stash focus

Holiday 2007 Focus: Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N in 001 Black-Tie

by PJ on Monday, November 26, 2007

in -Paul & Joe, 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N in 001 Black-Tie,
part of Paul & Joe’s Christmas 2007 collection)

We all know that makeup items very often look disappointingly less impressive than how they appear on glossy fashion magazines. But this lip gloss is one of those welcome surprises.

Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N in 001 Black-Tie is part of the limited-edition Holiday 2007 Collection, titled Invitation.

(Paul & Joe Holiday 2007 collection: Invitation)
(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com/en/index.html)

(Paul & Joe Lip Gloss N)
(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com/en/index.html)

What grabbed my attention (and the reason it looks much better in person) is the multi-color shimmer. It has pink, yellow, green, and lilac shimmer. It also has very little blue-ish shimmer which is in a warm turquoise-y shade.

The shimmery particles look beautiful, but I won’t describe them as very delicate since they are just a little bit larger than those in some of my other glosses. But they are not glittery at all and are very fitful for the holiday season.

Upon seeing the photo on the Paul & Joe website for the first time, I thought the shade might be too dark for my liking and that I would not want to wear it. (I tend to prefer lip glosses that are not too densely pigmented.) But it is actually a very nicely and delicately pigmented shade (not too sheer) with subtle transparency.

The only thing I can imagine that might bother some people is that the texture of the gloss is slightly more liquidy than some of my other glosses. When it is on my lips, occasionally it travels just a little bit. I avoid it simply by not over-layering it too much.

Overall I love this gloss, and it is now among my favorites. I will surely be reviewing some of my other lip gloss favorites later on, so do stay tuned!

Bring It Back! Boots Botanics Cleansing Oil

by PJ on Thursday, November 22, 2007

in _Bring It Back, -Boots, skincare, skincare - cleansing/toning, stash focus

(Boots Botanics Essential Oil Wash Off Cleanser;
with a separate pump dispenser)

This time, in my “Bring It Back!” Series, I am not going to talk about a whole line of cosmetics. Instead, I am focusing on a very good and affordable makeup remover that has been discontinued.

Boots has various lines of skincare and makeup ranges. While one of my favorite Boots lines is No. 7, it doesn’t have a cleanser that I really like. On the other hand, the slightly cheaper Botanics line used to have the Essential Oil Wash Off Cleanser (seen above), which is a great overall cleanser for me.

It works just like other cleansing oils like Shu Uemura’s, as it takes off all the makeup, including water-proof items, at one go. I tend to like cleansing oils because they involve much less tugging and massaging than most cleansing milks, and they are much more gentle on my sensitive skin.

What was also fantastic about this cleansing oil is that it used to only cost 2 GBP (about 4 USD). Even though I slightly prefer RMK’s cleansing oil, this one only cost about one-tenth of its price at the time and I would gladly keep using this if this were still available.

I stocked up quite a few when it was being phased out, and now I am on my last bottle. My only minor complaint is that if it gets into the eyes, it can sometimes make them feel a little dry afterwards. (This is why I slightly prefer RMK’s.) But it is not something that bothers me very much.

The Boots Botanics line seems to still be doing well and there have been new items added to the lineup every now and then. I do hope Boots will consider adding a cleansing oil back to Botanics or any other skincare line…

Another Boots product that I love using:
Boots No. 7 Gentle Renewing No Grains Exfoliator
(Find out how it actually works.)

Some “Bring It Back!” highlights:

Shiseido’s Inoui ID

Cynthia Rowley

Calvin Klein (See the new counter in Hong Kong!)

{ 6 comments }

My Anna Sui Foundation Cases

by PJ on Sunday, November 18, 2007

in -Anna Sui, 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, stash focus

(the group shot)

Apart from Sofina Raycious foundation cases, which I enjoy collecting, I also collect Anna Sui foundation cases from time to time. (Do have a look at my Part One and Part Two of my Sofina Raycious Case Galore if you haven’t.)

My Anna Sui collection is far less extensive than Raycious’. There are many more Anna Sui cases that I don’t have, as I only collect what I really like.

This black one above is my first Anna Sui case, which is among the first Anna Sui case designs. It is the Gothic princess look that Anna Sui does very well.

Then Anna Sui entered what I call the golden age, during which most base makeup products and some color makeup products were packaged in frosty matte golden cases. I do really like the golden look. First of all, finger prints are not easily left on these finishes. Also, the golden cases show off the details of the design much better.

This one above is perhaps my favorite one. Again, love the golden case. Also, I like the butterfly detail.

