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

The ONLY Eyelash Curler I Ever Need

by PJ on Wednesday, November 14, 2007

in beauty tools/accessories, makeup, stash focus

(Here it is.)

One of my readers suggested that I review my eyelash curler, so I decided to share with all of you this little useful tool.

I bought this such a long time ago that I don’t remember which brand it is from. I only remember that it is from a very inexpensive Japanese drugstore beauty tool brand. There are many such brands in Japan as well as in other Asian countries, and it is generally not hard to get something similar.

(the narrower curler)

This is usually called a narrow curler or a precision curler. The curler itself measures about 0.8 cm. It doesn’t grab and curl all the lashes at the same time. Instead, it curls a portion of the lashes at a time.

(measuring about 0.8cm)

The best thing about this kind of curler is that it can really get to the lashes at the two ends. Also, I can have an optimal control as to the exact extend and angle of the curl I want from different sections of my lashes.

Plus, sometimes the curve of a normal curler might not suit everyone. This is absolutely not an issue here. This is something that I think everyone can use to get the most beautifully naturally curled lashes.

With all these wonderful merits, this is my first and only eyelash curler, and I have never needed another one!

If you are interested, Japonesque and Seki Edge carry very similar versions.

My Makeup Brush Stash
(See my beloved makeup brushes.)

You Mean It’s NOT Real?
(Have your say!)

Spotlight on Mascaras
(featuring Dior, YSL, Max Factor, and L’Oréal)

{ 20 comments }

Finally Got It! SUQQU Sanzekan Eau de Toilette

by PJ on Tuesday, November 13, 2007

in -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, fragrance, stash focus

(The photo in the leaflet shows off
the angular shape of the bottle.)

(SUQQU Sanzekan Eau de Toilette 50ml)

It may appear as an impulse purchase, since I decided to buy this within seconds of seeing it. (It was launched on the day when I was at the counter, and I hadn’t come across any information about the launch.) But it really was not, and I will explain why.

This fragrance is based on the scent of Sanzekan (the eastern orchid), which is used in all SUQQU’s skincare products. Personally I dislike any prominent scent in skincare products. (It is simply unnecessary and may cause irritation.) But, purely as a scent, I really like it. Unique, sophisticated, and instantly memorable.

(Sanzekan, the eastern orchid)

(image from www.suqqu.com)

The first time SUQQU released this scent as a fragrance was when they launched the holiday collection in November 2005 (seen below on the left).

(SUQQU holiday 2005 collection)
(image from www.suqqu.com)

It is a 18ml travel-size bottle. The collection (sold as a set) also included a lipstick and a nail color based on the rich red hue of Sanzekan.

The full-size fragrance was released in Japan a year later in November 2006 but also as a limited edition. This was around the time SUQQU was launched in the UK. The actual fragrance was not available in the UK, but I fell in love with the scent of Sanzekan in the skincare products.

Around that time, there was a Gift with Purchase offer which included the 18ml fragrance (seen in the 2005 holiday set above). But the qualifying amount for the GWP was too high so I decided not to get it.

At the time, the sales assistants didn’t know whether the fragrance would ever be available in the UK. So I simply gave up the idea of ever owning the fragrance. But I liked the scent so much that I would constantly sniff the toner sample I got.

So you can imagine how excited I was when I saw this bottle in its full glory at the SUQQU counter last week. (I thought I’d never see it.) Without no hesitation, I decided to get it.

As mentioned, the prominent note is the eastern orchid Sanzekan. Feminine and lilting, it is a beautifully delicate and elegant scent.

Top note: eastern orchid (Sanzekan)
Middle notes: rose and jasmine
Base notes: vanilla and sandalwood

Like AYURA‘s Spirit of AYURA, this has a unique oriental flavor to it that I really enjoy. Not a generic scent, to say the very least. I am so glad I finally have it now…

Sheer Stella 2007
(featuring all the previous editions)

Bond No. 9 Coney Island
(summer bottled up)

My Favorite Fragrances
(What about yours?)

{ 4 comments }

Beauty Duty for November 13, 2007

by PJ on Tuesday, November 13, 2007

in Weekly Beauty Duty

Enjoy!

A Touch of Blusher has just got the DiorLight Jewelled Necklace.

Beautiful Makeup Search discovers a natural, yet luxurious cosmetics line in Josie Maran Cosmetics.

GlamBlush stopped by the DKNY Delicious Night fragrance launch party last week. See exclusive video of Zoe Kravitz and Rumer Willis dance the night away.

KRiSTOPHER explains how she became “Kristopher? With a ‘K’?”

This past weekend saw the 1st Annual Canadian Makeup Show. Lipstick, Powder ‘n Paint was there and met up with MAC onsite.

Make Her Up has the BEST stocking stuffer idea – care of Bliss!

Product Girl is enchanted by the Chanel Holiday collection.

The Organic Beauty Expert offers a Green Beauty Video Review of Suki Color.

TheMakeupGirl tells us how to winterize our skin by exfoliating.

WE LOVE BEAUTY Stylemaker, Celeb Makeup Artist and “Lip Gloss Queen” Mary Klimek, reveals her Must-Have Gloss Picks for Fall.

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Lavshuca Holiday 2007 Makeup Palette

by PJ on Monday, November 12, 2007

in -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Lavshuca Holiday 2007 Palette)

I just got my Lavshuca holiday 2007 palette a couple of days ago. The first thing I did was to take some photos so I could show you this cute palette.

I have not actually used it yet. (Unlike the DiorLight necklace that I also just got, I WILL be using this.) I will post a review after I have used the eyeshadows and the lip colors.

I was surprised to find that all the bits were outside the case when I received this. This is Lavshuca’s first eye-and-lip palette so they seem to be having a bit of fun with it. Also, since the case is not transparent, it makes sense to present everything like this so the customers in the drugstores can instantly see all the colors and the front of the case. Overall I like the whole presentation.

The case is made of cardboard but it is relatively sturdy.

(the case and the colors presented separately)

(Complete the puzzle!)

Obviously all the bits go into the case. But, I think perhaps some people will be quite happy just to leave them where they are so everything can be displayed as it is in the cute box. Umm…it is not a bad idea actually……

Straight onto my Shopping List: Lavshuca Holiday 2007 Palette
(my first impression of the palettes along with the new lip glosses)

Chanel Contraste Lumière Palette
(another great eye-and-lip palette)

{ 8 comments }

Holiday 2007 Focus: DiorLight Jewelled Makeup Necklace

by PJ on Sunday, November 11, 2007

in -Dior, 2007 Holiday, makeup, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Dior DiorLight Jewelled Makeup Necklace for the Lips)

Priced at 54 pounds in the UK (about 112 USD), it is not cheap. But since I had enough Boots advantage points and I really liked the look of this necklace, I decided to use my points on this after it was launched in Boots on November 6th. (It was launched in some department stores earlier.) So I didn’t spend any money on this.

(I will write another post later on to explain to my readers outside the UK how the popular and uniquely generous Boots Advantage Point system works.)

Here, Dior’s seasonal limited-edition items are usually priced at 35 pounds (about 73 USD). I suppose this one is pricier because of the Swarovski crystals used on the pendant (not on the “Dior” logo though).

The gloss comes in two choices, pink and beige. (Only the beige is available in the US.) I picked the prettier pink one.

(the “default” pink)

As I mentioned in my initial report on the various Christmas 2007 collections, this pendant is larger than what I expected. The total length of the necklace is about 82 cm. It comes with a black draw-string pouch for storage and protection.

The lip gloss is what I call a “default” pink, a universally wearable pink with some shimmer that should suit most people.

Having said that, I will probably not use it, as it joins my permanent Dior collection…

Dior Pretty Charm
(Dior Holiday 2006 item)

Diorissime Palette
(Dior Fall 2007 item…this one I am happily using……)

{ 6 comments }

Spendid Sunday Reads for November 11, 2007

by PJ on Sunday, November 11, 2007

in Weekend Splendid Read

From our Splendicity members, comes some of the best posts of the week.

BEAUTY
Shades of U dishes out her reviews of MAC’s upcoming Curiositease pigment and glitter sets, including swatches and product pictures.

Kyle falls in love with Revive Moisturizing Renewal Cream at Face Candy.

The one-year-old A Touch of Blusher brings you highlights from the past 12 months.

Makeup Loves Me gives all the details of Mac’s Antiquitease Holiday Collection.

Who doesn’t like free beauty products?! Beauty Banter combs the web for the best beauty discounts and freebies this week!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic discovers Bond No. 9’s Newest Fragrance, Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory.

Check out the luxurious Acca Kappa 8 piece Solingen Steel Manicure Set, and Beauty Gizmo wonders if it’s worth the investment.

Vanity Vibe shares her Kerastase Vita Ciment Salon Experience.

