all about Japanese cosmetics (overseas availability information)

Jill Stuart in Department Store Anniversary Event in Taiwan

by PJ on Friday, September 19, 2008

in -Jill Stuart, all about Japanese cosmetics, all about Japanese cosmetics (overseas availability information)

(all images from www.iswii.net)

As I mentioned in my post Beauty City Guide – Taipei, the best time to shop for cosmetics in Taipei is during the department store anniversary event (between late October and late December), where each department store takes turns to hold the event. During the event, in terms of cosmetics, there are GWPs and exclusive sets, many of which are good value for money. With Japanese brands, some sets are exclusive to the Taiwanese market.

The people behind Jill Stuart cosmetics (launched in Taiwan earlier this year) are certainly making sure they are part of the action this year. The picture above shows an exclusive set that will be available in SOGO Zhongxiao Branch’s anniversary event (November 6 -17). It includes a Mix Blush Compact (you can choose the shade you like), Lip Color Compact, Glitter Eye Color (in gold, the one that looks like a mini lip gloss), and an original box (which I think is exclusive to Taiwan). The set is priced at 1850 NTD (about 57 USD), which is very good value for money.

If you are a long-term Jill Stuart fan, you have probably just had a déjà vu moment (or maybe you already have some of these items). The Lip Color Compact and the Glitter Eye Color were part of Jill Stuart’s holiday collection in 2006. They could have been (re-)produced for the event in Taiwan, but I am not certain.

But I will worry less about the vanity case and the pouch below, both GWP items in the event.

You have probably seen both the case and the pouch as well. The round vanity case was originally a GWP in Japan which celebrated openings of two Jill Stuart counters. The pouch was part of the holiday 2006 set in Japan (that included the Glitter Eye Color above).

It seems that some of my readers in Asia have friends or relatives living in Taiwan. If you are interested in Jill Stuart and the event offers, here is some relevant information:

– Jill Stuart Cosmetics is currently available in Taipei’s SOGO Zhongxiao Branch (anniversary event: November 6 – 17) and Taipei’s Mitsukoshi New Life Square A8 Building (anniversary event: October 23 – November 24). (See contact information on Jill Stuart’s Taiwanese website.)

– You can see all the Jill Stuart event Information here. (It seems that there will be either a new counter or a temporary one at Kaohsiung’s Hanshin Arena.

Loving Japanese Brands – Jill Stuart

Foundation Face-Off – Jill Stuart vs. SUQQU

Jill Stuart Cosmetics Available in the US Soon

{ 11 comments }

(Selfridges, Oxford Street London)
(image from www.selfridges.com)

After shopping in Tokyo and Taipei for the past two weeks, today we are flying long-haul to London.

I have to say that, personally, purely in terms of beauty shopping, London can’t really compete with Tokyo or Taipei. But it is one of my favorite cities and it does still have plenty to offer when it comes to beauty.

– WHERE TO GO –

If you have One Day

Oxford Street is your best bet, particularly Selfridges Department Store (Bond Street or Marble Arch Underground Station), which I think has the best beauty department in the UK. Apart from almost all the high-end brands (including one of the few Giorgio Armani counters in the UK), it also has a good selection of Japanese brands, such as Shiseido (carrying the usual lines sold in the west), SK II, RMK, and SUQQU. (The SUQQU counter is the only one outside Asia, and three RMK counters in the UK (Selfridges London, Selfridges Trafford Centre Manchester, and House of Fraser Glasgow) are the only ones outside Asia as well.)

If you have more time, head towards the nearby Boots store (on the other side of Oxford Street and slightly more towards Oxford Circus). It is a great place to browse through mid-range and budget British beauty lines, such as Ruby & Millie as well as Boots’ own No. 7, 17, and Natural Collection.

One Weekend

– You can stay on Oxford Street. There are several more department stores further towards Oxford Circus. Debenhams has a great fragrance department, while House of Fraser has a ck Calvin Klein counter. For those of you in Asia where Smashbox is not easily available, John Lewis has a Smashbox counter.

– In the Knightsbridge area (Knightsbridge Station), you can find both Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Apart from probably the best fragrance department in the UK, Harrods also has one of the remaining Kanebo International counters (carrying the Sensai line) in the UK. Over in Harvey Nichols, you can find Chanel Studios, featuring Chanel makeup and skincare items exclusive to the North American and Asian markets. (I have seen many Japan-exclusives there over the years.)

One Week

– If you are a beauty fan and have a few days in London, why not indulge in a British beauty experience? Some of the brands might be available where you are, but I think the experience will be more unique. Apart from the very widely known The Body Shop and Lush, try Eve Lom, Liz Earle, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Penhaligon’s, Jo Malone, Molton Brown, Culpepper, and Floris. (Please check the websites for store locations.)

– Try one of the Space NK boutiques to be surrounded by high-end beauty brands like Chantecaille, By Terry, Darphin and Jurlique. There is a Space NK concession in Harvey Nichols as well.

– If you would like to test out items from Paul & Joe, you can either visit Harrods or Fenwick (Bond Street Station). I’d suggest the counter in Fenwick, which is wider and airier. (The concession in Harrods is currently more of a shelf than a counter.)

– If you are a fan of Japanese cosmetics but don’t usually have easy access to Japanese beauty magazines like Biteki and Voce, do definitely head to JP-Books in Mitsukoshi London and the book shop in Japan Centre. Both are literally seconds away from the busy Piccadilly Station and stock all the major Japanese beauty and fashion magazines. The locations of these two are so central that there is almost no excuse not to have a quick look if you want to check out the latest beauty products and makeup looks from Japanese as well as international beauty brands.

(By the way, the food section of Japan Centre carries lovely (and affordable) bento boxes, which are some of the yummiest and healthiest meal options while you are out and about in London.)

– WHEN TO GO –

I think a good time to go to London for beauty shopping is during the summer/winter sale period. (The summer sale starts in late June and most stores start the winter sale on December 27.)

During the sale period, many high-end brands have about 30% discount (and sometimes 50%) on surplus stock, soon-to-be-discontinued items, and past limited-edition items. (Last year, I was able to purchase Paul & Joe’s Light Cream Foundation, Face Powder and Pressed Powder at 50% off at Harrods and Fenwick. Also, a couple of weeks ago, I saw YSL’s silver makeup palette from last year’s holiday collection in Harrods and a few items from Guerlain’s Pucci summer 2007 collection in Harvey Nichols.)

Also, I have seen brands like YSL and Guerlain start carrying new fall/spring collections during the summer/winter sale period (particularly in top-end department stores like Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and Selfridges). These exclusive releases can sometimes be slightly earlier than those in North America and Asia.

– NOTE –

– Just like Japan and Taiwan, opened and used beauty items are usually not refundable.

– Check out this post from Kiss & Makeup for a list of British beauty brands.

– One of the best resources for beauty shopping in London is TimeOut London’s Shops & Services guide (9.99 GBP for the 2008 edition, currently on sale on TimeOut’s website). It is updated annually and the latest edition usually comes out in November.

It covers virtually everything you need to know if one of the reasons for your London trip is to shop. (It is also helpful if you are going to live in London for any period of time.) The Health & Beauty section covers beauty stores, perfumeries, salons, spas, and hairdressers, and all the practical details are listed. (It should be available in most major bookstores in the UK. I think it is worth having even as a souvenir for your one-off London shopping extravaganza.)

This concludes my mini-series on Beauty City Guide, at least for the time being, I hope. I have been to other places like Paris and Hong Kong, but I don’t think I know enough at the moment to bring you my personal recommendations. Hope one day I’ll be able to share my thoughts with you! (But do please e-mail me if you would like a few quick suggestions.)

Beauty Phenomenon: Seasonal Sale on Cosmetics in the UK

Japanese Beauty Brands in the UK

Japanese Brand Profile – SUQQU

Can’t Live Without – RMK Cleansing Oil N

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Beauty City Guide (2) – Taipei

by PJ on Friday, July 11, 2008

in _Beauty City Shopping Guide, all about Japanese cosmetics, all about Japanese cosmetics (overseas availability information)

(Shin Kong Mitsukoshi
Xinyi New Life Square)
(image from www.skm.com.tw)

Today I continue my Beauty City Guide series, and we are flying from Tokyo to Taipei. (Many thanks to those who kindly let me know that you are looking forward to this post.)

Taipei is probably the place that has the most Japanese beauty brands outside Japan, making it a great city to shop for the best of beauty from East and West. But why do we want to go to Taipei instead of Tokyo? Apart from the fact that, for some people, it might be cheaper to fly to Taiwan than to Japan, there are some other reasons:

1. Many Japanese beauty items are cheaper in Taiwan (by about 5% and often more, depending on the brand).

2. There is usually not much delay in Japanese seasonal releases in Taiwan. (Many seasonal collections are launched almost simultaneously in Japan and Taiwan.)

3. There are numerous GWP and value set events throughout the year with fantastic deals. (I will go back to this later in the post.)

– WHERE TO GO –

If you have One Day

Take the MRT/Metro to Taipei City Hall Station and head to Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store (Xinyi Branch), which is only a few minutes’ walk towards the immediately visible Taipei 101 building. (Please find the MRT route map here.)

The Xinyi Branch, also called the New Life Square, is a complex of four inter-connected buildings. Each is a good department store in its own right, and the four together provide potentially hours of leisurely (or serious) browsing. Almost all the major beauty brands can be found here, including one of the two Jill Stuart counters outside Japan.

If you have more time, head over to Taipei 101 Mall for SOGO Department Store.

One Weekend

Also try:

– SOGO Zhongxiao Branch (Zhongxiao-Fuxing Station). Unlike Xinyi New Life Square, this store has nearly all the major brands under one roof. (It also has the other Jill Stuart counter.) It has been one of my firm favorites despite the huge and flashy New Life Square. The new SOGO Fuxing Branch is nearby.

– Watson’s, one of the drugstore chains in Taiwan. There is one store between the two SOGO stores mentioned above.

– PLAZA at Breeze Center (Zhongxiao-Fuxing Station, more information in English here). Opened in April 2007, this is an overseas branch of the Sony-owned Plaza Style drugstore chain in Japan. It stocks many Japanese beauty brands not usually available in other department stores/ drugstores in Taiwan, including Love Clover, Gransenbon, K-Palette, and Restgenol (many of which are Sony’s own brands). You can see some photos of the store here.

(Updated on September 22, 2009)

It was confirmed that all the Plaza stores in Taiwan would be closing, which is really bad news.

One Week

Also try:

– Dayeh Takashimaya (Zhisan Station, with free shuttle buses between the store and the station, more information in English here). This upmarket department store is off Taipei city center and has a more relaxed feel. It used to have the largest beauty department in Taipei before Xinyi New Life Square was completed. Mitsukoshi Tianmu Branch is nearby.

– Sasa. Banking on the concept of parallel trade, this beauty store’s main branch is next to the SOGO Zhongxiao Store mentioned above. Discounts are offered on most items from various salon/ department store/ drugstore brands. It is a good place to hunt down bargains and past limited-edition items, but staff can sometimes be a little pushy.

– Duty-free galore. The Grand Formosa Regent Taipei claims that its duty-free shop is one of the largest in Asia. It certainly is large, and the beauty department is fairly impressive and features special travel sets not available in department stores. Do bring along your passport and plane tickets to qualify for duty-free prices.

– More department stores: Mitsukoshi Station Branch and Nanjing Branch.

– Away from Taipei: Taichung and Kaohsiung. If you have a week in Taipei, you can certainly take advantage of the new high-speed railway to enjoy day trips outside Taipei. Chung-You and Mitsukoshi in Taichung (50 minutes from Taipei) rival the best department stores in Taipei. (Both are impressively enormous.) As for Kaohsiung (90 minutes, Zuoying Station), my top picks are Han-Shin and Far East.

– WHEN TO GO –

I think the best time to go to Taipei for beauty shopping is between late October and late December. During these two months, all the department store branches take turn to hold the anniversary event. All the events are coordinated so one overlaps another throughout this period when nearly everything in the event is 10% off.

Beauty-wise, apart from the discount, there is a huge array of GWPs and special sets. The limited-edition sets can be especially alluring, as they can be up to 60% off the usual per-ml price. It used to be the case that special sets couldn’t count towards GWP’s, but now many brands allow this to attract more sales. So it is value on top of value (on top of discounts). As far as I know, many special sets from Japanese brands are put together just for the Taiwanese market and are not available in Japan.

(Chanel used to be one of the few brands that didn’t participate in any of the store anniversary events, but now it offers a 5% discount in some events.)

Now nearly all department stores upload their full anniversary event catalogs on-line, so it pays to do a little bit of research.

GWPs and special sets (but not the 10% discount) are also available in Spring Beauty Event (February-March), Mother’s Day Event (April – Mother’s Day), and Mid-Autumn Festival Event (around September). In recent years, there is also a smaller Graduation Season Event in July, which slots in (almost too) comfortably between Mother’s Day and Mid-Autumn Festival. As you can see, there are only a few months when there are no events, so plan your beauty trip ahead of time to shop like a seasoned pro and a unfazed local.

– NOTES –

– Most department stores are open until 9:30pm (or 10pm for some in Kaohsiung).

– Only unopened items may be eligible for refunds.

I hope you will be back next week. We’ll be going to London!

Jill Stuart Breaks Record

Jill Stuart Launches in Taiwan

All About Japanese Cosmetics

{ 32 comments }

Japanese Cosmetics in the UK (and Where to Get Them)

by PJ on Thursday, January 31, 2008

in -Anna Sui, -Astalift, -DHC, -Kanebo, -Muji, -Paul & Joe, -RMK, -Sensai, -Shiseido, -SHISEIDO (Global Brand), -Shiseido The Makeup, -SK-II, -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, all about Japanese cosmetics (overseas availability information)

(All available in the UK!)
(anti-clockwise from top-left:
Paul & Joe Blanc Body Lotion
RMK Cleansing Oil N
RMK Irresistible Lips C in 03 Holographic Sheer Pink
SUQQU Creamy Lipstick in 22 Benikoji
Paul & Joe Nail Treatment Oil
SUQQU Sanzekan Eau de Toilette)

As requested by a reader, today I am focusing on Japanese cosmetics brands available in the UK and where they can be found.

(If you are reading this from other countries or if you live in the UK but are quite far away from the counters, I will be mentioning possible ways to purchase from some of these brands on-line or through Selfridges.)

Here we go…

So far, there never seems to be a wide array of Japanese cosmetics lines in the UK. But what is available here is nonetheless a good selection of what the Japanese cosmetics industry has to offer. It also includes one of my favorite Japanese brands, Paul & Joe, which we will start with.

— Paul & Joe

(Paul & Joe spring 2008 collection: Sweetie)
(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com/en/index.html)

Launched in Japan in spring 2002, Paul & Joe was an instant sensation. With its beautifully feminine packaging, it was almost the Jill Stuart before there was Jill Stuart.

To my delight, it was launched a couple of years later in London’s Harvey Nichols, where I saw the line in person for the very first time. Now it is available in Fenwick and Harrods in London, apart from the three Paul & Joe’s London boutiques. If you only have time for one counter when you are in London, go straight to Fenwick. The counter there is larger and has a better testing area.

There are several authorized on-line sellers of Paul & Joe in the UK, some of which deliver internationally. You can find them on the Shop Info page on Paul & Joe’s English website.

If you are interested, you can read my reviews on Paul & Joe’s Foundation Primer N, Lip Gloss N, and Face Powder, as well as my personal take on the brand.

— RMK

(RMK spring 2008 collection: Shiny Mix Dots)
(image from www.rmkrmk.com/global/)

Developed by Japanese makeup artist Rumiko, the minimally packaged makeup range is trendy but wearable and has featured a lot of distinctive seasonal collections. Some of RMK‘s most popular products include primers, lip glosses, and mascaras. I myself love RMK’s Cleansing Oil N.

Like Paul & Joe, RMK debuted in London’s Harvey Nichols. Later, it moved to House of Fraser on Oxford Street and it now resides in the nearby Selfridges. It is also available in Selfridges in Trafford Centre in Manchester and House of Fraser in Glasgow.

At the moment, UK is the only country outside Asia where RMK has a retail point. But you might be able to buy from the line from Selfridges by phone (from within or outside the UK). Check out Selfridges‘ Service Directory page for detail. (Select “Delivery” for the relevant information).

— SUQQU

(image from www.suqqu.com/global/)

SUQQU‘s launch in London’s Selfridges in November 2006 took me by surprise, as it took a different expansion path. Prior to that, outside Japan, it was only available in Bangkok, which was another slightly unconventional move.

SUQQU’s strength and popularity lie in its base makeup range. Its concealers, cream foundation and Clear Veil Powder are what make the brand well-known in Japan. Its eyelash curler is another cult item. I personally love the ultra-sophisticated brand image as well as the luxuriously smooth and silky texture of SUQQU’s lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushers.

Recently, I have noticed that SUQQU has been trying hard to get featured in major fashion and lifestyle magazines in the UK, which is great to see. You can read my personal thoughts about SUQQU as well as my reviews on SUQQU’s Powder Foundation Glow and Sanzekan Eau de Toilette.

Like RMK, SUQQU’s counter in Selfridges is the only retail point outside Asia. (Again, please check Selfridges‘ Service Directory page if you are interested in purchasing their items by phone.)

— DHC

(image from www.dhcuk.co.uk)

DHC is a very recent addition to the UK beauty scene and is currently available on DHC’s UK website. You can read about my thoughts on the brand in one of my recent posts.

Updated on February 25th, 2014:

DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil and Eyelash Tonic are available at Fenwick Bond Street in London (from February 13th, 2014). (information from DHC)

— SK-II

(Cate Blanchett for SK-II)
(image from www.sk2.co.uk)

Currently owned by Procter & Gamble, this luxury skincare and base makeup line has its roots in Kobe, Japan, and its brand image has always maintained an oriental feel.

SK-II is currently available in several major cities in England and Wales.

— Shiseido International

(Shiseido The Makeup fall 2007 collection)
(image from www.shiseido.co.uk)

The Shiseido lines available in the UK include Shiseido The Makeup, Shiseido The Skincare, Bio-Performance, Benefiance, Pureness, Future Solution, Shiseido Men, and a selection of body and fragrance products.

Shiseido International is currently available in London’s Harrods and Selfridges as well as various other department stores in the UK (apart from Northern Ireland). You can use the Store Locator on Shiseido’s UK website to find your nearest Shiseido counter. A selection of skincare products is also available on QVC UK.

— Kanebo International

(image from www.sensai-cosmetics.com)

Only Kanebo International’s Sensai line (skincare, bodycare, sun care, haircare, and makeup) is available in the UK. It is currently sold in Harrods and its on-line store (where you can also find Shiseido International and SK-II). I am not entirely certain if the line is available in other department stores in the UK. (Do please let me know if you have more information on this. Thank you!)

—

It is perhaps worth mentioning that Anna Sui was available in the UK for some time before it left several years ago. (It used to be seen in Selfridges and House of Fraser in London.) Also, very intriguingly, one of Kanebo’s makeup and skincare lines, Chic Choc, was very briefly available in the Boots store at Piccadilly Circus in London.

According to what has been happening in the UK in recent years, I suspect that there might be more Japanese brands coming to the UK. I am sure it will only happen very gradually, but I remain optimistic!

—

Updated on February 21st, 2011:

Japanese lifestyle brand Muji also carries basic skincare products in the UK. You can purchase them on-line as well as at Muji stores in the UK and concessions in Selfridges in London and Manchester (The Trafford Centre). (Have a look at the store locator here.)

See my review of Muji Cleansing Oil here.

Updated on August 25th, 2012:

Astalift is now available in the UK. (Read my review of Regenerating Night Cream.)

Updated on December 9th, 2013:

It seems that Muji stopped carrying skincare items in the UK. Only beauty accessories are available now.

Updated on January 22nd, 2014:

Some Anna Sui items are now available on www.asos.com. (Many thanks to Leila for bringing my attention to this!

Updated on March 1st, 2016:

Some Muji skincare products are available in the UK again.

All About Japanese Cosmetics
(celebrating my love for Japanese cosmetics)

Japanese vs. Western
(my comparison of the two camps)

{ 10 comments }

Jill Stuart Launches in Taiwan in April

by PJ on Wednesday, January 9, 2008

in -Jill Stuart, all about Japanese cosmetics, all about Japanese cosmetics (overseas availability information)

(some of my Jill Stuart items)

After previous speculation, it has been confirmed that the Jill Stuart Beauty line will be launched in Taiwan in April.

Taiwan will become the only place outside Japan where the full line is officially available.

As with many other Japanese brands available in Taiwan, it is expected that the overall price-point will be around 10% lower than the retail price in Japan and that all the subsequent seasonal collections will be launched more or less simultaneously in Taiwan. (The Jill Stuart Beauty line is developed, produced, and marketed by Kosé, one of the largest cosmetics companies in Japan. So I usually classify the beauty line as a Japanese line.)

Like previous launches of popular Japanese cosmetics brands (such as Anna Sui, Paul & Joe, Majolica Majorca, and Lavshuca), the news of Jill Stuart’s upcoming launch has hugely excited makeup fans in Taiwan, some of whom travel to Japan regularly to pick up the trendiest and hippiest beauty items.

Many popular Japanese cosmetics brands eventually make their way to Taiwan (in most cases), Hong Kong and Singapore, so I am not totally surprised at the news. (The line debuted in Japan in fall 2005.) I suspect this is also an attempt for the line to test the water before it is considered to be launched in other countries. We’ll see!

(You can read a little bit more about the brand and the launch here if you happen to read Chinese.)

Updated on February 28th 2008:

The first Jill Stuart Beauty counter outside Japan will open on March 6th in Taipei’s Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (Hsinyi A8). (Check here for the source (in Mandarin).)

Updated on March 4th 2008:

Another source mentions that the launch date is March 28th, which should be more accurate.

Updated on March 8th 2008:

Have a look at the price list and the confirmation that there will also be a Jill Stuart counter in SOGO Chung-Hsiao Taipei on March 28th.

Jill Stuart Launches in the US?
(Is it also happening over in the US?)

Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst
(out in spring 2007, but still very on-trend this year)

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

{ 8 comments }

DHC UK Website Launched!

by PJ on Wednesday, December 12, 2007

in -DHC, all about Japanese cosmetics, all about Japanese cosmetics (overseas availability information), skincare

(image from www.dhcuk.co.uk)

One of my readers, Humming, left a comment on my blog a couple of days ago and told me that the DHC UK website had been launched. (Thank you, Humming!)

DHC now joins RMK, Paul & Joe, SUQQU, Shiseido International, and Kanebo International as Japanese brands available in the UK.

DHC is a major cosmetics brand in Japan, where, as far as I understand, still only runs mail/phone/on-line ordering and does not have a physical shop.

But, as we all know, word of mouth has its place in retailing, and when people say something is good, it gets our attention.

(Updated in July 2011: DHC has physical shops throughout Japan.)

DHC’s cult product is Deep Cleansing Oil. Not only is it DHC’s cult product, it is one of the cult skincare products in Japan. It would be slightly bizarre not to see it on a readers’ favorite skincare product list in any Japanese cosmetics magazine. (In the readers’ poll results in Biteki‘s February 2007 issue, it was placed second in the favorite makeup cleanser category, one place above Shu Uemura’s cleansing oil.)

It works just like Shu Uemura’s cleansing oil and removes all makeup, including waterproof makeup, in one go. (There is a good review of it on Beauty Anonymous if you are interested!)

I tried the Deep Cleansing Oil many years ago, but I personally didn’t like it. It did cleanse very effectively, but I was fairly certain that it gave me breakouts. (I have also tried Shu Uemura’s various cleaning oil formulas, but I usually find that they don’t emulsify well enough. For years, I have remained loyal to RMK’s Cleansing Oil and Boots Botanics Cleansing Oil.)

But, since that was many years ago and I live in a different climate now, I might consider giving it another go. Also, many DHC toners are alcohol-free and have simple formulations that have the potential to suit my sensitive skin. They will be the products I will pay more attention to.

So far, only the basic skincare items are sold on the DHC UK site. I hope the stock will be expanded later on. In the meantime, if you would like to see the vast array of DHC skincare and makeup products, do head over to the DHC US website. (But…do ignore the fact that the prices are, yet again, lower in the US…)

My Daily Skincare Routine
(featuring RMK Cleansing Oil)

All About Japanese Cosmetics
(My love for Japanese cosmetics will never end…)

{ 10 comments }

SUQQU in Selfridges London and Shu Uemura in Fenwick Bond Street

by PJ on Thursday, December 7, 2006

in -Shu Uemura, -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, all about Japanese cosmetics (overseas availability information), makeup, skincare

Finally I was at the SUQQU counter to see all the products for the first time yesterday. Wonderful service there, which reminded me of my trip to Japan when the sales assistants bowed to me after hearing my compliments on their products.

This time, she didn’t bow to me, but she did say “Thank you” when I complimented on their nice packaging. (Usually, at most other counters in the UK, I get the reply “It is indeed nice, isn’t it?” They will *never* say this in Japan. You are supposed to be thankful for a customer’s compliment, not to eagerly agree with it. Well, I know there is no right or wrong about this.)

I left with a Creamy Lip Stick in 22 Benikoji, a nice beige pink. I also got samples of HA Complex Lotion and HA Complex Emulsion. In true Japanese style, the sales assistant came around the counter and handed the bag to me with both hands. Again, I felt like I was in Takashimaya Shinjuku.

Later, I went to Fenwick Bond Street Christmas Shopping Evening. As I expected, there were loads of people in the beauty section. It’s because it was rare for a department store to have a 20% discount on all cosmetics and fragrances. (As far as I know, on special 20% off days, department stores like Debenhams and House of Fraser only do 10% on cosmetics and fragrances.) No surprise, the accessory section was full of people looking through all the “it” bags for this season.

I bought a few things, including the Depsea Therapy Moisture Recovery Nanowater. I left feeling satisfied and wanted to come back next year.

By the way, I saw Dior’s Asia-only “Ultra Shine 2” lipsticks in Harvey Nichols.

I will now save the money for the coming winter sale.

{ 7 comments }

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