A Touch of Blusher

Fall 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 2)

2009-11-06T22:30:00.000Z

(continued from Part 1)

6. Lavshuca

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

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

5. Helena Rubinstein

(www.helenarubinstein.com)

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

4. Three

(image from www.threecosmetics.com)

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

The countdown concludes early next week.

Related posts:

Lavshuca Holiday 2009 Collection

Lavshuca Finish Powder in Lucent & High Cover

Bring It Back! Shiseido's Inoui ID

News in Brief: Coffret D'Or & Lunasol Spring 2010 Collections

2009-11-05T22:30:00.002Z

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

- Please check out this blog post for swatches of Coffret D'Or's Jewelcious Eyes palettes for spring 2010. 02 Pink Topaz, 04 Amber Beige, and 05 Purple Amethyst have caught my attention.

- Rouge Deluxe has posted a link to this blog post, which has photos of Lunasol's spring 2010 eyeshadow palettes. The yellow/pink/lilac palette is my favorite at the moment, and it looks quite similar to Sheer Contrast Eyes in Lavender Coral from spring 2008.

Stash Update: Dior Holiday 2009

2009-11-03T22:00:00.003Z

(image from www.dior.com)

I stopped by my local Boots to see Dior's Holiday 2009 collection yesterday, and I was very pleased that the Cristal Boréal Crystal Gloss Jewel did look lovely in person. I didn't have enough Boots points to use on Lady Dior back in spring, but I did this time with Cristal Boréal. (I got the one in 251 Pink Crystal.)

I haven't opened it yet (I am trying to savor the anticipation), but I will be bringing you my thoughts on it and some of the other items in the collection within the next couple of weeks.

Fall 2009 Makeup Top 10 (Part 1)

2009-11-03T21:00:00.002Z

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

10. Addiction

(image from www.addiction-beauty.com)

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

(image from www.addiction-beauty.com)

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

9. YSL

(image from www.ysl.com)

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

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

8. Dior

(image from www.iswii.net)

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

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

7. Paul & Joe

(image from www.iswii.com)

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

(image from www.iswii.com)

The countdown continues later this week.

Related posts:

Summer 2009 Makeup Top 10: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3

Sass, Style & Substance for November 1, 2009

2009-11-01T22:30:00.001Z

Raging Rouge
Raging Rouge kicks off three days featuring the best lipstick and lip gloss shades of fall 2009!

Eat Smart Age Smart
Does drinking alcohol make you exercise more?

Beauty Match
Free Trial Offer: Reprint Plant Steam Cell Skincare Wrinkle Cream.

Beauty and Fashion Tech
Beauty and Fashion Tech loves the shu uemura holiday compact mirror!

A Touch of Blusher
A Touch of Blusher compares three of Dove’s body lotions.

Splendicity Accessories
There’s no reason why you can’t be warm and fashionable this fall – especially if you check out what the indie designers have been up to.

image: Stock.xchg

Weekend Beauty Reads for November 1, 2009

2009-11-01T22:00:00.002Z

Raging Rouge kicks off three days featuring the best lipstick and lip gloss shades of Fall 2009.

Love to win beauty products? Then head on over to The Makeup Divas and enter to win a Walmart Beauty Basket.

Enter for chance to win LashMantra Eyelash Growth Serum, Malibu Secret Anti-Aging Body cream, Peridot Earrings and Organic Eye-care recipes E-book at Beauty and Personal Grooming .

Bodycare Review: Dove

2009-10-29T22:30:00.005Z

(images from www.dove.co.uk)

Two years ago, I wrote about Dove's Body Silk (in my Can't Live Without series), which is one of my favorite body moisturizers. (I am still using it.) Today I am reviewing three of Dove's other body moisturizers.

The Supreme Silk Beauty Body Lotion (pictured above) is from the same range as the Body Silk, and it feels lighter than the Body Silk. It has a light lotion consistency and it spreads very easily. It is nicely absorbed and hydrates the skin well.

It contains mica, which gives a bit of shimmer to the skin. I don't usually like body moisturizers that have a "makeup" element, but the shimmer from this product is quite faint and subtle.

The Intensive Lotion for Extra Dry Skin has a light-cream consistency. It is more or less as easily spreadable as the Supreme Silk Beauty Body Lotion. But, after it is absorbed, it feels a lot more emollient on the skin. (It doesn't feel too heavy or sticky.)

When the Pro.Age Body Cream Oil is dispensed onto the hands, it has a creamy lotion consistency that is not too different from that of many other body moisturizers. But when I spread it onto the skin, I can really feel how richly emollient it is. It may look somewhat runny, but it spreads almost like a thick body butter. It is by far the most emollient of the three.

Paraffinum Liquidum (mineral oil) is third on the ingredient list, which might be one of the reasons why this feels so emollient on the skin.

Among the three, the Supreme Silk Beauty Body Lotion appeals to me the most (although I would prefer a version without mica). It feels the lightest on the skin but it is still very hydrating. (On a related note, it is the only one among these three that doesn't contain mineral oil.) I think it should suit most people with normal or normal-to-dry skin on the body.

The Intensive Lotion for Extra Dry Skin, I think, is indeed for people with very dry skin. Most people might find it more suitable when the weather is particularly cold and dry. As for the Pro.Age Body Cream Oil, which works more like a body butter, I think it is more ideal for the very dry patches of the body, as it can be too oily to be used all over the body (unless your skin is exceptionally dry).

Next month, I will review Dove's Body Butter for Extra Dry Skin and Pro.Age Rich Body Butter and I will compare them with the three products reviewed above.

(The products featured in this review are provided by Dove.)

Related posts:

Kanebo Sensai Premier The Body Cream

Jergens Extra Softening Body Moisturzer

Nivea My Silhouette Gel-Cream

Coffret D'Or Holiday 2009 & Spring 2010 Website Update

2009-10-27T23:30:00.004Z

(images/info from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor)

Coffret D'Or's official website has been updated with information on the line's holiday 2009 and spring 2010 collections.

What I am really looking forward to is the new Jewelcious Eyes series. The color combinations are what we would expect from Coffret D'Or, but the quality of Coffret D'Or's eye palettes has been generally very good and it is very likely that I will try one palette from this series.

The five variations are:

- Citrian Green
- Pink Topaz
- Crystalish Blue
- Amber Beige
- Purple Amethyst

I also adore the 2010 design of the eye palette compacts. I like the fact that the concept and the motif have remained the same since the launch of the line but there is a new design each year. (You can see the 2008 design here and the 2009 design here.)

Related posts on Coffret D'Or:

Fall 2009 Point Makeup Collection

Color Mixing Eyes in Lavender Purple Mix
(summer 2009)

Shine Accent Eyes in Pink Variation
(spring 2009)

Weekend Beauty Reads for October 25, 2009

2009-10-25T22:00:00.000Z

Raging Rouge dedicates the week to exploring the Style Black collection by MAC, starting with these mineralize eye shadows.

A Touch of Blusher recaps fall/winter 2009 makeup trends.

Fresco Phyrra gives you the details on the new LE Victorian Couture Collection from Spell Cosmetics!

Beauty Junkie in SF loves Desert Essence's Pumpkin Hand Cream for a fun way to get you excited for fall weather.

Beauty Anonymous reviews Shiseido Smoothing Lip Pencil.

The Makeup Divas reviews MAC Style Black Collection and shares pics of recreated promo images.

Sass, Style & Substance for October 25, 2009

2009-10-25T21:30:00.001Z

Raging Rouge
Raging Rouge explores the world of MAC Style Black, including these not-to-be-missed Glimmerglass glosses!

STYLEnosh
Need a wardrobe boost? Try mixing prints and patterns.

eye4style
eye4style experiences the most fashionable afternoon tea in London.

Holiday Makeup
Holiday Makeup has the full MAC Holiday Collection!

Beauty and Fashion Tech
Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at part of the Luna Twilight Collection.

Splendicity Accessories
You could win your very own chunky brass “Phatty” necklace from Twisted Silver!

image: Stock.xchg

Skincare Review: RoC Retin-Ox Wrinkle Correxion

2009-10-25T19:00:00.004Z

(images from RoC)

Many of you who read my blog probably already know my view on moisturizers which carry anti-aging (or anti-wrinkle) claims. (You can see some of my related posts here.) In almost all cases, I review them simply as moisturizers just like any other moisturizer (because this is simply what they are). Today, I am reviewing two of the latest products from RoC.

Retin-Ox Wrinkle Correxion Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Serum (pictured above)

This is quite a heavily silicone-based serum that has a slightly thick consistency. On the ingredient list, after water, the next five ingredients are all silicones.

Some of the emollients it contains are stearyl heptanoate, strearyl caprylate, caprylyl glycol, squalane, and hyaluronic acid. It also contains retinol, which, according to Paula Begoun, is a cell-communicating agent (which is able to work at the cellular level) and an antioxidant. It is not easy to say whether there is enough retinol in this product to really bring significant benefits to the skin, but, at least, for the amount that this product does have, RoC tries to keep its efficacy by packaging the product in a opaque container with a pump dispenser. (Retinol can lose its efficacy when it is in contact with air or sunlight.)

The product is alcohol-free and paraben-free.

As with most other silicone-based serums, it leaves a silky finish on the skin. The silicones that it contains can temporarily make the skin look smoother and more even. Personally, I think it feels a little too filmy on the skin.

Retin-Ox Wrinkle Correxion Regenerating Anti-Wrinkle Cream

This is a relatively light-weight nighttime moisturizer that has a lighter consistency than that of the serum reviewed above. Also, it contains less silicone, and the finish is less filmy.

Some of its moisturizing ingredients are glycerin, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, butylene glycol, and hyaluronic acid. Like the serum, this product contains retinol, and the description of the product above regarding retinol applies here. Again, the opaque tube with a pump dispenser is an ideal packaging in terms of the attempt to preserve the efficacy of retinol and other skin-benefiting ingredients.

I feel that the texture and emolliency of this product do suit my Type-4 skin (oily but dry underneath). It moisturizes my skin effectively and the skin feels smooth and supple (not filmy or greasy). I think one of the reasons for this ideal level of emolliency for my particular skin type is that the product doesn't contain many occlusive moisturizing ingredients, such as mineral oil, shea butter and other plant oils (like jojoba oil, sesame oil, and avocado oil). Even though these non-fragrant occlusive emollients are generally good for the skin and are unlikely to cause skin irritation, skin that tends to get oily doesn't really need too much of occlusive emolliency.

The product is alcohol-free.

Overall, these two products are well-formulated and well-packaged. The serum should particularly suit those with normal or normal-to-dry skin, while the night cream should suit those with normal, normal-to-dry or normal-to-oily skin.

(The products featured in this review are provided by RoC.)

Related posts:

RoC Hydra+ Bio Active Anti-Oxidant Moisturising Cream SPF 15

Amatokin Emulsion for the Face

Lancôme Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate

Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream & Oxygenating Night Cream

Bodycare Review: EcoTools Body Lotion & Hand Cream

2009-10-24T18:30:00.005Z

(images from
www.parispresents.com/EcoTools_s/36.htm)

Last year, I reviewed some of EcoTools' makeup brushes and I was very impressed by their quality. Today I am reviewing two products from EcoTools' new Bath & Body Collection.

Sustainable Softness Body Lotion

The body lotion has a creamy consistency and a soft berry scent. Some of its main moisturizing ingredients are sunflower seed oil, glycerin, shea butter, mango seed butter, cocoa seed butter, jojoba seed oil, and aloe leaf juice. The product does not contain mineral oil, silicones, or parabens.

What I like about this body moisturizer is that it is very nourishing while not being greasy. Also, there doesn't seem to be any potent skin irritant in this product. Therefore, in terms of what a moisturizer should do and its ingredients, I think it is a successful product. Having said that, I do think the proportions of the ingredients could perhaps be slightly tweaked so that the lotion might create a smoother and silkier finish on the skin. (The finish, while never greasy, could be somewhat filmy.)

This body lotion should suit those with dry or very dry skin.

One Hand Helps the Other Intensive Hand Cream

The hand cream's consistency is thicker than that of the body lotion reviewed above. Ingredient-wise, the two products are very similar, as the hand cream also contains sunflower seed oil, glycerin, jojoba seed oil, shea butter, mango seed butter, and aloe leaf juice. It doesn't contain mineral oil, silicones, or parebens, and it has a light citrusy scent.

This is a fairly decent hand moisturizer with a pleasant consistency for hands and nails. It leaves a nice amount of emolliency so the hands feel protected and not greasy. However, sometimes, when my hands are very dry, it seems that the hand cream does not sink in deep enough to rescue the dry patches. Personally, I feel that it would be an even better product if it were more deeply hydrating and had a better skin-softening effect.

(The products featured in this review are provided by EcoTools.)

Related posts:

Johnson's Baby Softwash

Bobbi Brown Beach Body Lotion

Elemis Exotic Lime & Ginger Duo

Fall 2009 Makeup Trend Round-Up

2009-10-21T21:00:00.000Z

(image from www.cledepeau-beaute.com)

Looking through the fall 2009 makeup collections released in the last couple of months, I think the main spring 2009 makeup trends, such as purples and soft neutrals, have taken on a more season-appropriate dimension and continued to dominate the makeup scene. Some palettes featured below feature pinks, which also continue the makeup trends earlier this year.

- Purples

Even as a fan of purples, I have been surprised to see how enduring the trend has been. I think it shows the wearability and versatility of the color. For fall 2009, most of the purples are darker, although there are still some lighter options.

(Shiseido Clé de Peau Satin Eye Color
in 108 Purple Amethyst)
(image from www.cledepeau-beaute.com)

(Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow
in 173 Night Butterfly)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(Dior Jazzclub palettes)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(YSL Ombres 5 Lumières
in 18 (Japanese release))

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

(YSL Ombres 5 Lumières
in 8 Midnight (UK/US release))
(image from www.ysl.com)

(Max Factor Eye Gradation Colors
in Violet Mauve (Japanese release))
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

- Warm Neutrals

(image from www.guerlain.co.jp)

As I tend to favor light-to-medium purples which are usually released in spring, warm neutrals are probably (very marginally) my favorite trend of this season. Among neutrals, I like beiges and browns with a warm tone. (Taupes generally suit me less.) This season, many warm neutrals have a pink, peach, soft-copper or warm-gold undertone.

(Estée Lauder Signature Eyeshadow Quad
in 15 Rose Gold)
(image from www.esteelauder.co.uk)

(Guerlain Ombre Eclat 4 Shades
in 406 Tsarina)
(image from www.guerlain.com)

(Jill Stuart Seductive Eyes
in 07 Mysterious Queen)
(image from www.iswii.net)

- Greys

(image from www.rmkrmk.com)

Greys are usually too cool for my slightly warm-toned complexion, but they are generally great for creating classic retro looks as well as smoky eyes.

Some of the greys for this season are more green-toned, like those from Chanel, and some of them, like those from RMK, are more blue-toned.

(Chanel Les 4 Ombres de Chanel
in 16 Murano)
(image from www.chanel.com)

(Dior 2-Color High-Contrast Eyeshadow
in 055 Cocktail Look)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(Paul & Joe Color Powder CS in 062)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(RMK Mystique Eyes in 03)
(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

One collection that hits the grand slam is Kate's fall 2009 collection. Apart from the new Reflect Mirror Eyes series, Kate released a purple palette, a warm-brown palette, and a grey palette.

(Kate Diamond Cut Eyes in PU-1)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(Gradical Eyes S in BR-4)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(Deep Trap Eyes in PU-1)
(image from www.iswii.net)

Also, Dior's and YSL's eye palettes (above) include both purples and greys.

- Warm Lips

(image from www.suqqu.com)

Last but not least, it seems that many of the lip colors released for fall 2009 are on the warm side. Many of them are warm pinks and reds with a peach, beige, or brown undertone. (It appears that there are a lot fewer rose-toned lipsticks for this season.)

(Dior Addict High Colors)
(image from www.iswii.net)

(Lunasol Full Glamour Lips S)
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol)

(SUQQU Lip Color Pencils & Dual Gloss Colors)
(image from www.suqqu.com)

Onto the holiday season, it seems that some major brands are still releasing purple shades. Look out for those from Dior, Sonia Rykiel, and Clinique.

(image from www.iswii.net)

More on the fall 2009 collections featured above:

Chanel
Dior
Jill Stuart
Kate
Lunasol
Max Factor
Paul & Joe
RMK
SUQQU
YSL

Sonia Rykiel Holiday 2009 Collection

2009-10-19T17:30:00.005Z

(image from fanet.jp)

(images/info from www.www.joseishi.net/voce)

Sonia Rykiel will release its holiday 2009 makeup collection in Japan on November 1st. The collection includes:

- Palette Yeux Couleurs (2 variations, above)

- Eyeliner Pencil WP 2009 (3 shades)

- Crayon Gloss (3 shades)

All the items are limited editions.

Related posts on Sonia Rykiel:

Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

Fall 2009 Base Makeup Releases

Summer 2009 Makeup Collection

Chicca Holiday 2009 Collection

2009-10-19T16:30:00.002Z

(image/info from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Chicca will release its holiday 2009 collection in Japan on November 11th. The collection includes:

- Enthralling Powder Eyeshadow duo (1 variation)
- Enthralling Soft Pencil Eyeliner (1 shade)
- Flush Blush (1 shade)
- Enticing Lipstick (1 shade)
- Enticing Lip Gloss (1 shade)

All the items are additional shades of existing products, and they are all limited editions.

Related posts on Chicca:

Fall 2009 Collection

Summer 2009 Collection

Japanese Cosmetics Focus: Chicca

Sass, Style & Substance for October 18, 2009

2009-10-18T20:30:00.001Z

A Touch of Blusher
A Touch of Blusher reviews Jill Stuart Jelly Eye Color N.

STYLEnosh
Easy ways to add color to your fall wardrobe.

Raging Rouge
Raging Rouge reviews the most lengthening mascara she has ever sampled! Hint: It’s Estee Lauder!

Bags, Bling & Beauty
BB&B discovers a chic way to keep warm this winter, courtesy of Wallaroo.

NY $pender
NY Spender is giving away a free pair of ymi jeans!

Splendicity Accessories
Here are three budget-friendly options for one of the season’s hot trends – gray slouch boots.

image: Stock.xchg

Weekend Beauty Reads for October 18, 2009

2009-10-18T20:00:00.000Z

StyleBell is giving away 3 CHI 1 Inch Ceramic Flat Irons. Enter today!

Fresco Phyrra shows you how to do a great look with MAC's Greasepaint Stick in a step-by-step tutorial.

Raging Rouge is loving the super-chic AND super-comfortable Liz Ballet Flat by Lindsay Phillips.

Elke reviews the Jo Malone Red Roses Bath Oil.

Beauty Anonymous reviews La Mer The Radiant Concealer SPF25.

The Makeup Divas is having another giveaway. Enter to win a Maybelline Great Lash Big Gift prize pack that is valued at $75!

Makeup Review: Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color

2009-10-14T21:00:00.008Z

The Shiseido international line has been going through a revamp this year. The new makeup line, created in collaboration with Dick Page, is simply called Shiseido (instead of the original Shiseido The Makeup). In January, the line debuted with Perfect Rouge and Smoothing Lip Pencil. In August, the fall 2009 collection was released. The collection includes 15 shades of Luminizing Satin Eye Color. Today I am reviewing two of them.

(Luminizing Satin Eye Color in BE202 Caramel)

(Luminizing Satin Eye Color in WT907 Paperwhite)

BE202 Caramel is a medium bronze-toned beige and WT907 Paperwhite is a cream white. They are moderately pigmented and they have very fine shimmery particles. They impart a satiny finish that looks soft and understated. The lasting power is good.

The powder is exceptionally fine and has an almost-creamy texture. Apart from talc (2nd on the ingredient lists of both shades), Luminizing Satin Eye Color uses petrolatum (4th on the ingredient list of WT907 and 6th of BE202) to create the silky and almost-creamy texture. I find this to be slightly unusual, as most eyeshadows rely on a combination of talc and silicones to create the smooth and silky texture. (Silicones are further down the lists of these two shades.)

WT907 is good for brightening the eye area and as a base for other eyeshadows. I also prefer it as a brow highlighter to more shimmery off-whites, as the effect is a lot more natural. BE202 is a gentle shadowing shade as it is able to give a very natural depth to the eyes. (This relatively light shade is able to be depth-enhancing because it is not too shimmery.) Since it is more of a warm neutral, I think it should suit those with a warm complexion better. (It may look quite bronze on those with a cooler complexion.)

The 15 Luminizing Satin Eye Color shades are elegant and understated (except YE306 Solaris, which is a vibrant yellow). I would be curious to see whether more vibrant shades will be added to the range and whether a new range of eyeshadow singles, perhaps with a different finish, will join the line.

(The products featured in this review are provided by Shiseido.)

Posts on Shiseido's other lines:

Clé de Peau Fall 2009 Collection

Maquillage Fall 2009 Collection

Maquillage Forming Shiny Eyes in 52

Maquillage Clean Contrast Eyes 2 in SV844

Anna Sui Holiday 2009 Collection

2009-10-14T19:00:00.003Z

(images/info from woman.excite.co.jp)

Anna Sui will release its holiday 2009 collection in Japan on November 5th and December 3rd. The November releases include:

- Nail Color Kits (above)

- Glitter Color (3 shades)

- Mini Rouge (5 new shades)

- Greeting Cards

The December releases include:

- Hand Mirror Eye Color Palette (1 variation)

- Hand Mirror Lip Color Palette (1 variation)

All the items are limited editions except the five new shades of Mini Rouge.

Related posts on Anna Sui:

Fall 2009 Collection

Spring 2009 Collection

Luxury Eye & Lip Palettes

Jill Stuart Jelly Eye Color N in 08 Crystal Sky

2009-10-12T19:00:00.005Z

Jill Stuart's Jelly Eye Color was a very popular item in the brand's makeup lineup. Earlier this year, the new Jelly Eye Color N was released. I was instantly drawn to the lovely container. The previous version was cute, while the new one is more ornate.

08 Crystal Sky is a medium-to-dark mauve that has a slight grey undertone, and it is a color that I didn't have before. (The purples I tend to go for are lighter than this.) It has a lot of sparkly particles, which are silver-toned under sunlight and beautifully multi-colored under certain kinds of artificial lighting. The particles are sparkly but not glittery.

It has a spongy jelly texture and is relatively easy to apply with fingertips. It dries up quite quickly, so blending has to be swift. Once it sets, the color is very long-lasting and it doesn't crease on my eyes. The sparkly finish holds well too.

It has the same light floral scent as that in many of Jill Stuart's makeup products. It is subtle and not overpowering.

For me, the shade is a little too dark and too sparkly to be worn as a shadowing shade on the lids (especially for daytime makeup). It is the kind of shade that I would usually only wear near the lashlines, and obviously it is difficult to keep the color very close to the eyes when I apply it with my fingertips. I find it much easier to use a cotton bud or a sponge eyeshadow applicator to apply the shade exactly where I want. Then I use the fingertips to blend and blur the edges.

I do really like it very close to my lashlines. As a soft eyelining shade, it is dark enough to gently frame and accentuate the eyes while still looking natural. The sparkles also look subtler this way.

I have mentioned before that I do prefer powder eyeshadows to non-powder ones. It is still the case with Jill Stuart's Jelly Eye Color N and my powder eyeshadows, but I think Jelly Eye Color N's formula does help hold the sparkly particles on the eyes. (There is almost no sparkle fallout.) If you like sparkly or very shimmery eyeshadows, Jelly Eye Color N is certainly worth your consideration.

Related posts:

Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact in 01 Baby Blush

Jill Stuart Holiday 2009 Collection

Jill Stuart Fall 2009 Collection & 5th Anniversary Jewel Collection

Aube Couture Holiday 2009 Collection

2009-10-12T17:00:00.004Z

(images/info from fanet.jp)

Aube Couture will release 4 Designing Jewel Compacts for the holiday 2009 season in Japan on November 1st. Each compact includes 4 eyeshadows (arranged in the same way as those in the Designing Eyes palettes) and 3 lip colors.

The four variations are:

- Pink (lip)/ Brown (eye) Variation (above)

- Rose/Purple Variation

- Red/Gold Variation

- Beige/Silver Variation

Other seasonal collections from Aube Couture:

Spring 2020 Collection

Fall 2009 Collection

Summer 2009 Collection

Elégance Holiday 2009 Collection

2009-10-12T16:00:00.008Z

(images/info from www.cosme.net)

On November 18th, Elégance will release a vast array of new items. It seems to me that this could be a revamp of at least part of Elégance's makeup line, and the new packaging looks quite gorgeous. (I am filing this post under "Holiday 2009 Collections" only because of the timing of the release.)

The new items include:

- Phantom Eyes (10 variations)

- Aurora Storm (8 variations)

- Spice Shot Rouge (20 shades)

- Lip Liner (9 shades)

- Black Star Lash Mascara (4 shades)

- Volume Lash Fixer

- Curl Lash Fixer

- Stellar Night Eyeliner (7 shades)

- Eyeliner Perfect (1 shade)

- Eyebrow Slim (6 shades)

- Eyebrow Mascara (4 shades)

Updated on October 13th, 2009:

The lineup will also include a collection of false eyelashes:

- Lavish Lash Sparkle (4 shades: silver, gold, pink, blue)

- Lavish Lash Color Mix (4 shades: hazel, indigo, jade, papillon)

- Lavish Lash Feather (three shades: green, red, blue)

Related posts:

Elégance Fall 2009 Collection

Elégance Summer 2009 Collection

Japanese Cosmetics Focus: Elégance

Paul & Joe Holiday 2009 Collection

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(images/info from www.paul-joe-beaute.com)

A few days ago, I happened to see Paul & Joe's holiday collection in Harrods. (I didn't expect such an early launch in the UK.) I spent some time testing out the items, and I think most of them are quite wearable. The eye palette in 001 and the two loose powder eyeshadows should be great for creating smoky eyes .

According to the Paul & Joe (English) website, the eye palettes and the eyeliners as well as the loose powder eyeshadows and the face powders are sold as sets in Japan while all of them are sold separately in the UK and the US.

All the makeup items (and the two makeup pouches and the jewelry box) are currently available in Harrods, except the new Lip Lacquer. It will be launched later, along with the repackaged fragrances (Paul & Joe Bleu & Blanc) and the two bodycare items (Body Milk and Body Treatment Oil). (I have had Paul & Joe Blanc for a few years and I am planning to review it later.)

I quite like the colors of the packaging, as purple and gold do make a lovely combination. (But I think I would like the packaging even more if the patterns were a little more delicate.) By the way, the jewelry box retails for 15 pounds, which I think is relatively reasonable.

Other seasonal collections from Paul & Joe:

Fall 2009 Collection

Summer 2009 Collection

Spring 2009 Collection

Holiday 2008 Collection

Weekend Beauty Reads for October 11, 2009

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Elke kicks of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a whole list of places to shop and show support, as well as links to more information.

Phyrra thinks Pink for October with DKNY Fresh Blossom.

A Touch of Blusher reviews Barry M Lip Gloss Wands.

Enter for a chance to win a collection of 7 new products (worth $140) specifically designed to address the first signs of aging from The Body Shop's new skin care range Nutriganics at Beauty and Personal Grooming

Sass, Style & Substance for October 11, 2009

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Eat Smart Age Smart
Healthy Italian food recipes!

Beauty Match
Review: Pur Minerals Pure Body Butter.

Beauty and Fashion Tech
Beauty and Fashion Tech Provides a How To Guide for Bloggers on How to Implement the New FTC Guides on Product Endorsements.

STYLEnosh
Please stop obsessing about your clothing “size”.

Splendicity Accessories
Alexander McQueen is making headlines with his collection from Paris Fashion Week, but he’s not the only designer to show some interesting shoes…

image: Stock.xchg