A Touch of Blusher

Kao Est Fall/Winter 2009 Base Makeup Release

2009-07-16T17:30:00.003Z

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

In fall 2009, Est will add Cream Make Up Active Aura Moist (SPF 23, PA++) to the brand's base makeup lineup. The product features "skin-synchro film", which helps provide a natural skin-like finish, and "water-reflect powder", which creates a dewy glow for the complexion.

It will be available in Japan from August 29th.

Related posts on Est:

Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

Kosé Cosme Decorte Magie Deco Fall 2009 Collection

2009-07-16T17:00:00.005Z

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

Magie Deco will release its fall 2009 collection in Japan on August 21st. The new version of Shadow Brilliance, Shadow Brilliance II, will be launched.

The lineup includes:

- Shadow Brilliance II (above, 6 variations)

- Fairy Eyes (2 new shades)

- Lipstick (6 new shades)

- Lipstick Luxual Color (2 shades)

- Fairy Rouge (2 new shades)

- Nail Color (6 new shades)

Related posts on Magie Deco:

Summer 2009 Collection

Spring 2009 Collection

Holiday 2009 Collection

Kosé Cosme Decorte AQ Fall 2009 Point & Base Makeup Collection

2009-07-16T16:30:00.008Z

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

Cosme Decorte AQ, one of Kosé's top-end lines, will release its fall 2009 collection in Japan on August 21st.

The new point makeup items include:

- Shadow Supreme (above, 3 new variations)

- Rouge Supreme (5 new shades)

- Nail Supreme (5 new shades)

- Lip Brush

The new base makeup items (which will be housed in the new packaging launched last year for AQ's fall 2008 point makeup collection) include:

- Cream Foundation Supreme (7 shades, SPF 20, PA++)

- Powder Foundation Supreme (7 shades, SPF 15, PA++)

- Makeup Base (2 shades, SPF 18, PA+)

- Concealer (2 shades, SPF 25, PA+++)

- Modelling Nuancer (pressed powder/ highlighter, 2 shades)

- Face Powder N (1 shade)

- Lip Glosser (lip treatment, lipstick base and lip gloss)

Related posts:

Cosme Decorte AQ Summer 2008 Collection

Beauté de Kosé Spring 2009 Collection

Foundation Face-Off (4): Dior vs. Kosé Esprique Precious

Stash Update: Coffret D'Or & Lavshuca

2009-07-13T20:00:00.005Z

I have received Coffret D'Or's Color Mixing Eyes in 04 Lavender-Purple Mix (for summer 2009) and both Lucent and High Cover of Lavshuca's Finish Powder (for spring/summer 2009). I will start trying them out very soon and I will post the reviews later on!

RMK Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

2009-07-13T19:30:00.001Z

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

RMK will release its fall 2009 makeup collection in Japan on August 21st. The theme of the collection is Autumn Mystique, according to RMK's official website.

The lineup includes:

- Mystique Eyes (above, 4 variations)

- Ingenious Gel Eyeliner (3 shades plus 4 limited-edition shades)

- Ingenious Pencil Eyeliner (7 shades)

- Extra Deep W Mascara (3 shades)

- Mystique Cheeks (limited edition, 2 variations)

- Gloss Lips (3 new shades)

- Nail Color (2 new shades)

- Nail Art Liner (limited edition, 2 shades)

Related posts:

RMK Makeup Renewal

RMK Powder Foundation EX

RMK Super Basic Liquid Concealer

SUQQU Fall/Winter 2009 Base Makeup Releases

2009-07-13T18:30:00.004Z

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

On September 18th, SUQQU will release Concealer Tone Up and the fall/winter 2009 edition of Base Makeup Kit in Japan.

Concealer Tone Up is an orange-based concealer for the eye area. The product is designed to offer a natural but effective coverage while maintaining the moisture level in the eye area.

The limited-edition Base Makeup Kit includes:

- Dual Pressed Powder (full-sized product)
- Foundation (cream-type foundation, 16g)
- Makeup Base Creamy (7g, see review here)
- original pouch

I'd expect these two items to be available in the UK shortly after they are launched in Japan.

Related posts:

SUQQU Base Makeup Kit (Spring/Summer 2009)

SUQQU Clear Veil Powder

SUQQU Fall 2009 Collection
(including the base makeup item Polish Face Color)

Update: Coffret D'Or Fall 2009 Collection

2009-07-13T18:00:00.003Z

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

The Kanebo Coffret D'Or website has been updated to include information on the fall 2009 point makeup collection and the fall/winter 2009 base makeup collection. Please check here for the updates.

(Coffret D'Or Eye Color)

Weekend Beauty Read for July 12, 2009

2009-07-12T19:00:00.002Z

Elke shares her summer beauty must haves.

A Touch of Blusher previews Paul & Joe's fall 2009 collection.

Beauty Anonymous brings you Jill Stuart fall 2009 makeup collection.

Decorative Diva has the exclusive on Aromaleigh's newest LE collection, Hot in the City! Find out her thoughts on it!

Head on over to The Makeup Divas and enter to win a 2fl oz bottle of Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator, valued at $120!

Beauty Junkie in SF found her favorite way to exfoliate this summer and stay on budget: St Ives In-Shower Body Polish.

The girls over at Beauty in Real Life have another fab giveaway this week! Click here to enter to win a month's supply of NutriSystem!

Felicia from ThisThatBeauty finds a recessionista deal. Three great eye creams all under $20.

Sass, Style & Substance for July 12, 2009

2009-07-12T18:30:00.001Z

STYLEnosh
Check out these sites for the ever elusive, cute maternity wear.

A Touch of Blusher
A Touch of Blusher previews Paul & Joe’s fall 2009 collection.

Splendicity Accessories
Do you need some stylish suggestions for replacing your too-casual flip flops?

image: Stock.xchg

Makeup Review: Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Lipcolor

2009-07-09T21:00:00.001Z

(from left to right:
060 Stellar Sunrise, 010 Premium Pink, 075 Number One Nude)

ColorStay Ultimate Lipcolor is one of Revlon's recent major launches. The new liquid lipstick claims to be food-proof and lip-conditioning, and it promises to require no touch-up for up to 12 hours.

Ten shades are available in the UK at the moment. Pictured above, 060 Stellar Sunrise is a warm peachy coral, 010 Premium Pink is a rose-toned red, and 075 Number One Nude is a medium brown. All the three shades are well-pigmented and have a semi-matte finish.

The product has a liquidy cream texture and is applied with a wand. After a couple of minutes, the liquid dries up and becomes smudge-proof.

Practicality-wise, the product does deliver. It is water-proof, smudge-proof and, in almost all cases, food-proof, and the color is very long-lasting. There is virtually no need to touch up for the whole day. (For the product to be fully smudge-proof, it has to be worn on bare lips with no lip balm.)

However, it is not sufficiently moisturizing for the lips (especially for a product that has to be worn on bare lips.) The lips can feel tight and look dry after the liquid dries up. Also, the slightly frosty metallic sheen can make lip lines appear more obvious.

To help the lips appear more moisturized, I'd gently dab (not rub or massage) on some lip balm after the product dries up. In this case, the color is still relatively smudge-proof. However, it doesn't really help the lips feel more soothed as the lip balm is not getting through the smudge-proof color layer.

Overall, the product does mostly what it promises, as it is a smudge-proof lipcolor that requires no touch-up. However, it is not the most comfortable lip product to wear and the finish is not ultra-flattering. I think I would rather have my lips look and feel moisturized and nourished, and I wouldn't mind having to touch up.

Related posts:

Makeup Review: NARS Cosmetics

SUQQU Creamy Lisptick

Lavshuca Color Conc Rouge

Jill Stuart Fall 2009 Makeup Collection & 5th Anniversary Jewel Collection

2009-07-08T20:00:00.014Z

(images/info from www.iswii.com)

Here is a look at Jill Stuart's fall 2009 makeup collection. I like the ad image for this season. With dark eye makeup and peachy cheeks and lips, the look is sweet and chic at the same time.

The new items include:

- Illuminance Eyes (1 new variation)

- Seductive Eyes (1 new variation)

- Mix Blush Compact (2 new variations)

- Lip Luster (2 new shades)

- Jelly Lip Gloss (1 new shade)

- Nail Lacquer N (3 new shades)

- Nail Care Essence Oil

In addition, Jill Stuart will celebrate its fifth anniversary by releasing a limited-edition Jewel Collection.

(images from www.iswii.com,
info from www.joseishi.net/voce/)

The following two items will be released in Japan on August 31st:

- Crystal Diamond Powder (2 shades)

- Diamond Sparkle Nail Collection

The rest of the Jewel Collection will be available in Japan on October 9th.

- Diamond Dew Lip Color (2 shades)

- Vintage Jewel Compact Mirror

The items are undoubtedly ultra-pretty and will definitely sell out fast, but I don't usually like very ornate antique-looking makeup pieces which are not actually vintage. Maybe more photos of the collection will change my mind on these items. (On the other hand, the jewellery case from the Diamond Sparkle Nail Collection looks less antique-y and slightly more contemporary.)

Related posts:

Jill Stuart Summer 2009 Makeup Collection

Jill Stuart Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact in Baby Blush

Foundation Face-Off: Jill Stuart vs. SUQQU

Loving Japanese Brands: Jill Stuart

Sofina Primavista Fall/Winter 2009 Base Makeup Collection

2009-07-07T23:00:00.002Z

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Sofina Primavista will release its fall/winter base makeup collection in Japan on September 1st. The new items include:

- Powder Foundation Perfect Fit (SPF 15, PA++)
- Moisture Coat Base
- Serum Concealer Eye Zone

Related posts:

Sofina Primavista Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Collection

Sofina Primavista Powder Foundation Moist Touch (for Fall/Winter 2008)

Update: Paul & Joe Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

2009-07-07T22:30:00.005Z

Here are some larger images of the limited-edition items from Paul & Joe's fall 2009 makeup collection. (Many thanks to Betsy at Autumn Masquerade for bringing my attention to these images.)

(images from www.iswii.com)

Lunasol Eyeshadow Palette Swatch Galore

2009-07-06T19:00:00.002Z

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

Beauty blogger (and fellow Lunasol fan) Gemilay has posted swatches of Lunasol's eyeshadow palettes released between fall 2005 and fall 2008. (Thank you for posting a commet to let me know, Gemilay!)

Also, beauty blogger Karman has posted the ad image of Lunasol's fall 2009 collection.

Coffret D'Or Fall/Winter Base Makeup Collection

2009-07-06T18:30:00.007Z

(image/info from www.nikkei.com)

Ever since I tried out Coffret D'Or's Beauty Lasting Pact UV, I have always been looking forward to Coffret D'Or's new base makeup items. (Beauty Lasting Pact UV is among the best powder foundations for oily skin that I have ever tried.)

On September 1st, Coffret D'Or will release its fall/winter base makeup collection. The new items feature Moisture Color Pearl, which provides extra moisture as well as a translucent finish for the skin.

The new items include:

- Beauty Essence Liquid (liquid foundation, 7 shades)
- Beauty Essence Color Veil (light control primer, 2 shades)
- Tone Up Highlighter (pen highlighter, 1 shade)
- Pure Crystalish Compact (light control powder, 2 shades)
- Retouch Veil (makeup retouch mist)
- Fall/Winter 2009 powder foundation case

(There doesn't seem to be a new powder foundation for fall/winter 2009.)

Updated on July 7th 2009:

Image of the two cases of Pure Crystalish Compact:

(image from www.cosme.net)

Sass, Style & Substance for July 5, 2009

2009-07-05T18:15:00.001Z

Splendicity Accessories
Have fun with exotic details on fall’s hottest shoes!

A Touch of Blusher
A Touch of Blusher reviews Lancôme’s fall 2009 collection.

Eat Smart Age Smart
Sandra Bullock fitness secrets.

Beauty Match
You’re not getting any younger!

STYLEnosh
How to handle the best fashion dilemma: What to wear while you’re losing weight.

image: Stock.xchg

Weekend Beauty Read for July 5, 2009

2009-07-05T18:00:00.001Z

Elke's gotten lazy, but she doesn't mind, thanks to Ponds.

Beauty Anonymous brings you Nars fall 2009 makeup collection.

Beauty Junkie in SF reviews the TeenSpa Blemished Skin line from Pevonia Botanica. Its not just for teens!

The Makeup Divas reviews tarte Celebutante Moisturizing Dry Oil Shimmer Spray.

Enter for a chance to win Clear Remedy Acne System worth $165 at Beauty and Personal Grooming.

Paul & Joe Fall 2009 Point & Base Makeup Collections

2009-07-04T21:00:00.003Z

(info/images from www.cosme.net)

Paul & Joe will release its fall 2009 point makeup collection in Japan on August 7th. The new items include:

- Color Powder CS (above, three variations, limited editions)

- Lipstick C (three shades, limited editions)

(Updated on July 7th 2009: More images of Color Powder CS and Lipstick C.)

- Eyebrow Pencil Duo (3 variations)

- Portable Lip Brush

- Portable Face Color Brush

On September 4th, the new base makeup collection will be available. The new items include:

- Light Cream Foundation S (6 shades, SPF 15, PA ++)

- Stick Concealer N (5 shades, #01-#04 SPF 15, PA++)

- Under Eye Concealer (3 shades)

- Face Color Powder (5 new shades)

I like the oval shape of the new eyeshadow duos (which is different from the usual round shape) and the fact that the original prints are visible inside the boxes. I look forward to seeing them in person later on.

Related posts:

Japanese Cosmetics in the UK

Loving Japanese Brands - Paul & Joe

Paul & Joe Summer 2009 Collection

Paul & Joe Spring 2009 Collection

Update: Lavshuca Fall 2009 Collection

2009-07-01T21:00:00.002Z

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

My post on Lavshuca's fall 2009 collection has been updated with photos of the five Light Mix Eyes palettes.

Makeup Review: Lancôme Fall 2009 Collection (Part 2)

2009-07-01T19:30:00.029Z

Last week, I reviewed some of the eye makeup items in Lancôme's fall 2009 collection. Today, I will share my thoughts on some items from the rest of the collection.

(Color Fever Matte in (from left to right)
151, 152, and 153)

A new range of Color Fever lipsticks, Color Fever Matte, is introduced to Lancôme's lipstick lineup. Aaron De Mey wanted to create lip colors that would be richly pigmented as well as matte in order to maximize the color impact, and Color Fever Matte is the result.

To formulate Color Fever Matte, Lancôme tried to combine a matte finish and a smooth and nourishing texture, two things that don't always co-exist. I think the end result is quite successful. While delivering a velvety matte finish, they glide on easily and don't make lips feel or look dry.

Among the three shades, 151 Red Avant-Garde (left) is the most vivid and the closest to cardinal red. 152 Red Paris Paris (middle) is slightly cooler and more rose-toned, and it goes on slightly darker than 151. 153 Red Libertine (right) is the most muted and is perhaps the most wearable for those who don't usually wear rich reds for the lips.

You can wear these colors with a lip liner for a defined and classic look, but my favorite way to apply them is to keep them just inside the lip line and use the fingertip to blend the color gently towards the lip line to create a softer edge and a more sensual look.

The two new Color Fever Gloss shades in this collection are 026 Pure Gold and 125 Aaron's Red. Aaron's red is a vibrant cool-toned shimmer-less red. (It goes on cooler than it appears in the tube.) While imparting a glossy transparency, the color (when worn alone) is very intense and the overall look resembles a lipstick-plus-gloss combination. I think the shade can be compared to that of strawberry jelly, which is color-rich but still transparent. Plus the shade does look mouth-watering...

Pure Gold has a completely different finish. It is a semi-opaque gold with fine multi-colored shimmer, and the richness of the color does resemble liquid gold. One coat of it gives the lips a yellow-based neutral tone. (It is a nice way to create a natural neutral tone for the lips without making them overly pale or ashy.) Two or more coats will start to create a rich gold-foil shine.

Both shades complement Color Fever Matte well. Aaron's Red adds lip-plumping glossiness to the matte finish, while Pure Gold on the center of the lips makes the lips look stunningly luxurious. (If you don't want any glossiness on the lips but still want a touch of gold, Aaron suggests using one of the golds in the eye palettes for a glistening gold-dust finish.)

Rose Liberté is created to add a veil of gold to the complexion. Some might be disappointed to know that the vibrant shimmer is an overspray, but I think the softly luminous gold-toned beige powder underneath is much more user-friendly. (I think the overspray, which has the same multi-colored shimmer as that in the Pure Gold Color Fever Gloss, is more suited as an eyeshadow.)

Also in this collection is the Powder Brush, which is designed to help apply not only Rose Liberté but also other loose and pressed powder products. The large fluffy brush feels soft on the face and is angled for more flexibility in the application.

Here are my personal picks from the collection:

- Palette Liberté in Bleu Royauté (signature item of the collection)
- Palette Liberté in Or Liberté (chic and wearable)
- Color Fever Matte in Red Paris Paris (vivid but elegant)
- Color Fever Gloss in Pure Gold (versatile and ultra-glamorous)

One of the demanding tasks of an artistic director of an international beauty brand is to express his/her unique vision as an artist and to create products with a mass-market appeal on a global scale. I think Aaron De Mey has done a great job with Lancôme's fall 2009 collection. The creative vision is crystal-clear, and the products, thorough which we are able to see his original ideas, not only aim to set trends but also attempt to create classics. I wonder what is going to wow us in spring 2010...

Other fall 2009 makeup collections:

YSL

Clé de Peau

SUQQU

Elégance Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

2009-07-01T17:00:00.001Z

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

Elégance will release its fall 2009 makeup collection in Japan on August 18th. The collection focuses on plums and deep warm neutrals.

The new items include:

- Eyeshadow palettes (4 new variations, above)

- Cool Eye Color (2 new shades)

- Sweet Dew Rouge (4 new shades)

- Nail Color (4 new shades)

Related posts:

Japanese Brand Focus: Elégance

Elégance Summer 2009 Collection

Elégance Spring 2009 Collection

Japanese Cosmetics Focus: Covermark

2009-06-30T19:30:00.011Z

(images and info from www.covermark.co.jp)

Covermark was originally an American brand. It was founded by Lydia O'Leary in New York in 1928 as she developed a product to cover the birthmark on her face. (The product was named Covermark.)

In 1960, Japan O'Leary Corporation was established to distribute Covermark in Japan. The company was then separated from O'Leary Coporation in 1992 and became independent. It started to formulate and produce new base makeup products.

Covermark Japan also carries basic point makeup and skincare items. The latest skincare range is the Cell Advanced range. However, Covermark has always been famous in Asia as a base makeup brand.

(The original US Covermark site can be found here, and you can read more about the history of the brand here.)

(Covermark Basic Formula,
in 23 shade, SPF 33, PA+++)

The Covermark Basic Formula (above) is based on two of Covermark's original products, Covermark S and Excellent Covermark E. It is a paste-type foundation which is able to create a full coverage.

Some of Covermark's other popular products include Moisture Veil (the brand's only powder foundation at the moment), Soft ES Pact (also with a paste consistency), Essence Foundation (cream foundation), and Essence Foundation Liquid (liquid foundation, seen at the top of the post).

Covermark is currently available in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. (Check out the English site here.)

I have not had a chance to try products from Covermark yet. If you have, do let us know what you think. Thank you very much!

Related posts:

Japanese Base Makeup Week

SUQQU Clear Veil Powder

Remembering Raycious

Other Japanese Cosmetics Focus posts:

ECM
(another brand noted for base makeup items)

Kanebo Freeplus

Sony Vecua

Mamew

Esprique Precious Fall 2009 Point Makeup & Fall/Winter 2009 Base Makeup Collection

2009-06-30T18:30:00.003Z

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

Kosé's Esprique Precious will release its fall/winter base makeup collection in Japan on August 21st. The lineup includes:

- Dramatical Veil Pact Moisture (7 shades, SPF 20, PA++)
- Dramatical Veil Liquid (7 shades, SPF17, PA++)
- Moisturizing Base (1 shade, SPF 10, PA+)
- Lines Reset (concealer, 1 shade)
- Purely Veil Powder (loose powder, 1 shade, limited edition)

Esprique Precious' fall 2009 point makeup items will be released on the same day. They include:

- Dress on Glossy Rouge (10 shades)
- True Impact Eyes (2 new variations, limited editions)

Related posts:

Foundation Face-Off - Dior vs. Esprique Precious

Esprique Precious Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Collection

Esprique Precious Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

Weekend Beauty Read for June 28, 2009

2009-06-28T20:00:00.002Z

Decorative Diva shares her thoughts on the SkinCareRx Travel Kit.

Elke finds, big hair with 7 hair items for $15.00.

A Touch of Blusher counts down the best summer 2009 makeup collections.

ThisThatBeauty is partnered with Diane von Furstenburg and giving away Limited Edition Lipstick "Foreign Affair".

Beauty Junkie in SF is giving away a POP beauty kit that will make everyone one say "HELLO GORGEOUS!". Enter Today!

Face Candy reviews Sonia Kashuk's coral themed Spring Treasures Collection.

The Makeup Divas reviews The Body Shop's HotBrights Collection.

Beauty Anonymous gives you a look into the latest haute couture-inspired makeup collection by Chanel.

Update: Lunasol Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

2009-06-28T19:00:00.004Z

(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)

My post on Lunasol's fall 2009 collection has been updated with more item photos. There is one photo of the limited-edition Star Dust on Eyes, which looks very sparkly.

This marks the 1000th post on A Touch of Blusher. I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has been following my blog. You have helped me make it this far!