This one is from the Anna Sui brightening skincare and foundation range, in which most of the items are in white packaging. I like the unique shape of this case in particular.

Last fall, Anna Sui re-launched the base makeup range (seen below). We are brought back to the classic black packaging, while the shapes and the details of the cases are slightly modified.

(Anna Sui’s current base makeup range)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

By the way, Anna Sui’s Holiday 2007 collection includes a limited-edition hand mirror in the golden shade I love. It looks adorable! (I have to say I prefer this to the usual black one…)

(Anna Sui Hand Mirror G)
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)

More items in gold, please, I’d say…

Updated on March 27, 2008:

See my latest Anna Sui foundation case here.

Anna Sui Face Color Accent
(a lovely blusher…)

Anna Sui Fall 2007 Collection
(featuring a photo of my Anna Sui stash)

Loving Japanese Brands: Anna Sui
(my personal take on Anna Sui)

{ 14 comments }

Can’t Live Without: Garnier Hand Cocoon

by PJ on Thursday, November 15, 2007

in _Can't Live Without, -Garnier, bodycare, stash focus

(My favorite hand cream:
Garnier Hand Cocoon)

Today I launch another series, Can’t Live Without, where I share with you my own makeup and skincare must-haves.

I am starting with my favorite hand cream, Garnier Hand Cocoon.

My hands can get dry in whatever weather/climate I am in, so I have to have a hand cream next to me wherever I am. Unlike my facial skin, which is the very fussy oily-dry skin and requires many trials and errors in terms of finding the right moisturizers, my hands are relatively easy to care for. Basically, for me, a hand cream can never be too emollient.

The only thing is, many poorly formulated hand creams simply coat the hands with a layer of grease. They are not absorbed into the hands to really moisturize them.

Among all the hand creams I like, Garnier Hand Cocoon is the cheapest and the most moisturizing.

The texture is quite dense, but it sinks in very well and does not leave hands excessively greasy or slippery. (I can’t say it is completely grease-free, but it is far less greasy than most other (much less moisturizing) hand creams I have tried.) Overall I enjoy the texture and the moisturizing properties extremely well.

Apart from using it constantly throughout the day, I put a thicker layer on and massage it into the hands (followed by a cuticle moisturizer) just before bedtime. It really conditions the hands and gets me ready for the next day.

I have been using this for the last three years and this has been an indispensable item for my hands. I have been recommending this to some of my friends who need a heavy-duty hand cream, and the feedback is good!

Two great alternatives if Garnier Hand Cocoon is not available where you are:

-L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
-Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream

More of my cosmetics must-haves to come later!

Two of my favorite daytime moisturizers:

Olay Multi-Radiance Daily Illuminating UV Fluid SPF 15
Estee Lauder DayWear Plus SPF 15
(Both have ingredients protecting against the aging UVA.)

The exfoliator I have been enjoying using:

Boots No. 7 Gentle Renewing No Grains Exfoliator
(Indeed, it is gentle.)

{ 10 comments }

The ONLY Eyelash Curler I Ever Need

by PJ on Wednesday, November 14, 2007

in beauty tools/accessories, makeup, stash focus

(Here it is.)

One of my readers suggested that I review my eyelash curler, so I decided to share with all of you this little useful tool.

I bought this such a long time ago that I don’t remember which brand it is from. I only remember that it is from a very inexpensive Japanese drugstore beauty tool brand. There are many such brands in Japan as well as in other Asian countries, and it is generally not hard to get something similar.

(the narrower curler)

This is usually called a narrow curler or a precision curler. The curler itself measures about 0.8 cm. It doesn’t grab and curl all the lashes at the same time. Instead, it curls a portion of the lashes at a time.

(measuring about 0.8cm)

The best thing about this kind of curler is that it can really get to the lashes at the two ends. Also, I can have an optimal control as to the exact extend and angle of the curl I want from different sections of my lashes.

Plus, sometimes the curve of a normal curler might not suit everyone. This is absolutely not an issue here. This is something that I think everyone can use to get the most beautifully naturally curled lashes.

With all these wonderful merits, this is my first and only eyelash curler, and I have never needed another one!

If you are interested, Japonesque and Seki Edge carry very similar versions.

My Makeup Brush Stash
(See my beloved makeup brushes.)

You Mean It’s NOT Real?
(Have your say!)

Spotlight on Mascaras
(featuring Dior, YSL, Max Factor, and L’Oréal)

{ 20 comments }

Finally Got It! SUQQU Sanzekan Eau de Toilette

by PJ on Tuesday, November 13, 2007

in -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, fragrance, stash focus

(The photo in the leaflet shows off
the angular shape of the bottle.)

(SUQQU Sanzekan Eau de Toilette 50ml)

It may appear as an impulse purchase, since I decided to buy this within seconds of seeing it. (It was launched on the day when I was at the counter, and I hadn’t come across any information about the launch.) But it really was not, and I will explain why.

This fragrance is based on the scent of Sanzekan (the eastern orchid), which is used in all SUQQU’s skincare products. Personally I dislike any prominent scent in skincare products. (It is simply unnecessary and may cause irritation.) But, purely as a scent, I really like it. Unique, sophisticated, and instantly memorable.

(Sanzekan, the eastern orchid)

(image from www.suqqu.com)

The first time SUQQU released this scent as a fragrance was when they launched the holiday collection in November 2005 (seen below on the left).

(SUQQU holiday 2005 collection)
(image from www.suqqu.com)

It is a 18ml travel-size bottle. The collection (sold as a set) also included a lipstick and a nail color based on the rich red hue of Sanzekan.

The full-size fragrance was released in Japan a year later in November 2006 but also as a limited edition. This was around the time SUQQU was launched in the UK. The actual fragrance was not available in the UK, but I fell in love with the scent of Sanzekan in the skincare products.

Around that time, there was a Gift with Purchase offer which included the 18ml fragrance (seen in the 2005 holiday set above). But the qualifying amount for the GWP was too high so I decided not to get it.

At the time, the sales assistants didn’t know whether the fragrance would ever be available in the UK. So I simply gave up the idea of ever owning the fragrance. But I liked the scent so much that I would constantly sniff the toner sample I got.

So you can imagine how excited I was when I saw this bottle in its full glory at the SUQQU counter last week. (I thought I’d never see it.) Without no hesitation, I decided to get it.

As mentioned, the prominent note is the eastern orchid Sanzekan. Feminine and lilting, it is a beautifully delicate and elegant scent.

Top note: eastern orchid (Sanzekan)
Middle notes: rose and jasmine
Base notes: vanilla and sandalwood

Like AYURA‘s Spirit of AYURA, this has a unique oriental flavor to it that I really enjoy. Not a generic scent, to say the very least. I am so glad I finally have it now…

Sheer Stella 2007
(featuring all the previous editions)

Bond No. 9 Coney Island
(summer bottled up)

My Favorite Fragrances
(What about yours?)

{ 4 comments }

Lavshuca Holiday 2007 Makeup Palette

by PJ on Monday, November 12, 2007

in -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, 2007 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Lavshuca Holiday 2007 Palette)

I just got my Lavshuca holiday 2007 palette a couple of days ago. The first thing I did was to take some photos so I could show you this cute palette.

I have not actually used it yet. (Unlike the DiorLight necklace that I also just got, I WILL be using this.) I will post a review after I have used the eyeshadows and the lip colors.

I was surprised to find that all the bits were outside the case when I received this. This is Lavshuca’s first eye-and-lip palette so they seem to be having a bit of fun with it. Also, since the case is not transparent, it makes sense to present everything like this so the customers in the drugstores can instantly see all the colors and the front of the case. Overall I like the whole presentation.

The case is made of cardboard but it is relatively sturdy.

(the case and the colors presented separately)

(Complete the puzzle!)

Obviously all the bits go into the case. But, I think perhaps some people will be quite happy just to leave them where they are so everything can be displayed as it is in the cute box. Umm…it is not a bad idea actually……

Straight onto my Shopping List: Lavshuca Holiday 2007 Palette
(my first impression of the palettes along with the new lip glosses)

Chanel Contraste Lumière Palette
(another great eye-and-lip palette)

{ 8 comments }

Holiday 2007 Focus: DiorLight Jewelled Makeup Necklace

by PJ on Sunday, November 11, 2007

in -Dior, 2007 Holiday, makeup, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Dior DiorLight Jewelled Makeup Necklace for the Lips)

Priced at 54 pounds in the UK (about 112 USD), it is not cheap. But since I had enough Boots advantage points and I really liked the look of this necklace, I decided to use my points on this after it was launched in Boots on November 6th. (It was launched in some department stores earlier.) So I didn’t spend any money on this.

(I will write another post later on to explain to my readers outside the UK how the popular and uniquely generous Boots Advantage Point system works.)

Here, Dior’s seasonal limited-edition items are usually priced at 35 pounds (about 73 USD). I suppose this one is pricier because of the Swarovski crystals used on the pendant (not on the “Dior” logo though).

The gloss comes in two choices, pink and beige. (Only the beige is available in the US.) I picked the prettier pink one.

(the “default” pink)

As I mentioned in my initial report on the various Christmas 2007 collections, this pendant is larger than what I expected. The total length of the necklace is about 82 cm. It comes with a black draw-string pouch for storage and protection.

The lip gloss is what I call a “default” pink, a universally wearable pink with some shimmer that should suit most people.

Having said that, I will probably not use it, as it joins my permanent Dior collection…

Dior Pretty Charm
(Dior Holiday 2006 item)

Diorissime Palette
(Dior Fall 2007 item…this one I am happily using……)

{ 6 comments }

Chanel Ombre d’Eau Eyeshadow: A Joint Report with Beauty Anonymous

by PJ on Monday, November 5, 2007

in -Chanel, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(Chanel Ombre d’Eau in #50 Bay)

Today, Beauty Anonymous and I are joining together to bring you our thoughts on Chanel’s Ombre d’Eau Eyeshadows. I will focus on #50 Bay and there is a review of #10 Glacier and #20 Fountain over on Beauty Anonymous.

A couple of years ago, I was in a phase of neutral shades for eyes. Chanel’s Ombre d’Eau Bi-Phase Eyeshadow grabbed my attention, with many wearable shades. (They are called Ombre d’Eau Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow in the US.)

I bought (or, to be more precise, used my Boots advantage points on) #50 Bay, which is a warm bronze with quite a lot of fine iridescent shimmer to create an almost soft metallic finish.

Before taking out the sponge applicator, I shake the container vigorously to mix the pigment and the liquid. (There is a small stainless steel ball inside to help the mixing. It reminds me of using a Liquid Paper correction pen.)

The sponge applicator makes the application easy and fuss-free. The slanted facet of the sponge helps sweep the color onto the eyelids, and I can also line the eyes with the tip of the angled sponge (without blending afterwards). (It won’t be a very thin line. The thinnest line you can create is around 2-3mm.)

Once the color is applied on the eyelids, speedy blending is vital as the liquid does dry up rather quickly. If you leave it to dry, the slip disappears. When the color is in place, it is quite long-wearing.

One thing I have recently observed is that the pigment is not water-resistant at all. I was surprised to find that, when I applied the color on the back of my hand and place my hand under running water, the color was completely gone, with no rubbing, within seconds. (On the other hand, it is usually hard to rub off a powder eyeshadow just with water alone.)

But on my eyelids, under usual circumstances, I have never noticed fading, creasing, or transferring.

Overall, I enjoy using it. Even though the shimmer can be slightly too much for daytime, the fact that most of the shades are very low-key still makes them wearable in any time of the day.

Do head over to Beauty Anonymous, where you can read about two other lovely shades: #10 Glacier and #20 Fountain.

– Read about my personal take on Chanel.

– I compare Chanel Mat Lumière & SUQQU Powder Foundation Glow. See who wins!

– Find out why I won’t buy Les 4 Camélias de Chanel.

{ 4 comments }

Sofina Raycious Pressed Powder Mini-Galore

by PJ on Thursday, October 18, 2007

in -Kao, -Sofina, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - powder, stash focus

(My three Sofina Raycious pressed powder compacts:
Left: Raycious Lucent Powder
Middle: Raycious Ray Blend Powder
Right: Raycious Ray Contrast Powder)

After showing you all my Sofina Raycious powder foundation cases (you can read both Part One and Part Two of the post), I am now bringing you more items from my Raycious collection.

This time it is all about the pressed finishing powder.

Apart from powder foundations, Sofina Raycious also releases pressed finishing powder compacts, which are mainly used with Raycious’ liquid foundations. But I do use them after my powder foundation to create a polished look.

The one on the left (in the photo above) is the first edition (Raycious Lucent Powder), released several years ago. It comes in two finishes. The upper section is sheer and completely matte. It is simply the best finishing powder I have ever used in term of controlling shine and concealing pores. The polished look is also long-lasting. The lower section is a wonderful highlighting powder. It imparts a natural luminous glow without being shimmery or glittery. (I have several refills of Lucent Powder and I put in a new one for the photos.)

The middle one is the second edition (Raycious Ray Blend Powder) and the right one is the third and (the only) currently available edition (Raycious Ray Contrast Powder). (Just like the Raycious powder foundations, when a new edition is released, the previous one is discontinued.) The second edition gives more overall luminosity while the third edition has a section for subtle shading.

All of them have SPF 14 and PA+.

The first edition comes with a square puff, and the other two come with a brush:

As for the packaging (seen below), the first edition is on the left and the third is on the right. (I only bought the refill of the second edition at the time. The second-edition case is in the same shape as the first one. The only difference is that the case is semi-transparent.)