Wardrobe Oxygen tries out and reviews Sephora’s Smokey Eye Kit.

FASHION
STYLEnosh shows WhatWentWrong when bad jeans happen to good people.

She Knows Best compiled a comprehensive list of Men’s Fashion Don’ts.

StyleTots found Ralph Lauren Under $30 Items For Boys and Girls.

TeenStyleLounge is hosting a contest where the prize is beautiful skin!

Snarkstress gets verclempt over the reunion of some Friends-ly stars.

Spork Fashion Exclusive! Actress Shannyn Sossamon shares Her Style.

Haute and Bothered says These Prints are Poutrageous.

The Fashionable Kiffen asks “what are the top ten must-haves in your wardrobe?”

Who made UsMagazine.com ‘s Best Dressed Bumps list? Check out Hot Mama Daily to find out…

SHOPPING
Style Goodies needs no excuse to shop at Sephora!

Style It Less Dug 30 Under $30 Brand Name Items From Nordstrom.

The Latest Luxe plays innocent with these Christian Louboutin Penny Loafers.

The Scented Life has Five Can’t Miss Perfume Presents for Her.

Let’s Go Shopping found 3 Fabulous SkinCare Kits.

Chic by Nature wonders if you are still searching for that perfect winter coat? Check out grace & cello’s latest additions.

Kikay Kits has the Kikay Girl of the Week: Ms. Juniorproblogger!

Have a splendid week!

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Weekend Beauty Read for November 10, 2007

by PJ on Saturday, November 10, 2007

in Weekend Beauty Read

Enjoy, and have a great weekend!

From The Beauty Blog Network:

The Beauty Blog Network Blog welcomes newest member Rouge Deluxe to the group!

Elke reviews Aussie’s Hair Products on her blog.

Makeup Moxie’s fave new find: MAC lipstick meets Modern Art in these personalized “Kiss” Portraits from DNA 11.

All Lacquered Up’s Nail Tip of the Week: a solution for the horror that is Toes & Hose.

A Touch of Blusher reviews Chanel Ombre D’Eau Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow.

Beautynomics reviews Clinique’s Holiday 2007 Makeup and Fragrances.

The Mineral Makeup Blog reviews Mineralogie Pressed Mineral Powder and Matte Finishing Powder.

Temptalia has a tutorial for a bold, jewel-toned eye.

Beauty and Fashion Tech reviews the Star 50 Handbags Collection featuring a handbag for every state.

Savvy Skin says Infomercials – Fool Me No More!

SugarShock gets the royal treatment with MAC Royal Assets palettes.

Hello Dollface hope to look like Heidi Klum!

Musings of a Muse reviews the Bare Escentuals Pure Platinum Collection with Product Photos.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic tries Bond No. 9’s new Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory Fragrance.

Beauty and Personality Grooming: The luxury called ‘oil bath’

Makeup Loves Me explores Prescriptives’ fabulous custom blend foundation.

Beauty Banter reviews MAC’s Royal Asset’s Lip Compacts, revamping her image for a night out on the Sunset Strip!

Bionic Beauty: All Natural Herbaria Soaps.

Mystical Beauty’s Musings: Pop-Up Makeup Brushes.

At Face Candy, Kyle reviews Profound Beauty’s Structure Hair Care Collection.

DivaShop: Gloria tries an Aqua/Teal Eye Look.

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Lunasol Spring 2008 Collection: First Look!

by PJ on Friday, November 9, 2007

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of the Lunasol Spring 2008 Collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

This is my first spring 2008 makeup collection post, and it is on one of my favorite brands, Lunasol.

Inspired by the vibrant colors of the ocean, the lipsticks reflect the various shades of the coral while the eyeshadows pick up the hues of sea water.

The collection includes:

Full Glamor Lips G (20 shades)
Contrasting W Lip Liners (4 shades)
Sheer Contrast Eyes (eyeshadow palettes, 5 variations)
Contrasting Cheeks N (2 shades)
W Highlight (highlighter) (1 shade)

The collection will be released in Japan on January 18, 2008.

Looking at the promotional image above, I suspect that there are going to be some bright yet wearable shades in interesting combinations for the eyeshadow palettes, which is exciting. (I actually really like the look of the eyeshadow palette above.) I am interested in seeing the two new blushers as well.

In the past few seasons, Lunasol has been doing extremely well, and I am definitely looking forward to this collection.

Updated on December 30, 2007:

Earlier, Lunasol‘s official website updated to include the complete lineup of the spring 2008 collection. These two photos below show part of the lineup. The Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes look particularly stunning.

