stash focus

Clinique (Truly) Naturally Glossy Mascara

by PJ on Sunday, May 4, 2008

in -Clinique, makeup, makeup - mascara, stash focus

(Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara in Jet Black)

So far, I have not been talking about mascaras very much. One reason is that I don’t really use them often and I have not tried many of them. But another reason is that Clinique‘s Naturally Glossy Mascara pretty much ended my search for a good mascara a long time ago.

If you want a false-eyelash effect from a mascara that gives dramatic volume and length, then this product will definitely disappoint you. As the name rightly suggests, the effect is natural, and that is why I like it.

In terms of application, the great thing about this mascara is that it has never clumped on my lashes (not even just a little bit). Also, the bristles are dense and evenly placed on the wand, and the mascara goes on very smoothly and evenly.

It delicately enhances the lashes by adding some length and a bit of volume. Overall, it creates a very natural “no-mascara” look. (The shade in Jet Black is very dark and doesn’t look greyish or ashy.) The effect is long-lasting as the mascara stays put all day for me, and I think it is a very good mascara for a minimal daytime look. (It is not water-proof.)

Naturally Glossy Mascara has been around for quite a long time, and deservedly so. I hope Clinique will not be thinking about discontinuing it.

If you want a mascara that adds considerable length and volume, then the mascara I will talk about later this month might appeal to you. Stay tuned!

MAMEW Mascara Kit
(cult product in the making)

You Mean That’s NOT Real?
(What do you think?)

Lash Out While Looking Your Best
(by Livia Mercer)

{ 10 comments }

Lavshuca Summer 2008 Collection – A Tuesday Teaser

by PJ on Tuesday, April 29, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, 2008 Summer, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(Lavshuca Summer Gradually Compact in 01 Shiny Sandy Beach)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca)

Lavshuca is releasing a gorgeous collection for summer 2008. Apart from two new shades of Rouge Essence Bar lipsticks (PK-4 and BE-3), the collection includes two limited-edition Summer Gradually Compacts, eye palettes with six coordinating shades.

(Lavshuca Summer Gradually Palette in 02 Windy Aqua Beach)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lavshuca)

I think both palettes are equally pretty, and I was tempted to get both. But, since I had been interested in gold and taupe at the moment, I decided to go for 01 Shiny Sandy Beach. (The official release date is May 1st, but many brands in Japan tend to put out new collections earlier by a week or two.)

I just received it and I haven’t tried it yet, but here it is!

(Golden Loveliness…)

The palette features, from left to right, pale champagne gold, bronze gold, off-white with a pale gold undertone, soft warm taupe, medium brown, and beige-brown. The middle four shades look nicely shimmery. The pale champagne gold on the left is quite sparkling, and the beige-brown on the right is semi-matte.

I am loving the look of the compact. It is made of metal and has a textured matte finish, so there won’t be any fingerprints. Like the eye/lip palette for holiday 2007, part of the fun is to put the colors into the compact.

I will try out the palette very soon, and I will be reviewing it in about two weeks’ time. Please do come back!

Updated on May 13, 2008

Please read my review of the palette here!

Other Lavshuca items:

Lavshuca Eye Color Select in PK-1, BU-1, and PU-2

Lavshuca Cheek Color in PK-1

Lavshuca Jewelry Lips in PK-1 & RS-1

{ 16 comments }

Japanese Brand Focus: Elégance

by PJ on Thursday, April 24, 2008

in _Japanese Brand Profile, -Elégance, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Champs de Fleurs –
Elégance Spring/Summer 2008 Collection)
(image from www.elegance-cosmetics.com)

From now on, I will be regularly talking about popular Japanese beauty brands that have been rarely mentioned in beauty blogs written in English.

Today I start with Elégance, a brand I personally really like.

As far as I know, Elégance is a French fashion brand. (Their boutique in London is just off New Bond Street and their Paris boutique is on rue Saint Honoré.) But, it seems the Elégance beauty line is only available in Asia.

The Elégance beauty line is developed and produced by Albion (which is currently owned by Kosé).

(Like Anna Sui, Paul & Joe, and Jill Stuart, I classify the Elégance beauty line as a Japanese line.) This high-end line has been doing consistently well in Japan. Over the years, their mascaras and base makeup items have proven to be especially popular. (Relatively, their skincare line doesn’t seem to enjoy as much attention.)

I have two items from Elégance. They were bought a few years ago, and they have been discontinued. One is Verytrue Lip, a natural-looking lip gloss, and the other is Purity Eyes, a cream-to-powder eyeshadow in pale blue.

Elégance consistently uses gold as the main color in the packaging. I think, with gold as the main color scheme, the rest is best kept simple. I think this simplicity has been well maintained throughout the line. As YSL uses straightforward square and rectangular shapes for their gold cases, Elégance opts for circular cases. While YSL looks chic and glamorous, Elégance has an extra touch of softness and femininity.

Two of the items from the current lineup that appeal to me are the powder blusher (in 9 shades) and the loose powder (in 3 shades):

(image from www.elegance-cosmetics.com)

I would love to have more items from Elégance, but they are quite pricey. The loose powder above costs 8400 yen (about 80 USD). But I think I will definitely consider adding one or two items to my collection later.

As Miss Elégance, Elégance’s very cute (and much more affordable) sister line, was discontinued in 2007, I really hope Elégance will do well for many years to come.

(The Elégance beauty line is currently available in Japan and Taiwan.)

Other Japanese beauty lines!

MAMEW

SUQQU

“Loving Japanese Brands” Series

{ 0 comments }

Jill Stuart Moist Silk Liquid Foundation

by PJ on Tuesday, April 22, 2008

in -Jill Stuart, 2007 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, stash focus

(Jill Stuart Moist Silk Liquid Foundation)

Jill Stuart‘s Moist Silk Liquid Foundation was released in fall 2007. At that time, I was not sure if it would replace Tint Liquid Foundation (Jill Stuart’s first liquid foundation). But, at this moment, both are listed on Jill Stuart’s website.

The packaging is beautiful and very princessy, and it has almost become a permanent fixture on my dressing table.

Here is how it performs for me:

The Basics

SPF 18, PA +++, 30ml, 5 shades
(Mine is 103 Nude, a neutral light-to-medium beige. Ethanol is seventh on ingredient list, but this foundation doesn’t irritate my skin.)

Texture & Consistency

It has a light-cream consistency. The very smooth texture largely comes from talc, and the richness of the consistency is mainly down to squalene (which is a very effective moisturizing ingredient used in many moisturizers). The foundation is not very liquid-y and the bottle has to be tapped against the back of my hand to slowly dispense the foundation.

Slip & Blendability

The foundation has a good slip and blends relatively easily. It dries a little fast so swift blending is ideal.

Finish

The finish is smooth and satiny (neither matte or luminous), and it has a pleasing soft-focus look to it.

Coverage

This foundation gives a natural medium-to-full coverage. The level of coverage is a lot higher than Paul & Joe’s Light Cream Foundation reviewed earlier.

Pore Coverage

For me, among non-powder foundations (which almost always cover pores less effectively than powder foundations), the pore coverage is fairly good.

Lasting Power

The lasting power is relatively satisfactory. It doesn’t have an optimal lasting power for me only because it is quite emollient for my oily skin for most part of the year. Other than that, the color does stay true and does not darken overtime.

Overall, liquid foundations are more suitable for me in winter no matter whether they are spring/summer or fall/winter releases. This one is no exception. In colder days and when I need more coverage than what Paul & Joe’s Light Cream Foundation can give me, this is definitely the one I’d go for.

Loving Japanese Brands – Jill Stuart
(my personal take on Jill Stuart)

Jill Stuart Brilliance Eyes in 04 Gem Amethyst
(my very first lilac-based eye palette)

Jill Stuart Powder Foundation Compact S
(the latest member of my foundation case collection)

{ 8 comments }

Dior Golden Dior Luminizing Makeup Jewel

by PJ on Sunday, April 20, 2008

in -Dior, 2008 Summer, makeup, makeup - blusher, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Dior Golden Dior Luminizing Makeup Jewel)

As I mentioned yesterday, I got the Golden Dior pendant. At my local Boots Dior counter, the summer 2008 display was not out yet. But, to be honest, since this would be strictly a collector’s item for me (which I probably will never use), it didn’t really matter. (I also trusted Dior’s packaging enough to not have seen the actual pendant before buying it.) I picked Lamé Pink, one of the two shades available in the UK.

Let’s see the name on the outer packaging, which pretty much shows what this item is for:

Golden Dior
Luminizing Makeup Jewel
(Bijou Enlumineur D’Été)
Touch-on Luminizer for Eyes, Cheeks, and Lips
(Enlumineur Crème Yeux, Joues, Lèvres)
156 Lamé Pink
(Rose Lamé)

(Please note that this shade might not be available globally. 166 Lamé Gold (Or Lamé) is the shade sold in North America.)

This is a multi-purposed item that you can use wherever you want. On the look of it, Lamé Pink is a warm pink with frosty gold shimmer. (I will update this post when I have a chance to play with the testers.)

Today we will focus on the packaging. There are two things I particularly like about this pendant. First, the dark surface makes fingerprints less apparent. Usually, Dior’s limited-edition items have reflective silver or gold finishes throughout which make fingerprints very visible. But, with this one, I worry less about it.

Also, the pendant has a nice thickness, which I didn’t expected. It gives a more substantial look to it.

Here are two photos of the interior of the pendant and the shade of Lamé Pink:

I like the inside of the pendant as well, especially the shape of the mirror, which goes with the overall design.

At the moment, I am liking it more than I thought I would. It is less blingy and has a slightly more understated look, but it is bold enough not to look boring. Even though it cost me 3900 points on my Boots Card (it retails for £39), it was worth it.

How I Get Dior “For Free”
(including Golden Dior)

DiorLight Jeweled Makeup Necklace
(from holiday 2007)

DiorLagoon Eyeshadow Duo
(the perfect turquoise)

{ 18 comments }

Sophisticated Elegance – Lunasol Scent Form Eyes

by PJ on Tuesday, April 15, 2008

in -Kanebo, -Lunasol, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(Lunasol Scent Form Eyes in 02, under sunlight)

Lunasol‘s Scent Form Eyes palettes were released in fall 2006. The brand’s eye palettes have always been popular, but, as I remember, the beautiful Scent Form Eyes made Lunasol an even more coveted brand.

(Lunasol Scent Form Eyes)
(image from /www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)

Out of the five, #03, with olive green and dusty warm rose, has been by far the most popular. It was also voted as Biteki readers’ favorite eye palette in the annual survey (Biteki, February 2007).

I nearly decided to have #03, but I settled for #02 instead.

The colors:

Bottom left: white with a very faint lilac undertone
(with silver, pink, lilac, blue, green sparkles)
(cream-to-powder texture)

Top left: sheer and pale lilac
(subtly iridescent with very fine shimmer)

Top right: dusty rosy pink with a faint lilac undertone
(luminous matte with almost no shimmer)

Bottom right: dark grey with an eggplant undertone
(with sparse sparkles)

Below is the palette under artificial lighting. This is mainly to show the level of shimmer in each shade. (The colors look a lot warmer here. Please refer to the photo above for the actual shades.)

(under artificial lighting)
(Please click on the photo to see a large version.)

Out of all my lilac eye palettes, this is perhaps the most understated one. If you want intensely pigmented colors, then you will be disappointed with this palette. Apart from the dark eye-lining shade, the other three are relatively sheer. (The top-right dusty rosy pink, as a shadowing shade, goes on slightly darker and is more opaque than the top-left pale lilac.) But all the shades do stay on very well.

Even though the look is subtle, it has its range of versatility. Since two main shades are not particularly shimmery, I can create a soft luminous matte look with them. But when I do want shimmer, I can apply the highlighter to top up as much shimmer as I want.

The cream-to-powder highlighter can be applied with a brush or with fingers. When applied with fingers, it gives a more intense finish. The subtle lilac undertone of the highlighter wonderfully complements the other colors, which show through from underneath and merge seamlessly with the multi-color shimmering particles. (The highlighter can also be used as a base.)

Overall I like the elegant subtlety of this palette. My only minor complaint is that the rosy pink goes on slightly more red. But this is nonetheless a beautifully arranged palette, and I think the Scent Form Eyes series really shows that Lunasol is one of the most sophisticated and elegant brands in Japan.

(In case you are wondering, the powder does have a faint scent. But it is not as strong as the scent in the Jill Stuart eye palettes.)

Some of my other lilac palettes:

Lunasol Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral

Coffret D’Or 3D Lighting Eyes in 04

Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Stage Lights

{ 6 comments }

24-Carat Shine – YSL Golden Gloss in 03 Golden Pink

by PJ on Sunday, April 13, 2008

in -YSL, makeup, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(YSL Golden Gloss in 03 Golden Pink)

Golden Gloss from Yves Saint Laurent was launched in summer 2006. I still remember walking past the YSL counter and the dazzling golden shimmer from these glosses was calling out to me. After testing the various shades, all with golden shimmer, I decided to pick up 03 Golden Pink.

As I mentioned in my very first post on YSL, I love the brand’s classy and opulent gold packaging. In the case of Golden Gloss, the packaging echoes the product perfectly. (According to the YSL website, each gloss contains 24-carat gold (a very tiny amount of course), and gold is indeed listed in the ingredient list.)

(YSL Golden Gloss)

(image from www.ysl-parfums.com)

03 Golden Pink is a warm red pink with mainly very sparkling gold shimmer as well as some subtle shimmer in other hues. It has a fairly good amount of color and is not overly sheer. The gold shimmer works well with the shade, and it is sparse enough so the finish doesn’t look frosty.

The overall look is vibrant and glamorous, and the beautiful finish lasts well. The enclosed brush applicator is easy to use and quickly creates a very glossy shine on the lips.

The gloss has a subtle fruity scent. Normally I like my lipsticks and lip glosses to be scent-free, but I do find this scent quite pleasant.

If you like very sparkling (but not glittery) lip glosses to add pizazz to your lips, Golden Gloss is certainly a range to consider!

Some of my other favorite lip glosses:

Lunasol Full Glamor Gloss in Bright Pink

Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N in Black-Tie

Lavshuca Gloss Stick in PK-3

Sony Curvy Lip Silicone in 501

{ 12 comments }

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)

{ 6 comments }

Summer Is Approaching – Sheer Stella 2008

by PJ on Friday, April 4, 2008

in -Stella McCartney, 2008 Summer, fragrance, stash focus

(Sheer Stella 2008 takes center stage.)

In my earlier post on Sheer Stella 2008, I mentioned that it would be launched in the UK (in Debenhams stores) on March 16. It was a Monday, and I went to a Debenhams store the day before, thinking that it might already be there. It was, and I happily took it home.

Considering Sheer Stella 2007 and 2006 were launched in mid-April, the mid-March launch of Sheer Stella 2008 seemed unexpectedly early to me (especially since Sheer Stellas are meant to be summer fragrances).

The bottle design is quite different from all the previous versions. The semi-opaque glossed cream-white glass bottle features a large rose motif. For the first time, the cap is white and has white dots spelling out “STELLA”.

As expected, the scent is a lighter and fresher version of Stella and is not too different from all the previous Sheer Stellas. However, this year’s version no longer uses green apple, lemon, or orange as a top note to give that zesty vibe. Instead, the scent opens with more sweetness, thanks to white freesia and raspberry.

(From left to right: Sheer Stella 2004 – 2008)
(My favorite bottles are the 2005 and 2007 ones.)

Sheer Stella 2008 is perhaps the sweetest Sheer Stella of all, but only marginally so. It is still a very pleasing rose fragrance with a modern edge, which is why I fell in love with Stella in the first place.

Sheer Stella 2004 – 2007
(See all the bottles up-close.)

My Fragrance Favorites
(the tremendous three)

{ 6 comments }

A Touch of Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush

by PJ on Wednesday, April 2, 2008

in -Maybelline, makeup, makeup - blusher, stash focus

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush (in 04 Mauve) was the first Maybelline item that I bought in quite a long time. (I later bought the Dream Mousse Eye Color in Divine Lilac and Fabulous Turquoise, which I have reviewed.)

When I tested this in the shop, I was impressed by the natural and almost transparent finish and the wearable color. 04 Mauve is a soft medium pink. The finish is quite sheer, which I like, but it can be built up to a slightly more intense finish with minimal efforts.

It has some pink and pale gold shimmer. But it is fine and sparse enough so it doesn’t bother me.

Apart from the wearable shade for my skin-tone (light-to-medium with a slight pink undertone), what I really like about this blusher is the texture. The mousse-like texture is light and almost spongy, and it makes blending very easy. The formula is mainly silicone-based, which explains the velvety feel the blusher dries up to.

The only drawback is that the staying power is not the most impressive that I have experienced. However, touching up is easy, provided that my hands are clean of course.

(My face can get oily during the day. Even after blotting out the shine, I usually still find it hard to use a powder blusher to touch up and get a fresh and pristine finish. The powder sinks in too quickly to be blended evenly. It is much easier for me to use a liquid/cream/mousse based blusher for touch-ups. (Apart from silicones, one of the main ingredients in this blusher is jojoba oil, which contributes to the good slip.)

Overall, this is a fuss-free blusher that is easy to apply and gives a very natural glowy finish. A good value for money for sure if this is the kind of finish you want.

[The names given to items in the Maybelline Dream Mousse line are different from those in the US. It appears that the shade I have is named Soft Plum (#40) in the US.]

Blushers that are also relatively affordable:

– Lavshuca Cheek Color in PK-1

– Boots No. 7 Cheek Colours in Soft Damson and Petal

– Majolica Majorca Cheek Customize in PK333 & OR211

{ 16 comments }

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