-Dior

Dior Holiday 2008 Collection Update (2)

by PJ on Friday, September 19, 2008

in -Dior, 2008 Holiday, makeup

(image from www.cosme.net)

Continuing with all the holiday releases, Dior will release Holiday Collection Makeup Palette in Japan on December 1st. (See some of the November releases here.)

The palette includes six eyeshadows, a blusher (DiorBlush #939 (Rosebud)), a pressed powder, a Dior Addict gloss (#257) and a mini DiorShow Blackout mascara (#099).

It is likely that this palette will be available outside Japan. (The holiday 2007 version of the palette was available in the UK for around £45.)

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Dior Holiday 2008 Collection Update (1) – More Items and Images

by PJ on Sunday, September 14, 2008

in -Dior, 2008 Holiday, makeup

Please have a look at the post at Steph’s Closet for more images of Dior’s holiday 2008 collection.

The Night Diamond compact (Black Diamond Diamond Effect Powder, according to the site) is still looking good!

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Dior Holiday 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, September 12, 2008

in -Dior, 2008 Holiday, makeup

(Dior Night Diamond
from the Holiday 2008 Collection )
(all images from i-voce2.com)

I always look forward to Dior’s holiday releases, and the packaging of this year’s star item, Night Diamond, is yet again inspired by Dior’s couture designs.

Dior‘s holiday 2008 collection will be released in Japan on November 1st. There should be more items to come. So far some of the items include:

– Night Diamond (pressed powder, 2 shades)

– J’Adore Absolu (50ml, this seems to be already available in many countries)

– J’Adore Absolu Fragrance Compact (solid perfume, 4g)

I do like the case of Night Diamond, and I am really looking forward to seeing the product in person.

I will update this post when there is more information.

Updated on September 14th, 2008:

There are more images of the jewelled powder compact and some other items at Steph’s Closet.

Updated on September 19th, 2008:

Please see the updated post here for more product information.

Updated on September 27th, 2008:

Please see the updated post here for more product information.

Updated on October 23rd, 2008:

Please see more photos of the collection here.

Updated on November 17th, 2008:

My review of Dior Night Diamond is up.

Updated on November 18, 2008:

Image and information of the Shimmering Party Makeup collection.

Dior Fall 2008 Makeup Collection

Dior Holiday 2007 – DiorLight

Dior Holiday 2006 – Dior Pretty Charms

How I Get My Dior (for Free)

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Fall 2008 Makeup Trend Report

by PJ on Wednesday, August 13, 2008

in -AQ, -Chanel, -Cosme Decorte, -Dior, -Est, -Kanebo, -Kao, -Kosé, -Lancôme, -Laura Mercier, -Lavshuca, -Lunasol, -Magie Deco, -Maquillage, -Shiseido, -SHISEIDO (Global Brand), -Shiseido The Makeup, -SUQQU, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, seasonal makeup trend reports

(image from www.chanel.com)

If there is one word that sums up the makeup trends for fall 2008, it is “warmth”. We had grey from fall 2007 and cool lilac and blue from spring 2008, and now we are greeted by opulent gold and red.

Fields of Gold

Chanel leads the pack with a collection with gold in the eye palette, lip gloss, face highlighter, and nail color. It is a decadent shade of gold, although it can be too warm for some complexions. If this is the case with you, items from Lavshuca (Grade Color Select in GD-1) and Shiseido The Makeup (Lip Gloss in G29 Mellow Gold) might suit you better.

(Lavshuca Grade Color Select in GD-1 (among swatches))
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca)

(Shiseido The Makeup Lip Gloss in G29 Mellow Gold)
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/themakeup)

Gold is also seen in Vernis Crème de Nacres, two nail products in Lancôme‘s fall 2008 collection that are applied with a special applicator. (I am not entirely certain whether they are sold in North America, but they are already available in the UK.)

(Lancôme Vernis Crème de Nacres)
(image from www.lancome.jp)

Shades of Red

If you are fans of purples, there are still some nice shades from Givenchy, Clarins, Awake and Sonia Rykiel as these beautiful hues continue the trend in spring 2008. But many purples are taking on a much warmer tone for fall 2008 and turning into plum purples. We are also seeing shades of burgundy and red, which, just like gold, are the key shades for this fall.

For plum and burgundy, which still somewhat echo the spring trend, look into the palettes from Laura Mercier, EST, and Magie Deco:

(Laura Mercier Eye Color Trio in Mauve Sunset)
(image from www.lauramercier.com)

(EST Emotional Aura Eyes in 07)
(image from www.kao.co.jp/est)

(Magie Deco Shadow Brilliance in 021 Bordeaux Shadow)
(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco)

Apart from gold, Chanel‘s fall 2008 collection also features delicious plums in Rouge Hydrabase in Fantastic Plum and Nail Colour in Fantastic.

While warmer reds are seen in major Japanese brands (like Lunasol and SUQQU below), Dior, always a trendsetter, features a muted warm red in 5-Colour Eyeshadow in #673 Earth Tones:

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

(image from www.suqqu.com/japan.html)

(Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow in 673 Earth Tones)
(image from www.sephora.com)

Mix & Match

If you love experimenting with makeup trends, why not try wearing gold and warm purples/reds to sport both trends at the same time?

(Magie Deco Pure Color in GD076 and RD470)
(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco)

(Cosme Decorte AQ Shadow Supreme in 015)
(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/aq)

(Maquillage Forming Shiny Eyes in 54)
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/mq)

If reds around the eyes don’t suit you, try gold with deep cool violets. It is a beautiful and modern way to wear violets. I am thinking about trying the items below:

(Maquillage Forming Shiny Eyes in 52)
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/mq)

(Lavshuca Dual Prism Eyes in PU-1 (among the swatches))
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca)

Last but not least, the two makeup looks for fall/holiday 2008 from Shiseido The Makeup epitomise the key trends for the coming seasons:

(Eyeshadow Quad Shimmer in Q11 (left) and Q12 (right))
(image from www.shiseido.co.jp/themakeup)

This season, I think I will be trying slightly deeper purples (than the ones I have been wearing) as well as platinum golds (not bronze golds). What about you? What shades are tempting you?

Related posts (more red, plum, and lilac):

Coffret D’Or Trance Deep Eyes in Grey Variation
(with a cool medium lilac)

NARS Fall 2008 Collection

ck Calvin Klein Fall 2008 Collection

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Dior Cleansing Gelee for Face, Lips, and Eyes

by PJ on Monday, July 28, 2008

in -Dior, skincare, skincare - cleansing/toning

(Dior Cleansing Gelee for Face, Lips and Eyes)

I have disliked almost all the cleansing creams that I have tried. Most of them either are too thick to manoeuvre (too much massaging involved) and/or leave some greasy residue. But Dior‘s Cleansing Gelee for Face, Lips and Eyes is one of the very few cream-based cleansers that I like. (I used a couple of 7ml trial samples before and I was glad to get a 50ml one from a gift with purchase.)

It has a very pleasant light-cream texture. With minimal massaging, it melts into a watery lotion consistency. It rinses off nicely and does not leave a greasy film. I still use a little bit of face wash after that, but I’d think some people probably don’t need that extra step as the cleanser does leave the skin quite refreshed.

It did remove lipstick and waterproof mascara when I tested it on the back of my hand (I tested it on Maybelline Volum’ Express Waterproof), but I usually still use an eye/lip makeup remover before using any cleansing gel/cream. (I don’t like any massaging/rubbing in my eye/lip area.)

This product is alcohol-free but contains fragrance.

Generally, I still prefer a cleansing oil, which is quick and easy to use and removes everything at one go. But if you are looking for a light gel/cream-based makeup remover for this summer (and are not sensitive to fragrance), this can be a good candidate.

Can’t Live Without – RMK Cleansing Oil N

Simple Moisturising Foaming Facial Wash

Johnson’s Eye Makeup Remover

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A Splash of Color – Gorgeous Gold

by PJ on Monday, July 7, 2008

in _I Love Colors, -Anna Sui, -Coffret d'Or, -Dior, -Elégance, -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, -Majolica Majorca, -YSL, all about Japanese cosmetics, fragrance, makeup, stash focus

I used to like gold more as a (glamorous and opulent) makeup packaging color scheme than as a shade to be worn. But I have tried a couple of gold-toned eye palettes this summer, and I have been enjoying seeing how various shades of gold can do for my eyes.

It seems that gold will be leading the makeup trend for fall and winter 2008, and I think there will be more dazzling hues of gold all the way through the holiday season.

Base
Anna Sui Fluid Foundation
Majolica Majorca Skin Remake Powder Foundation
Versace Concealer & Highlighter Duo

Eyes
Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Gold Variation
Lavshuca Summer Gradually Compact in Shiny Sandy Beach
Elégance Purity Eyes 11

Cheeks
Anna Sui Face Color Stick 302

Lips
Dior Sparkling Lip Gloss Duo
YSL Golden Gloss 03 Golden Pink

Multi-purposed
Dior Golden Dior Luminizing Makeup Jewel
YSL Gold Celebration Palette “Star Glow”

Fragrance
Dior J’Adore Eau de Parfum

Other splashes of color:

Lilting Lilac (Part 1 and 2)

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Dior Fall 2008 Makeup Collection

by PJ on Saturday, June 21, 2008

in -Dior, 2008 Fall, makeup

(Dior Impression Cuir)
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

I was waiting to bring you the information on Dior’s fall 2008 makeup collection, and I was especially looking forward to the limited-edition star item.

Impression Cuir features three neutral shades in crocodile prints. The case seems to be only slightly larger than Dior’s eyeshadow single.

The rest of the collection is also dominated by neutrals. After a predominantly neutral collection from Dior for summer, I was looking forward to something different. I have to say I am a little bit disappointed, and Impression Cuir also doesn’t look very appealing to me. (At the moment, it seems that gold and dark neutrals are the makeup trends of fall 2008.)

Please do enjoy the photos of the rest of Dior’s fall 2008 collection. (More information and observation follow below. All images are from the Voce website.)

– The collection also includes two lip liners and one eyeliner.

– The new Couleur Duo is available in two variations.

– All items are limited editions, except the Couleur Duo, the lip liners and the eyeliner.

Just one more thing. One of the two new eyeshadow palettes (the first one seen above) really reminds me of Lunasol’s Scent Form Eyes in Black Tea, which is released in fall 2006 and is one of Lunasol’s most popular items to date. Both feature the unique combination of soft plum-red and warm green, paired with neutrals.

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

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

Chanel Fall 2008 Collection
(featuring shades of gold)

My Personal Take on Dior

Lunasol Fall 2008 Collection

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Summer 2008 Makeup Top 10 (Part 3)

by PJ on Saturday, June 21, 2008

in -Dior, -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, -Lunasol, 2008 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1 and 2)

3. Dior

(Dior’s summer 2008 makeup collection)
(from Biteki, June 2008, p. 138)

Dior’s summer 2008 lineup has a very coherent look, as warm hues dominate the collection. Even though I am not particularly fond of very warm neutrals, I generally like collections with a strong identity.

I decided to get the Golden Dior Makeup Jewel (in Lamé Pink), which looks as good as it appears on all the magazine pages.

The look of the 5-Color Eyeshadow palette in 589 (the lower one in the photo above), but the finish of almost all the shades is too metallic for my liking. If you like metallic finishes, many of Dior’s recent eye palettes would be must-sees. But I do hope Dior would cut back on intense shimmer just a little bit and go back to the more satiny and softly shimmery finishes.

2. Lavshuca

(Summer Gradually Compact in Windy Aqua Beach)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca)

(Summer Gradually Compact in Shiny Sandy Beach)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca)

With two very nicely packaged six-color eye palettes for summer 2008, Lavshuca consolidated its position as a drugstore-brand princess for me. (The collection also features two new shades of Rouge Essence Bar.)

Some of you were surprised (and rightly so) that I went for the neutral Shiny Sandy Beach rather than the cool-toned Windy Aqua Beach. (Hmm…some of you seem to know my makeup likes and dislikes very well…) I was in a short neutral phase earlier (which is gradually coming to an end now), and I did need to add more medium neutrals to my collection.

I was very happy with this palette, since I like soft medium neutrals that are not overly pigmented (or overly warm). I particularly like the shades second and third from the right. (Please check out the link above for my review.)

1. Lunasol

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

To me, in the last few seasons, Lunasol’s makeup collections appear to be invincible. Superb quality, stunning colors, and a clear story behind every collection.

Lunasol’s Summer 2008 collection continues the “Color Purification” theme with inspiration from colorful corals of the sea. The shades look bouncy and vibrant but still wearable. The collection features the Bronze Coral palette, but it is not ruled by neutrals.

I have the Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral from the spring 2008 lineup, which I adore, and I don’t plan to pick up palettes from this collection. But I am quite interested in the Full Glamour Gloss in EX-01 (fourth from the bottom in the photo above, a limited edition). But I will have to act fast if I do decide to get it, since Lunasol’s limited-edition items for summer do tend to sell out.

You can see reviews of items from this collection on Autumn Masquerade and Lotus Palace. For swatches, please check out this post.

My summer top 10 brands’ fall 2008 offerings:

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A Splash of Color: More Lilting Lilac

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

My post on Lilting Lilac was back in December, and how time has flown. One of my readers predicted that there would be a Part 2, and she is right.

Here I share with you new faces (since last year), old favorites, and generosity from friends.

Above:
– Maquillage Clean Contrast Eyes in SV844
– Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Stage Lights
– Paul & Joe Eye Color in 05 (to be reviewed later)
– MAC Pigments in Violet and Frozen White (off-white with blue/lilac iridescence), in small pots from a lilac-loving friend