Hello everyone,
I’ve switched to Blogger Beta and I have sorted all my posts under labels (tags). I welcome you to visit my blog and read about your favorite topics!
Enjoy!!
PJ
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(Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst)
This palette is from Jill Stuart’s spring 2007 makeup collection. When I saw this on the magazine, I just thought I had to get it. First of all, the packaging is ultra-pretty. Secondly, soft lilac and pink are colors that suit me quite well.
It proves to be what I wanted it to be and more. The featherweight powder feels soft on the skin. The colors are not heavily pigmented (which I like), and all of them are infused with shimmer and multi-colored sparkly particles. The effect is stunning. I can go for a barely-there look or I can layer the colors for a little bit more drama, For both looks, the shimmer adds subtle dimension to my eyes.
Overall, for this season, this is one of the best new items for me. Beautifully wearable colors and princessy packaging at their best!
Related post:
Loving Japanese Brands: Jill Stuart
(my personal take on Jill Stuart)
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There are many products that are always heavily featured in magazines and I am sure you sometimes think “They are not that good.” You might have used them and thought they were shockingly average, or you simply don’t fall for the hype.
For me personally, these products are over-hyped in different ways:
1. Creme de la Mer (hype despite of the price)
I admit I have never used it, so I can’t say whether it is a good moisturizer in itself for me. However, I don’t think any moisturizer (even if it is well-formulated) should cost this much, especially when algae (included in this product) is one of the cheapest and easily accessible ingredient.
Some people say they just want to have a bit of luxury in life. We all do sometimes, but it is a luxury *only if* it is better than anything else!
Unfortunately, there are loads more other products that fall into this ultra-premium category. Ignorant customers can easily be lured into them.
2. Lancome Juicy Tube (hype despite of the quality)
Its price is fine. It is affordable. But many magazines claim this is the best lip gloss. I also read that, on Ebay UK, it is one of the most searched items under the Health and Beauty category.
I have used it and I do think it is good. The slanted applicator is convenient and the gloss stays put and lasts for hours. But most of my other lip glosses give the same performances and I don’t understand the hype of it.
3. Kose Sekkisei Lotion (hype despite of the irritating ingredient)
Readers from many Asian countries will know what I am talking about here. It has been sold for more than 20 years and it is still one of the most popular toners in Japan. It is claimed to give skin brightness and luminosity. A popular way to use this toner is to soak a tissue mask in it and wear the mask for a good 20 minutes.
I bought this almost ten years ago and it proved again that alcohol and I really couldn’t get along, especially when there is so much of it (imagine Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3). I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again…alcohol is a major skin irritant and should not be added to any skincare product.
4. Benefit (hype despite of the packaging)
Right, this is only about the look, and feel free to disagree, because packaging is totally subjective and all views are valid. It seems like many people love the quirky and fun packaging of Benefit. I do like some of the imaginative names of the products, but that’s as far as it goes. The packaging is indeed very catchy so I understand why it stands out, but I personally really don’t like it at all. I don’t like cartoon drawings on my cosmetics. They just seem too child-like.
I tend to like packaging that is glamorous and relatively understated, like Chanel and Dior. I do girlie too, like Paul & Joe and Anna Sui. But Benefit is just too much for me. (So is Stila.)
(The only Benefit product I am interested in is the fragrance Maybe Baby. I like the smell and the bottle is simple but glamorous and elegant. But this look is not typical of most Benefit products……)
I’ll stop here and let you guys think about what products you think are over-hyped.
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When I was very young, our local news sometimes showed clips of fashion shows when it was rolling the end credits. Some featured bizarre and impractical garments and my father always frowned and asked “Who would wear that?”
A bit later, I became aware that there seemed to be two types of fashion shows. One featured pieces we could see in shops, while one showcased luxurious fabrics and elaborate craftsmanship and consolidated the image of a fashion house. The latter one is, of course, haute couture.
Strictly speaking, the term haute couture is protected by law in France and has a legal definition. (See more here, for a legal definition for a couture house and for a list of official couture houses, regulated by Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris.)
I love my technicalities, but I will stop here.
When I saw photos of John Galliano’s work for the latest Christian Dior’s haute couture collection, I was really amazed. The oriental theme continued throughout the collection. There is a vibrant mix of colors, from soft blue, pink, lilac to bold yellow, fuchsia, and turquoise, to deep plum and black, with orange and green in between.
Some of the garments have many kimono elements in them, but it is the other touches that complete the concept: the fans, the bonsai branches, the lanterns, and all the origami details (I saw the exact same origami flowers that I used to make).
The wide tie-up belts and the big volume of the dresses make the models very doll-like. It reminds me of the doll dresses I used to make with some of my own stuff.
I have seen couture collections based on an oriental theme, but this one really stands out for the visual impact. It is undoubtedly flamboyant, but I also think the flamboyance is actually very controlled here, so it is not just about being big and over-the-top. It is at the same time very well-contained so we are also drawn to the wonderful detail and the sheer beauty of shape and balance.
This is by far one of the best couture collections I have seen in quite a long time, and I believe it will remain unbeatable for a while.
Later I’d like to talk about the sheer elegance of Valentino’s couture collection.
Next post: over-hyped cosmetics items.
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(Pictured: my Paul & Joe stash)
Paul & Joe is changing the packaging of its makeup line this season. But it is really hard to notice a difference (without seeing the real items, that is). It seems like it is a different shade of pink, a more reflective finish, and slightly more pronounced floral patterns. But these changes seem so subtle that I wonder if it was worth the hassle.
There are whole new collections for lipsticks and eyeshadows. I am sure the new packaging will expand to other products later. The slightly more interesting items are the two-color facecolors. Some of the colors can be used as blushers, and some highlighters.
Packaging-wise, the limited edition items (almost always three lipsticks and three eyeshadows, featuring original Paul & Joe prints) are not as good as the hummingbird collection from Christmas last year. (Sort of there but not quite…it will take a lot to beat that collection.)
I am going to Fenwick on Bond Street next week. I will still definitely have a look.
Newsflash: I have got the new Jill Stuart eyeshadow palette! It’s so pretty!! I will review it later.
Next post: I will talk about Haute Couture for the first time here. The breathtaking Christian Dior Haute Couture for Spring/Summer 2007 will be my topic.
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(Pictured: my Avene Thermal Water)
My Shu Uemura Refreshing Lotion ran out and I knew it had been discontinued. So I asked a sample of another Shu Uemura toner beforehand (about a year ago). I tried it and liked it, thinking I would switch to this one.
I bought it last month and started using it a couple of weeks ago, and I actually didn’t like it. It felt a little bit thick on my face, and, more importantly, it made my skin flush just a little bit. As I decided not to use it anymore, I started to panic a little. I always use a toner but a really suitable one is very hard to come by. I can’t do alcohol, which rules out A LOT of toners. I also don’t like that sticky and filmy feel. It has to be something very fresh and calming. (I also tried not using a toner at all. That didn’t work. I know a toner is generally optional, but I actually need it.)
Then I started to think of all the toners I tired and kind of liked. Lancome’s Tonique Douceur is good, but it is still slightly filmy. Ayura’s AF1 toner is good too, but it is pricey and it is not available in the UK. (I would have to have my friend buy it for me, but that is too much of a hassle.) I needed something good and easily available locally.
Then I thought of Avene Thermal Water. I used it about 6 years ago. I used it to set my makeup and I didn’t like the effect. (Setting makeup with a face spray was never a good idea anyway, I later learned. It NEVER worked.) But it did feel light on my skin and certainly didn’t irritate it. Plus, my local Boots started to stock Avene products again. (It stopped stocking them about three years ago.) It was cheap anyway so I decided to give it a try.
I first bought the travel-size one (50ml). I used it for a couple of days and I liked it. It is of course really just spring water and it does feel light and refreshing. It calms my skin as well. I also notice that it seems to evaporate slightly more slowly (than if I splash tap water on my face). I think it might be because of the minute traces of silica that naturally exist in the spring water. But it does not feel filmy at all.
So far I am happy. I also bought the normal size a couple of days later.
I still have some samples of Ayura’s AF (Alcohol-Free) 1 toner and I will use them when I need to during this time of year (as they are more moisturising). But Avene Thermal Water will now be an official member of my skincare team.
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(pictured: my Lavshuca stash)
(Read my previous Lavshuca post here.)
Eye Color Select: BU-1 (and maybe PK-1 as well)
First of all, the new Lavshuca site was launched a couple of days ago to include the new collection.
After reading a lot of information about the various new collections, I think Lavshuca wins it for me this season. The slight modification of the packaging (from pale pink to plum) is working for me. Still exquisite and princessy. The vast array of new colors is exciting as well.
I have also decided on what to have:
Jewelry Lips: Amethystia Groom PK-1
I was choosing between this one and Viva Garnetica RS-1, but I was confident that PK-1 wouldn’t be too pink for me.
Gloss Stick: PK-3
I think I can go more pink on the gloss, hence the choice.Eye Color Select: BU-1 (and maybe PK-1 as well)
I mentioned that I wanted to go for PK-1. But then it was actually off my shopping list for a while. Later I saw some photos of the palettes (not studio shots), and I fell in love with them again and thought BU-1 was also a great choice as well. Now I am not sure whether I will have both. I think I probably will. They are only about 8 pounds each.
Ummm…later I noticed that the BU-1 eye palette and the PK-1 lipstick were exactly what were used on Puffy on the ad shots…was I being subliminally influenced??
I might do *another* post after I get these items!
Next post: Avene Thermal Water.
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(pictured: my new Dior Addict Ultra-Nude
and Detective Chic from last fall)
With nearly all the spring collections revealed in my lovely Japanese cosmetics magazines, I have been quite disappointed with most major European brands. Usually I’d like the Dior limited edition product or some new things from Chanel. But for this season, I am not liking the Dior Flight palette or Chanel’s Lumiere d’Artifices (sequin eye palette), and my interest in YSL’s new eye palettes had dwindled even before they were available nationwide.
In the next post, I will review Lavshuca’s new collection, possibly my favourite collection of the season. Today it is about Dior.
First of all, as I said, I am not very excited about the Dior Flight palette. It is inspired by the same-name bag and accessory collection of the house of Dior. But, as you might have already guessed, I am not a huge fan of the Dior Flight bags. I don’t really like the “Remove Before Flight” tag, even though orange is one of my favorite colors for clothing.
I much prefer the Dior Detective collection, and the Dior Detective Chic palette (pictured above) is great.
To be fair, the colors in both of the Dior Flight palettes are good. I do prefer the one with the pink blusher (which is the one with the black eyeshadow). (The other blusher is slightly too peachy for my complexion.) But for something this pricey, I have to like everything about it to want to have it. (It costs the equivalent of 69 USD in the UK, while it costs 55 USD in the US.)
The two 5-color eye palettes are a bit of a hit and miss. While Pink Attitude features soft colors and is very wearable, Myriad is just a bit too blue. Even the Dior SA I was chatting with admitted that the palette would only suit a few people.
The two single-color eyeshadows released in the UK are obviously a teaser for a full newly-packaged collection (which is currently available in the US) Both Pink Candy and Icy White can be tricky colors to wear, especially Pink Candy. (If you don’t wear glittery pink eyeshadows right, you will look like you have irritated eyelids. A sheer, soft and gentle finish is the key!)
But I like the change of the packaging. I think it will be a matter of time before it carries over to the blushers. THEN I will consider buying a Dior blusher.
I think the best aspect of the new collection is the limited edition line of lipsticks “Dior Addict Ultra-Nude“. First of all, love the silvery case with the Dior logo in pale pink. I always like the shape of the Dior Addict lipsticks, but I never like the blue case and the white case of the Dior Addict Pearl Shine collection looks a bit too plasticky. So when I saw the soft slivery cases, I was intrigued.
Also, all the colors are soft and sheer (but not too sheer). There are not full of pearly glitter. Instead, they have an understated gleam. “Exactly what I like,” I thought. I could easily wear Body Pink, Skin Beige, and Undressed Mauve (because of their semi-transparent finish), and I decided to take Undressed Mauve because the soft-purple pink is something I want to try a bit more.
I like the way the color merges into my original lip color. It is indeed a nude look, and in a flattering way. I do have to say that the lipstick is slightly drying, but, with better prepping and maybe a bit of a clear gloss on top, it should be fine.
(I need to mention that the actual color of the lipstick is lighter and more purple. It seems very red due to my yellowish lighting.)
Overall, this collection is not as fascinating as some of Dior’s previous ones. But it is still one of the best among the European brands for this season.
Next Post: Lavshuca’s Spring 2007 Collection
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I know that Paula Begoun sells her own cosmetics, but for me, I see her as a consumer advocate. I have never tried or bought her products, but I have learned a lot from her in terms of choosing suitable products for myself in my local drug stores and department stores. She knows about the science behind the research and manufacturing of cosmetics and she reviews products accordingly.
I happened to come across her website in the mid-90’s when I started to acquaint myself with the world of the Internet. (That seems so long ago!) What I noticed first is her opposition to alcohol in any skincare product. Ever since I started to use skincare products regularly, I noticed that my skin could not tolerate any alcohol. But, at the time, I was confused by what I had been reading. Some said alcohol could contribute to better penetration of other ingredients and some said it acted as a sterilizer.
But, for me, all alcohol did was irritating my skin, making it dry and red.
I thought what Paula said about alcohol made more sense to me, which started my interest in reading more about her views. She was also one of the first people who really emphasized the importance of using proper sunscreen products all year long.
This coincided with what my mother had always been telling me. She regularly went to health seminars in our local hospital and she always said (in the mid-90’s when the idea of everyday sun protection was not as pervasive as it is today) that a good sunscreen lotion was the best anti-ageing product. She uses a sunscreen lotion every day, and her skin looks fantastic for her age.
So, since then, I have been reading what Paula has to say about skincare and makeup products, and many of my own views are influenced by her.
Besides alcohol and sunscreen, I agree with her on the issue of eye creams. Simply speaking, there is generally no need to buy a separate moisturizer for the eye area. Most well-formulated moisturizers can be used around the eyes. Of course if a facial moisturizer has ingredients to exfoliate the skin, then it shouldn’t be used around the eyes. But what is usually the case is that the face cream and the eye cream that come in the same moisturizer range feature almost identical ingredients. If the face cream works for your skin, it should usually work around your eyes as well. I personally think eye creams are a marketing myth. They have more or less the same ingredients but cost around three times as much as the face cream equivalents in terms of unit price.
Some people think Paula’s credibility has been going down since she launched her own line. But for me, she still has the same knowledge and she doesn’t stop recommending other products that she thinks are good. Some people also point out that she doesn’t have a formal qualification to do what she is doing. But, she has the knowledge and her views are scientifically supported. Also, the studies she makes references to are not funded by private cosmetics companies. Aren’t these the most important things here?
Even in terms of the one thing I used to slightly question her, she has been modifying her view. Around ten years ago, I remember she used to almost only recommend makeup items with a matte finish and those in neutral earthy tones. I did generally agree with her view, since soft matte neutral colors suit most people for most occasions. It is the most sensible recommendation for the mass public. But I still thought she could be a little less conservative about both color and finish.
But a couple of years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to read that she thought any person could wear almost any color as long as the intensity and the application are right. (See here.) And she indeed has recommended products like Maybelline’s Dream Mousse Eyecolor and Blush, both of which have noticeable shimmer.
Overall, Paula Begoun is someone I have learned a lot from. I have learned to read the ingredient list and not to fall for the exaggerating claims of the cosmetics companies. What a product can do lies in the ingredient list (not in the ads), and we should have the knowledge to learn about what we put on our faces everyday.
We don’t necessarily need her products. We just need her knowledge.
Finally, two important reminders for everyone:
1: Learn to read the ingredient list. (Let’s all be well-informed consumers!)
2: Wear a moisturizer with proper UVA and UVB protection every day!
(See here for what ingredients you should look for.)
My next post: Dior’s Spring 2007 Collection!
(Edited on April 19, 2007: There is a great interview with Paula Begoun here.)
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It is about the Golden Globe again. This time it is all about the bad looks. Well, not so much as the bad looks, but the disappointing looks.
Today I have added links to the individual photos so you can make up your mind more easily. (At the end of the post, I have also added links to the five great gowns from yesterday’s post.)
So, again, in no particular order:
Wrong hair and wrong makeup. The dress is not so great either. The look is too over the top. It is neither glamorous nor sexy. I am disappointed because I am sure she could have done better.
The only good thing about her gown is the color, and that’s it. The drapings look messy, lumpy and unflattering. It also seems that she managed to do up her hair at the last minute. The whole look is not as polished and refined as it could be.
Again, it is a bit over the top. The cut of the gown is great for her figure and I like her hair. But the fabric is too glittery. It would be nice to see her in something more understated.
4. Salma Hayek
I am disappointed. She was my favorite at last year’s Oscar. But this time, the whole look is wrong. At first I was thinking that maybe the first few shots I saw were not very flattering. Maybe the camera angle was a bit off. But later I had to be convinced that she made multiple wrong choices.
The hair isn’t particularly working for the shape of her face. The makeup (the blusher in particular) is too peachy for her. The worst is the dress. The structure of it is not doing anything for her petitie (yet voluptuous) figure. It made her look disproportionate.
She needs something that streamlines and elongates her figure as well as shows off her womanly curves. The gown she wore at the last Oscar and another of her Oscar gowns did just that. (See how those two gowns complimented her figure.)
Her gown reminds me of the pale green one she wore a couple of years ago. I was a bit on the fence with that one, but I don’t like this one at all. Even though I suspect that I might like it better when I am able to see the movement of the gown, I just think the whole look is just a bit bland (and predictable) for her.
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Overall, I like simple gowns with a bit of drama. But if the actresses choose to wear black or white gowns, I always want to see more drama. It is very disappointing to see an actress arriving at the Oscar wearing a black gown with no interesting details and fading into the background of all the gentlemen.
Black or white are great colors to go with for big occasions, but I think that with these two colors, there has to be more to make an impact (be it unique design features of the gown, jewelery, or other accessories). In these glitzy and glamorous occasions, apart from the recognition and accolade of the awards, isn’t it also about making an impact?
It is back to cosmetics for my next post. I will talk about Paula Begoun.
Links to yesterday’s gowns (my top five):
America Ferrera
Angelina Jolie
Eva Longoria
Felicity Huffman
Helen Mirren
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