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

Anna Sui Spring 2008 Makeup Collection: First Look

by PJ on Wednesday, November 28, 2007

in -Anna Sui, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Anna Sui spring 2008 makeup collection)

(images from www.cosme.net)

Anna Sui will release its spring 2008 makeup collection in Japan on January 10, 2007.

The collection includes lip glosses, eyeshadows, eyeshadow palettes, eyeliners, nail colors, and a makeup mirror.

The lipstick-looking item on the top left is Glitter Eyecolor Stick, available in 5 shades. (See all the shades, including a blue and a purple, on my post on Spring 2008 Makeup Preview.)

I mentioned before that Anna Sui needed to come up with more ingenious product designs to keep people interested. (Otherwise, the brand would start to date.) It looks like Glitter Eyecolor Stick is one of their answers. I’d be very interested in the texture and the finish of this range of eye colors.

Finally, after quite a few seasons, there is an Anna Sui seasonal collection for me to really look forward to. Apart from Glitter Eyecolor Stick, I am also interested in the three limited-edition lip glosses. I might be looking at yet another member of my blue lip gloss family…

Related Posts:

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

Anna Sui Face Color Accent
(a surprisingly wearable blusher)

My Anna Sui Foundation Cases
(Which one is your favorite?)

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Beauty Duty for November 27, 2007

by PJ on Tuesday, November 27, 2007

in Weekly Beauty Duty

Enjoy!

A Touch of Blusher previews Chanel’s, Dior’s, Givenchy’s (among others) spring 2008 makeup collections.

Beautiful Makeup Search shares her Holiday Makeup Set picks for her annual Holiday Gift Guide.

KRiSTOPHER tries YSL’s Elle perfume, and The Boy loves it.

Lipstick, Powder ‘n Paint says chapped hands are so NOT fun. Save your hands this winter!

Make Her Up has the perfect product to steal Amanda Peet’s GAP look. BONUS: First look at her gorgeous daughter, Frances!

Makeup Moxie’s review of Sukicolor Tinted Mineral Moisturizer turns into an illuminating discussion with comments from Cosmetics Cop, Paula Begoun and Sukicolor-founder, Suki Kramer.

Tis the season for cosmetic giveaways from The Organic Beauty Expert as well as giveaways of 15 relaxer kits from Creme of Nature.

TheMakeupGirl previews a beauty serum and brush set that donates a portion of the proceeds to charity – Solessence Serum Defense set is as effective as it is beautiful .

WE LOVE BEAUTY Stylemaker and Hairstylist to the stars, Kristin Ess, reveals the must-have tool in her toolbox.

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Lavshuca Spring 2008 Collection: First Look

by PJ on Tuesday, November 27, 2007

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

(Lavshuca Spring 2008 Collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Like Kate, Lavshuca will release its spring 2008 collection on February 1, 2008.

The collection is well-rounded and features eye shadows, lip colors, foundations, and a makeup base. The lineup includes:

Rouge Essence lipsticks (10 shades)
Noble On Color Eyes palettes (5 variations)
Jewel Lips lipsticks (2 new shades)
Grade Color Select eyeshadow palette (1 new variation)
Powder Foundation N (5 shades)
Skin Filter Base (1 shade)

Noble On Color Eyes will be the new eyeshadow palette range to join the lineup, but, packaging-wise, it looks less impressive than the Eye Color Select palettes. But I will definitely still think about picking up a couple of them when there is more information on the various shades.

Spring 2008 Makeup Preview
(featuring Chanel, Dior, Givenchy…)

Kate Spring 2008 Collection

Lunasol Spring 2008 Collection

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Kate Spring 2008 Collection: First Look

by PJ on Tuesday, November 27, 2007

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

(Kate Spring 2008 Collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Kate will release its Spring 2008 makeup collection on February 1, 2008.

It is all about the eyes for Kate in spring 2008! The collection includes:

Line Spicy N eyeshadow palettes (5 variations)
Magical Volume Gel Mascara (1 shade)
Square Cut Eyeliner (5 shades)
Powder Gel Eyeliner (3 shades)
Gradical Eyes palette (1 new variation)
Glam Tricks Eyes palette (1 new variation)

The Square Cut Eyeliner features a flat rectangle-cut tip for a flexible application:

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

I have not been a Kate fan in the last few years. Will 2008 be the year for me to buy my first Kate item? I will keep you posted!

Kate – Lavshuca’s Dark, Edgier Sister
(my personal take on Kate)

Lavshuca Spring 2008 Collectio n
(Do you love the new looks?)

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Holiday 2007 Focus: Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N in 001 Black-Tie

by PJ on Monday, November 26, 2007

in -Paul & Joe, 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N in 001 Black-Tie,
part of Paul & Joe’s Christmas 2007 collection)

We all know that makeup items very often look disappointingly less impressive than how they appear on glossy fashion magazines. But this lip gloss is one of those welcome surprises.

Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N in 001 Black-Tie is part of the limited-edition Holiday 2007 Collection, titled Invitation.

(Paul & Joe Holiday 2007 collection: Invitation)
(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com/en/index.html)

(Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N)
(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com/en/index.html)

What grabbed my attention (and the reason it looks much better in person) is the multi-color shimmer. It has pink, yellow, green, and lilac shimmer. It also has very little blue-ish shimmer which is in a warm turquoise-y shade.

The shimmery particles look beautiful, but I won’t describe them as very delicate since they are just a little bit larger than those in some of my other glosses. But they are not glittery at all and are very fitful for the holiday season.

Upon seeing the photo on the Paul & Joe website for the first time, I thought the shade might be too dark for my liking and that I would not want to wear it. (I tend to prefer lip glosses that are not too densely pigmented.) But it is actually a very nicely and delicately pigmented shade (not too sheer) with subtle transparency.

The only thing I can imagine that might bother some people is that the texture of the gloss is slightly more liquidy than some of my other glosses. When it is on my lips, occasionally it travels just a little bit. I avoid it simply by not over-layering it too much.

Overall I love this gloss, and it is now among my favorites. I will surely be reviewing some of my other lip gloss favorites later on, so do stay tuned!

Fragrance Review: Bond No. 9 Saks Fifth Avenue for Her & Him

by PJ on Sunday, November 25, 2007

in -Bond No. 9, fragrance

(Bond No. 9 Saks Fifth Avenue for Her & for Him)

(image from Bond No. 9)

Saks Fifth Avenue for Her & for Him mark an unique collaboration between Bond No. 9 and one of New York City’s retail landmarks. Named after the store, the two scents explore a unique dimension in retailing.

Saks Fifth Avenue for Her–

Top notes: jasmine, tuberose
Middle note: gardenia
Base notes: vetiver, vanilla

With jasmine, tuberose, and gardenia, this fragrance is like an elegant and sophisticated white bouquet. Floral and sweet, the uncomplicated scent has a intriguingly powdery tone.

It reminds me very slightly of two Marc Jacobs fragrances: the jasmine-based Blush and the gardenia-based Marc Jacobs Perfume, which I prefer since they are very pleasantly soft. On the other hand, Saks Fifth Avenue for Her has more of a punch.

Saks Ffith Avenue for Him

–

Top notes: chili, black pepper, cardamom, bergamot
Middle note: incense
Base notes: guiac wood, amber

A few slightly more unique notes, like guaiac wood, were incorporated to render an edge against popular notes like bergamot and amber. Chili, black pepper and incense don’t tip the balance to their side and I think they play the supporting roles very well.

Young, fresh, lively and upbeat, this is a very wearable men’s fragrance that is not overtly masculine.

For the Holiday 2007 season, Bond No. 9 releases a limited-edition Saks Fifth Avenue for Her bottle with dazzling Swarovski crystals.

(image from Bond No. 9)

Not surprisingly, these two scents are sold exclusively in Saks Fifth Avenue apart from Bond No. 9’s boutiques.

My favorite fragrances
(my ultimate top three)

Stella Velvet Edition by Stella McCartney
(wearing a tailored jacket)

Bring It Back! Bulgari Skincare
(featuring some of my Bulgari Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert bottles)

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Fragrance Review: Bond No. 9 Andy Warhol Silver Factory

by PJ on Sunday, November 25, 2007

in -Bond No. 9, fragrance

(Bond No. 9 Andy Warhol Silver Factory)
(image from Bond No. 9)

On December 1, Bond No. 9 launches Silver Factory, the first fragrance in the Andy Warhol series.

All the Bond No. 9 fragrances are named after landmarks in New York City, and the upcoming Warhol scents will be no exception. They will be named after Warhol’s favorite haunts, and Silver Factory, his original studio in the 1960’s, commences the series.

The bottle design reflects Warhol’s creation of a series of colored Campbell’s Soup cans in 1965. It features blocks of turquoise and purple (which happen to be two of my favorite colors) and the script in yellow.

(image from Bond No. 9)

Even the higher-than-usual 28 percent perfume concentrate in this eau de parfum is inspired by the “Condensed” Campbell’s Tomato Soup.

Top notes: bergamot, grapefruit, lavender

Middle notes: violet, incense, jasmine, iris
Base notes: amber, wood resin, cedarwood

Despite the floral notes, I find that the scent remains essentially woody, with the aroma of smoky incense forming the fragrance’s core identity. Almost mysteriously aloof, this deeply brooding scent conveys a confident and assertive undercurrent of energy.

Andy Warhol Silver Factory will be available in Bond No. 9’s boutiques and website, as well as Saks Fifth Avenue and saks.com.

SUQQU Sanzekan (eastern orchid)
(My recent favorite!)

Bond No. 9 Coney Island
(one of my favorites from Bond No. 9)

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Weekend Beauty Read for November 25, 2007

by PJ on Sunday, November 25, 2007

in Weekend Beauty Read

Have a great weekend!

