stash focus

Sofina Raycious Foundation Case Galore! (2-2)

by PJ on Friday, August 17, 2007

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

(The fest continues…)

(continued from yesterday)

Today, I bring you the Raycious cases from 2004 through to today.

The Raycious 2004 case has dynamic zig-zag patterns:

(Raycious 2004, 5th)

The Raycious 2005 case is more slender and wider, with bubble details. I really like this one.

(Raycious 2005, 6th)

Raycious brought out an interesting case in 2006. The color is the lightest of all the Raycious cases so far. It is also the thickest because it has to accommodate three pieces of mirrors.

(Raycious 2006, 7th)

Let’s open it up and have a look:

(It is like a mini dresser…)

A three-way mirror powder case is obviously not a necessity, but it is fun to use. Also, this design goes with the 7th-generation Raycious foundation for 2006, named Perfect Angle Powder. It claims to enhance the definition of facial contour. I guess you have all the mirrors to appreciate the new you!

We are back to one piece of mirror for the current Raycious 2007, Glamorous Skin Powder. The mirror is fitted almost right along the rims of the lid and is larger than most other mirrors in the previous cases.

(Raycious 2007, 8th)

In between the releases of the annual cases, Raycious sometimes brings out limited-edition ones. I don’t usually collect them, but I decided to go for this one earlier this year:

(Raycious 2007 limited-edition case)

Also, Haru over on Rouge Deluxe featues the latest limited-edition case. It is quite a bold design, using my favorite color.

These are all the cases I have from the powder foundations throughout the years so far. (When a new case is released, the previous one will go off the shelves. So I think it will be quite difficult to track down the older editions. In a way, all these cases are limited editions…)

Apart from releasing a new powder foundation each spring, Raycious also brings out new liquid foundations in fall. It also carries various primers, concealers, loose powders and pressed powders. I have several of Raycious pressed powders and a loose powder, and I will feature them in the near future!

{ 4 comments }

Sofina Raycious Foundation Case Galore! (2-1)

by PJ on Thursday, August 16, 2007

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

(Raycious Case Assembly)

I have talked about why I love Raycious foundations in an earlier post, so I won’t be going there today. (But mainly, it features fine blue-based particles that even out sallowness and redness to make skin bright and alive.)

Today it is all about all the cases since Raycious was launched in 2000. Each year, the foundation formulation changes slightly, and so does the case design.

I have been collecting these cases throughout the years. (I don’t have all the different foundations. The refills fit all the cases apart from the very first edition.)

Here we go!

The 1st-generation Raycious was launched in 2000. It is probably still the best-selling edition to date. This simple case is also my favorite. I also love this shade of blue. (You can see the difference above in the photo.) All the lines are slightly curved. Very subtly elegant. (This is the only Raycious case for a round refill, which, by the way, fits Anna Sui foundation cases as well.)

(Raycious 2000)

Riding on the success of the original Raycious, the 2nd-generation was launched in 2001.

(Raycious 2001)

It has a very reflective sheet in the lid. It is very shiny and colorful when I play it around the light:

The back of the lid can be opened:

I remember this sheet was given to purchasing customers in a very limited period of time:

This pattern was downloaded from the Sofina website in 2001:

You can put anything in the lid. For example, now I am doing some shameless self-promotion:

Onto 2002…the case has a minimal look:

(Raycious 2002)

Cell phone charms can be attached to the back:

The Raycious 2003 case is gadget-free and features soothing patterns:

(Raycious 2003)

It is quite a cutie!

Tomorrow I’ll come back with the ones from 2004 to 2007. You will have a closer look at the one with a three-way mirror. See you then!!

(See the cases from 2004 to 2007!)

{ 10 comments }

Bring It Back!! Helena Rubinstein Cosmetics

by PJ on Tuesday, July 10, 2007

in _Bring It Back, -Helena Rubinstein, makeup, skincare, stash focus

(pictured: my HR items…and I want more!)

Helena Rubinstein is the one that said “There are no ugly women, only lazy ones.” Whether you agree with it or not, it cannot be denied she more than made her mark in the beauty industry.

I always think there is a sense of sophistication and intelligence in her makeup line. The packaging during the 1990’s incorporated colors and finishes that resembled marble and gold. There was a great deal of quiet confidence and assertiveness about it, which really appealed to me. The current reflective copper-tone packaging has a very glamorous edge.

Helena Rubinstein’s mascaras (along with Lancome’s Extencil) started the craze for ultra long, voluminous, and curly eyelashes in Japan about a decade ago, lasting all the way until today. HR’s various mascaras have continued to be on the best-selling lists there as well.

Skincare-wise, I used to really like their cleansing and toning products, as they were gentle to my sensitive skin.

I am aware that her cosmetics line is still available in many countries (see the list on the Helena Rubinstein website), but it is no longer available in the UK or US. I really hope it will be available again soon! (By the way, it is available in Japan…that’s one more reason to go to Japan for……)

Any HR product that you have used and liked? Let me know!

{ 18 comments }

(The Other) Budget Princess: Majolica Majorca

by PJ on Sunday, July 8, 2007

in _Japanese Brand Profile, -Majolica Majorca, -Shiseido, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation, makeup - blusher, stash focus

(pictured: my Majolica Majorca foundation and blushers)

For me, there are two Japanese brands that combine ultra-princessy packaging and superb pocket-friendliness: (Kanebo’s) Lavshuca and (Shiseido’s) Majolica Majorca.

I haven’t really talked about Majolica Majorca very much because Lavshuca has really edged Majolica Majorca out for me in the last couple of seasons.

I do remember how excited I was when it was first launched in July 2003, which was way before some of my current favorites (like Lavshuca and Jill Stuart) took to the stage. At the time, packaging for Japanese drugstore lines was never about being maximally appealing…until Shiseido launched Majolica Majorca, which targeted consumers in their late teens and early twenties. (There were always lines with cute packaging, but they were never packaged to the point of being invincibly dreamy.)

Gold is the predominant color for most of the casings, with filigree patterns, emblems, words written in fancy styles, and other decorative details. It has a royal and antiquey feel, and it was all very cute and princessy.

Their liquid eyeliners and mascaras have always been very popular. As for me, I have got two of their blushers and a powder foundation.

Both blushers are medium to sheer. PK333 is a cool pink (similar to Lavshuca Cheek Color PK-1) and OR211 is a light orange. I prefer PK333 because OR211 is a bit too warm for me.

The two-way powder foundation (Skin Remake Compact) is quite different from the ZA two-way foundation (also made by Shiseido) that I have been using for years. Relatively, Majolica Majorca’s powder foundation has a more moist feel, has a slightly better coverage, but controls shine much less effectively. (Because it controls shine rather poorly, I only wear it when the weather is very cold.) But if your skin-type is combination or slightly dry, this might be a good choice for you as it does give a smooth and almost satiny finish.

Recently, Majolica Majorca’s packaging has not been appealing to me. I think it is because brands like Lavshuca and Jill Stuart are really pushing it in this area. Also, for me, the recent products are just a little less than exciting.

But I still want Majolica Majorca to wow me again!

I’d be interested to know your view of Majolica Majorca and your favorite Majolica Majorca products.

{ 34 comments }

Lavshuca Cheek Color in PK-1

by PJ on Friday, July 6, 2007

in -Kanebo, -Lavshuca, 2007 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - blusher, stash focus

(pictured: my Lavshuca Cheek Color in PK-1)

I’ve realized that, even though my blog is called A Touch of Blusher, this is actually the first time I am properly reviewing a blusher (even though I have mentioned Lavshuca’s blushers in my seasonal top-10 countdown). I promise there will be more to come. (I do have quite a few of them…)

Lavshuca’s Cheek Color is part of its summer 2007 collection. There are four different shades.

The one I got is PK-1, which is a slightly cool pink. It has that usual Lavshuca packaging. Very cute and princessy.

The finish is predominantly matte, which is what I usually go for.

The pigmentation is medium to sheer. If you love to sport very rosy cheeks, you might want to pass them up because the layering might take forever. But if you prefer a light blush on your cheeks, this would be a great choice. I’d also say this is one of those perfect daytime blusher shades. It is very natural and should go with most colors you wear.

If you happen to have both Cheek Color and Cheek Select (which Lavshuca released last year), please do let me know how they compare with each other. I have heard some negative comments on Cheek Select regarding its complete lack of pigmentation. I suspect that some people might say the same about Cheek Color. (I already know a friend of mine who did.) I am quite interested in knowing which one people prefer.

I have not tried Cheek Select but I like the Cheek Color that I have. The slightly cool pink is just right for my skin-tone and I like both the finish and the level of pigmentation.

More lovely items like this from Lavshuca, please…

{ 6 comments }

Lilac Bouquet: Kanebo T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes Palette

by PJ on Sunday, July 1, 2007

in -Jill Stuart, -Kanebo, -T'Estimo, 2007 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, stash focus

(pictured: my Kanebo T’Estimo Frame Impact Eyes in 03)

I have mentioned a couple of times that I am loving lilac/mauve/lavender eyeshadows. After I have tried Jill Stuart’s Brilliance Eyes palette (04 Gem Amethyst), I went for this Kanebo T’Estimo palette (part of the T’Estimo spring 2007 collection). This is actually the first T’Estimo item I bought, and I love it!

Mono-color gradation eye palettes have been very popular in Japan in 2007. Apart from Kanebo T’Estimo, Jill Stuart, and Lavshuca (Eye Color Select), there are also similar creations from Shiseido Maquillage (Clean Contrast Eyes) and Sofina Aube (Jewelry Shower Eyes).

This one by T’Estimo is gorgeous. (The range includes 4 palettes.) The far right slot is a cream eyeliner. This is the only cream eyeliner that I have at the moment, so I don’t know how it compares with popular ones by Stila, MAC, and Bobbi Brown. But I have no problem with it myself. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t smudge. (I am also okay with the little applicator for the liner. Though fiddly at times, it allows me to get very close to the mirror.)

The middle two shades are actually very different from each other. (From almost all the photos I have seen, they appear to be quite similar.) The right one of the two is much darker, as you can probably see from one of the corners near the eyeliner (the part my brush has been dipping into).

So, from the highlighter (with a touch of lilac sparkles) to the deep purple eyeliner and with the two perfect shades in between, this palette is great for creating both a fresh daytime look and a smoky evening look.

I’ll compare it with Jill Stuart’s Brilliance Eyes (in 04 Gem Amethyst), as both are purple-based palettes:

Pigmentation:
The T’Estimo one is certainly more pigmented, especially the shade next to the eyeliner. The Jill Stuart one is noticeably sheerer.

Shimmer:
Both are full of it, but the Jill Stuart one is more glittery than just shimmery (with larger multi-color sparkles). I think for big glitters, people either love it or hate it. But, used effectively, the Jill Stuart one can really make the eyes pop and give your eyes a floaty and airy ambiance.

Shade:
The T’Estimo palette has a wider range of shades (from the lightest to the darkest). It is much easier to achieve a smoky-eye look with it.

Versatility:
Even though the colors in the Jill Stuart palette are sheerer, it might be more suitable for evening makeup (unless you don’t mind big glitters in daytime). The Kanebo one is perhaps more versatile in this respect.

So, there you go. I love both and I have tried mixing colors from the two. They complement each other well and I can create even more looks and more sophisticated finishes. Fantastic!

{ 2 comments }

Chanel Contraste Lumiere Palette in Aquarelles

by PJ on Wednesday, June 20, 2007

in -Chanel, 2007 Summer, makeup, makeup - eyeshadow, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

(Pictured: my Chanel Contraste Lumiere in Aquarelles)

I always like a nice palette. I like the weight, the size, and the sleekness of it. I am always looking for palettes with great colors inside and a look to match.

I have always loved Chanel, but, apart from one Les 4 Ombres eyeshadow palette, this is the first one I bought. I am glad that I have waited for something virtually perfect for me. I have been enjoying experimenting with pink and lilac eyeshadows for a few months now, so it is exciting to see both colors in the palette. Also, the lip glosses have various cool-pink tones that really suit me. Out of almost all the seasonal palettes from Chanel in the past couple of years, this is definitely my favorite.

(four lip glosses and two eyeshadows)

The colors of the two eyeshadows really compliment each other and they can be worn in many different ways. The finish is sheer and semi-matte with some very subtle shimmer. The lip glosses give a wonderfully natural sheen to the lips. All these sheer hues are great for a touch of color in the hot summer.

I think summer is actually a great time to wear cool tones. So give them a go!

(There is another version of the palette (in Mordorees), which features various warm tones for a sun-kissed complexion.)

Bring It Back!! Cynthia Rowley Cosmetics

by PJ on Wednesday, June 6, 2007

in _Bring It Back, makeup, stash focus

(pictured: my Cynthia Rowley stash)

What would be the perfect things to say if your makeup could talk to you?

When you open some of the Cynthia Rowley Cosmetics items, the words are:

“You’re so pretty!”

“I Love your eyes!”

“How come you’re so pretty?”

Cynthia Rowley Cosmetics has been discontinued for a while, and I am missing it. It has the kind of beautiful packaging (without over-doing the cuteness) that I really love. The shade of blue is soft and refreshing, and the jewel detail adds a touch of glamor.

The colors are vibrant without being harsh or gaudy. There are a lot of pastel shades in their eyeshadows, and their lipsticks have a good selection of colors.

The brow powder set I have is great. It has two shades of brow powder, a tweezer, an angled powder brush, and a brow brush.

Photos from the Cynthia Rowley Cosmetics catalogue:

I am aware that Cynthia Rowley is launching a one-off collection in fall 2007 for Avon. But, packaging-wise alone, it is not as good as her original line.

If you have used Cynthia Rowley Cosmetics before, please drop me a line and share your experience. It’ll be nice to hear from you!

Also, our charity drive, Comments for a Cure, is still going on today for the final day (June 6th). Come and leave a comment!

Related post: Bring It Back!! Calvin Klein Cosmetics

{ 6 comments }

A Splash of Color — Citrus Orange

by PJ on Sunday, June 3, 2007

in _I Love Colors, -Ayura, -Lancôme, -Lunasol, all about Japanese cosmetics, bodycare, fragrance, makeup, nail color/care, skincare, stash focus

Orange has been the youngest member of my favorite color family, since I discovered that I looked nice in orange (deep orange, especially, not yellowy orange) only a few years ago.

It is such a cheerful color. Also, when it comes to fragrance, citrus notes are some of my favorites as well. Uplifting and energizing!

—————————————-
Makeup

Lunasol: Contrasting Cheeks 03

Fragrance

Shiseido: Energizing Fragrance
Lancome: Aroma Fit

Skincare

Ayura: Nail Essence
RMK: Cleansing Oil
Garnier: Handcocoon Intense Nourishing Concentrate
(And…an orange!)

{ 2 comments }

New Sunscreen Favorite: Olay Multi-Radiance Daily Illuminating UV Fluid

by PJ on Sunday, May 27, 2007

in -Olay, skincare, skincare - moisturizing/others, stash focus

I have written in my post about my daily skincare routine that Estee Lauder’s DayWear Plus for Oily Skin is the daytime moisturizer that I use. I have been using it for years and I have never thought about changing it.

But recently I have discovered Olay Complete Care Multi-Radiance Daily Illuminating UV Fluid for Combination and Oily Skin (SPF 15). For me, it is one of the very few daytime moisturizers that are as good as DayWear Plus.

It has a slightly thicker consistency than DayWear Plus, but it spreads easily and absorbs well. It dries up to a semi-matte finish. Thanks to mica, it does impart a subtle glow, but it does not look shiny or greasy. It is also a good base for makeup. Most importantly, it does not irritate my sensitive skin and my skin feels properly moisturized.

It is about 14 US dollars (for 75ml) in the UK, so it is a great cheaper alternative for me. (DayWear Plus (50ml) is about 56 US dollars here, whereas it is 38 US dollars in America!)

It contains titanium dioxide and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane as the anti-UVA ingredients. (Please check out my post on sunscreen basics to see why we need ingredients like these in a daytime moisturizer.)

There are a few drawbacks of this product. It contains benzyl alcohol and citrus nobilis (mandarin extract), which can be skin irritants. Benzyl alcohol is not among the major ingredients while citrus nobilis is a bit higher up on the ingredient list. But I have not had negative reactions to the product. Also, the packaging is not totally opaque. Skin-benefiting ingredients that are light-sensitive can lose their effect overtime in this kind of packaging. Maybe Olay should consider rectifying this.

By the way, I know that Olay carries different products in different countries (or it may package and name products differently), and I can’t find this particular product on the Olay US website. Maybe someone can let me know more about this.

{ 15 comments }

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