(Lunasol Full Glamor Lips G)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)

(Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)

Lunasol Contrasting Cheeks in Light Orange
(for a sun-kissed glow)

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

{ 8 comments }

Bodycare Review: Principessa Hand Cream, Body Lotion, and Lip Balm

by PJ on Friday, November 9, 2007

in bodycare

(From left: Principessa Cattiva Diva Silky Hand Cream
Bacio Me Lip balm,
and Dolce Dreams Whipped Body Lotion)

Principessa is a bodycare line with pink and feminine packaging, which is cute and not overly girlie, and some nice goodies to take care of your body.

Dolce Dream Whipped Body Lotion is my favorite among the three products that I’ve tried. Rich and creamy, it leaves the skin very smooth and moisturized. I also like the fact that, as with the other two products, the Body Lotion is very mildly scented. Unless I am using a body lotion from a fragrance range, I don’t particularly go for the ones with a strong scent. In this case, this one is a great all-rounder for me.

Cattiva Diva Silky Hand Cream has a lighter texture compared with some of my favorite hand creams. But it is pleasantly moisturizing and a little goes a long way. It doesn’t particularly leave the hands greasy so it is something nice to have at the desk.

Bacio Me Lip Balm works very well…on nails and cuticles. Used on the lips, it is greasy and does not absorb well. But I have found that it is a great cuticle moisturizer. I massage it into the nail and cuticle areas right before bedtime. It does leave a slightly greasy film, but I don’t mind it at all. Personally, for a night cuticle treatment, the more emollient the better. The next day, the cuticles look soft, moisturized, and pampered.

If you are looking for body products that moisturize well and look good on the shelves or if you are looking for products that don’t interfere with the fragrances you wear, these items are certainly worth a look.

Cake Beauty Plane Friendly Travel Kit

{ 2 comments }

A Touch of Blusher is one year old!

by PJ on Wednesday, November 7, 2007

in announcement, blog anniversary

(Would you like some homemade chocolate brownie?)

One year ago today, I was browsing through some fashion magazines in a bookstore. Then, after having the idea of writing my own blog for a few weeks, I decided to make it a reality.

I’d say that it started as an act of self-indulgence, since I love reading about and discussing with my friends about beauty and fashion. Then, little by little, it has almost become a conversation between all of you and me.

I’d like to thank everyone that has stopped by my blog as well as all the regular readers and subscribers. Anyone that blogs or writes for any medium knows how great it feels to know that there are people who are interested in what he or she has to say. I have been enjoying getting all the comments and e-mails, and many of the discussions have given me ideas of new topics to talk about. keep them coming!

Also, thanks to my other half, Andrew, who, after my failing attempts to think of a decent name for the blog, came up with A Touch of Blusher, which instantly felt right…(and he made the brownie as well……)

Now, do please allow me to indulge myself again and bring you through some of the posts that mark the first twelve months of A Touch of Blusher. Enjoy!

November 2006:
I talked about Gemma Ward fronting Kosé’s new line, Esprique Precious.

December:
I shared one of my great finds in Japan (and one of my favorite makeup items, ever): Clarins’ Palette Impression.

January 2007:
I compared western and Japanese cosmetics.

February:
I talked about Lavshuca Eye Color Select palettes, two of my favorite makeup purchases of the year.

March:
It was an interesting experience to know that I would be writing about it on my blog before stepping inside the beautiful Marc Jacobs’ first boutique in the UK.

April:
I shared all my various versions of Sheer Stella fragrances.

May:
I wrote about Calvin Klein Cosmetics as the start of the Bring It Back! series, where I talk about cosmetics lines that I wish would make a comeback. (It is fantastic to know that Calvin Klein has re-launched the makeup line in Hong Kong and Taiwan in September.)

June:
I traveled to Nottingham for an inspirational fashion show and found out the fashion blood of the city.

July:
A reader’s comment inspired me to talk about Kate, Lavshuca’s edgier, darker sister.

August:
I devoted one week to anti-aging skincare.

September:
Plans to visit Japan again have been underway, and I share my dream shopping list.

October:
I introduced A-Mei, who will collaborate with MAC for a collection in January 2008.

There will be more interesting things coming up on my blog, one of which is a new series where I reveal my own must-have cosmetics items. The first post will be up next week. So do stay tuned and do consider subscribing to my blog via e-mail to keep track on my future posts! Thank you!

{ 24 comments }

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