-SUQQU

SUQQU Fall 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, July 25, 2008

in -SUQQU, 2008 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup

(image from www.suqqu.com/japan.html)

SUQQU has updated its website to feature the fall 2008 collection, which will be released in Japan on August 8th.

Does the image above remind you of Lunasol‘s Red Purification collection? SUQQU’s red-themed lineup draws inspiration from the rich warm red that has figured predominantly in the Japanese culture for centuries. The collection includes:

– Eyelid Base (1 shade)
– Dual Eyeshadow (5 variations)
– Blend Cheeks (1 new shade)
– Blend Lipstick (3 new shades)
– Gloss & Lip Color (3 new variations, limited editions)
– Eyeliner Creamy (3 new shades)
– Mascara (3 versions: Volume N, Long N, and Volume Long N, all in black)

(SUQQU Dual Eyeshadow)
(image from www.suqqu.com/japan.html)

So far, none of the items has been calling out to me. But, as usual, I am very impressed by SUQQU’s visuals, which present a sophisticated mix of traditional and modern elements. They always leave a lasting impact and this is part of what sets SUQQU apart from many other Japanese brands.

(Outside Japan, SUQQU is available in Bangkok and London. Please see the list of retail points on SUQQU’s international site.)

Japanese Brand Profile – SUQQU

A Class Act: SUQQU Creamy Lipstick

Foundation Face-Off – Jill Stuart vs. SUQQU

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(Selfridges, Oxford Street London)
(image from www.selfridges.com)

After shopping in Tokyo and Taipei for the past two weeks, today we are flying long-haul to London.

I have to say that, personally, purely in terms of beauty shopping, London can’t really compete with Tokyo or Taipei. But it is one of my favorite cities and it does still have plenty to offer when it comes to beauty.

– WHERE TO GO –

If you have One Day

Oxford Street is your best bet, particularly Selfridges Department Store (Bond Street or Marble Arch Underground Station), which I think has the best beauty department in the UK. Apart from almost all the high-end brands (including one of the few Giorgio Armani counters in the UK), it also has a good selection of Japanese brands, such as Shiseido (carrying the usual lines sold in the west), SK II, RMK, and SUQQU. (The SUQQU counter is the only one outside Asia, and three RMK counters in the UK (Selfridges London, Selfridges Trafford Centre Manchester, and House of Fraser Glasgow) are the only ones outside Asia as well.)

If you have more time, head towards the nearby Boots store (on the other side of Oxford Street and slightly more towards Oxford Circus). It is a great place to browse through mid-range and budget British beauty lines, such as Ruby & Millie as well as Boots’ own No. 7, 17, and Natural Collection.

One Weekend

– You can stay on Oxford Street. There are several more department stores further towards Oxford Circus. Debenhams has a great fragrance department, while House of Fraser has a ck Calvin Klein counter. For those of you in Asia where Smashbox is not easily available, John Lewis has a Smashbox counter.

– In the Knightsbridge area (Knightsbridge Station), you can find both Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Apart from probably the best fragrance department in the UK, Harrods also has one of the remaining Kanebo International counters (carrying the Sensai line) in the UK. Over in Harvey Nichols, you can find Chanel Studios, featuring Chanel makeup and skincare items exclusive to the North American and Asian markets. (I have seen many Japan-exclusives there over the years.)

One Week

– If you are a beauty fan and have a few days in London, why not indulge in a British beauty experience? Some of the brands might be available where you are, but I think the experience will be more unique. Apart from the very widely known The Body Shop and Lush, try Eve Lom, Liz Earle, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Penhaligon’s, Jo Malone, Molton Brown, Culpepper, and Floris. (Please check the websites for store locations.)

– Try one of the Space NK boutiques to be surrounded by high-end beauty brands like Chantecaille, By Terry, Darphin and Jurlique. There is a Space NK concession in Harvey Nichols as well.

– If you would like to test out items from Paul & Joe, you can either visit Harrods or Fenwick (Bond Street Station). I’d suggest the counter in Fenwick, which is wider and airier. (The concession in Harrods is currently more of a shelf than a counter.)

– If you are a fan of Japanese cosmetics but don’t usually have easy access to Japanese beauty magazines like Biteki and Voce, do definitely head to JP-Books in Mitsukoshi London and the book shop in Japan Centre. Both are literally seconds away from the busy Piccadilly Station and stock all the major Japanese beauty and fashion magazines. The locations of these two are so central that there is almost no excuse not to have a quick look if you want to check out the latest beauty products and makeup looks from Japanese as well as international beauty brands.

(By the way, the food section of Japan Centre carries lovely (and affordable) bento boxes, which are some of the yummiest and healthiest meal options while you are out and about in London.)

– WHEN TO GO –

I think a good time to go to London for beauty shopping is during the summer/winter sale period. (The summer sale starts in late June and most stores start the winter sale on December 27.)

During the sale period, many high-end brands have about 30% discount (and sometimes 50%) on surplus stock, soon-to-be-discontinued items, and past limited-edition items. (Last year, I was able to purchase Paul & Joe’s Light Cream Foundation, Face Powder and Pressed Powder at 50% off at Harrods and Fenwick. Also, a couple of weeks ago, I saw YSL’s silver makeup palette from last year’s holiday collection in Harrods and a few items from Guerlain’s Pucci summer 2007 collection in Harvey Nichols.)

Also, I have seen brands like YSL and Guerlain start carrying new fall/spring collections during the summer/winter sale period (particularly in top-end department stores like Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and Selfridges). These exclusive releases can sometimes be slightly earlier than those in North America and Asia.

– NOTE –

– Just like Japan and Taiwan, opened and used beauty items are usually not refundable.

– Check out this post from Kiss & Makeup for a list of British beauty brands.

– One of the best resources for beauty shopping in London is TimeOut London’s Shops & Services guide (9.99 GBP for the 2008 edition, currently on sale on TimeOut’s website). It is updated annually and the latest edition usually comes out in November.

It covers virtually everything you need to know if one of the reasons for your London trip is to shop. (It is also helpful if you are going to live in London for any period of time.) The Health & Beauty section covers beauty stores, perfumeries, salons, spas, and hairdressers, and all the practical details are listed. (It should be available in most major bookstores in the UK. I think it is worth having even as a souvenir for your one-off London shopping extravaganza.)

This concludes my mini-series on Beauty City Guide, at least for the time being, I hope. I have been to other places like Paris and Hong Kong, but I don’t think I know enough at the moment to bring you my personal recommendations. Hope one day I’ll be able to share my thoughts with you! (But do please e-mail me if you would like a few quick suggestions.)

Beauty Phenomenon: Seasonal Sale on Cosmetics in the UK

Japanese Beauty Brands in the UK

Japanese Brand Profile – SUQQU

Can’t Live Without – RMK Cleansing Oil N

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A Class Act: SUQQU Creamy Lipstick

by PJ on Thursday, June 12, 2008

in -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - lip color, stash focus

(SUQQU Creamy Lipstick in 22 Benikoji)

Ever since I visited the SUQQU counter (English site here) in London’s Selfridges for the first time, the brand has a special place in my makeup-loving heart.

The quality of some of their makeup items is sublime. Apart from their base makeup products, which SUQQU is renowned for, the texture of their eyeshadows and blushers (and the way the powder melts into the skin) is unparalleled. (I am just waiting for a lilac palette to be released…)

(However, some SUQQU’s skincare products feature excessive alcohol. I personally don’t recommend them.)

Today I am focusing on the SUQQU Creamy Lipstick I have. I very briefly mentioned it earlier, but I think this item more than deserves its own post.

The defining characteristic of SUQQU’s Creamy Lipsticks is the wonderfully rich emolliency. It feels very creamy (but not heavy) on the lips and the color glides on with tremendous ease. Out of all my lipsticks, this one is the most moisturizing. (But I do still always apply a lip balm underneath all lipsticks and lip glosses. It has been a habit of mine for years.) Even when my lips are sometimes not as conditioned as they normally are, especially in winter, the color still goes on quite evenly.

#22 Benikoji is a soft beige pink. I don’t really like nude lipsticks, and this shade is probably as nude as I would ever go. It is moderately pigmented but can be layered for more intensity, and it has no multi-colored micro shimmer that a lot of lipsticks from Japanese brands have. It goes on slightly lighter and imparts a beautiful sheen that does not look greasy. The soft sheen looks classy and understated.

The moisture, finish and color are all long-lasting. Also, for me, apart from the lovely color, this lipstick makes the lips both look and feel ultimately conditioned.

The Creamy Lipstick costs 5250 yen in Japan (about 50 USD) and 24 pounds in the UK. It is expensive, but, for the outstanding quality, I think it is worth it. I have not been planning on getting another color (since I would love to have a SUQQU eye palette first), but I would still be interested in getting a slightly darker and cooler lipstick color.

If you are going to Japan, Thailand, or the UK this summer (SUQQU is currently only available in these three countries), do have a look at SUQQU’s items. You can find all the current SUQQU retail points in the three countries here.

– Please head over to Autumn Masquerade for a brief review of Blend Eyeshadow palette in #06 Touryoku from SUQQU’s spring 2008 collection.

– If you are interested (and read Chinese), please check out this great post on various SUQQU makeup products, including the Creamy Lipstick. I fully agree with the writer that, again, even though this lipstick is expensive, it is absolutely worth it.

SUQQU Breaks Records
(a brand profile with my personal take)

SUQQU Makeup Base Creamy & Brightup

SUQQU Spring 2008 Collection

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Foundation Face-Off (3) – Jill Stuart vs. SUQQU

by PJ on Wednesday, May 21, 2008

in -Jill Stuart, -SUQQU, makeup, makeup - base makeup, makeup - base makeup - foundation

(Jill Stuart Smooth Silk Powder Foundation
& SUQQU Powder Foundation Fresh)

Today I am bringing you the third foundation face-off, this time between Jill Stuart’s Smooth Silk Powder Foundation and SUQQU’s Powder Foundation Fresh. Both are spring/summer 2008 releases.

(A note on my foundation concerns, preferences, and habits to set the perspective for the review: I have oily skin which is prone to some slight redness. I prefer powder foundations that control shine well, offer at least medium coverage, and have decent pore coverage. I usually don’t wear a primer or a concealer.)

Basics

– Jill Stuart Smooth Silk Powder Foundation: SPF 20/ PA ++, 5 shades
– SUQQU Powder Foundation Fresh: SPF 27/ PA ++, 6 shades

Finish

Jill Stuart has a very soft-focus and glowy finish, while SUQQU gives a luminous matte finish. Neither has visible shimmer.

Texture

Jill Stuart’s powder is very smooth and velvety and has an almost-moist feel. SUQQU’s powder is slightly drier but it is still quite silky.

Coverage

Jill Stuart offers a nearly-medium coverage, which I am quite happy with. SUQQU offers a good medium-to-full coverage. I feel that SUQQU covers my mild redness better than Jill Stuart, but I think this might be only because the SUQQU shade I tried, #25, is more yellow-based than Jill Stuart’s #103.

Pore Coverage

Jill Stuart’s pore coverage is satisfactory, while SUQQU’s pore-concealing ability has some room for improvement.

Shine Control

For me, this is usually the deciding factor on a foundation. Here, the luminous and glowy Jill Stuart fails to impress me as it has very little shine-control ability. Even a good matte loose powder can’t keep the shine away (my face becomes shiny within an hour) and constant touch-ups are a must for me.

On the other hand, even though SUQQU’s shine control is not the best that I have experienced, at least it is what I would expect from a spring/summer powder foundation release from a Japanese brand, which is usually more about sebum control than a fall/winter release. (Again, out of all the foundations featured in the face-off posts along with the ZA Two-Way Foundation, Coffret D’Or’s Beauty Lasting Pact UV offers the best shine control.)

Staying Power

Neither of them darkens overtime or loses the coverage too quickly, but, as mentioned above, Jill Stuart’s silky smoothness turns shiny very quickly on me, making it a very high-maintenance foundation for my oily skin.

Between the two, I favor SUQQU Powder Foundation Fresh. It offers good coverage and decent shine-control, and it stays on well throughout the day. A good loose powder can easily enhance the pore coverage. I think this should be a good powder foundation for most skin types. As for Jill Stuart’s Smooth Silk Powder Foundation, I wouldn’t recommend it if any part of your face tends to be on the oily side, as it doesn’t control shine and the glowy finish will make shine appear more obvious.

(I’d like to thank my friend Betsy at Autumn Masquerade for very kindly sending these samples to me. Please head over to read her review on SUQQU’s Powder Foundation Fresh.)

Foundation Face-Off (1) – Chanel vs. SUQQU

Foundation Face-Off (2) – Lunasol vs. Coffret D’Or

My Latest Foundation Cases
(Anna Sui and Jill Stuart)

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SUQQU Makeup Base Creamy & Brightup

by PJ on Thursday, March 13, 2008

in -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup - base makeup - primer/concealer, stash focus

(samples of SUQQU Makeup Base Creamy (left)

& Makeup Base Brightup)

SUQQU Makeup Base Creamy and Makeup Base Brightup are part of SUQQU’s Fall 2007 base makeup lineup.

For me, they are very welcome additions, since SUQQU’s then only primer, simply called Makeup Base, is loaded with alcohol and I simply wouldn’t put it on my face.

According to the SUQQU website and the counter staff, Makeup Base Creamy is designed to be used before SUQQU’s (cream) Foundation and Makeup Base Brightup is used before Powder Foundation Glow. For me, I have been trying out these two primers under my usual Shiseido ZA Two-Way Foundation (which I will review later this month.)

(SUQQU Makeup Base Creamy)

(image from www.suqqu.com)

Makeup Base Creamy has a light cream texture. It has a nice slip and goes on very easily. Unlike most primers, which impart luminosity and/or carry pigments to even out the skin-tone, this primer seems to disappear into the skin as it goes on more or less transparent and without any visible shimmer.

However, after application, the skin feels very moisturized and well-conditioned and is ready for all the powdering action. My powder foundation goes on more smoothly, and, more importantly, it helps the foundation last a lot longer.

As it has relatively little efficacy in concealing pores and it doesn’t really control shine, I position it as a skin-conditioning primer that helps the foundation stay fresh for longer.

(SUQQU Makeup Base Brightup)

(image from www.suqqu.com)

Compared with Makeup Base Creamy, Makeup Base Brightup has a creamier consistency. It also has some subtle shimmer to add luminosity and brightness. (I can understand why this is marketed as a primer for a powder foundation, since the powder needs something to stick to.)

Having said that, the two share most traits in terms of their performances. Again, Makeup Base Brightup successfully helps the foundation last longer.

Overall, I prefer Makeup Base Creamy, since the texture is lighter and it has no shimmer. It suits my oily skin better and it is more in tune with the matte finish I want from my foundation.

Note that neither of the two primers has any SPF.

If you have a powder foundation that is spot-on for your skin-tone but your skin is often too dry for a powder formula to wear well, then either of these two primers could be worth considering.

[I haven’t checked the outer packaging of full-size products to see if these two primers contain alcohol. But they don’t smell of alcohol or irritate my skin. Even if they do contain alcohol, the portion should be relatively minimal.]

UK Follow-Ups in Brief

by PJ on Friday, March 7, 2008

in -Calvin Klein, -SUQQU, 2008 Spring, fashion, makeup

— Originally scheduled to launch on March 6th in the UK, Calvin Klein Beauty will launch on March 31st, according to the customer service at House of Fraser on Oxford Street, London.

— Banana Republic’s UK/Europe launch has also been delayed. According to the sign (outside the construction site on Regent Street, London), the launch date is March 20th.

— SUQQU’s spring 2008 collection has been launched in Selfridges Oxford Street. The texture of the eyeshadows is smooth as usual, and the Eye Lucent loose eyeshadow has intense but fine shimmer. Kyokkou (in silvery white) is particularly bright and shimmery. It is definitely one of the least matte seasonal collections from SUQQU.

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SUQQU Spring/Summer 2008 Base Makeup Collection

by PJ on Tuesday, February 19, 2008

in -SUQQU, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(part of the SUQQU spring/summer 2008
base makeup lineup)
(image from www.suqqu.com)

As SUQQU is one of the few Japanese brands available in the UK (in London’s Selfridges), I always look forward to all the new releases.

Following the spring color collection, released earlier in Japan and launching in the UK later, SUQQU will release the spring/summer base makeup collection on March 15th.

With many Japanese cosmetics brands, the spring/summer base makeup releases, mostly in March, tend to focus on sebum-controlling and maintaining a fresh complexion. On the other hand, the fall/winter lineups (launched around September) are more about combating dryness and creating a luminous look.

SUQQU’s base makeup collection for fall 2007 features a very delicately smooth and luxuriously velvety Powder Foundation Glow. It goes on beautifully, has a good coverage, and covers pores well, but it lacks the sebum-controlling ability. So it will be interesting to see what the new Powder Foundation Fresh can do.

The SUQQU spring/summer 2008 base makeup lineup includes:

Powder Foundation Fresh: 6 shades, 11g, SPF 27 PA++

Liquid Foundation Aqua: 6 shades, 24ml, SPF 26 PA++

Face Protector N (daytime sunscreen): 30g, SPF 30 PA+++

I am expecting these to be launched in the UK in April, and I look forward to testing all the items, especially Powder Foundation Fresh. If it has all the merits of Powder Foundation Glow plus a decent shine-controlling ability, it could be an all-round winner for me!

Loving SUQQU
(my personal take on SUQQU)

Anna Sui spring/summer 2008 base makeup collection
(featuring a cute loose powder compact)

Kanebo Coffret D’Or spring/summer 2008 base makeup collection
(More loose powder for me to try?)

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SUQQU Spring 2008 Collection

by PJ on Friday, February 1, 2008

in -SUQQU, 2008 Spring, all about Japanese cosmetics

(SUQQU Spring 2008 collection ad image)
(image from www.suqqu.com/japan.html)

SUQQU‘s spring 2008 collection will be launched in Japan on February 15th. It should be launched in the UK (in London’s Selfridges) about a month later.

(part of the SUQQU spring 2008 lineup)
(image from www.suqqu.com/japan.html)

The collection looks very fresh, and I am seeing shimmer in both the eye and lip items, which is not very typical of SUQQU.

The lineup includes:

– Blend Eye Shadow (eye palettes; three new versions)
– Eye Lucent (loose-powder eyeshadow; two shades) [new item]
– Blend Cheeks (one new version)
– Blend Lip Stick (six new shades)
– Gloss & Lip Color (three versions) [new item]
– Nail Color (three new shades)

In sharp contrast to last spring’s blue eyeshadows and beige lipsticks, SUQQU’s spring collection for this year has green for eyes and pink for lips. It has a slightly more youthful and vibrant feel.

The Gloss & Lip Color looks quite…girlie, and this is the first time I am using this word to describe SUQQU, which, for me, epitomizes grown-up elegance.

Is SUQQU taking on a new dimension? Or is it re-positioning itself to compete with (or make way for) CHICCA? (Both are ultimately owned by the Kanebo Company.)

Japanese Cosmetics Brands in the UK
(What else is available apart from SUQQU?)

Sensuality with an Attitude
(my personal take on SUQQU)

Loose Powder: A Recurring Phase
(featuring SUQQU and others)

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Japanese Cosmetics in the UK (and Where to Get Them)

by PJ on Thursday, January 31, 2008

in -Anna Sui, -Astalift, -DHC, -Kanebo, -Muji, -Paul & Joe, -RMK, -Sensai, -Shiseido, -SHISEIDO (Global Brand), -Shiseido The Makeup, -SK-II, -SUQQU, all about Japanese cosmetics, all about Japanese cosmetics (overseas availability information)

(All available in the UK!)
(anti-clockwise from top-left:
Paul & Joe Blanc Body Lotion
RMK Cleansing Oil N
RMK Irresistible Lips C in 03 Holographic Sheer Pink
SUQQU Creamy Lipstick in 22 Benikoji
Paul & Joe Nail Treatment Oil
SUQQU Sanzekan Eau de Toilette)

As requested by a reader, today I am focusing on Japanese cosmetics brands available in the UK and where they can be found.

(If you are reading this from other countries or if you live in the UK but are quite far away from the counters, I will be mentioning possible ways to purchase from some of these brands on-line or through Selfridges.)

Here we go…

So far, there never seems to be a wide array of Japanese cosmetics lines in the UK. But what is available here is nonetheless a good selection of what the Japanese cosmetics industry has to offer. It also includes one of my favorite Japanese brands, Paul & Joe, which we will start with.

— Paul & Joe

(Paul & Joe spring 2008 collection: Sweetie)
(image from www.paul-joe-beaute.com/en/index.html)

Launched in Japan in spring 2002, Paul & Joe was an instant sensation. With its beautifully feminine packaging, it was almost the Jill Stuart before there was Jill Stuart.

To my delight, it was launched a couple of years later in London’s Harvey Nichols, where I saw the line in person for the very first time. Now it is available in Fenwick and Harrods in London, apart from the three Paul & Joe’s London boutiques. If you only have time for one counter when you are in London, go straight to Fenwick. The counter there is larger and has a better testing area.

There are several authorized on-line sellers of Paul & Joe in the UK, some of which deliver internationally. You can find them on the Shop Info page on Paul & Joe’s English website.

If you are interested, you can read my reviews on Paul & Joe’s Foundation Primer N, Lip Gloss N, and Face Powder, as well as my personal take on the brand.

— RMK

(RMK spring 2008 collection: Shiny Mix Dots)
(image from www.rmkrmk.com/global/)

Developed by Japanese makeup artist Rumiko, the minimally packaged makeup range is trendy but wearable and has featured a lot of distinctive seasonal collections. Some of RMK‘s most popular products include primers, lip glosses, and mascaras. I myself love RMK’s Cleansing Oil N.

Like Paul & Joe, RMK debuted in London’s Harvey Nichols. Later, it moved to House of Fraser on Oxford Street and it now resides in the nearby Selfridges. It is also available in Selfridges in Trafford Centre in Manchester and House of Fraser in Glasgow.

At the moment, UK is the only country outside Asia where RMK has a retail point. But you might be able to buy from the line from Selfridges by phone (from within or outside the UK). Check out Selfridges‘ Service Directory page for detail. (Select “Delivery” for the relevant information).

— SUQQU

(image from www.suqqu.com/global/)

SUQQU‘s launch in London’s Selfridges in November 2006 took me by surprise, as it took a different expansion path. Prior to that, outside Japan, it was only available in Bangkok, which was another slightly unconventional move.

SUQQU’s strength and popularity lie in its base makeup range. Its concealers, cream foundation and Clear Veil Powder are what make the brand well-known in Japan. Its eyelash curler is another cult item. I personally love the ultra-sophisticated brand image as well as the luxuriously smooth and silky texture of SUQQU’s lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushers.

Recently, I have noticed that SUQQU has been trying hard to get featured in major fashion and lifestyle magazines in the UK, which is great to see. You can read my personal thoughts about SUQQU as well as my reviews on SUQQU’s Powder Foundation Glow and Sanzekan Eau de Toilette.

Like RMK, SUQQU’s counter in Selfridges is the only retail point outside Asia. (Again, please check Selfridges‘ Service Directory page if you are interested in purchasing their items by phone.)

— DHC

(image from www.dhcuk.co.uk)

DHC is a very recent addition to the UK beauty scene and is currently available on DHC’s UK website. You can read about my thoughts on the brand in one of my recent posts.

Updated on February 25th, 2014:

DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil and Eyelash Tonic are available at Fenwick Bond Street in London (from February 13th, 2014). (information from DHC)

— SK-II

(Cate Blanchett for SK-II)
(image from www.sk2.co.uk)

Currently owned by Procter & Gamble, this luxury skincare and base makeup line has its roots in Kobe, Japan, and its brand image has always maintained an oriental feel.

SK-II is currently available in several major cities in England and Wales.

— Shiseido International

(Shiseido The Makeup fall 2007 collection)
(image from www.shiseido.co.uk)

The Shiseido lines available in the UK include Shiseido The Makeup, Shiseido The Skincare, Bio-Performance, Benefiance, Pureness, Future Solution, Shiseido Men, and a selection of body and fragrance products.

Shiseido International is currently available in London’s Harrods and Selfridges as well as various other department stores in the UK (apart from Northern Ireland). You can use the Store Locator on Shiseido’s UK website to find your nearest Shiseido counter. A selection of skincare products is also available on QVC UK.

— Kanebo International

(image from www.sensai-cosmetics.com)

Only Kanebo International’s Sensai line (skincare, bodycare, sun care, haircare, and makeup) is available in the UK. It is currently sold in Harrods and its on-line store (where you can also find Shiseido International and SK-II). I am not entirely certain if the line is available in other department stores in the UK. (Do please let me know if you have more information on this. Thank you!)

—

It is perhaps worth mentioning that Anna Sui was available in the UK for some time before it left several years ago. (It used to be seen in Selfridges and House of Fraser in London.) Also, very intriguingly, one of Kanebo’s makeup and skincare lines, Chic Choc, was very briefly available in the Boots store at Piccadilly Circus in London.

According to what has been happening in the UK in recent years, I suspect that there might be more Japanese brands coming to the UK. I am sure it will only happen very gradually, but I remain optimistic!

—

Updated on February 21st, 2011:

Japanese lifestyle brand Muji also carries basic skincare products in the UK. You can purchase them on-line as well as at Muji stores in the UK and concessions in Selfridges in London and Manchester (The Trafford Centre). (Have a look at the store locator here.)

See my review of Muji Cleansing Oil here.

Updated on August 25th, 2012:

Astalift is now available in the UK. (Read my review of Regenerating Night Cream.)

Updated on December 9th, 2013:

It seems that Muji stopped carrying skincare items in the UK. Only beauty accessories are available now.

Updated on January 22nd, 2014:

Some Anna Sui items are now available on www.asos.com. (Many thanks to Leila for bringing my attention to this!

Updated on March 1st, 2016:

Some Muji skincare products are available in the UK again.

All About Japanese Cosmetics
(celebrating my love for Japanese cosmetics)

Japanese vs. Western
(my comparison of the two camps)

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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?)

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