2008 Fall

Elégance Fall 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, June 20, 2008

in -Elégance, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

Elégance, the Albion-owned top-end beauty line, will release its fall 2008 collection on August 18th in Japan. It is a predominantly neutral-toned collection with wearable warm hues for eyes and lips.

The lineup includes:

– Eye Shadow (3 new variations)

– Sweet Dew Rouge (3 new shades)

– Confiture Gloss (3 new shades)

– Crayon Gloss (6 shades)

– Nail Color (3 new shades)

(images from www.cosme.net)

Some of the items do appear a little plain in these images. But the Elégance website tends to present their seasonal collections very well. I will update this post with more images later on.

Other Fall 2008 Collections:

EST

Coffret D’Or
(with link to swatches)

Maquillage
(featuring Agyness Deyn)

{ 4 comments }

To Buy or Not To Buy – Anna Sui Makeup Color Collection D

by PJ on Thursday, June 19, 2008

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

(Anna Sui Makeup Color Collection D)

(image from www.cosme.net)

Can I afford this?

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the launch of Anna Sui Cosmetics, a special Makeup Color Collection D will be released in Japan on August 21st. (New nail colors will also be released then.)

The collection includes the brand’s past signature and popular items all in one ornate (and very Anna Sui) set (eyeshadow, face color, lip color, lip balm, powder puff, lip brush, and eyeshadow tip & brush). It measures 21.6cm (length) x 20.0cm (width) x 19.0cm (height).

18,900 JPY is the price tag, which is about 175 USD and 89 GBP. Even though we may say that it is not that expensive if we break down the cost to all products included (and the one-off packaging), a makeup set that costs this much money is always going to be a considered purchase.

I am sure this is a dream come true for many serious Anna Sui fans. It is the ultimate collector’s item, with Anna Sui’s signature look all over it.

But this rather large set is not something you can put anywhere you like. Also, there is almost no point in buying it and storing it away. It has to be very proudly displayed to show your love of Anna Sui.

As much as I really like the look of it, I am not sure I would go for it. Apart from the price, I have no good space on my dressing table at the moment to do this set justice. Also, I would probably hesitate to use any of the colors, making this a very pricey can-admire-but-can’t-touch collectible. I would probably rather spend the money on things I will actually use……

Updated on July 23, 2008:

More images of Makeup Color Collection D:

(image from www.iswii.net)

Upper drawer: puff and brushes
Middle drawer: two blushers and three eyeshadows
Lower drawer: four lip colors and one lip balm

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

Updated on September 4th, 2008:

Please check out this blog post to enjoy some actual photos of this set.

Loving Japanese Brand – Anna Sui

We Love Anna Sui – Limited-Edition Official Book

Anna Sui’s Sui Gloss in 100

{ 24 comments }

EST Fall 2008 Collection

by PJ on Monday, June 16, 2008

in -Est, -Kao, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

The Kao-owned EST will release its fall 2008 collection in Japan on July 26th. The collection includes:

– Emotional Aura Eyes (3 new variations)

(Updated on June 24, 2008: According to Cosme.Net, the three new variations are khaki x beige, purple x grey, and brown x blue.)

– Emotional Aura Lips (3 new shades)

– Advanced Lips (8 shades)

– Double Side Mascara (2 shades)

– Pencil Eyeliner (2 shades)

(all images from i-voce2.com)

Please note that Advanced Lips is a new product and is different from the Emotional Aura Gloss released for EST’s summer 2008 collection.

EST is a brand that I have been very interested in. I nearly decided to buy the Emotional Aura Pact and one of the Emotional Aura Eyes palettes, but I decided to hold on a little more since they are not limited-edition items. I am looking forward to seeing the rest of their fall lineup. Maybe I am not too far away from meeting EST in person…

Updated on June 25, 2008:

Image of the 3 new Emotional Aura Eyes palettes and Advanced Lips:

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Capturing Your Emotional Beauty
(a brand profile on EST, Kao’s most sophisticated makeup line)

Sofina Aube’s Late Summer/ Early Fall 2008 Collection
(with an updated link to swatches)

{ 2 comments }

Agyness Deyn for Shiseido Maquillage

by PJ on Saturday, June 14, 2008

in -Maquillage, -Shiseido, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(Agyness Deyn for Shiseido Maquillage Fall 2008)
(image from Shiseido via www.iswii.net)

On an earlier post, I mentioned that British model Agyness Deyn will join the four Japanese brand ambassadors for Maquillage‘s fall 2008 campaign. The collection features collaboration with British fashion designer Christopher Kane, including 6 of the 12 new shades of Lasting Climax Rouge.

Here is the first look at one of the ad images, featuring two fall 2008 items, Forming Shiny Eyes in 55 and Lasting Climax Rouge in BE305. According to Iswii, Agyness Deyn will continue to appear on Maquillage’s seasonal collection ads.

Apart from the new Lasting Climax Rouge shades, the Maquillage fall 2008 collection will also include Forming Shiny Eyes (5 variations), Designer Cheek Colors (two shades), and Soft Brow Liner (3 shades.)

The collection will be released in Japan on July 21st. Later, on August 21st, a new powder foundation case designed by Christopher Kane will be released.

Maquillage Clean Contrast Eyes in SV844

Maquillage Lasting Climax Rouge in RS310

{ 8 comments }

YSL Fall 2008 Makeup Collection – First Look!

by PJ on Thursday, June 12, 2008

in -YSL, 2008 Fall, makeup

(Ombres Cinq Lumières)
(image from www.cosme.net)

Here is a look at YSL’s fall 2008 makeup collection. Among all the new items, the gorgeous Ombres Cinq Lumières palettes (above) really stand out for me. There is one certain palette I will be buying…

Enjoy the images from the rest of the collection! (All images are from www.cosme.net.)

– Palette Collection for Face (limited edition)

– Palette Collection for Eyes (limited edition)

– Variation Blush (1 new shade)

– Pure Lipstick (2 new shades)

– Rouge Pure Shine (2 new shades)

– Golden Gloss (2 new shades)

– Shimmering Eyeliner (1 new shade)

– Everlong Mascara (1 new shade: 06 Ever Green)

– La Laque (2 new shades)

– Top Secret Radiant Skincare Brush

YSL Mascara Faux Cils in High Density Black

YSL Golden Gloss in Golden Pink

Keep It Gold – YSL

{ 16 comments }

Kanebo Lissage Fall 2008 Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, June 11, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Lissage, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of Lissage’s fall 2008 collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

The currently Kanebo-owned Lissage was launched in 1992 and remained a predominantly skincare-focused (high-end) brand. (The pricings are similar to Lunasol’s.) Last fall, the brand went through a revamp and a readjustment of brand focus, and its products have been getting more print media coverage in Japan.

(Lissage Ltd. also owns ECM and Bath Tours. I will post more detailed brand profiles of Lissage and ECM later on.)

On August 16th, Lissage will launch its fall 2008 makeup collection, which includes:

– Nuance Fit Eyes (eye palette): 4 variations
– Long Curl Mascara: 1 shade
– Long Curl Mascara Base: 1 shade
– Contrast Eyeliner: 2 shades
– Slim Eyebrow: 3 shades
– Creamy Fit Rouge: 6 shades
– Lip Base Liner: 3 shades
– Lip Repair Serum
– Blush Veil: 2 new shades

(The holders of Contrast Eyeliner, Slim Eyebrow and Lip Base Liner refills are sold separately.)

(Lissage Blush Veil for spring 2008)
(image from www.lissage.jp)

Many Japanese makeup lines are quite specific about the consumers they are trying to appeal to. Somewhat similar to Twany Glamacy, the Lissage point makeup line focuses on understated basics that suit makeup-wearing consumers in corporate settings in Japan that tend to go for clean and low-key colors (as well as packaging).

Items of these two brands might not look as impressive on magazine pages as those from the dreamy Jill Stuart and the trend-setting Dior, but I think they do have a reasonably wide appeal to those who (have to) wear makeup on a daily basis but don’t necessarily use makeup to express themselves in certain sterile office environments. If you regularly stock up trust-worthy essentials, this line is worth following up on.

Fall 2008 collections from other Kanebo-owned brands/lines:

CHICCA

Lavshuca

Kate

Coffret D’Or (early fall 2008 collection)

{ 0 comments }

Cosme Decorte AQ Color Makeup Renewal for Fall 2008

by PJ on Monday, June 9, 2008

in -AQ, -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of Cosme Decorte’s fall 2008 collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

AQ (Absolute Quality) is Cosme Decorte‘s (owned by Kosé) top-end skincare and makeup line. AQ’s point* (color) makeup line was launched in 2000 and features some of the most expensive makeup items in Japan.

On August 21st, the existing AQ point makeup line will be replaced by new items with brand new packaging.

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

The new AQ makeup collection for fall 2008 includes:

– Rouge Supreme: 10 shades
– Shadow Supreme (eye palettes): 5 variations
– Light Focus (base/highlighter): 3 shades
– Nuance Glow (highlighter): 3 shades
– Face Color (blusher): 5 shades
– Mascara Excellent: 2 shades
– Liquid Eyeliner: 5 shades
– Pencil Eyeliner: 2 shades
– Pencil Eyebrow: 4 shades
– Lip Liner: 7 shades
– Nail Supreme: 10 shades

With Japanese cosmetics, renewals (particularly with makeup) are usually more about updating the packaging than the actual formulation of products. In Japan’s fiercely competitive beauty market, product packaging has to stay fresh and up-to-date, and many brands revamp the look of their products in their own time frames and either minimally (like Anna Sui and Lunasol) or drastically (like Sofina Aube). Replaced items are either phased out quickly or discontinued immediately.

(part of Cosme Decorte’s summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

For me, AQ’s packaging renewal is successful. The current packaging (seen above) looks clean and sophisticated but slightly lacks character. The new look is opulent and glamorous. I think Cosme Decorte has worked out a look for AQ that goes with its prices. The lipsticks and blushers are particularly pricey:

Rouge Supreme: 6300 yen (about 59 USD)
Face Color: 7350 yen (about 69 USD)

In contrast, the Shadow Supreme eye palettes (6825 yes, about 64 USD) almost seem relatively reasonable. (The price is about the same as that of a Dior 5-color eye palette in the UK.) If I decide to try an item from AQ, the eye palette will probably be my choice.

* In Japanese cosmetics, the term “point makeup” (constantly written as “point make” in Japan) refers to color makeup items like eyeshadows, mascaras, lipsticks and lip glosses. On the the hand, “base makeup” (“base make”) refers to items such as primers, concealers, foundations, and loose/pressed powder (and not just bases (primers)).

Other Fall 2008 Makeup Collections:

Chanel

CHICCA

{ 6 comments }

Lunasol Fall 2008 Collection – Red Purification

by PJ on Monday, June 9, 2008

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

(part from Lunasol’s fall 2008 collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Many of Lunasol‘s past makeup collection themes are based on the idea of “purification”. So far, we’ve had:

“Scent Purification” for fall 2006 (Scent Form Eyes)
“Brilliance Purification” for fall 2007 (Geminate Eyes)
“Color Purification” for spring 2008 (Sheer Contrast Eyes)

The clear brand philosophy and the individual yet coherent seasonal makeup themes are what set Lunasol apart from the other Japanese makeup brands, and their brand image has always been very appealing to me.

For fall 2008, it will be all about red, as Lunasol brings us the theme “Red Purification“. For a change, Lunasol’s latest collection will focus on the lips, and 16 red lipsticks take center stage.

All the items are brand new and are not new shades added to the existing items. The full Lunasol fall 2008 lineup includes:

– Full Glamour Lips S: 16 shades
– Contrasting W Lip Liners: 2 shades
– Noble Shade Eyes: 5 variations
– Noble Shade Liner: 3 shades
– Brow Styling Compact: 2 variations
– Coloring Cheeks: 2 shades (refill only, case and applicator sold separately)

Apart from the color makeup items, the fall lineup will also include Nuance Change Foundation B (2 shades), which is supposed to be Lunasol’s equivalent of YSL’s Touche Éclat. The new skincare addition will be Lip Essence, with SPF 20 and PA+.

The collection will be launched in Japan on August 22nd.

I would describe this collection as both classic and edgy, with beautiful red lipsticks and rather bold red-toned eyeshadows. (It seems that each of the five Noble Shade Eyes palette will feature a shade of red.) I am really looking forward to seeing how these red eyeshadow shades will be worn on models in Japanese makeup magazines. Also, for those who look for the ultimate red lipstick, this collection is worth a serious look.

This seems to be another seasonal makeup collection from Lunasol that has a tremendously unique identity, and I think Japanese makeup fans will remember this collection for a long time.

I will update this post when I come across more information.

Updated on July 24th, 2008:

The Lunasol website has been updated.

Updated on August 21st, 2008:

Please check out this link for swatches of nearly all the items from Lunasol’s fall 2008 collection, including all the eye palettes, lipsticks, blushers, and eyeliners (from a Lunasol press event in Taiwan).

Other Posts on Lunasol:

Lunasol Summer 2008 Collection

Lunasol Full Glamour Gloss in Bright Pink

Loving Japanese Brands – Lunaso l

{ 8 comments }

Kanebo Twany Glamacy Fall 2008 Collection

by PJ on Monday, June 9, 2008

in -Glamacy, -Kanebo, -Twany, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of the Twany Glamacy Fall 2008 Collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Twany Glamacy was launched in April with a full range of wearable basics. For fall 2008, more shades will be added to the existing items of the lineup, plus the new Mascara EU (Under-Eye), a mascara specifically for lower lashes.

The fall 2008 additions include:

– Eye Color UE (Under-Eye): 2 new shades
(luminous powder eye colors for the under-eye area)
– Eye Color Set (palette): 2 new variations
– Eyeliner Pencil: 1 new shade
– Gel Eyeliner: 1 new shade
– Mascara UE (Under-Eye): 1 shade
– Lipstick: 5 new shades
– Lip Liner: 2 new shades

(Apart from Eye Color and Eye Color UE, Twany Glamacy also has Eye Color UB (Under-Brow), which currently includes two eye colors specifically for highlighting the under-brow area.)

The collection will be launched in Japan on August 16th.

Other Fall 2008 Collections:

{ 4 comments }

Lancôme Fall 2008 Collection

by PJ on Monday, June 2, 2008

in -Lancôme, 2008 Fall, makeup

I just came across images of Lancôme’s fall 2008 collection on a Japanese blog.

According to the writer, the theme of Lancôme’s fall 2008 makeup collection is The Beauty of India, which is reflected by the product designs. Do check out the link to enjoy the images.

{ 10 comments }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →