-Coffret d’Or

Coffret D’Or Fall 2008 – Second Helping!

by PJ on Thursday, May 22, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(More from Coffret D’Or fall 2008)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

I have been quite excited about Coffret D’Or’s early fall 2008 collection, and now there is more.

On July 16th, Coffret D’Or will release Part II of its early fall 2008 collection, which includes:

– Fluffy Shine Eyes (new, 5 shades, seen above)
– Combient Rouge (5 new shades)

The Fuffy Shine Eyes shades look soft and wearable. I am liking the lilac and the pale cool green at the moment. I think the emphasis will be on shimmer rather than pigmentation.

I’d like to see swatches of these to have an idea of the finish, as I much prefer something not too shimmery or glittery. Before that, I will concentrate on saving up for the upcoming Trance Deep Eyes palettes.

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Purple and Gold Variations

Coffret D’Or Full Styling Rouge in RS-241 & RS-242

Lavshuca Fall 2008 Collection

Kate Fall 2008 Collection

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Coffret D’Or Trance Deep Eyes – Decisions, Decisions!

by PJ on Sunday, May 11, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Fall, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow

(part of the Coffret D’Or late summer/ early fall collection)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor/)

Coffret D’Or has updated its website with information on the late summer/ early fall collection. (Please see my previous post for some quick detail and a link to swatches.) It is another beautiful collection, with lipsticks, eyeliners, and eyebrow pencils, but my eyes have been drawn to the new Trance Deep Eyes palettes.

First, let’s remind ourselves of 3D Lighting Eyes, released in December 2007:

(Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor/)

01 Pink Variation

02 Blue Green Variation
03 Silver Variation
04 Purple Variation
05 Gold Variation

Now check out the new variations:

(Coffret D’Or Trance Deep Eyes)

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

01 Rose Variation
02 Blue Variation
03 Khaki Green Variation
04 Grey Variation
05 Beige Variation

I think I am definitely going to try the new palette series, but the question is which one I want. Or, to be precise, which ONES?

This time, no single palette is jumping out at me, and I am liking three at the moment. After looking at the swatches, I have been lured by Rose, Grey, and Beige Variations. Here are my initial thoughts:

Rose Variation: The top-right shading color looks similar to the cool dusty pink in my Purple Variation, which is one of my recent favorite eyeshadow shades. I would love to try the new palette to see how everything works.

Grey Variation: My first reaction is that it looks similar to my Maquillage Clean Contrast Eyes in SV844, which I like. But there are differences. Maquillage SV844 has a medium grey, which Grey Variation doesn’t have. Also, from the swatches, it seems that the lilac is very slightly warmer than that in SV844. This could be my next lilac palette!

Beige Variation: I am happy with my Gold Variation and my Summer Gradually Compact from Lavshuca, but the top-right soft taupe seems lovely and far from plain. The bottom-left peach gold is not usually one of my favorite colors, but I think it will be on the sheer side and can work well with the cool taupe.

At the moment, my favorite is Rose Variation. But I can’t let go of the soft lilac, and I am still in my mini neutral phase.

Will I be getting all three? You will have to find out later!

Which one is appealing to you at the moment?

Sofina Aube Early Fall Collection

Chanel Fall & Holiday Collections

A Splash of Color – Lilting Lilac
(I am sensing a Part Two might be coming up…)

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Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Gold Variation

by PJ on Tuesday, May 6, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(Kanebo Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes
in 05 Gold Variation)

I like a bit of variety in my makeup collection. I tend to pick up one shade from an eye palette series and that is it. No matter how much I like what I have, I often look elsewhere for my next gem. There usually has to be a compelling reason for a second purchase.

I have quite a few eyeshadows in blue, purple, turquoise, and pinks. But when it comes to neutral tones, what I had were mostly either very pale or quite dark. It didn’t bother me before, since I like a bit of color. But, sometimes, to go with what I wear, soft neutrals are by far the best choices. So, weeks ago, I finally decided not to make do with dusty pink and soft peach and get some nice neutrals.

The color I decided to look for is a medium gold with subtle shimmer (not overly metallic shimmer) that is not bronze or orangey, and I planned to pick up a palette with the shade and other coordinating ones.

As I was looking through my recent Biteki and Voce seasonal makeup catalogues, I remembered that, when Coffret D’Or was launched last December, I was allured by the 3D Lighting Eyes palette in Gold Variation used on Tokiwa Takako. (The full-page ad appeared on Biteki (February 2008) and showed the makeup look a lot more clearly than the (same) image below.)

(Tokiwa Takako for Coffret D’Or)
(image from http://www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

Also, the texture and the finish of my Purple Variation appealed to me so much that I thought it would be great to pick up a second one. So I did.

(The sun was out, so I decided to take a few more shots.
Later I found that this photo shows the actual shades a lot better.)

From left to right:

The top two:
– a sheer off-white with fine sparkles
– a moderately pigmented pearlescent white with fine shimmer

The bottom three:
– a medium gold with smooth shimmer and fine sparkles (moderately pigmented)
– a very shimmery sheer pale champagne gold with slightly larger sparkles
– a subtly shimmery well-pigmented medium brown with some fine sparkles (which goes on a little cooler than it looks in the pan)

(All the sparkles and shimmer are multi-colored.)

The texture of the powder is wonderfully soft and silky. The application is effortless and blending is a breeze.

The look it creates is just like what you see in the ad above. The soft gold and the coordinating pale champagne enhance the dimensions of the eyes very effectively, but the whole look is still elegant and understated. (The soft gold is exactly what I wanted. It is a subtle but effective shading color.)

The colors from 3D Lighting Eyes are very long-lasting. Once I wore Purple Variation (without any eye primer) and my eye makeup surprisingly more or less survived heavy wind and rain (the kind where an umbrella is basically useless…well, it’s the unpredictable British weather…).

I am very pleased that I got this palette so that I can enjoy all the great things about 3D Lighting Eyes when I am not wearing lilac for the day!

(For the clear instructions on where each shade is applied, my thoughts on the eye-sculpting concept of the 3D Lighting Eyes series, the look of the palette case, and the other color variations, please refer to my post on the Purple Variation.)

Coffret D’Or Late Summer/ Early Fall Collection
(with link to swatches)

Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral

Shiseido Maquillage Clean Contrast Eyes in SV844

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Coffret D’Or Update!

by PJ on Tuesday, April 29, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Fall, 2008 Summer, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow

Coffret D’Or‘s late summer/ early fall collection will be launched in mid-June, but testers are already out in Japan and pre-ordering has started.

My post on this collection has been updated with a link to exciting photos of all the new palettes and their swatches. I am enjoying them at the moment!

There is a good chance that I will pick up one of them. (The blogger praises the superb quality of the powder, and she is usually spot-on.) I just need to decide which one to go for……

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Coffret D’Or Late Summer/ Early Fall Collection – First Look

by PJ on Monday, April 21, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Fall, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(part of Coffret D’Or’s late summer/ early fall collection)
(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Coffret D’Or has been doing so well in Asia since its launch in December last year (especially the eye palettes). If you have been looking forward to the second major color collection, here is a glimpse of it!

Coffret D’Or’s late summer/ early fall collection will be released in Japan on June 16th. The collection includes:

For eyes:
– Trance Deep Eyes palettes: 5 variations
– Star Dazzling Liner: 3 new shades

For eyebrows:
– W Styling Eyebrow (OV): 3 shades (oval-shaped pencil)
– W Styling Eyebrow (RO): 3 shades (round-shaped pencil)
– W Styling Eyebrow Tip Powder: 3 shades

For lips:
– Full Memory Rouge (Color): 10 shades
– Full Memory Rouge (Glow): 10 shades
– Full Styling Rouge (Color): 2 new shades
– Full Styling Rouge (Glow): 2 new shades

With the new Trance Deep Eyes palettes, the emphasis will be on adding definition to the eyes with the two highlighting shades and the two much darker shadowing shades. Compared with the 3D Lighting Eyes series, the new palettes will create a very different look. I look forward to seeing the other three palettes and the promotional images and videos later on.

I will definitely update this post when there is more information!

Updated on April 29th, 2008:

Please check out this blog post for photos of all the new eye palettes and their swatches!

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Purple Variation

Coffret D’Or Full Styling Rouge (Color) in RS-241 & RS-242

Coffret D’Or Spring/Summer Base Makeup Collection

Coffret D’Or Summer Collection

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Coffret D’Or Makeovers

by PJ on Wednesday, April 9, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

Continuing with Coffret D’Or from yesterday…

FAnet has put up photos and information on two makeovers featuring items entirely from Kanebo’s Coffret D’Or, from primer to lip gloss. Have a look!

There are also links (just above the two photos) to other brand-based makeovers from Stila, Paul & Joe, and RMK.

Enjoy!

Elegant Roses – Coffret D’Or Full Styling Rouge RS-241 & RS-242

by PJ on Tuesday, April 8, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Spring, makeup, makeup - lip color, stash focus

(Coffret D’Or Full Styling Rouge Color
in RS-242 (left) and RS-241 (right))

Coffret D’Or has been growing on me more and more, and today I bring you two lipsticks from their launch collection.

Coffret D’Or currently has two ranges of lipsticks. Full Styling Rouge Glow is a range of sheer lipsticks with a glossy shine, while Full Styling Rouge Color features more pigmented lipsticks with a natural watery sheen.

(Coffret D’Or Full Styling Rouge Glow,
packaged in glossy and reflective cases)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

(Coffret D’Or Full Styling Rouge Color,
packaged in textured matte cases)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

(RS-242 (left) and RS-241 (right))

RS-241 and RS-242 are from the Color range. They are well-pigmented and have a beautiful natural sheen. There is very fine shimmer in both shades, and it doesn’t look obvious when worn. Both stay on well and are fairly non-drying. (But I always wear a lip balm before I wear any lipstick or lip gloss.) Like most lipsticks from Japanese brands, they are scentless (which I like).

RS-241 is a soft and feminine rose petal shade. It is the shade used on Nakatani Miki, one of the five brand ambassadors for Coffret D’Or (and one of my two favorites of the five, along with Tokiwa Takako). (Below, Nakatani Miki is also wearing 3D Lighting Eyes in 04 Purple Variation.)

(Nakatani Miki for Coffret D’Or )
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp)

RS-242 is a much deeper rose shade that looks slightly more vibrant and a tad warmer when worn. This more dramatic shade is great for an evening look.

In many Japanese beauty brands (particularly major ones like Shiseido, Kao, Kanebo, and Kosé), lipsticks are named according to various color families (PK (pink), RD (red), OR (orange/peach), RS (rose/cool pink), BE (beige), and BR (brown)). When I started buying makeup, I often bought PK shades. But, later on, I began to pay more attention to RS shades and the more muted and rosier PK shades.

Even though I slightly prefer the lighter RS-241, my favorite way to wear them is to gently dab the darker RS-242 onto my lips and then softly glaze RS-241 on top. The mixture of the two gives me the kind of rose coloration I like. (The Full Styling Rouge Color lipsticks seem to be more pigmented than most lipsticks I have, and I try to be light-handed with them.)

Overall these two shades will suit people who love lipsticks in rose tones and enjoy pigmented lip colors with a natural sheen and very subtle shimmer. They will give you a sophisticated and feminine look.

(One of my friends kindly gave these two lipsticks to me, so I was able to enjoy them. (I know you are reading this, and thank you very much!))

Related Posts:

Lavshuca Jewelry Lips
(another two great lip shades,
slightly less pigmented than the two reviewed above)

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in 04
(one of my favorite items for spring 2008)

Coffret D’Or Beauty Lasting Pack UV
(a great powder foundation for the warmer months)

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Update: Majolica Majorca & Coffret D’Or Summer 2008 Collections

by PJ on Saturday, March 29, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, -Majolica Majorca, -Shiseido, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

My posts on Majolica Majorca‘s and Coffret D’Or‘s summer 2008 collections have been updated to include additional images.

Have a look, and enjoy!

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Coffret D’Or Summer 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, March 21, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, nail color/care

(part of Coffret D’Or’s
summer 2008 collection)
(image from www.biteki.com)

Coffret D’Or will release 20 nail colors as its summer 2008 collection in Japan on April 16th.

The summer collections of Japanese cosmetics brands are usually a lot smaller than their spring and fall releases, and this is an example. These nail colors also add to Coffret D’Or’s debut lineup (released in December 2007) which didn’t feature items for nails.

Updated on March 29, 2008:

The Coffret D’Or summer 2008 collection will also include the Cuticle Care Oil.

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

I like the two-tier design, and the lilac and aqua look very pretty! This might join my cuticle oil collection…

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in 04
(one of my favorite spring 208 items)

Coffret D’Or Spring/Summer 2008 Base Makeup Collection
(loving the look…)

Foundation Face-Off: Coffret D’Or vs. Lunasol
(There is a clear winner for me.)

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Spring 2008 Seasonal Top 10 (Part 3)

by PJ on Thursday, March 20, 2008

in -Coffret d'Or, -Dior, -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2008 Spring, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1 and Part 2)

3rd: Dior

(image from www.dior.com)

Dior’s makeup collections tend to capture the trend very well, and this season’s release has done it again, with gorgeous pinks, lilacs, and warm neutrals to add depth.

(Dior spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

Visually stunning as well as wearable, the collection is a feast for the eyes. I always like a seasonal collection with a strong identity, and all the variation of pinks, along with the ad campaign, create a distinct look for this collection.

Dior’s eye palettes have been getting more and more shimmery. (Almost all the shades in this season’s two palettes are very shimmery.) Even though I am not sure I like this direction, the finishes of these shades are still flattering.

2nd: Coffret D’Or

(part of Coffret D’Or’s spring 2008 collection)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

Like EST, Coffret D’Or‘s spring collection is another sublime debut collection. I know some people were not looking forward to seeing T’Estimo being discontinued and replaced by Coffret D’Or. But I simply chose to see Coffret D’Or as the same line (plus base makeup products) being marketed under a new name and new packaging.

I do like the new packaging. It looks more gown-up than T’Estimo and I like the jeweled details on the eye palettes.

The 3D Lighting Eyes palettes are definitely the core of this collection. I have read more reviews where people choose not to buy the spring 2008 palettes from Maquillage or Aube (both of which are similarly priced) and go for Coffret D’Or instead (than the other way around). Even though the color combinations are not particularly unique or striking (see one of my other Coffret D’Or posts for the image of the five palettes), the texture, finish, and lasting power are what make them stand out. (Please check out my review on 3D Lighting Eyes in 04.)

Overall, this is a very exciting debut collection, and Coffret D’Or has probably already created many future loyal followers.

1st: Lunasol

(Lunasol Full Glamor Lips G)

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

Since Coffret D’Or is already so good, why makes Lunasol’s spring 2008 collection even better?

It is the core concept, which is what makes a collection memorable. It is also the visual impact of the whole lineup and how it translates to daily wear.

The colors of the sea and the shades of coral reefs provide the inspiration for this collection. The five Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes are simply gorgeous.

(Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes palettes)

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

While the Sheer Contrast Eyes palette in Blue Coral (above, bottom left) is used for Lunasol’s main ad campaign and is heavily featured in Japanese beauty magazines, I chose Lavender Coral, which I reviewed earlier. The superb quality has consolidated Lunasol’s position as one of my favorite cosmetics brands.

With a distinctive concept and a beautifully wide range of vibrant yet wearable colors, this is the best collection for me in spring 2008.

This concludes my seasonal roundup for spring 2008. What about you? Which spring 2008 collection/item is your favorite?

More Thoughts on Spring 2008

When I was doing my “seasonal top ten” features in the last few seasons, I did feel that the brands I talked about might be a little repetitive for my readers. Since the top-ten countdown is only meant to reflect my own preferences, I never intend to feature a widely varied selection of brands from season to season.

But it is very refreshing to see Eprise, Clinique, Clé de Peau, and Maquillage come up with appealing collections. Also, Coffret D’Or‘s and EST‘s strong debut color makeup lineups prove to be serious competitors.

On the other hand, for me, the spring 2008 collections from Chanel, YSL, Jill Stuart, and Lavshuca are relatively disappointing. But I am sure these favorite brands of mine will wow me later this year.

Coffret D’Or’s Spring/Summer 2008 Base Makeup Collection
(The loose powder is on my shopping list.)

Foundation Face-Off – Lunasol vs. Coffret D’Or
(Is Lunasol still winning?)

Loving Japanese Brand – Lunasol
(my personal take on Lunasol)

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