(Left: Anna Sui UV Body Spray G
Right: Anna Sui Hair Spray G)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)
Anna Sui Cosmetics in Japan has announced the recall of UV Body Spray G and Hairspray G, which were released a few weeks ago (on June 5th) as limited-edition items for summer 2008.
There are concerns about product leakage from the nozzle, and the sale of these two items has been discontinued. Customers in Japan who purchased either of the two products can receive a refund upon returning it. (The full recall notice (in Japanese) can be seen on the Anna Sui website.)
(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.
Related posts:
Loving Japanese Brand – Anna Sui
We Love Anna Sui – Limited-Edition Official Book
Anna Sui’s Sui Gloss in 100
by PJ on Tuesday, June 17, 2008
in -Albion, -Anna Sui, -AQ, -Cosme Decorte, -Giorgio Armani, -Kosé, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10
To me, it feels as if the spring collections just came out and we were expecting more summer makeup news. But, as many of the fall 2008 collections have been unveiled, it is time for me to look back and present you with my summer 2008 top ten makeup collections. (Part 2 and 3 will be up later this week.)
10. Albion Excia AL
(Albion Excia AL Eye Color Impression)
(image from www.albion.co.jp)
(Albion Excia AL Rouge Impression)
(image from www.albion.co.jp)
Available at Albion counters in Japan, Excia AL is a top-end skincare and makeup line that aims to create timeless and confident beauty. This season sees a new range of eye palettes, Eye Impression, and three new shades of Rouge Impression (as well as new liquid eyeliners and eyebrow pencils). Perhaps not the most eye-catching collection, it did grab my attention with its understated simplicity.
9. Anna Sui
(Anna Sui Mini Rouge W)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)
Anna Sui’s summer 2008 collection shows us again that the brand still does cute and princessy very well. I am sure some people who are collecting the Mini Rouge in black (released last fall) would love to take home these limited editions in white. The collection also includes hair and body products which are equally nicely packaged.
8. Giorgio Armani
(Eye Mania in 11 (top), 12 (left), and 13 (right))
(image from www.isetan.co.jp)
I have been interested in the Giorgio Armani Beauty line for a while, and I almost always stop by its counter when I am in London’s Selfridges or Harvey Nichols. (In the UK, Giorgio Armani Beauty is also available in Selfridges Birmingham and Heathrow Airport Terminal 3. The link above takes you to the Giorgio Armani Beauty UK online store.)
The three beautiful Eye Mania palettes above, however, appear to be exclusive to the Japanese market. I particularly like #12 and #13. #12 seems to be a wearable blue-grey palette, possibly even for people who find blue hard to wear. #13 looks like a nice neutral palette and the shades don’t look overly warm or bronze.
(If you are interested, please head over to Autumn Masquerade for a great brand profile on Giorgio Armani Beauty and for a look at the brand’s past Bronze Mania collections.)
7. Cosme Decorte AQ
(Pure Grace Lipstick in RD432
and Pure Grace Eyeshadow in 032)
(image from www.biteki.com)
There are not a lot of lilacs for summer 2008, and this beautiful palette with soft lilac and muted cool teal attracted my attention. I think these two shades are well-coordinated, as the muted teal complements rather than overshadows the lilac. (Please check out my previous post on Cosme Decorte AQ‘s summer 2008 collection to see the fresh tropical eye makeup look created with this palette.)
This is the last AQ eye palette released in the current packaging, as the brand’s point makeup line will be revamped in time for the release of the fall 2008 collection.
The top-ten countdown continues tomorrow.
Related Posts:
Spring 2008 Makeup Top 10
(Part 1, 2, and 3)
Loving Japanese Brand – Anna Sui
by PJ on Monday, May 26, 2008
in _I Love Colors, -Anna Sui, -Clarins, -Coffret d'Or, -Dior, -Kanebo, -Lunasol, -MAC, -Maquillage, -Paul & Joe, -Shiseido, makeup, makeup - base makeup, nail color/care
(Mini Rouge W)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)
On June 5th in Japan, there will be more items from Anna Sui‘s summer 2008 collection being released. They include:
– Mini Rouge W (limited-edition, 3 shades, seen above)
– Bath & Body Primary Kit: The set includes a pouch with Hair Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Shampoo, each in a travel-size 60ml bottle.
(Bath & Body Primary Kit)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)
– Hair Spray G: A hair-conditioning product (not a styling product).
– UV Body Spray G: SPF 30/ PA+++
(Left: Anna Sui UV Body Spray G
Right: Anna Sui Hair Spray G)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)
These items join the currently available eyeliner pencils, mascaras, and nail colors as the full lineup of the Anna Sui summer 2008 collection.
Mini Rouge, released last fall (packaged in black cases), has been very popular, so I am sure these three white limited-edition ones will be equally coveted. (As far as I know, the black Mini Rouge shades are not limited-edition items.)
Related Posts:
Anna Sui Lip & Eye Luxury Palettes
Loving Japanese Brands – Anna Sui
My Latest Foundation Cases
(featuring Anna Sui and Jill Stuart)
Today I am sharing two latest additions to my foundation case collection.
First up is the case of Anna Sui‘s Loose Compact Powder UV, which is part of Anna Sui’s spring/summer 2008 base makeup release. This case is for the new loose powder refills and is designed to make Anna Sui’s loose powder slightly more travel-friendly. (Remember that Anna Sui’s original large loose powder case doesn’t have a screw lid and is very tricky to travel with.)
Even though white is my least favorite color for Anna Sui’s packaging, I like the thickness of the case compared with other Anna Sui’s foundation compacts.
The case comes with a purple powder puff which is very soft to the touch.
Please notice that the sift is included in the refill and not in the case. So this is not the kind of portable loose powder case in which you can put your own loose powder. But, size-wise, all the round Anna Sui foundation refills can fit into this case.
Next is the Jill Stuart‘s Powder Foundation Compact S, which is released with the new Smooth Skin Powder Foundation. Compared with the original Powder Foundation Case (released in spring 2006), the new case has a different design for the lid and features a charm with floral details.
Let’s see the two designs side by side. The spring 2006 case is on the left and the spring 2008 one is on the right:
All the Jill Stuart powder foundation and pressed powder refills are the same size, and the cases are sold separately. So what case to pick when you purchase a Jill Stuart foundation refill is entirely up to you.
Furthermore, since both Anna Sui and Jill Stuart (and Paul & Joe as well) commission Kosé (which owns Albion, commissioned by Anna Sui and Paul & Joe) to produce the makeup (and skincare) line, all their round foundation refills can fit into all cases.
My case collection does take up a bit of space. But, for me, it is a slightly less pricey way to chart the development of a brand’s image and there is no need to worry about products expiring. I shall continue to pick up the cases I like from my favorite brands.
More cases:
Sofina Raycious Foundation Case Galore
My Anna Sui Foundation Case Collection
(Anna Sui Luxury Eye Palette)
(image from www.iswii.net)
Repeating the design of the two Luxury Eye Palettes (in black cases) from the 2006 Holiday collection, Anna Sui will be releasing another Luxury Eye Palette and a Luxury Lip Palette. Both are limited editions.
I like the shades in the Luxury Eye Palette, particularly the soft teal and the lilac. The colorful shades are balanced by the warm neutrals.
The Luxury Lip Palette appears to be a combination of lip colors and glosses:
(Anna Sui Luxury Lip Palette)
(image from www.iswii.net)
Anna Sui sometimes releases Asia-only limited-edition items, and at the moment I am not sure if these two palettes will be released in North America. I will keep you updated if I come across any information.
Updated on March 21st 2008:
One of my readers, Ebontien, kindly let me know that the two palettes are being sold in Canada. (Thank you, Ebontien!)
I suppose they are or will be available in the US as well.
Related Posts:
Anna Sui Spring/Summer Base Makeup Collection
We Love Anna Sui Official Book
Sui Lip Gloss in 100
Every season, I count down my ten personal favorite makeup collections. This week, I present my top ten for spring 2008. In reverse order:
10: Clé de Peau
(Eye Color Quad in 116 (left) and 117 (right))
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/cpb)
This is Clé de Peau‘s first time in my top ten in the last few years. I love the ad image and the gentle and feminine look with the blue eyeshadow. The Eye Color Quad in 117 is a delicious combination of purple, aqua blue, and mint green. Apart from capturing the trend, I think this versatile palette can take you right through the summer months.
9. Maquillage
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/mq)
Maquillage is another line that hasn’t been featured in my seasonal top ten very much. But there is something very striking about their latest seasonal look, which is my favorite look for spring 2008. One of the key items of the collection is Clean Contrast Eyes 2 in SV844, which is used to create the soft lilac eyes we see above:
(Maquillage Clean Contrast Eyes 2 in SV844)
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/mq)
This shade combination is not the first for Maquillage. Contrast Eyes in SV862, released in spring 2006, is quite similar (but the lilac looks warmer). T’Estimo’s Grande Shine Eyes in 02, from summer 2007, also has a similar concept. But the release of this color combination in spring 2008 as a key item of the collection reflects Maquillage’s attempt to interpret the current trend. (Teaser: A full review of Clean Contrast Eyes 2 in SV844 is coming up next week!)
8: Ayura
(part of the Ayura spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.ayura.co.jp)
Ayura‘s spring 2008 collection is very visually appealing. I am sure some of the people familiar with Ayura were delighted to see the brand take on a new color scheme for the packing. The intricate patterns against the black cases look exquisitely classy.
The collection includes 4 blushers, 21 lipsticks, and 18 nail colors. There is no item for eyes, but it is almost certain that we are going to see some beautiful eye colors in the new black cases.
7. Anna Sui
(part of the Anna Sui spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)
Anna Sui is probably the princess of vibrant colors. The spring 2008 collection features bright hues for eyes and nails. The three limited-edition Sui Lip Glosses (above) appear to be very bright, but they all go on naturally sheer. (Have a look at my review of the blue-tinted Sui Lip Gloss in 100.)
This is one of the more memorable seasonal collections from Anna Sui in the last couple of years, and I hope there will be more lovely items to come!
See you in Part 2!
Related Posts:
Magie Deco Spring 2008 Collection
(A great collection that just missed the cut…)
Spring 2008 Makeup Trend Report
(before we move into summer…)
(
We Love Anna Sui)
(image from www.jbook.co.jp)
If you have been following the latest news on the Anna Sui website, you might have come across the information on the release of the official mini-encyclopedia of Anna Sui Cosmetics.
It covers the history of the brand, the 7 keywords of Anna Sui Cosmetics (rose, butterfly, purple, red, black, glitter, antique), makeup looks using Anna Sui items, Anna Sui fans’ favorite items in various categories, and a lot of images of the brand’s past limited-edition items. The book also comes with a rectangular case and a round coin pouch, both limited editions.
If you are ready (I am serious…some of you might want to go through all the trouble to have your own copy), a blogger has posted photos of almost all the pages.
At the moment, the book has been more or less sold out in Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and it is more likely to find it on auction sites.
According to JBook and Amazon Japan, it appears that it will be back in stock in Japan at the end of this month. However, Amazon Japan has stopped offering International Economy Shipping. With International Express Shipping as the only option, a book will cost 30 USD and 36 USD to be shipped to North America and Europe respectively. It is a lot of money, considering that the book itself is only 1365 yen (around 13 USD).
I’ll have to leave you to make that decision…
Related Posts:
Loving Japanese Brands – Anna Sui
(my take on Anna Sui)
Anna Sui Lip Gloss in 100
(from Anna Sui Spring 2008 Collection)
Anna Sui Fall 2007 Collection
(featuring another photo of my Anna Sui stash)
Anna Sui Foundation Case Mini-Galore
(I might be adding one to my collection from here.)
— For those following Jill Stuart’s Launch in Taiwan, see the initial price list of some of the items. As predicted, the retail prices in Taiwan are cheaper than those (including sale tax) in Japan. Most items are about 7% cheaper.
— Have a look at a large photo of Anna Sui’s new Oil Control Paper case on a Japanese blog. Check out the details and the enclosed mirror.
— Uno is Shiseido’s well-known male haircare/skincare drugstore line. Recently, Orlando Bloom has been their spokesperson and you can see some of the TV commercials on Uno’s website. Here is the latest mini-movie version:
(Left: Anna Sui UV Body Spray G