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog interviews Paris Hilton and gets her top 5 beauty tips.

Bionic Beauty shares her mineral makeup look of the day: “Rockin’ the Glow”.

A Touch of Blusher (it’s me!) can’t live without this hand cream!

Lipsticks are Like Men: Makeup Moxie Reviews Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick.

Beauty and Fashion Tech has a list of makeup palettes that are perfect for holiday gifts.

The Muse shares her collection and reviews of Be Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful Perfumes.

Savvy Skin covets all of Oprah’s Favorite Things 2007.

Temptalia reviews MAC’s Metal-X Collection with swatches!

Elke reviews the ColorPro stick on eye shadow stencils, with somewhat iffy results.

Stylish Opinion finds a new ‘green’ beauty skincare line, “Green By Nature”.

The Beauty Blog Network welcomes newest member Scandalous Beauty to it’s team.

Beauty Banter muses about the hot new trend: Cat Eyes… Who is wearing it and how you can achieve the look too!

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic checks out Prescriptive’s Holiday 2007 Sets.

Beauty and Personality Grooming – Herbal after shampoo hair rinses.

SugarShock finds a bath and shower gel that’s worthy of Cleopatra.

Makeup Loves Me is seduced by sunsilk’ get hairapy commercials, but not it’s shampoos.

Scandalous Beauty delivers an exclusive interview with Celebrity Make-Up Artist Sam Fine!

Face Candy gets a new holiday look and reviews Marc Jacob’s newest scent- Daisy.

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Spring 2008 Makeup Collections: How many brands can you spot?

by PJ on Friday, November 23, 2007

in -Anna Sui, -Chanel, -Dior, -Guerlain, -Helena Rubinstein, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Kosé, -Lunasol, -Shu Uemura, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

Exciting spring 2008 makeup preview!
(image from i-voce.boxerblog.com/contents/index.html)

The Voce website has a page from the January 2008 issue, featuring a preview of some spring 2008 makeup collections.

I see Dior, Chanel, Jill Stuart, Lunasol, Anna Sui, Givenchy, Guerlain, Coffret D’Or, Beauté de Kosé, and perhaps Helena Rubinstein, Sofina Est and Shu Uemura…just to name a few.

I think I have already seen some items I want…and it is still November!

I am loving the look of the Chanel and Lunasol lilac eyeshadow palettes (as if I didn’t have enough lilac palettes…with my T’Estimo, Jill Stuart, and Lavshuca lilac bonanza).

What has grabbed your attention?

Updated on Friday, November 23, 2007:

Bjooti has kindly confirmed that the zebra-printed one towards the top left is indeed from the Helena Rubinstein spring 2008 collection. Take a look at the full collection on her blog!

Related Posts (let’s go back to holiday 2007):

Dior DiorLight Jewelled Makeup Necklace
(another beautiful Dior seasonal item)

Lavshuca Christmas 2007 Makeup Palette
(as cute as a box of chocolates…)

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Bring It Back! Boots Botanics Cleansing Oil

by PJ on Thursday, November 22, 2007

in _Bring It Back, -Boots, skincare, skincare - cleansing/toning, stash focus

(Boots Botanics Essential Oil Wash Off Cleanser;
with a separate pump dispenser)

This time, in my “Bring It Back!” Series, I am not going to talk about a whole line of cosmetics. Instead, I am focusing on a very good and affordable makeup remover that has been discontinued.

Boots has various lines of skincare and makeup ranges. While one of my favorite Boots lines is No. 7, it doesn’t have a cleanser that I really like. On the other hand, the slightly cheaper Botanics line used to have the Essential Oil Wash Off Cleanser (seen above), which is a great overall cleanser for me.

It works just like other cleansing oils like Shu Uemura’s, as it takes off all the makeup, including water-proof items, at one go. I tend to like cleansing oils because they involve much less tugging and massaging than most cleansing milks, and they are much more gentle on my sensitive skin.

What was also fantastic about this cleansing oil is that it used to only cost 2 GBP (about 4 USD). Even though I slightly prefer RMK’s cleansing oil, this one only cost about one-tenth of its price at the time and I would gladly keep using this if this were still available.

I stocked up quite a few when it was being phased out, and now I am on my last bottle. My only minor complaint is that if it gets into the eyes, it can sometimes make them feel a little dry afterwards. (This is why I slightly prefer RMK’s.) But it is not something that bothers me very much.

The Boots Botanics line seems to still be doing well and there have been new items added to the lineup every now and then. I do hope Boots will consider adding a cleansing oil back to Botanics or any other skincare line…

Another Boots product that I love using:
Boots No. 7 Gentle Renewing No Grains Exfoliator
(Find out how it actually works.)

Some “Bring It Back!” highlights:

Shiseido’s Inoui ID

Cynthia Rowley

Calvin Klein (See the new counter in Hong Kong!)

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