-Ayura

Spring 2009 Makeup Trend Report

by PJ on Monday, January 26, 2009

in -Ayura, -Chanel, -Clarins, -Clé de Peau, -Cosme Decorte, -Dior, -Elégance, -Esprique (Precious), -Giorgio Armani, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Kosé, -Lancôme, -Lunasol, -Magie Deco, -Shiseido, -Shu Uemura, -YSL, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup trend reports

Partly due to the current world economy, many people are not spending as much money on makeup as before. It is also not surprising that many of us are looking for classic, wearable and trend-resistant colors.

If you are the kind of makeup fan that looks forward to unique shades, you might have already been disappointed with most of this season’s lineups. It seems that, for spring 2009, many brands are coming up with wearable colors that don’t easily date. But I find it very interesting to look into how various brands interpret “wearable colors”, and here are three shades from spring 2009 collections.

– Soft neutrals

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

Brown-toned neutrals will probably never date. This season, neutrals are soft, milky, and not overly intense. Neither too bronze nor too gray, these neutrals have maximal appeal for most complexions.

Some of the loveliest neutral palettes I have come across are from Clé de Peau and Dior. They are soft, elegant, chic, and easy to wear.

(Shiseido Clé de Peau Eye Color Quad
in 121 (top) and 120 (bottom))
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/cpb)

(Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow in 553 Elégante)
(image from www.iswii.net)

If you want something slightly more intense, try Chanel‘s Les 4 Ombres (Quadra Eye Shadow) in Mystic Eyes from the spring 2009 Bohemian Fantasy collection.

(image from www.iswii.net)

– Pinks

(image from www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com)


If you think neutrals are too predictable, try a little bit of pink. Soft light-to-medium pinks that are very slightly on the cool side should give you a youthful and gentle look, as seen above in the ad image from Giorgio Armani‘s Pink Light collection for spring 2009.

Like Giorgio Armani, YSL includes pink in the brand’s only new quad for the season. (Check my previous post to see the main makeup look).

 

(Palette D’Artiste Colletor Powder for the Eyes)
(image from www.cosme.net)

Jill Stuart regularly brings out pink shades, and this season’s Blossoming Pink collection adds two pink-toned palettes to Jill Stuart’s eye palette lineup.

(Seductive Eyes in 06 Romantic Goddess)
(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

 

(Illuminance Eyes in 06 Blossoming Shine)
(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

For an edgier look, try Lancôme‘s Irreverent Madame palette from the brand’s Pink Irreverence collection.

(image from www.lancome.co.uk)

– Lilacs

(image from ep-bko.com)

I think lilacs are just as wearable as neutrals and pinks. Like how we find the right neutrals/pinks, as long as we find the shades with the right color intensity and the right amount of warmth/coolness for our complexions, lilac can be a great everyday eyeshadow color.

Lilac was part of the spring 2008 makeup trend, and, as a lilac fan, I am pleased that it is still a very prominent shade this season, especially in Japanese beauty brands. Beauté de Kosé’s Esprique Precious is using the lilac-toned palette (from the new True Impact Eyes range) in the ad campaign. Lunasol‘s Layer Bloom Eyes in 03 Purple Gradation is also the feature item in the brand’s Floral Purification collection. (In the image below, it seems that the palettes are blossoming under the fresh spring sun.)

 

(www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)

In addition, AYURA‘s only new eye palette for spring 2009 is a cool-toned lilac/gray palette, somewhat reminiscent of Maquillage’s Clean Contrast Eyes 2 in SV844.

 

(image from www.ayura.co.jp)

– Mix & Match

 

(image from woman.excite.co.jp)


There are quite a few collections that feature two or more of the three colors mentioned above. For example, all four of Elégance‘s eye palettes incorporate pinks, lilacs, and neutrals. (There are one neutral palette, one pink palette, one lilac palette, and one with an off-white pink and an off-white lilac.)

Beauté de Kosé‘s two new Eye Fantasist liquid eyeshadows are of pink and lilac hues:

 

(image from www.iswii.net)

If you want pink and lilac in the same product, look into Shu Uemura‘s Spring Mode Makeup Eye Palette in Fantasia and the Nature Temptation Eye Palette from Clarins, which also includes some neutrals. (The picture below shows the version sold in Asia. The European/American version also has a pink and a lilac, which are paired with slightly darker shades.)

 

(image from www.shuuemura-usa.com)

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

If the pinks and lilacs above are too pale for your complexion or if you want a more striking look, try Magie Deco‘s Shadow Brilliance palette in 022 Flower Show.

 

(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco)

So, do you like this spring’s trend (or non-trend…), and what colors will you be wearing this season?

More information on the spring 2009 collections featured above:

AYURA
Beauté de Kosé
Chanel
Dior
Elégance
Esprique Precious
Jill Stuart
Lunasol
Magie Deco
Shu Uemura
YSL

{ 6 comments }

AYURA Holiday 2008 Sets

by PJ on Wednesday, November 12, 2008

in -Ayura, 2008 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, bodycare, fragrance, fragrance - room fragrance

(images and info from www.ayura.co.jp/jp/)

AYURA usually brings out a set of products for the holiday season, and I was wondering why I hadn’t come across any news for this year. Then I realized that the two sets, both including the new Night Meditation fragrance (full size, 20ml) are probably what AYURA has brought out for the holiday period.

The Night Meditation Room Collection (seen above), launched on the same day as the fragrance itself, includes:

– Night Meditation Natural Spray
– Night Meditation Aroma Oil
– Night Meditation Aroma Pot

The set, out now, is priced at 5250 JPY.

The much pricier Night Meditation Bath Collection includes:

– Night Meditation Natural Spray
– Meditation Bath α
– Aromatic Wash
– Meditation Body Cream
– Juke Tower (water-resistant MP3 player)

The set, out on November 23rd, is priced at 12600 JPY.

{ 2 comments }

AYURA Spring 2009 Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, November 12, 2008

in -Ayura, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(images and info from www.joseishi.net/voce)

AYURA will release its spring 2009 collection on January 23rd, 2009. As with most spring makeup collections from Japanese brands, it is quite a wide collection. However, quite disappointingly, there is only one new eye palette.

The lineup includes:

– Aura Feel Gloss (6 shades)
– Aura Feel Lipliner Pencil (3 shades)
– Aura Feel Eyeliner Pencil (3 shades)
– Aura Feel White Pencil (for highlighting)
– Aura Feel Shadow (1 new variation, above)
– Aura Feel Rouge (3 new shades, limited editions)
– Aura Feel Nail (7 new shades)
– Aura Feel Top Coat
– Aura Feel Base Coat
– Nail Color Remover

(Aura Feel Gloss)

(Nail Color Remover)

Other spring 2009 makeup collections:

Lunasol

Coffret D’Or

Esprique Precious

{ 0 comments }

AYURA Night Meditation

by PJ on Wednesday, September 10, 2008

in -Ayura, all about Japanese cosmetics, fragrance

(AYURA Night Meditation)
(image from i-voce2.com)

On October 23rd, AYURA will release a brand new fragrance, Night Meditation. Featuring notes of sandalwood and bamboo, Night Meditation aims to be a calming scent that is used in the evening, particularly at bedtime.

This cologne will be available in 20ml. I think the portable size is meant to be suitable for travelling as it can help create a feel of familiarity and comfort (if the scent appeals to you, of course).

I personally think this is a significant release from AYURA as well as something I am really looking forward to. Since AYURA was launched in 1995, Spirit of AYURA has been AYURA’s only fragrance. Not only has it been one of my favorite scents, it has consistently been listed on readers’ favorite fragrance lists on Japanese beauty magazines over the years (while other scents come and go).

(part of the Spirit of AYURA range)
(image from www.ayura.co.jp)

If you are interested, you can get a sense of the scent from the note chart (on AYURA’s English site), which was added to the site only very recently. It is a beautiful light floral with a hint of green tea, but, for me, the stroke of genius is the very subtle addition of Chinese ink.

I always thought the scent was so wonderfully unique but I couldn’t figure out exactly why it was so. Then, I read more about it several years ago and realized it must have been the inclusion of Chinese ink. (It was one of those “That’s it!” moments.) According to the AYURA website, the addition of Chinese ink is “to express a noble translucence”. Indeed, the note is very sheer, but it can never be ignored.

But, however much I love Spirit of AYURA, I wouldn’t assume I will like Night Meditation. I will have to wait and see.

Related Posts:

My Three Favorite Fragrances

AYURA Fall 2008 Makeup Collection

Loving Japanese Brands – AYURA

{ 2 comments }

Update: AYURA Fall 2008 Collection

by PJ on Monday, June 30, 2008

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

My post on AYURA’s fall 2008 makeup collection has been updated with an image showing shades of all the eye palettes and lipsticks. Enjoy!

{ 0 comments }

AYURA Fall 2008 Makeup Collection

by PJ on Monday, June 23, 2008

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

(AYURA Aura Feel Shadow)
(image from www.cosme.net)

When AYURA revamped its packaging in spring 2008 (please see the photos in my previous post), the collection didn’t feature eyeshadows. I was expecting them for fall, and here they are.

Aura Feel Shadow (4 variations) is a 4-color palette packaged in the new dark cases with AYURA’s “Tree of Life” emblem (which has always been featured prominently on product boxes but not previously on product cases). The packaging continues to reflect AYURA’s style of incorporating elegant curves for all the product cases.

The rest of AYURA’s fall 2008 makeup collection includes:

– Aura Feel Rouge (3 new shades, limited editions)
– Aura Feel Liquid Eyeliner (2 shades)
– Aura Feel Eyebrow Pencil (3 shades)
– Aura Feel Mascara (2 shades)
– Aura Feel Aroma Paper (blotting paper, 60 sheets)
– Eyelash Curler


(Aura Feel Aroma Paper,
with the “Tree of Life” emblem)
(image from www.cosme.net)

The collection will be launched in Japan on July 23.

I have been interested in the new gradation blushers (Aura Feel Veil) from spring, but I have also been waiting to see the eye palettes. Now, I think it might be the time to get ready for my next AYURA item…

Updated on June 30, 2008:

Photo of AYURA’s fall 2008 collection, showing the shades of the Aura Feel Shadow palettes and the Aura Feel Rouge lipsticks:

(image from www.cosme.net)

Related Posts:

AYURA Aura Veil α in Sweet Pink

AYURA Nail Oil & Nail Essence

Loving Japanese Brand – AYURA

{ 4 comments }

A Splash of Color – Terrific Turquoise

by PJ on Sunday, April 6, 2008

in _I Love Colors, -Ayura, -Dior, -Ettusais, -MAC, -Maybelline, makeup

(Enjoying the sunshine while I can…)

In the UK, I think summer is the best season, with warm sunshine and soft breezes.

But we had a fairly disappointingly cool summer in the UK last year, with very little sunshine. This year, under the influence of La Niña, we probably won’t have a warmer summer…

For me, bright turquoise is one of the most summery colors. Thanks to the pleasant (and rare) sunshine today, my turquoise looked brighter and more tropical!

For eyes
– Dior Eyeshadow Duo in DiorLagoon
– Ayura Finger Touch Eye Shadow in GR (limited-edition, fall 2006)
– MAC Eye Shadow in Haunting (Alexander McQueen Collection)
– MAC Paint Pot in Rollickin’ (Fafi Collection)
– Maybelline Dream Mousse Eye Color in Fabulous Turquoise

For lips
-Ettusais Lip Gloss in CL

For skin
– Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher

Please enjoy more splashes of colors!

– New-Leaf Green
– Aqua Blue
– Citrus Orange
– Girlie Pink
– Lilting Lilac

{ 12 comments }

Spring 2008 Makeup Top 10 (Part 1)

by PJ on Sunday, March 16, 2008

in -Anna Sui, -Ayura, -Clé de Peau, -Maquillage, 2008 Spring, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

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 palette combines the very trendy grey from fall 2007 and the spring 2008 leading color lilac. It can also be seen as a monochrome palette with lilac as the accent color. It can create a variety of looks, from gentle and fresh to intensely smoky.

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…)

{ 2 comments }

Time-Travel Through Japanese Cosmetics

by PJ on Thursday, February 21, 2008

in -Albion, -Ayura, -DHC, -Kanebo, -Kao, -Kosé, -Shiseido, -Shu Uemura, -Sofina, all about Japanese cosmetics

(Loving Japanese makeup)

As a fan of Japanese cosmetics, apart from all the colorful products available, I am also interested in knowing more about the history behind the various brands and companies. So I was delighted to come across a time-line featuring the launches of many major Japanese cosmetics companies in Biteki‘s January 2008 issue. Let’s have a look:

1872 Shiseido

1887 Kao

1929 Pola

1936 Kanebo

1946 Kosé

1956 Albion

1959 Menard

1967 Shu Uemura

1972 DHC

1981 Fancl

1987 IPSA

1991 Ettusais

1995 AYURA

1996 Equipe (which now owns RMK and SUQQU)

(Biteki, January 2008, p. 102-125)

It is interesting that, like many western cosmetics brands, some of the recent major Japanese cosmetics companies in the last couple of decades have also been acquired by more established ones. For example, IPSA, Ettusais, and AYURA were acquired by Shiseido. Kanebo now owns Equipe, while Kosé owns Albion. Also, in early 2006, Kanebo was sold to Kao.

I will be equally interested in these slightly more corporate and behind-the-scene developments and in all the shiny new releases from these brands…

Related Posts:

All About Japanese Cosmetics
(consolidating my passion)

“Loving Japanese Brands” Series
(my favorite seven)

Japanese Brands in the UK
(featuring where to get them from outside the UK)

{ 0 comments }

My Beauty Weakness: Cute Cuticle Oils

by PJ on Sunday, January 6, 2008

in -Ayura, -Paul & Joe, all about Japanese cosmetics, nail color/care, stash focus

(cuticle oil from Paul & Joe (left)
and Ayura (middle and right))

I have to admit in the beginning that, to moisturize my cuticles, I prefer very emollient and dense cuticle creams and that I also use very thick lip balms on my cuticles. In general, cuticle oil, on its own, does not do a lot for me.

But I do have a weakness for cute-looking cuticle oils. A big reason why I bought these three is that they look so adorable. They are like little treats, and I don’t really use them regularly. But, when I do, I use them as a nail/cuticle conditioner underneath my hand cream and cuticle cream.

The Ayura one in the middle is what started this weakness. It was a limited-edition item included in a set a few years ago and it was never sold on its own. The three layers of oil (of pink, peach, and lime-green shades) are mixed together before use. It is well-absorbed and smells divine. (This cuticle oil was a one-off creation based on the scent of Spirit of Ayura, one of my favorite fragrances.) I stopped using it after I decided I wanted to keep these colorful layers close to their entirety.

When Ayura’s nail items changed their packaging a couple of years ago, they released After Bath Nail Essence (a general item, not limited-edition). It is not an oil and has a serum texture. The inclusion of alcohol in this prevents it from being more moisturizing, and I make sure I apply a hand cream right afterwards.

The Paul & Joe Nail Treatment Oil (pictured left) has the same light oil texture as the Ayura limited-edition one. It penetrates well and conditions the nail area nicely before I apply my hand cream and cuticle cream.

The link to the Paul & Joe Nail Treatment Oil above shows the new version (Nail Care Oil), out on February 1st. I will be checking it out and see how different it is from the one I have…

Related Posts:

Can’t Live Without: Garnier Hand Cocoon
(one of my favorite hand creams)

Ayura Spring 2008 Collection
(a new look for my all-time favorite brand)

Paul & Joe Foundation Primer N
(tried and tested…and loving it)

{ 2 comments }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →