has the latest from Heatherette’s Spring Show from Los Angeles.
The Fashionable Kiffen tells us that Rules are Made to be Broken.
Style Nosh shares some more Style Tips.
She Knows Best has a Cuff-Link Lesson for the men in our lives.
Style Tots tells us about her Must Have for Boys.
The Snarkstress rips up Kate Bosworth’s look, like only she can.

SHOPPING

Wardrobe Oxygen has a Review of Duo.
Let’s Go Shopping has a great video of Roberto Cavalli’s Fall and Winter Collection.
Haute and Bothered says that this bag is Totetastic.
The Latest Luxe tells us how to stay warm in this Sable Bolero.
Style It Less found a pair of Michael Kors Shoes under $100.
Teen Style Lounge says it is never too early to start Holiday Shopping and has some pink goodies for you.
The Well-Heeled Society asks if you Love or Hate these from Lanvin.
Aging Fabulous got a new bag, now she needs the matching wallet.

{ 0 comments }

Weekend Beauty Read for October 27, 2007

by PJ on Saturday, October 27, 2007

in Weekend Beauty Read

From The Beauty Blog Network:

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic: Sara Happ’s Lip Scrub

A Touch of Blusher (it’s me!): Foundation Face-Off: Chanel & SUQQU

All Lacquered Up:
Check out Essie’s Winter Collection Before It Hits Stores

Beauty and Fashion Tech: MAC Holiday Collection and Swatches

Beauty and Personality Grooming: Facial Scrubs for Dry Skin

Elke Von Freudenberg: Elke finally (gulp) loves pink lipstick

Etailers Mall – The Blog: Deadly Kiss Choker from After Dark Jewelry

Makeup Moxie’s Beauty Blog: Customized Clinique Happy Photo Bottles

Makeup and Beauty Blog:
Makeup Trends from LA Fashion Week and Tips from Smashbox Makeup Artist Lori Taylor

Makeup Loves Me: Lancome’s Color Fever Gloss in Volcanic Pink

Musings of a Muse:
MAC Formal Black 2006 vs MAC Antiquitease 2007 with Photos and Comparisons

Mystical Beauty’s Musings
The Body Perfumery Gloss Me! Hair Serum Review

Savvy Skin: Laser Hair Removal – Worth Another Chance?

Temptalia: Antiquitease: Royal Assets & Heirlooms Review & Swatches

The Life of A Ladybug: Toya’s Ode to Kevyn Aucoin

Have a wonderful weekend!

{ 0 comments }

Haircare Review: Profound Beauty

by PJ on Friday, October 26, 2007

in haircare

(image from profoundbeauty.com)


It is always a delight when I find something that really works, in this case, for my hair. I usually need haircare products that bring deep moisture to my hair and styling products that give weight and texture to tame my unruly ends. Among the products I have tried from Profound Beauty, there are many great finds.

Profound Beauty is an extensive salon haircare and hair-styling line that caters to a wide range of hair types and styling needs.

(60/40 Shampoo & 05/95 Conditioner)

60/40 Shampoo is a very efficient hair cleansing product for me. I wear hair-styling products very often and I sometimes have to wash my hair twice to make sure there is no residue of any styling product. With this shampoo, one wash is enough. Even though it is designed for dry hair, It can still be a little drying for me (since it is a very efficient cleanser). But the 05/95 Conditioner complements it extremely well, leaving my hair smooth and silky.

(The numbers in the product names indicate how moisturizing they are. The shampoos come in 95/05, 90/10, 80/20, and 60/40, while the conditioners come in 40/60, 20/80, 10/90, and 05/95. The higher the second number of the pair, the more moisturizing the product is.)

(Linear Serum & Frizz Zero Cream)


Both Frizz Zero Cream and Linear Serum combat frizzy hair effectively. Frizz Zero Cream is essentially a leave-in conditioner. Even though the texture of the cream is very light, it works superbly well in bringing some weight and taming my fluffy ends, leaving the hair fresh and well-conditioned. Linear Serum is a simple silicone-based serum that has a very light watery texture and doesn’t leave hair greasy. (But, in this case, I’d personally prefer something more concentrated and heavy-duty, like John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Extra Strength.)

(Stucco & Arctic Chill)


Arctic Chill and Stucco are very different styling products, but both work well for my hair and have individual strengths. Usually, I don’t use a hair mousse because it gives me unnecessary volume. But Arctic Chill is a mousse that gives a glossy and sleek finish and takes away volume instantly. Stucco is a thick paste-like cream that has a completely matte finish and effectively gives texture and effortless definition.

Overall I am very pleased with what I have tried, especially the Frizz Zero Cream and the two styling products. Among the three, I have not used anything that performs quite like Arctic Chill, which is a particularly good find for me.

Other Haircare Reviews:

Dove Cool Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner

James Brown London (featuring Kate Moss)

{ 0 comments }

Straight onto My Shopping List: Lavshuca Holiday 2007 Palette

by PJ on Wednesday, October 24, 2007

in -Lavshuca, 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Lavshuca Holiday 2007 palettes)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca/)


As I mentioned yesterday, for this holiday season, not a lot of items have made the cut for my shopping list (only the DiorLight pendant and the MAC Antiquitease Royal Assets palettes). But when I saw these holiday 2007 palettes from Lavshuca (out on November 1 in Japan), the decision was made very quickly: I am getting one of these.

There are two versions, one with beige shades and one with pink and lilac tones. I am definitely leaning toward the pink and the lilac shades.

There is also a transparent lid on the lip color compartment so the eyeshadow powder won’t fly all over the lip shades and make them look dusty. A very thoughtful touch.

Also out on November 1 is a new range of lip colors, Liquid Rouge. Like Jewelry Lips, they will be very petite and compact.

(Lavshuca Liquid Rouge)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca/)

At the moment, on the website, PK-1, PK-3, and RS-1 look pretty good. We’ll see how they are compared with Color Conc Rouge that I tried earlier. (They look slightly cuter already, I have to say…)

Related posts:

Dior Diorissime Palette
(a great palette for both eyes and lips)

Lavshuca Eye Color Select in PK-1 and BU-1
(two of my favorite items from Lavshuca)

{ 10 comments }

Which holiday item has made the cut for you?

by PJ on Tuesday, October 23, 2007

in 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics

(part of the Holiday 2007 collection feature
on Biteki magazine)
(image from www.biteki.com)

I am sure most of you have seen almost all the coverage of the Holiday 2007 collections and have probably purchased some. But if you need some more material to help you decide, have a look at the on-line excerpt of the December 2007 issue of Biteki magazine, which presents a definitive coverage of Holiday 2007 items.

This issue is now out in Japan and should be available in Japanese bookstores in many other countries within the next few weeks. (Mine should be ready for collection in JP Books in London in the next couple of days.)

Compared with last year, not many items have made it to my provisional shopping list. So far, I have three items:

Dior DiorLight pendant

MAC Antiquitease Royal Assets palettes
(I might pick up either a lip or an eye palette.)

There is a third item, which I shall reveal tomorrow!

Which item has made the cut for you?

Related Posts:

Biteki Magazine
(Read about my long-term relationship with this wonderful Japanese cosmetics magazine…I have every issue of it since its launch in 2001…)

Other Holiday 2007 Collections
(Have a look at the ones that grabbed my attention)

{ 4 comments }

Beauty Duty for October 23, 2007

by PJ on Tuesday, October 23, 2007

in Weekly Beauty Duty

Enjoy!

A Touch of Blusher: Would You Like Some Samples?

Beautiful Makeup Search: Make Up For Ever’s Diamonds For Ever

Make Her Up: What’s in Jennifer Connelly’s makeup bag?

GlamBlush: Five Things You May Not Know About Chanel No. 5

KRiSTOPHER DUKES:
Givenchy shoes: They’re a lil bit country club, and a lil bit rock n’ roll

Lipstick, Powder ‘n Paint: Clinique GWPs: Editor’s Choice Bonus Program

Makeup Bag:
Makeup Bag knows every girl loves CHOCOLATE!

Product Girl: Tarte’s New “We Wish You Well” Holiday Palette

The Makeup Girl: The American Beauty Tour with Billy B.

We Love Beauty: View the candidates and vote for Benefit’s Official “That Gal”

{ 0 comments }

Foundation Face-Off: Chanel Mat Lumière & SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow

by PJ on Sunday, October 21, 2007

in -Chanel, -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation

(SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow & Chanel Mat Lumière)

(ample amount for numerous applications)

I happened to get some generous trial samples of two of the foundations I was looking forward to trying out: Chanel Mat Lumière and SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow. The samples allow many applications so I was able to really compare them.

Finish:

Both have a pleasingly matte finish. Chanel’s finish lives up to its name, as it is predominantly matte but with a natural and subtle luminosity. SUQQU creates more of a velvety matte finish, which looks very polished. I am happy with both.

Coverage:

As I usually go for a medium or medium-to-full coverage, SUQQU wins it here for me. It has an effortless medium-to-full coverage without looking chalky or cakey at all. The ultra-smooth powder almost has a moist feel, which is a joy to use. On the other hand, Chanel gives a natural and sheer-to-medium coverage. Personally, I would like a bit more coverage than this.

Pore Concealing:

Again, SUQQU wins it hands down in this category. Powder foundations from Japanese brands often do exceptionally well in smoothing out pores. Chanel falls short in covering pores effectively.

Shine Control:

This is where Chanel performs better than SUQQU. Sometimes, the trade-off for a velvety and almost moist powder foundation is that the powder doesn’t absorb sebum very effectively. In this case, Chanel’s slightly dryer powder tackles this area more successfully.

Overall, I still prefer SUQQU’s Powder Foundation Glow. It creates a great coverage and finish, and it conceals pores very well and gives a smooth and polished look. (I just need to remember to blot out the shine a bit more often.) But Chanel’s Mat Lumière is not bad at all, and it will suit someone that wants a sheer and natural look. Both are a worth a good look.

Notes on the basics:
Chanel Mat Lumière: 6 shades, SPF 10 PA +
SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow: 5 shdes, SPF16 PA ++
(PA indicates the strength of UVA protection, ranging from PA+ to PA ++++)

Related Posts:

SUQQU Fall 2007 Foundation Lineup
(See the other brand-new items apart from the foundation reviewed above.)

SUQQU: Sensuality with an Attitude
(my personal take on one of the most welcome additions to the UK beauty scene)

Chanel: The Perfect Black
(Find out why Chanel is one of my favorite brands.)

{ 10 comments }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →