2009 Summer

Makeup Review: RMK Ingenious Powder Eyes

by PJ on Monday, September 21, 2009

in -RMK, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow

(RMK Ingenious Powder Eyes in P-13 Purple)

Last month, I reviewed RMK’s Ingenious Powder Cheeks, which is part of RMK’s makeup revamp this May. Today I am sharing my thoughts on three shades of the new Ingenious Powder Eyes.

As I mentioned earlier, the shade names of the new blushers and eyeshadows put the items into various categories. With Ingenious Powder Eyes, there are DK (dark), BR (brown), P (pearlescent), SH (shimmery) and ME (metallic) shades. (There is also Ingenious Jelly Eyes, with all shade names beginning with JE.) The three shades I am reviewing here are from different categories.

P-13 Purple is a moderately pigmented medium-to-light purple that has a soft pearly finish with subtly multi-colored shimmer. It goes on slightly cooler than it looks in the pan. The powder is smooth and silky and it is very easy to apply and blend. It can create both a sheer and a slightly more intense look when layered, and I particularly like the delicate shimmer of the finish.

Compared with SH-07 Shiny Purple that I had a chance to try at the counter, SH-07, as I remember, is slightly darker and has a more dimensional finish (possibly due to the shimmery particles of varying sizes). But P-13 is by no means flat. It has a gentler finish compared with SH-07.

BR-03 Brown is a pigmented semi-matte brown with a hint of shimmer. It goes on slightly warmer than it looks in the pan, and it doesn’t turn grey or ashy overtime. It can be used as an effective depth-enhancing shadowing color for the eyelids or as a subtle eye-lining color. If you are looking for brown-toned essentials for your eyeshadow collection, this is definitely worth a look.

The shades in the ME (Metallic) category are among the most sparkly eyeshadows that I have come across in Japanese cosmetics. ME-05 Metallic Green is a very sparkly light warm green. The shade is mainly composed of sparkly particles (with only a little bit of pigment), and the green finish is mostly from the sparkles. (There are also hints of sparkles of other shades.)

I was worrying about the sparkle fallout when I was trying it for the first time, but it was not as bad as I had expected. The sparkles stayed on my eyelids with just a slight fallout after a day’s wear. Considering the size of the sparkles, I think the shade lasts quite well.

P-13 and BR-03 come with brush applicators and ME-05 comes with a sponge applicator. All three shades are easy to apply and last relatively well.

Overall these are quality items. I also like the shade categories. Once we are familiar with the various finishes, we know more or less what to expect when new shades are added to the lineup. If you have a chance to stop by the RMK counter, do have a play with all the different shades of Ingenious Powder Eyes.

(In the UK, RMK counters can be found at Selfridges London Oxford Street and Selfridges Trafford Centre Manchester. You can check out this page on the RMK Global website for all the RMK counters in and outside Japan.)

RMK Powder Foundation EX

RMK Super Basic Liquid Concealer

Can’t Live Without: RMK Cleansing Oil

Japanese Cosmetics in the UK

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Makeup Review: RMK Ingenious Powder Cheeks

by PJ on Tuesday, August 11, 2009

in -RMK, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - blusher

In May, RMK revamped its eyeshadow and blusher singles. Today, I am reviewing two shades from the new Ingenious Powder Cheeks. (Next week, I will be reviewing three of the new Ingenious Powder Eyes.)

One feature of the new eyeshadows and blushers is that the shade name indicates the finish. With Ingenious Powder Cheeks, MT stands for “matte” while P stands for “pearlescent”. Also, according to RMK’s website, within the blusher’s P shades, there are Shiny types and Holographic types.

MT-02 Light Pink and P-07 Holographic Pink look quite similar in the cases, but they have considerably different finishes when worn.

(RMK Ingenious Powder Cheeks
in MT-02 Light Pink)

(RMK Ingenious Powder Cheeks
in P-07 Holographic Pink)

MT-02 Light Pink is the second lightest shade among the eight MT(matte) shades. It is a light medium-to-cool pink with a softly matte finish. P-07 Holographic Pink is slightly darker and warmer, but the main difference is that it has a pronounced (but not over-the-top) gold-toned iridescence. Both shades are moderately pigmented, and the powder is very fine and goes on smoothly. Both blend very easily and have a decent staying power.

I personally prefer Light Pink to Holographic Pink. I tend to prefer matte and semi-matte blushers that are slightly on the cool side, and Light Pink has the finish and color that appeal to me. The look it creates is soft and sweet without being too girlie.

Color-wise, compared with two of my favorite blushers, it is cooler than Chanel’s Irréelle Blush in Tea Rose and lighter than Lavshuca’s Cheek Color in PK-01. I think this should be a relatively natural, easy-to-wear and mistake-proof shade for most people with fair, light and light-to-medium complexions.

In comparison, Holographic goes on quite glowy on me and suits my oily skin less. But when I swatched it on my arm (which is obviously a lot less oily), I do think the finish is quite flattering and will suit those with dry skin who want a luminous finish on the cheeks.

Overall, the Ingenious Powder Cheeks range is worth looking into if you like the delicate and natural finish that Japanese blushers tend to create. If you think the two shades I have reviewed here are too light or too cool for you, there are quite a few darker and warmer shades available.

The new blusher lineup also includes Ingenious Jelly Cheeks, which features six shades with a soft cream-to-powder texture.

A Touch of Blusher Talks…blushers!

Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact in 01 Baby Blush

Albion Eprise Water Face Color in 100

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Mauve

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Coffret D’Or Color Mixing Eyes in Lavender Purple Mix

by PJ on Friday, August 7, 2009

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

The Color Mixing Eyes series is part of Kanebo Coffret D’Or‘s summer 2009 collection. Today I am sharing my thoughts on 04 Lavender Purple Mix.

The four colors in this palette are:

Bottom left: sheer off-white with soft shimmer
Top left: moderately pigmented light cool lavender with a mildly sparkly finish
Top right: moderately pigmented light-to-medium purple with soft shimmer
Bottom right: pigmented dark plum-purple

All shades have multi-colored shimmer. They go on easily and have a decent staying power.

The interesting thing about Color Mixing Eyes is that the top two shades are designed to be mixed together for the eyelids, and the two shades in this palette do work well together. With two slightly different finishes (the cool lavender on the left is more sparkly), the two shades together are able to create a dimensional look and the overall color is a soft cool purple.

(According to the eye chart on the back of the outer packaging, the cool lavender is also used along the inner 1/3 of the lower lashline.)

Compared with the previous series of Coffret D’Or’s eyeshadow palettes, Color Mixing Eyes is sheerer than Trance Deep Eyes (fall 2008) and 3D Lighting Eyes (spring 2008, marginally the most pigmented among the four series) and is more or less as sheer as Shine Accent Eyes (spring 2009). Among the four, Trance Deep Eyes is still the most shimmery/sparkly.

The look that this palette creates is fresh, cool, and summery, mainly due to the cool-toned lavender. For me, the color from mixing the two purples is a little too cool for my liking. I have tried using the purple on the right on its own on my lids, and I think this look suits my slightly warm-toned complexion better.

Overall, this is a satisfying palette and I should be going back to it quite often. If you would like a light and cool look for the eyes for summer (instead of the warm bronze look), this palette will be a very good choice. Also, if the purples you usually go for are medium-to-cool ones, then this palette would also be quite ideal.

Coffret D’Or Fall 2009 Point Makeup Collection

Coffret D’Or Fall 2009 Base Makeup Collection

Coffret D’Or Makeup Powder

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Stash Update: Coffret D’Or & Lavshuca

by PJ on Monday, July 13, 2009

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, 2009 Spring, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, stash focus

I have received Coffret D’Or’s Color Mixing Eyes in 04 Lavender-Purple Mix (for summer 2009) and both Lucent and High Cover of Lavshuca’s Finish Powder (for spring/summer 2009). I will start trying them out very soon and I will post the reviews later on!

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Makeup Review: Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tint in Sheer Coral

by PJ on Saturday, June 27, 2009

in -Bobbi Brown, 2009 Summer, makeup, makeup - blusher

Bobbi Brown‘s Sheer Color Cheek Tint is part of the brand’s summer 2009 Nautical collection. The cream-based stick blusher is available in six shades, and today I am featuring Sheer Coral.

Sheer Coral is a warm pink that is not too peachy or coral, and it has warm-toned shimmering particles. The shade should suit those with a slightly warmer complexion and is definitely more of a summer shade.

It goes on very sheer but it can be layered for slightly more intensity. When layered, the blusher creates a very dewy and shimmery finish, which might not suit those with oily skin.

It has a cream (not cream-to-powder) consistency and is best worn over a liquid foundation and under a powder foundation. If you wear it under a powder foundation, make sure you gently press the foundation onto the area where the blusher is applied. If you sweep the foundation on, the powder is likely to bind with the cream blusher and cake. (A cream-to-powder or a mousse blusher is slightly easier to be used with a powder foundation in this respect, and I also find that I can get away with a very gentle application over a powder foundation.)

If you want a quick healthy glow, this is a good product to go for as it is best suited for a casual no-makeup (particularly no-foundation) look. It is also worth considering if you are looking for a sheer but very shimmery blusher.

Bobbi Brown Copper Diamond Shimmer Brick Compact

Bobbi Brown Metallic Eye Shadows

Prescriptives Plush Blush

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Summer 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 3)

by PJ on Tuesday, June 23, 2009

in -Coffret d'Or, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1 & Part 2)

3. Jill Stuart

(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

Jill Stuart’s summer 2009 collection includes a new Illuminance Eyes palette as well as items for lips and nails, but I am particularly interested in the new Jelly Eye Color N.

Jill Stuart’s (original) Jelly Eye Color is among the brand’s most popular products, but I have never tried it. (I much prefer powder eyeshadows.) Now that Jelly Eye Color N features an even more princessy packaging, there is almost no reason for me not to try at least one of the shades.

2. Lunasol

(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)

Lunasol’s summer 2009 collection continues the Floral Purification theme from spring. The plumeria series includes warm neutrals while the hibiscus series features vibrant cool pinks. The EX02 Summer Pink Gradation from the hibiscus series may be the last vibrant eye palette from Lunasol before fall’s slightly more sombre Stardrop Purification collection sets the scene for the rest of the year.

1. Coffret D’Or

(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

Coffret D’Or’s summer 2009 collection is quite a sizable one, with a new lipstick range (Juicy Memory Rouge, 12 shades) and a new palette series (Color Mixing Eyes, 5 variations) among other items. Also, the early summer 2009 collection includes 8 new nail colors.

(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

Since 2008, Coffret D’Or’s eye palettes have probably been my most-used items for eye makeup. I really like the beautiful texture, the finish and the pigmentation level, not to mention the good staying power.

As I mentioned earlier, among the new Color Mixing Eyes palettes, I am liking the look of 01 Orange Brown Mix and 04 Lavender Purple Mix. I think I will try 04 first and see how it goes. I will certainly keep you posted on my thoughts.

Coffret D’Or Shine Accent Eyes in Pink Variation

Lunasol Layer Bloom Eyes in Purple Gradation

Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact in Baby Blush

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Summer 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 2)

by PJ on Sunday, June 21, 2009

in -Majolica Majorca, -Maquillage, -Shiseido, -Sonia Rykiel, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1)

6. Majolica Majorca

(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/mj)

I have not been paying a lot of attention to Majolica Majorca’s seasonal collections in the last couple of years, as the new items generally don’t excite me. But the new Jewelling Eyes, featuring a nice range of palettes, did catch my eye. The color combinations are on the basic side, but the wearability of them will always appeal to me.

5. Maquillage

(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/mq)

Maquillage’s summer 2009 collection is, in a way, a typical summer makeup collection from Japanese brands, with colorful eyeliners and mascaras as well as a collection of nail colors. Two more Eyes Creator 3D palettes (limited editions) join the five launched in spring. The one in GD831 (left in photo), among all the seven palettes, appeals to me the most. I also like the limited-edition gold and silver cases for the two palettes. (I wish they were not limited editions so that I could have more time to think about whether to get GD831…)

4. Sonia Rykiel

(image from www.soniarykiel-cosmetics.com)

Sonia Rykiel’s summer 2009 collection shows that blue (particularly a medium warm aqua blue) will probably always return as a main color for summer makeup in Japan. With blue, brown and white for both eyes and nails, along with three new lip glosses, the collection seems almost Lunasol-esque as it creates three mini collections with the three colors. Overall the lineup is colorful and well-coordinated, with colors painting a picture of the sun, the sea and the sand.

Please check out Part 3!

(The Other) Budget Princess: Majolica Majorca

Beauty Brand Focus: Sonia Rykiel

Maquillage Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

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Summer 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 1)

by PJ on Thursday, June 18, 2009

in -Dior, -Elégance, -Paul & Joe, -RMK, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

The weather in the UK in the last couple of weeks has been pleasantly warm on the whole, so it seems to be a good time to count down my favorite summer 2009 makeup collections. (Let’s hope that the good weather will continue.)

10. Paul & Joe

(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com)

Paul & Joe’s summer 2009 collection captures the beach holiday feel with gold-toned neutrals and soft cool pinks for eyes, lips and nails. The wearable colors have a subtly vibrant look, and I like the limited-edition champagne gold packaging.

9. Dior

(image from www.dior.com)

With the launch of the Lilas Addict collection (in some countries) and the new 5-Color Design Eyeshadow palettes, Dior’s summer 2009 collection seems a little drowned among all the new products. The seasonal star item, Dior Cristal Shine, is a slight disappointment for me, since it doesn’t have the luxurious feel that many of Dior’s past star items have. The real stars of this collection for me are the two 5-Color Iridescent Eyeshadow palettes. The cool-toned iridescent shades look vivid and edgy.

8. RMK

(image from www.rmkrmk.com)

RMK’s renewal collection was released in time for summer 2009. I like the fact that the 35 shades of Ingenious Powder Eyes are categorized into five groups: DR (Dark), BR (Brown), P (Pearly), SH (Shimmery), and ME (Metallic). I particularly like the dimensional finish of the SH shades I tested at the counter. Also, if you like very sparkly eyeshadows, the ME shades are a must-see. They are seriously sparkly. (They are definitely more sparkly than metallic.)

7. Elégance

(image from www.elegance-cosmetics.com)

Many Japanese beauty brands release colorful items for summer, and Elégance’s summer 2009 collection is a good example. The new Lustre Crush Eyes looks very lovely. (Many Japanese consumers seem to see blue and green as summer colors for eyes.) Since it is not a limited-edition item, I am hoping that there will be more shades in the future.

Please check out Part 2 and Part 3.

Spring 2009 Makeup Top 10: Part One, Two & Three

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News in Brief: SUQQU, RMK & Chanel

by PJ on Wednesday, June 3, 2009

in -Chanel, -RMK, -SUQQU, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics

(image from www.suqqu.com/global)

– SUQQU will release Perfect Eye Makeup Kit tomorrow (June 4th) in London’s Selfridges. The limited-edition kit, retailing for £68, includes a green-toned Blend Eyeshadow EX-02, Mascara Volume Long N EX-01 Green, Eye Make Up Remover (50ml), Eye Cream (4g), Screw Brush, and an original bag. (The eye palette, mascara and screw brush are available only in this kit.)

(image from www.rmkrmk.com)

– RMK‘s makeup collection renewal items will also be available in Selfridges tomorrow. The Ingenious Power/Jelly Eyes retail for £16 and the Ingenious Powder/Jelly Cheeks retail for £19.50. I swatched a few colors and was quite pleased with the texture of the powder. I particularly liked SH-07 Shiny Purple, which has beautifully dimensional shimmer.

(image from www.selfridges.com)

– I stopped by the Chanel counter in Harvey Nichols and one SA confirmed that the Chanel Studio (which used to carry items only available in Asia and North America) had left Harvey Nichols and would be moving to Selfridges. There was no sight of the Tokyo Happening collection in either counter. Instead, the London Madness collection is available.

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Product Review: Prescriptives Motor-Eyes Instant Action Mascara

by PJ on Monday, June 1, 2009

in -Prescriptives, 2009 Summer, makeup, makeup - mascara

There are now a few mascaras with a vibrating brush (Estee Lauder TurboLash, Lancôme Ôscillation, and the very recent Maybelline Pulse Perfection). The main claim of these mascaras is that they can coat the lashes evenly and build up length and volume more easily. Today I am reviewing Prescriptives‘ vibrating mascara, Motor-Eyes Instant Action Mascara.

The mascara comes with a battery, which is inserted into the back of the brush handle before the first use. The mascara wand starts to vibrate when the brush handle is twist-opened.

According to Jullian Veran, Prescriptives’ Director of Artistry, the mascara wand vibrates 125 beats per second and this helps lift, curl and separate the lashes. (See the video clip on Prescriptives’ US site.)

This mascara adds more length than volume, and it separates the lashes effectively. The look it creates is more natural than dramatic. For me, it is not easy to tell how much is achieved by the vibration. (I think the success of a mascara is essentially down to the shape of the brush and the formulation of the pigment.) Nonetheless, this mascara performs relatively well, with no flakes or smudges after a day’s wear. Clumps are very minimal during the application with a sweeping motion.

Motor-Eyes Instant Action Mascara is currently available in one shade (Black, which is a dark grey-black and not an intense black) and is a non-waterproof formula.

YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils

Illamasqua Volume Mascara

SUQQU Mascara Volume Long

RMK Separate Curl Mascara

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