seasonal makeup top 10

Summer 2010 Makeup Top 10 (Part 1)

by PJ on Wednesday, June 16, 2010

in -Anna Sui, -Jill Stuart, -Majolica Majorca, -Shiseido, -Sonia Rykiel, 2010 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

10th: Sonia Rykiel

(image from www.soniarykiel-cosmetics.com)

It doesn’t seem that long ago when Sonia Rykiel released a beautiful blue-themed collection for summer 2009. For this summer, the brand focuses on slightly warmer shades. I like the vibrant hues of Gloss D’Été as well as the golden-sun color of the packaging.

9th: Majolica Majorca

(image from www.iswii.net)

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

In contrast to Sonia Rykiel’s warm colors, Majolica Majorca’s summer 2010 color scheme is a lot cooler, With cool pink and lilac, it is a girlie and romantic collection. The eyeshadow palette with pale pink and soft lilac is quite appealing to me.

8th: Jill Stuart

(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

I really like my Mix Blush Compact (in 01 Baby Blush), and Jill Stuart has released many variations to satisfy Jill Stuart fans. The two limited-edition variations for summer 2010 feature soft colors and floral prints on the powder, and they just look so pretty.

(Jill Stuart will release a new range of blushers for fall 2010. See images on the Voce blog.)

7th: Anna Sui

(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

(image from www.iswii.net)

Anna Sui’s summer 2010 makeup collection features colorful psychedelic patterns on the packaging. I very nearly bought Glittering Eye Color in 002, but I decided not to in the end. (I do like the cute packaging, but the cream texture is not really my preferred texture for eyeshadows (or for most makeup items).)

The countdown continues in Part 2.

Japanese Cosmetics Focus: Sonia Rykiel

Jill Stuart Jelly Eye Color N in 08 Crystal Sky

Loving Japanese Brands (2 of 7): Anna Sui

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Spring 2010 Makeup Top 10 (Part 3)

by PJ on Friday, May 14, 2010

in -Coffret d'Or, -Cosme Decorte, -Kanebo, -Kosé, -Lunasol, -Magie Deco, 2010 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1 and Part 2)

3. Magie Deco

(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)

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.

Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral

Lunasol Summer 2010 Collection

Coffret D’Or Late Summer/ Early Fall Collection

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Spring 2010 Makeup Top 10 (Part 2)

by PJ on Monday, May 10, 2010

in -Est, -Kao, -Maquillage, -Paul & Joe, -Shiseido, 2010 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1)

6. Paul & Joe

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

I think, for many people, the highlight of Paul & Joe’s spring 2010 collection is the Disney Character Collection, which features the Alice in Wonderland characters. For me, I also like the new eyeshadow singles (Select Eye Colors). A while ago, I was told by a Paul & Joe sales assistant that they might not be launched in the UK. But, fortunately, I recently saw them in Harrods. All the 25 shades are available here.

5. Maquillage

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

There are five Eyes Creator (3D) palettes in Maquillage‘s spring 2010 collection. All of them feature light-to-medium colors, which look very wearable. I particularly like PK766 (with a hint of peach) and BR765 (with a hint of gold). The new shades of Eye Color N (Powder) include GD, BE, and BR shades as well.

4. Est

(image from www.kao.co.jp/est)

I still haven’t tried items from Est, but I nearly decided to go for a couple of items on several occasions. In the spring 2010 collection, I like the look of the Emotional Multiple Eyes palettes in 09 and 11. 09 reminds me of Magie Deco’s Shadow Brilliance II in Foxy Lady, while 11, with lilac, pink, and yellow gold, reminds me of Lunasol’s Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral.

The countdown concludes in Part 3.

Related posts (on summer 2010 collections):

Paul & Joe

Aube Couture

Jill Stuart

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Spring 2010 Makeup Top 10 (Part 1)

by PJ on Thursday, May 6, 2010

in -Elégance, -Kanebo, -Kate, -SUQQU, -YSL, 2010 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

Here we go, in reverse order:

10. Kate

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

(Diamond Cut Eyes in BR-3)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.co.jp)

Kate is far from a regular on my seasonal top ten lists, but the line’s Gradical Eyes A series, with five tone-on-tone shades in each palette, has some soft-neutral options that appeal to me. (Also new for spring 2010 is Diamond Cut Eyes in BR-3, which is the kind of light-to-medium neutral palette that I would consider trying.)

9. SUQQU

(image fromwww.suqqu.com )

One of the things SUQQU is known for is its range of neutral-toned eye palettes. For spring 2010, the new additions are in the form of the limited-edition Noble Nuance Eyeshadow palettes. On the other hand, the star item of the collection is the multi-toned Noble Nuance Face Color.

8. YSL

(image from www.ysl.com)

Many major western brands, such as Chanel and Dior, have released relatively muted shades for spring 2010. This makes YSL‘s spring 2010 makeup collection stand out from the crowd. There are still wearable pinks and browns, but there are also more vibrant shades such as turquoise and deep violet. Lilac makes an appearance in the new Ombre 5 Lumières palette and the new La Laque nail color.

7. Elégance

(image from www.elegance-cosmetics.com)

The spring 2010 makeup collection from Elégance is also quite colorful. There are some interesting color combinations in the three new variations of the Phantom Eyes palettes (cool turquoise and warm pale pink, bright pink and mint green, and yellow and lilac). Eight shades of Eye Crayon also join the brand’s makeup lineup.

(The countdown continues in Part 2 and Part 3.)

Spring 2009 Makeup Top 10 Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3

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Holiday 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 3)

by PJ on Friday, December 25, 2009

in -Dior, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Lunasol, 2009 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1 and Part 2)

Happy Christmas everyone! Today I will conclude my holiday 2009 makeup top 10 countdown.

3. Lunasol

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

I really like the white packaging of Lunasol’s Party Coffret 2009. Lunasol usually brings out neutral-toned eyeshadow palettes for the holiday season (which can be a little repetitive for Lunasol fans), so I like the fact that there is a pink shade in this year’s eye palette. The collection also includes other items for the face, lips, and nails.

2. Jill Stuart

(image from jillstuart-beauty.com.tw)

The holiday season is probably the perfect time to indulge in some ultra-prettiness, and Jill Stuart’s Sweetness Collection is more than suitable for the purpose. It is a very pink set, with pink makeup shades as well as pink makeup accessories. The pouch might look a little too frilly for some people, but I personally really like it.

1. Dior

(image from www.dior.com)

Dior has had some good holiday collections over the years, but I think its 2009 holiday collection is among the best. The gorgeous Cristal Boréal includes four Aurore Boréale crystals, which reflect light beautifully and have a nice depth to them. But it is not the only highlight of the collection, as there are some lovely purple-toned and soft neutral-toned eyeshadows. For me, this is a solid and memorable holiday collection from Dior.

Lunasol Spring 2010 Collection

Jill Stuart Spring 2010 Makeup Collection

Dior Spring 2010 Makeup Collection

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Holiday 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 2)

by PJ on Thursday, December 24, 2009

in -Anna Sui, -Cosme Decorte, -Kosé, -Magie Deco, -Max Factor, 2009 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(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.)

Max Factor Eye Gradation Colors

Anna Sui Spring 2010 Makeup Collection

Magie Deco Fall 2009 Collection

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Holiday 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 1)

by PJ on Wednesday, December 23, 2009

in -Aube (Couture), -Coffret d'Or, -Kanebo, -Kao, -Paul & Joe, -Sofina, -Sonia Rykiel, 2009 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

It is hard to believe that 2009 is coming to an end. Before we celebrate the arrival of 2010, it is now time to present my favorite holiday 2009 collections.

10. Coffret D’Or

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

For me, 2009 is another good year for Kanebo’s Coffret D’Or and the line is still as exciting as it was last year. This year’s LuxuLight Collection palettes contain eyeshadows and lip colors, like last year’s The Party Makeup Collection. The colors are housed in a lovely case with a festive vibe.

9. Aube Couture

(image from fanet.jp)

Another makeup palette for eyes and lips. The Designing Jewel Compacts feature four variations to choose from, which are more than the usual one or two from holiday makeup palettes from Japanese beauty lines. The eyeshadows are arranged in the case in the same way as those in the usual eye palettes (Designing Eyes) from the line.

8. Sonia Rykiel

(image from fanet.jp)

I like Sonia Rykiel’s signature multi-colored stripes and it is nice to see them on Palettes Yeux Couleurs. The collection also includes two makeup sets, both including purple packaging for the makeup items and a purple makeup case.

7. Paul & Joe

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

Paul & Joe also brought out purple packaging for holiday 2009. The purple and gold cases are both on-trend and glamorous. Paul & Joe’s makeup is known for wearable colors, and most of these items are certainly very easy to wear. (See my review of some of the items in the collection here.) The collection also includes the new Lip Lacquer, the re-launched fragrances (Blanc and Bleu), the new bodycare items, and Cosmetic Pouch III, which are regular items.

Loving Japanese Brands – Paul & Joe

Japanese Cosmetics Focus – Sonia Rykiel

From My Treasure Chest – Sofina Aube Rouge Dressious

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Fall 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 3)

by PJ on Wednesday, November 18, 2009

in -Cosme Decorte, -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -Kosé, -Lunasol, -Magie Deco, 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1 & Part 2)

3. Jill Stuart

(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)

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)

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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Fall 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 2)

by PJ on Friday, November 6, 2009

in -Helena Rubinstein, -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, -THREE, 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

(continued from Part 1)

6. Lavshuca

(Light Mix Eyes palettes)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca)

As I mentioned before, Lavshuca has been placing its brand emphasis on lip products in the last few seasons. The new Full Balloon Rouge for fall 2009 aims to make lips appear fuller and reduce vertical lip lines. The new Light Mix Eyes palettes look very easy to wear, and I think there might be other color variations to be released next year. (There are two new Dual Prism Eyes variations and one new Grade Color Eyes variation this season.)

5. Helena Rubinstein

(www.helenarubinstein.com)

I am still not pleased with the fact that Helena Rubinstein is no longer available in the UK. (Have a look at my Bring It Back! post on Helena Rubinstein.) Every now and then, there are products in its seasonal collections that I really want to try. In fall 2009, Helena Rubinstein is among the very few brands whose new lip glosses reflect the current purple trend, as two of the four new Wanted Gloss shades are purple-toned.

4. Three

(image from www.threecosmetics.com)

Like Addiction, Three is a new Japanese beauty brand that was launched in fall 2009. (I will present a brand profile on Three later on.) While Addiction is edgy and fashion-forward, Three is polished and demure. The vast launch lineup features all the basic point (color) makeup items, and both the simple and low-key packaging and the sophisticated colors remind me of the early days of Lunasol.

The countdown concludes early next week.

Lavshuca Holiday 2009 Collection

Lavshuca Finish Powder in Lucent & High Cover

Bring It Back! Shiseido’s Inoui ID

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Fall 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 1)

by PJ on Tuesday, November 3, 2009

in -Addiction, -Dior, -Kosé, -Paul & Joe, -YSL, 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, seasonal makeup top 10

A couple of weeks ago, I presented the Fall 2009 Makeup Trend Round-Up. Today, I start the countdown of my favorite fall 2009 makeup collections. I hope you will enjoy these posts.

10. Addiction

(image from www.addiction-beauty.com)

I think Kosé’s Addiction is one of the most exciting launches in Japanese cosmetics this year. As many of the mainstream Japanese makeup lines aim to be as wearable as possible, Addiction is a lot edgier, with items like various black eyeshadows that help create intense smoky eyes.

(image from www.addiction-beauty.com)

The launch lineup is very coherent and looks quite warm-toned to me, and I look forward to seeing their spring 2010 collection.

9. YSL

(image from www.ysl.com)

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

Among the items in YSL’s fall 2009 makeup collection, I like the Ombres 5 Lumières in 18 (above, Japanese release) and the limited-edition Cream Blush. The Cream Blush has more of a mousse texture, which is a pleasant surprise. It appeals to me more than blushers with a cream texture, as I think mousse blushers are easier to apply and blend. They also tend to look velvety/semi-matte (which I like) rather than shiny.

8. Dior

(image from www.iswii.net)

Dior’s seasonal makeup collections are usually great trend indicators, and the fall 2009 collection is no exception. The collection features purples, plums, pinks, and greys for the eyes and warm-toned shades for the lips. The 5-Color Eyeshadow in 173 Night Butterfly (above) has virtually all the seasonal trends in one compact.

The Dior Jazzclub palettes look very chic but they don’t wow me as much as many of Dior’s past seasonal limited-edition items. Otherwise, Dior would place higher on my list.

7. Paul & Joe

(image from www.iswii.com)

I think Paul & Joe’s seasonal makeup collections are always worth looking forward to, particularly the items with the original prints by the designer behind the brand, Sophie Albou. While I am not as crazy about the prints from this collection as I was about some of the previous ones, I like the new design of the eyeshadow cases, which have an oval shape instead of the usual round shape. Paul & Joe doesn’t do loud colors, and the eyeshadows for this season are soft, elegant, and wearable as usual.