-Magie Deco

(continued from Part 1 & Part 2)

3rd: Dior

(image from www.dior.com)

(5-Colour Iridescent in 659 Crush Glow)
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

Dior’s summer 2010 makeup collection is the only collection from a western brand in my top ten for this season. Besides Addicted to Dior, the two 5-Colour Iridescent palettes, 649 Ready-to-Glow and 659 Crush Glow, are also highlights of the collection. (I prefer the warmer Crush Glow (above).)

2nd: Magie Deco

(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco)

(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco)

I actually didn’t pay too much attention to Magie Deco’s summer 2010 collection until I saw images of the collection on the official website. I was fascinated by the cheerful and summery (as well as chic and glamorous) Shadow Brilliance II in LC034 Latina Beauty. Interestingly, the color combination looks somewhat similar to that of Dior’s Crush Glow (above), with yellow gold, salmon pink, and chocolate brown.

1st: Lunasol

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

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

Lunasol’s summer 2010 collection continues the Nature Purification theme. The two new Nature Color Eyes palettes, EX01 Nature Summer Blue and EX02 Nature Summer Beige, draw inspiration from the hues of the sand and the sea and turn them into shimmery and stunning eyeshadows. The rest of the items in the collection complement the two palettes beautifully, and the peachy-orange items reflect the recent makeup trends.

Related posts:

Dior Fall 2010 Makeup Collection

Lunasol Fall 2010 Makeup Collection

Magie Deco Shadow Brillinace II in Foxy Lady

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(continued from Part 1 and Part 2)

3. Magie Deco

(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco)

(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco)


Earlier this year, I finally got my first item from Magie Deco (Shadow Brilliance II in Foxy Lady). It didn’t disappoint me, and I will definitely look out for other things to try. For spring 2010, there are blue, green, and purple as well as more soft neutrals. I particularly like
LC033 White Crystal Opal and DC031 Pink Opal. (White Crystal Opal looks a lot warmer in photos in Biteki than it does in the image above.)

2. Lunasol

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

I tend to be more excited about Lunasol’s palette series for spring than those for fall, and Nature Color Eyes from the spring 2010 collection is another beautifully colorful range from one of my favorite makeup lines in the last ten years. I like the warmth in 03 Nature Brown and the soft colors in 05 Nature Colorful. (If the liner shade in Nature Colorful were a deep purple, I would probably consider buying it.)
1. Coffret D’Or

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

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

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

Among Coffret D’Or’s purple eye palettes, 3D Lighting Eyes in 04 Purple Variation (from the spring 2008 collection) is my favorite and Jewelcious Eyes in 05 Purple Amethyst from the spring 2010 collection is my second favorite. The tone of the purple in Purple Amethyst suits me well and I like its moderate pigmentation level and pearly shimmer. I also like the case design of this palette series.

The Innocent Color Blush reminds us again that Coffret D’Or is the successor to T’Estimo, which released Pure Layer Blush, a loose-powder blusher, for spring and summer 2007. (The cases look nearly the same.)

As I mentioned before, Coffret D’Or overall appeals to me a lot more than T’Estimo. This collection is one of the many reasons why the line has kept me interested for the last few years.

Related posts:

Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral

Lunasol Summer 2010 Collection

Coffret D’Or Late Summer/ Early Fall Collection

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Late last year, one of my readers suggested that I recommend items for a complete makeup look. I thought that I would recommend items that create a natural look that is suitable for daily wear. Today, I will focus on eye makeup items.

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Purple Variation (right)

Released in December 2007, it is still one of my favorite eye palettes. The dusky pink and the light lilac are a winning combination. The violet lining shade is one of the most beautiful lining shades I have come across.

Coffret D’Or Trance Deep Eyes in Rose Variation (left)

Try this one if you want a palette that is similar to 3D Lighting Eyes in Purple Variation but with more warmth. (Do note that this palette is more shimmery.)

Magie Deco Shadow Brilliance II in Foxy Lady (top)

This is my recent favorite. It includes soft warm neutrals that create a natural depth for the eyes.

Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara in Jet Black

It is one of the most natural-looking mascaras that I have come across. It creates subtle length and volume for the lashes, and it has never clumped on my lashes.

SUQQU Eyebrow Brush L

I think this is one of SUQQU’s finest creations. Use this brush with any eyebrow powder that suits you. I like the fact that the brush is able to enhance the structure of the eyebrows without leaving any hard edges.

More recommendations for cheeks & lips as well as the complexion!

(The SUQQU Eyebrow Brush L featured in this post is provided by SUQQU.)

Related posts (other wearable items):

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Gold Variation

SUQQU Blend Eyeshadow in 10 Sakuragi

Chanel Irréelle Duo in Désert-Rose

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Magie Deco is a point (color) makeup line that is part of Kosé’s high-end brand Cosme Decorte. It was launched in fall 2007 and the products’ price points are similar to those of Lunasol’s. Shadow Brilliance II in DC025 Foxy Lady, which is part of Magie Deco’s fall 2009 collection, is my first item from the line.

One thing I like about Magie Deco is that it often brings out eye palettes with interesting and unusual color combinations. (In Japanese cosmetics, many mainstream brands constantly release tone-on-tone eye palettes.)

One palette that helps define the line’s character is Shadow Brilliance in 014 Believe in Magic, which is part of the line’s launch collection in fall 2007. The palette includes a plum pink and an olive green, which don’t usually appear together in eye palettes from Japanese brands.

The new Shadow Brilliance II series, launched in fall 2009, also features some interesting color combinations. (LC028 Lovable Muse includes a lilac and an aqua green.)

The main reason why I went for Foxy Lady, a tone-on-tone neutral palette (instead of one with a more unusual color combination), is that I was looking for an eye palette with soft warm latte-like neutrals. Foxy Lady is the one I decided to try.




The five colors in this palette are (clock-wise from bottom right):

– off-white with a hint of gold
– light-to-medium warm beige
– soft warm yellow gold
– light warm beige
(subtly lighter than the light-to-medium beige)
– dark brown

All the shades have subtle shimmery particles. They show up predominantly as a veil of gold-toned shimmer under sunlight while they look more multi-colored under artificial lighting. They have a smooth texture and are very easy to blend. The staying power is good.

The eyeshadows are very gently scented with a floral-fruity fragrance.

The three lightest shades are softly pigmented. Even among eyeshadows in Japanese cosmetics, they are on the sheer side. Because I wanted soft neutrals in the first place, I don’t mind them being sheer.
The light-to-medium warm beige at the bottom left is moderately pigmented and is not overly sheer. Overall, I like the ethereal look that these shades create.

The dark brown is a lot more pigmented than the other four, but, as a lining shade, it is also slightly less pigmented than most other lining shades in eye palettes from Japanese makeup lines.

The two beiges create a delicate gradation. I particularly like the darker one of the two. It is not always easy to find light-to-medium neutrals that are able to create depth, as light neutrals are usually made to be light-reflective. But this shade, while softly shimmery (not frosty or overly light-reflective), is able to create a natural depth for the eyes.

The soft yellow gold imparts a touch of vibrancy. It can replace (or work with) the off-white as a base, a highlighter for the brow bones, and a highlighter for the inner corners of the eyes.

I also like the case of the palette. Surprisingly, the pink case never looks overly saccharine. The pink and the gold work delightfully well together, and the faceted gem-like shape is feminine and regal at the same time.

Overall I really like this palette. I will certainly go back to it again and again, and I will continue to look forward to Magie Deco’s new releases. If you like your neutrals to be pigmented and intense, then you can safely skip this palette. If you want very wearable neutrals that are suitable for daytime, then this palette may be worth your consideration.

Related posts:

Magie Deco Summer 2009 Collection

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in Gold Variation

Lavshuca Summer Gradually Compact in Shiny Sandy Beach

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(image from www.bareescentuals.co.uk)

– Shiseido Co., Ltd. will acquire Bare Escentuals, Inc. through a US subsidiary (Blush Acquisition Corporation). You can read more about the acquisition at Yahoo! Finance.
(information from Nikkei Net and Yahoo! Finance)

– My post on Paul & Joe’s spring 2010 makeup collection has been updated with more images of the Disney collection. Do have a look!

– I have got my first Magie Deco item (Shadow Brilliance II in DC 025 Foxy Lady) and my first impression of it is very good. I will be reviewing it later on.

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(continued from Part 1)

6. Max Factor

(image from www.maxfactor.jp)

Some beauty lines in Japan let customers choose what they want in the holiday makeup kits. For holiday 2009, Max Factor offers the Foundation Set and the Color Makeup Set. With the Foundation Set, customers can go for one foundation and one makeup base, while they can choose one eyeshadow palette and one mascara for the Color Makeup Set. There are also two makeup pouches to choose from, and I think both look very lovely.

5. Anna Sui

(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

There are some very collectible items in Anna Sui’s holiday 2009 collection. The Hand Mirror Eye Color Palette and the Hand Mirror Lip Color Palette are especially eye-catching. (I am sure they are popular with Anna Sui fans.) The makeup case also looks quite princessy.

4. Magie Deco

(image from www.cosme.net)

Since Magie Deco was launched in 2007, it has been bringing out makeup sets for the holiday season. For 2009, Magie Deco Coffret III includes a very pretty eyeshadow palette, with colors such as beige gold, light pink, and deep purple. The set also contains a pressed powder and a powder brush. This is probably my favorite holiday makeup set from Magie Deco, which is very closely followed by the 2007 coffret. (See the 2007 coffret here and the one for 2008 here.)

Related posts:

Max Factor Eye Gradation Colors

Anna Sui Spring 2010 Makeup Collection

Magie Deco Fall 2009 Collection

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(continued from Part 1 & Part 2)

3. Jill Stuart

(image from www.iswii.com)

(image from www.iswii.com)

Jill Stuart’s fall 2009 items include the seasonal additions plus the 5th anniversary collection. The 5th anniversary collection items are certainly worth collecting but the packaging of some of the items can look a little fussy. Among the fall additions, I particularly like the new Seductive Eyes palette, which has some nice warm neutrals. There are also two new variations of the popular Mix Blush Compact.

2. Magie Deco

(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco)

(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco)

I didn’t pay too much attention to Magie Deco’s fall 2009 collection until I saw the full lineup in the September 2009 issue of Biteki and some of the Shadow Brilliance II palettes being featured in the following issue. I actually like almost all the variations, and LC028 Lovable Muse, with lilac and green, is quite an unusual color combination in Japanese cosmetics.

This might surprise you, but the Shadow Brilliance II palette that has really grabbed my attention is DC025 Foxy Lady, not DC026 Real Madonna. The light-to-medium neutrals look very soft, wearable, and sophisticated. If I decide to pick up more neutral shades, I might seriously consider this palette.

1. Lunasol

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

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

For me, it has been quite a good year for Lunasol. Last fall, I didn’t really warm to Lunasol’s red-toned collection, which wasn’t among my seasonal top ten then. This year, I like all of Lunasol’s seasonal collections (including the holiday 2009 collection), and, with the fall 2009 collection, the idea of capturing the changes of light from dusk to dawn appeals to me a lot.

Overall, Lunasol’s eyeshadow palettes for this year are relatively understated in terms of color and shimmer (especially when they are compared with palettes from previous series such as Geminate Eyes and Sheer Contrast Eyes). In a way, they are similar to palettes from Lunasol’s early days, but it seems that shimmer will be back for spring 2010.

My holiday 2009 top ten will be posted next month.

Related posts (on spring 2010 collections):

Coffret D’Or

Aube Couture

Esprique Precious

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

Magie Deco will release its fall 2009 collection in Japan on August 21st. The new version of Shadow Brilliance, Shadow Brilliance II, will be launched.

The lineup includes:

– Shadow Brilliance II (above, 6 variations)

– Fairy Eyes (2 new shades)

– Lipstick (6 new shades)

– Lipstick Luxual Color (2 shades)

– Fairy Rouge (2 new shades)

– Nail Color (6 new shades)



Related posts on Magie Deco:

Summer 2009 Collection

Spring 2009 Collection

Holiday 2009 Collection

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(image/info from www.biteki.com)

Magie Deco (from the Kosé-owned Cosme Decorte) will release its summer 2009 collection in Japan on April 16th. The lineup includes:

Brilliance Eyes palette (1 new variation)

Fairy Eyes (3 new shades)

Lipstick (3 new shades)

Eyebrow Mascara (3 shades)

(Eyebrow Mascara)
(image and info from www.cosme.net)

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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

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