SUQQU Makeup and Skincare

by PJ on Friday, February 23, 2007

in -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, makeup - lip color, skincare, skincare - cleansing/toning, skincare - moisturizing/others


(pictured: my SUQQU lipstick,
samples, and catalogue)

As requested by a reader, I decided to write a post about some individual SUQQU products after I had a more thorough look and got several samples earlier this month.

What really impresses me is the texture of their makeup. The lipsticks are so creamy, and the eyeshadows and blushers are so luxuriously silky that they almost seem creamy as well.

I am particularly keen on Powdery Cheeks in #11 (Ashibi), which is such a universally flattering color for most medium and light skin-tones.

One of their best-sellers is the Stick Concealer. The white one is used first as a base. Blending only comes after one of the two beige ones is layered on top of it. The white concealer is light-reflective and enhances the coverage of the beige concealer.

Here are some thoughts about what I have actually used:

1.Creamy Lip Stick in #22 (Benikoji)

I bought this in my first visit. It is a nice beige pink (even though it looks quite red in the photo). Pigmented and creamy, it is a great color for this season’s polished (and non-glossy) nude look.

2. Cream Foundation

I got a sample of this. Out of all their foundation formulations, this one provides the most coverage. It is not too difficult to blend (with my fingers) and it covers my pores fairly well. The staying power isn’t too bad. It has a dewy finish, which I don’t really like since I have quite oily skin. But I can use a matte loose powder to set the foundation, so that doesn’t bother me too much. (The color I got (#03) is slightly too pale and ashy for my medium skin-tone.)

3. Liquid Foundation Natural

I also got a sample of this. It provides more coverage than Liquid Foundation Skinny (light coverage) and Liquid Foundation Lucent (sheer coverage). It is one of the most easily blendable foundations I have ever tried. But the drawback is the staying power, which is not as good as the Creamy Foundation. The coverage is light to medium, and I would prefer more. Overall, I much prefer the Creamy Foundation.

I got this one in #04. Even though #04 should be the immediate darker shade than #03 for all their foundations, it is actually slightly too dark for me (while #03 is slightly too pale). Maybe the secret lies in #03B, which is between the two shades?

4. HA Complex Cream

Sample again. (The actual product costs about 240 USD for 30g…) I actually don’t like it that much simply because I am quite certain it has alcohol. Even though I couldn’t smell it, my skin turned a bit red about 10 minutes after application, which is typical with any moisturizer with any amount of alcohol. (I will probably have my neck enjoy this very expensive moisturizer…)

I have also got samples of HA Complex Lotion, HA Complex Emulsion, and Make Up Base. But I can really smell alcohol in all these (which is unfortunately so common with a lot of Japanese skincare products). I don’t think my face can handle any of these…

All skincare products have their signature orchid fragrance. It does smell gorgeous, even though it is much better for skincare products to be fragrance-free. In Japan last Christmas, SUQQU had a limited-edition perfume based on this orchid note. I am really hoping it will be re-released as part of the permanent collection!

One skincare product I am actually quite keen on is the Lip Essence Cream. It is very emollient and creamy. Too bad it is so pricey (about 60 USD)!

I personally think SUQQU is stronger in makeup than in skincare. But it is only because my skin can’t really tolerate alcohol and any massaging (the Musculate Massage Cream, which is used daily, is the heart of their skincare regime) and because I do think their color makeup range is simply sublime.

I look forward to seeing their spring 2007 collection. It looks great on the website and I love a makeup collection with a strong theme. I’ll definitely review it after I see it in store.

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Edited, on February 25, 2007, as requested by reader:

Price list of reviewed products in UK
(from SUQQU catalogue)

Creamy Lip Stick: £24
Powdery Cheeks: £22
Stick Concealer: £20
Cream Foundation: £60
Liquid Foundation Natural: £40
Liquid Foundation Skinny: £40
Liquid Foundation Lucent: £30
Make Up Base: £24
HA Complex Lotion: £45
HA Complex Emulsion: £70
HA Complex Cream: £120
Lip Essence Cream: £30
Musculate Massage Cream: £60

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Valentino Haute Couture for Spring/Summer 2007

by PJ on Wednesday, February 21, 2007

in -Valentino, 2007 Spring, 2007 Summer, fashion, fashion - haute couture

Flowy, and feminine were the first words that came to mind…

Valentino has been one of my favorite designers since I started to be interested in fashion in the 80’s. He has been such an icon and I love his designs still.

This collection is almost the opposite to Dior’s that I equally love. While Galliano’s creations are bold and flamboyant, Valentino’s are softer and calmer. But surprisingly, to me, they almost have the same visual impact. The two collections are both extremely coherent with their respective themes (and therefore so memorable) and that explains my fondness for both.

When the color palette is mainly white and palest shades of beige and pink, the shape, texture and pattern are immediately under the spotlight. The harmonious combination of fur, silk, and chiffon adds depth and dimension. It is almost as if the simplicity of the color scheme is to showcase this seamless harmony.

The shapes of the dresses are simple and clean, and the details are so exquisite. (I really enjoyed looking at the detail photos and marveling at all the ruffles, folds, and embroidery.) The whole effect is a sheer sense of elegance, further enhanced by the piled-up hair and retro-style makeup.

To me, this collection is a master class in understated and sophisticated glamour.

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BAFTA 2007 Fashion Favorites

by PJ on Sunday, February 18, 2007

in fashion, fashion - award fashion

It was the BAFTA last Sunday in London, the most galmorous day on the British cinema calendar. But fashion-wise, it was just a bit beige…

Apart from Kylie Minogue (who was wearing a great color for her but was showing too much leg for this sort of occasion) and Eva Green (the lady in red), most of the other actresses were forming a perfect spectrum from beige to brown to black.

Despite this, there are still several stunners:

1. Helen Mirren

Dame Helen Mirren wins it for me this time. She is always so poised and elegant, and she has a true sense of style. This outfit is even better than the one for the Golden Globe, and I hope she saves the best for the coming Oscars!

2. Kate Winslet

She wears a lot of Ben de Lisi, whose designs are usually very simple but never boring, to say the least. There is always a quiet and sophisticated sense of drama in his creations. The belt detail and the whole shape of the dress really make Kate stand out. I also love her chic ponytail and fresh makeup.

3. Toni Collette

Very old-school Hollywood for her this time. The sexy shape of the dress flatters her, and the glitz of the dress provides a good contrast to her dark hair. Like the furry accessory (I hope it is fake). Very well put-together and glamorous.

Last but not least, I just love Jake Gyllenhaal.

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Lavshuca Gloss Stick lipgloss

by PJ on Thursday, February 15, 2007

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


Lavshuca again today. They make some of the cutest stuff around. Their eye palette is just adorable, and this lipgloss pen is another example. In seven colors, the Gloss Stick looks just like any other lip gloss that comes in a pen, and the color I have (PK-3) is a nice basic everyday pink with a bit of shimmer.

But what makes it interesting and fun is the applicator:


The heart-shape dispenser is what seals the deal for me. What a nice little touch! It has a very similar advantage to that of the spatula applicator of Curvy Lip Silicone. It doesn’t smudge off the lipstick and is easy to clean. Cute and clever.

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Lavshuca Eye Color Select palettes

by PJ on Wednesday, February 14, 2007

in -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, 2007 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus


Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone.

I didn’t consciously plan this, but I was going to talk about these gorgeous little eye palettes from Lavshuca featuring cute heart shapes. (Lavshuca is one of my favorite Japanese brands. Read more about it in my other post. I also reviewed its spring 2007 collection here.)

The Eye Color Select palette is out this spring and comes in five versions. I got the ones in pink and blue.


Pink is not the easiest color for me to wear but I wanted to try. Surprisingly, they came out nicely and I didn’t look like I had irritated eyelids. The deep pink (lower right on the palette) is very pigmented and is fun to experiment with.


The blue shades are all quite sheer, which I personally like. It is a subtle and elegant look.

All the colors have fine shimmering particles.

I am really loving these. They are great to use and look adorable on my dressing table. Definite keepers!!

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Million Selling Lipgloss: Sony’s Curvy Lip Silicone

by PJ on Sunday, February 11, 2007

in _Japanese Brand Profile, -Makemania, -Sony, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(pictured: Sony CP Makemania
Curvy Lip Silicone)

First of all, yes it’s Sony. They do cosmetics in Japan! (Or rather, they own a company in Japan that carries many budget and premium cosmetics lines. Makemania, which carries this Curvy Lip Silicone I have, is one of them.)

This lip gloss is claimed to have sold over 1 million copies in Japan and has been a huge sensation in some other Asian countries. It is nicknamed “Lip Attack” or “Lip Siege” (you get the idea).


It looks pretty ordinary, but it is one of the most lip-plumping lip glosses I have ever used. It is so good that I can’t even put too much on or I’ll end up having very fat lips, and it actually doesn’t feel too thick or sticky.

Also, one great design is the spatula applicator (see below). I always hate the sponge tip because it smudges off the lipstick and it is a hassle to clean. Now with the soft plastic spatula applicator, I can just wipe it with a tissue and it looks as clean as it can be. It also makes a smooth and even application! (Western brands please learn this!)

(pictured: the spatula applicator,
against the (very rare) bright summer sky in England)

Now that I have tried it, I can understand the hype about it all around Asia, especially when it only costs about $10 USD in Japan!

Edited on June 3, 2007: I’d like to point out that this is not the kind of lip-plumping lip gloss that gives you the tingling feeling and dilates the blood vessels in your lips. I personally don’t like that. For me the tingling feeling is a discomfort. The plumping effect of the Curvy lip Silicone lies in the spot-on texture, consistency, and the glassy and light-reflective effect.

Edited on July 18, 2007: Photos updated.

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SUQQU: Sensuality with an Attitude

by PJ on Thursday, February 8, 2007

in _Japanese Brand Profile, -SUQQU, 2007 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, skincare

(stunning ad from SUQQU’s Fall 2006 collection)
(from www.suqqu.com)
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Back in September 2003, when SUQQU‘s first counter opened in Isetan Department Store (a world-class cosmetics heaven, and an ultimate battlefield for all brands) in Shinjuku, Tokyo, people were waiting outside the store for the doors to open. The revenue of its first day of sale broke the record of this upmarket department store for a debut brand (Voce Magazine, March 2007).

Why did so many people rush to buy SUQQU’s products even before they sampled them and why has it been successful since its debut? Apart from the quality of the products itself, I think there are two very crucial reasons.

First of all, in a youth-obsessed society (in a globally youth-obsessed era), where packaging is getting cuter and the colors are getting funkier, SUQQU resorts to the reverse strategy. It targets mature grown-ups. It appeals to women who are successful, classy, intelligent, and sophisticated. I believe that, by doing so, it also appeals to young women who look up to their more mature peers. It altogether creates a surprisingly wide market.

Another reason is their beautifully constructed theme for each season and the visual brilliance of their ad campaigns that convey the theme. Usually printed cosmetics ads feature the face of the model freshly made up against a muted background. Pretty straightforward, but dull at the same time. Not SUQQU’s ads. They always have a sense of message and story, and it certainly helps when the colors of each seasonal makeup collection have such a strong identity.

Last spring, it was a collection which couldn’t be more pink, with pink eyeshadows, pink lipsticks, and pink blushers. The ad featured beautiful full-bloomed flowers as the backdrop:

(ad for SUQQU’s spring 2006 collection)

(from www.suqqu.com)
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Last fall, the collection featured primary colors used in ancient Japanese pottery. The ad (at top of the page) is stunning. But I think the upcoming spring 2007 collection is even more impressive. The theme is “goddess of the earth”. The eyeshadows are shades of blue and beige, paired with beige and brown lipsticks. It’s the sea versus the desert, bare earth versus deep ocean. The ad features a woman between the desert and the blue sky/ocean. She looks confident and in charge.

(SUQQU makeup leaflet for summer 2007)
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Primary colors and shades of blue are not easy to pull off. But SUQQU’s message is “Wear them and be confident!” Packaged minimally with oriental sensitivity and sensuality, the colors inside are bursting with personality and attitude. All of these give SUQQU a very unique edge.

Later this month, I’ll come back to SUQQU again and review some of the makeup and skincare products. There are some fantastic products to be written about, including the smoothest eyeshadows I have ever tried.

Stay tuned!

Next: a lipgloss that has sold over one million copies in Japan.

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Announcement: Tag Function Added to My Blog

by PJ on Tuesday, February 6, 2007

in announcement

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 Spring 2007 Eyeshadow Palette: Brilliance Eyes

by PJ on Monday, February 5, 2007

in -Jill Stuart, 2007 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

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(Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst)

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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!

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Related post:

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

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Over-Hyped Products: My Personal Take

by PJ on Sunday, February 4, 2007

in all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, skincare, What do you think? Beauty topics and thoughts

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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