-Paul & Joe

Summer 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 1)

by PJ on Thursday, June 18, 2009

in -Dior, -Elégance, -Paul & Joe, -RMK, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

The weather in the UK in the last couple of weeks has been pleasantly warm on the whole, so it seems to be a good time to count down my favorite summer 2009 makeup collections. (Let’s hope that the good weather will continue.)

10. Paul & Joe

(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com)

Paul & Joe’s summer 2009 collection captures the beach holiday feel with gold-toned neutrals and soft cool pinks for eyes, lips and nails. The wearable colors have a subtly vibrant look, and I like the limited-edition champagne gold packaging.

9. Dior

(image from www.dior.com)

With the launch of the Lilas Addict collection (in some countries) and the new 5-Color Design Eyeshadow palettes, Dior’s summer 2009 collection seems a little drowned among all the new products. The seasonal star item, Dior Cristal Shine, is a slight disappointment for me, since it doesn’t have the luxurious feel that many of Dior’s past star items have. The real stars of this collection for me are the two 5-Color Iridescent Eyeshadow palettes. The cool-toned iridescent shades look vivid and edgy.

8. RMK

(image from www.rmkrmk.com)

RMK’s renewal collection was released in time for summer 2009. I like the fact that the 35 shades of Ingenious Powder Eyes are categorized into five groups: DR (Dark), BR (Brown), P (Pearly), SH (Shimmery), and ME (Metallic). I particularly like the dimensional finish of the SH shades I tested at the counter. Also, if you like very sparkly eyeshadows, the ME shades are a must-see. They are seriously sparkly. (They are definitely more sparkly than metallic.)

7. Elégance

(image from www.elegance-cosmetics.com)

Many Japanese beauty brands release colorful items for summer, and Elégance’s summer 2009 collection is a good example. The new Lustre Crush Eyes looks very lovely. (Many Japanese consumers seem to see blue and green as summer colors for eyes.) Since it is not a limited-edition item, I am hoping that there will be more shades in the future.

Please check out Part 2 and Part 3.

Spring 2009 Makeup Top 10: Part One, Two & Three

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Paul & Joe Summer 2009 Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, March 11, 2009

in -Paul & Joe, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(images/info from www.iswii.net)

Here is a quick look at Paul & Joe‘s summer 2009 collection. Including items for face, eyes, lips, and nails, the gold-toned limited-edition collection (with champagne-gold packaging) features:

– Bronzer (001 Goddess and 002 Deity, above)

– Eye Color G (001 Nugget, 002 Gold Rush, 003 Fortune)

– Lip Gloss S (001 Byzantine, 002 Bullion, 003 Lustre)

– Nail Enamel S (001 Golden Slumbers, 002 Goldfinger, 003 All That Glitters)

– Blotting Paper 2009

The collection will be out in Taiwan on May 1st. According to Rouge Deluxe, it will be out in Japan on the same day.

Paul & Joe Spring 2009 Collection

Paul & Joe Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

Paul & Joe Eye Color in 05

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Holiday 2008 Makeup Top 10 (Part 3)

by PJ on Thursday, December 25, 2008

in -Dior, -Guerlain, -Paul & Joe, 2008 Holiday, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1 and Part 2)

Happy Holiday everyone! Today I will conclude my holiday 2008 makeup countdown.

3. Paul & Joe

(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com)

I do like an abundant holiday collection, and Paul & Joe shows us how to bring out one. The collection includes a good range of makeup items as well as fragrance and body products. I saw these items in person last month, and both the Eye Gloss and Pearl Powder have a beautiful finish.

2. Guerlain

(image from www.guerlain.co.jp)

I think Guerlain’s 2008 holiday collection, with the beautiful silvery lilac cases and some gorgeous shades, is even more stunning than last year’s gold-themed collection. I like all the shades in the eye palette, but, in order to stay under my annual makeup budget, I decided not to buy it. But I might see it again in the summer/winter sale next year. (I found it surprising that I still saw items from Guerlain’s Pucci collection (from summer 2007) at the summer sale this year…)

(In Japan, the lipstick and the eye palette above are sold as a set, with a limited-edition clutch bag.)

1. Dior

Dior’s seasonal star item is always among the makeup products I look forward to the most, and this year Dior has done it again. Even though last year’s DiorLight pendant is equally nice and sparkly, I find it hard to display with its wobbly round shape and the non-detachable strap. (So it is stored in my makeup drawer at the moment). Not this compact, which is displayed next to some of my other Dior stash.

The rest of the collection, including some eye-catching palettes, is just as beautiful. The two 5-color eye palettes have also been selling well in the UK. I am quite sure that, in 2009, Dior’s new releases will still be worth waiting for.

Spring 2009 collections from:

Paul & Joe

Guerlain

Dior

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Paul & Joe Spring 2009 Collection

by PJ on Monday, December 15, 2008

in -Paul & Joe, 2009 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

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

Here is a quick look at Paul & Joe’s spring 2008 collection.

On January 9th, 2009, the limited-edition items will be released in Japan. They include two variations of Eye Color Palette CS (above) and two shades of Lipstick C (below).

The rest of the collection will be released on February 6th. They include 3 new shades of Eye Color, 6 new shades of Lipstick N, 5 new shades of Nail Enamel, and 3 shades of the new Eyebrow Liner.

A limited-edition Nail & Hand Care Kit will also be available on February 6th. The set includes Nail Protect Coat, Hand Cream, and Hand Gloves.

Updated on December 16th, 2008:

Photo of the two eye palettes:

(image from woman.excite.co.jp)

Paul & Joe Holiday 2008 Collection

Paul & Joe Eye Color in 05

Loving Japanese Brands – Paul & Joe

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Paul & Joe Holiday 2008 Collection

by PJ on Wednesday, October 1, 2008

in -Paul & Joe, 2008 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(all images from www.paul-joe-beaute.com)

Paul & Joe has updated its (English) website with full information on its holiday 2008 collection. Paul & Joe fans will be delighted to know that this is not a half-hearted collection, as there are a lot of goodies and collectibles! (I can’t believe it is coming close to a year since I bought the Lip Gloss N from Paul & Joe’s holiday 2007 collection.)

The collection includes:

– Body Fragrance Collection (two sets, limited editions, with Fragrance Body Powder, Solid Fragrance, Fragrance Body Cream, and Original Drawstring Bag)

– Eye Makeup Collection “Neige“
Eye Gloss N (5 shades)
Pearl Powder (5 shades)
Pencil Eye Liner (4 shades)

– Face Color & Lipstick Kit (two sets, limited edition, with Face Color M, Lipstick G and Original Pouch)

– The Red Velvet Collection (Lipstick L, limited edition, three shades)

– Cosmetic Pouch II and Body Treatment Oil

The Paul & Joe English site has swatches of all the colors available, so I shall leave you to explore the site!

According to Cosme.Net, the collection will be launched in Japan on November 7th. On the other hand, the Paul & Joe English site seems to suggest that it is out on October 1st (in some countries at least). I will certainly keep a close eye on the collection when I stop by the Paul & Joe counter next time.

Other Holiday 2008 Collections:

Chanel

Dior

YSL

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Fall 2008 Makeup Top 10 (Part 2)

by PJ on Wednesday, October 1, 2008

in -Anna Sui, -Kesalan Patharan, -Paul & Joe, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1)

6. Anna Sui

(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of its makeup line, Anna Sui has brought out Makeup Color Collection D as well as a new range of nail colors. (Please check this post for relevant information and a link to some actual photos of the makeup set.) Pricey as it is, it is one of those ultimate collectible items and I think it will only get more expensive as we come across it on auction sites.

5. Paul & Joe

(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com)

Paul & Joe has been releasing the seasonal Sparkles collections in the past few years with original prints from designer Sophie Albou’s fashion collections. I don’t always love all the prints or the colors, but I like the overall look of this collection. I had a chance to test the items at the counter, and almost all the colors are pleasantly elegant and wearable. I was thinking about buying the eyeshadow and the lipstick in the cases with the pink bouquet print, but I personally think the print photographs slightly better than it looks in reality.

You can check out this blog post for more photos of some of the items.

4. Kesalan Patharan

(image from www.kesalanpatharan.co.jp)

Some of you might be surprised at Kesalan Patharan‘s 4th-place finish since I wasn’t overly impressed by the Eye Color Palatte in S007 that I bought and reviewed. But I think this reflects my view that there aren’t many outstanding makeup collections for fall 2008 and this well-constructed lineup is good enough to secure a spot in my top ten. (The collection also features three coordinating lipsticks and two blushers.) This is Kesalan Patharan’s rare appearance in my top ten.

Check out the final part of the countdown!

Loving Japanese Brands – Anna Sui

Loving Japanese Brands – Paul & Joe

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Thoughts in Brief – Blusher, Primers, and Jasmin Noir

by PJ on Friday, September 12, 2008

in -Bulgari, -Chanel, -Paul & Joe, all about Japanese cosmetics, fragrance, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - blusher

(Les Tissages de Chanel)
(image from www.iswii.net)

I came across some items I was looking forward to testing out in shops earlier this week, and here are my thoughts in brief. (I only tested them on the back of my hands, not on my face.)

– Chanel (Les Tissage de Chanel)

Those of you who find the Irréelle Blush range to be too sheer might be interested in knowing that the powder of this new range is soft and more pigmented. Among the four shades available at the moment, Pink (seen above) and Rose are more of my shades. But Pink is a little too Barbie-pink for me (it is brighter than the color seen above) and Rose is a little too warm for me. Plus, all shades come with gold flecks (I prefer matte blushers). I personally still prefer the Irréelle range and Les Tissages de Chanel is now off my shopping list for the moment.

Even though they are priced at 29 GBP, which is expensive, I think the smooth texture and the shimmer should still tempt many people.

– Paul & Joe (Moisturizing Foundation Primer)

As I was expecting, 01 and 02 seem similar to the previous versions (Foundation Primer N in 01 (reviewed earlier) and 02). I was under the impression that 03, the new shade, would be sheerer and more shimmery, but I wasn’t totally right. It goes on sheer, but it has more or less the same level of (subtle) shimmer as 01 and 02, which is good to know. It is supposed to further condition the skin without adding any color before your foundation and to help the foundation stay on longer.

However, even though the texture of all three shades are basically the same, 03 is formulated differently and has alcohol. It is a real shame. (I nearly decided to buy it.)

– Laura Mercier (Eye Basics)

I tried Eyebright (light blue) and Cotton (off-white cream). I was delighted with the light and almost fluffy texture. It was very easy to blend and I was impressed by how quickly and firmly it set. Also, it didn’t seem to budge, even under a bit of rain. It does seem to be water-resistant, as the Laura Mercier website claims.

– Bulgari (Jasmin Noir)

I like Bulgari’s Voile de Jasmin, and I was looking forward to the new Jasmin Noir. It is deeper and more intense, and it is more of an evening scent that is launched for the right season. It seems to be more complex than Voile de Jasmin and overall it feels less floral. It also smells far less of jasmine than Voile de Jasmin, which I think I like a lot better. (By the way, Harrods was launching B de Boucheron in the fragrance hall. I didn’t like it enough to want to buy it, but to me it was quite appealing.)

You can read more about both Jasmin Noir and B de Boucheron on Now Smell This. (It seems that the reviewer also thinks Jasmin Noir’s jasmine note is faint.)

Chanel Irréelle Blush in Tea Rose

Paul & Joe Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

Bulgari Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert

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Paul & Joe Website Update

by PJ on Sunday, August 24, 2008

in -Paul & Joe, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

Paul & Joe has updated its website to feature both the fall 2008 point and base makeup collections.

I was asked about the two new Face Colors other than the one I posted earlier. Now all the three new ones can be seen on the website.

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Paul & Joe Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Sunday, August 17, 2008

in -Paul & Joe, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(image from www.iswii.net)

Here is the new promotional image for Paul & Joe‘s fall 2008 base makeup collection.

Generally, Paul & Joe’s base makeup items are revamped every two years or so. This season, it is the cream compact foundation and the fall/winter primer that will be updated:

– Creamy Powder Compact Foundation (6 shades, SPF 15, PA +)
– Moisturizing Foundation Primer (3 shades, SPF 12, PA +)

Two of the three shades of Moisturizing Foundation Primer will supposedly have more or less the same shades as the existing two (the neutral #01 (the one I have) and the slightly darker and warmer #02 ). #03 will be a new shade, which is translucent and with more shimmer than #01 and #02.

(Paul & Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer)
(image from www.cosme.net)

There will also be three additions to the Face Color (blusher/highlighter/contourer) range, in 11 Rhapsody, 12 Chic, and 13 Bohemian.

(Paul & Joe Face Color in 13 Bohemian)
(image from www.iswii.net)

It is worth noting that, with Japanese brands, blushers are often released with base makeup items and they are sometimes categorized as part of the base makeup range. I think this reflects the Japanese aesthetics of everyday makeup, where, just like foundation, blushers are meant to look ultra-natural and barely noticeable. I will go back to this in another post later on.

The official release date of the Paul & Joe fall 2008 base makeup collection is September 5th in Japan and September 1st in Taiwan.

If you have your September 2008 Biteki with you, you might have noticed the October teaser. Like last October with Voce, the October 2008 issue of Biteki will come with a Paul & Joe pouch with samples of the new foundation and primer. I am not usually a creamy compact foundation user, but I will probably try the primer. If I do, I will certainly share my thoughts with you.

Updated on August 24, 2008:

Paul & Joe has updated its website.

Loving Japanese Brands – Paul & Joe

Coffret D’Or Makeup Powder

Foundation Face-Off: Chanel vs. SUQQU

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Paul & Joe Eye Color in 05

by PJ on Monday, August 4, 2008

in -Paul & Joe, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(Paul & Joe Eye Color in 05)

More lilac for today…

Almost all Paul & Joe‘s eyeshadows are available in singles, and the occasional palettes are usually seasonal limited editions. As I am more of a palette person, this is the only Paul & Joe eyeshadow I have, and, yes, it is a lilac.

This is a sheer light lilac. The color only builds up minimally when layered. The powder is very soft and has almost a fluffy feel. I can also use my fingers to apply this eyeshadow and get a nice and natural look.

It has a low-key mildly shimmery finish. What is unique about this shade is the very subtle warm pink and gold shimmer. It adds some vibrancy to the overall finish and prevents the shade from looking one-dimensional when worn alone.

I can use this alone for a barely-there look, as the sheer lilac and the soft veil of shimmer can brighten my eyes. I can also use it to complement my lilac-based eye palettes as a base or where needed.

For me, this is a good time-saver when I want a quick and easy minimal lilac look. It is also nice for travelling when I don’t want to spend too much time putting on makeup but want to look refreshed. (Again, I can use my fingers to apply it, so there is more precious packing space.) I will obviously have to pair it with other colors if I want more depth, but, overall, this is a simple and foolproof basic in my lilac repertoire.

Loving Japanese Brands – Paul & Joe

Paul & Joe Foundation Primer N

Paul & Joe Loose Powder

Paul & Joe Pressed Powder

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