Showing posts with label Japanese Cosmetic Brands. Show all posts

11/27/2017

I'm Not So Sure...Celvoke Sureness Eyeliner Pencils

With the exception of one shade, I couldn't get into Celvoke's Sureness (interesting name choice, to say the least) Eyeliner Pencils.

The sleek, dual-sided packaging looks, and feels, very nice.

I appreciate the brand including a spongy smudger on one end. However, the sponge material is really rough and scratchy. Additionally, not only for sanitation purposes, but for the longevity of the product, I don't understand why the product side doesn't have a cap.

From left to right: 01 Brown, 02 Red Brown, 03 Apricot.

01 Brown: a warm, bronzed brown.

02 Red Brown: a warm, browned-brick red.

03 Apricot: a golden-apricot.

I wish I could say that my only issue with the Sureness Eyeliner Pencils was with their packaging, but no. First, the pigmentation; 02 Red Brown has good pigmentation, 01 Brown is okay, and 03 Apricot requires several swipes to get decent color payoff (which was painful on the waterline).

My major gripe is with the formula. With all the oil and wax ingredients, you would think these pencils would be creamy and glide on the waterline, upper and lower lash line with the greatest of ease. Yet, wherever I used them, they felt harsh and tugged on the skin, making the Sureness Eyeliner Pencils a struggle and painful to use.

10/13/2017

They Can't Take Away My Dignity!

First, I want to address the disorderly sequence of the product photos in this post. I purchased Celvoke's Dignified Lips in 01 Red, 03 Beige, and 04 Pink Brown when the brand launched last March. Originally, I passed on the 02 Pink (weary it would be an unattractive powdery-pink), but my OCD kept whispering in my ear; thus, causing me to give in and get it a month later.

The Dignified Lips come in the same semi-translucence, frosted black plastic casing as Comfy Brush.

01 Red, 03 Beige, 04 Pink Brown.

02 Pink.

From left to right: 01 Red, 02 Pink, 0 Beige, 04 Pink Brown.

01 Red: a blue-based, cherry red.

02 Pink: a warm, yellow-based, medium pink.

03 Beige: a warm, brownish-yellow base, peachy-beige.

04 Pink Brown: a deep, rosy-brown.

The Dignified Lips are creamy, and offer full color payoff, with a semi-lustrous finish. The formula glides on smoothly and evenly. These lipsticks feel very comfortable and hydrating. If left untouched, the Dignified Lips wear for an average of 6-7 hours. Otherwise, with eating and/or drinking, 3-4 hours.

I really like these lipsticks, and each of the shades have steadily been working their way into a permanent spot within my makeup bag. Also, via a newsletter from celvoke.com, the brand will be launching 12 new colors on 11/1.

The Dignified Lips contain less than 10g of product and retails for 3,456 yen.

7/28/2017

Make Yourself Comfy...Celvoke Comfy Brush

Making it's national debut on March 16th, Celvoke is the new kid on the high-end beauty block. The brand's philosophy seeks to embody a confident sophisticated style, while incorporating formulated beauty components with naturally derived ingredients.

I bought several Celvoke items and have worn them sporadically for almost five months, and today, I'm going to start with the blushes...of course. But, before we sink our teeth into the meat, let's start with the wrapping.

It's only paper, but I really like the 4-tone (white, black, dark and medium gray) color blocking of the exterior packaging.

A semi-translucence, frosted black plastic compact that has a push open button that snaps shut.

Lightweight and sturdy, the plastic doesn't feel flimsy or cheap. Also, a good-sized mirror is included, as well as a brush.

01 Pink

The Comfy Brush (not a typo, but for the sake of my OCD, for the remainder of this post, we'll substitute "brush" for "blush") is available in three shades: 01 Pink, 02 Orange, and 03 Brown. Divided into two sections, the larger pan is the blush and the other, the highlight.

01 Pink: a yellow-based medium pink with a kiss of coral, and a pale baby pink.

02 Orange

Here's a beauty edition of "things you may not know about Japan." In Japan, they don't call blush, blush, they call it cheek. If you say blush, they just look at you in bewilderment, as if you're speaking...Japanese?

02 Orange: a medium cantaloupe and a light, nudy-apricot.

03 Brown

I wish Celvoke would ditch the brush and all the wasted space it takes up, and make the pans larger, making them friendlier for brushes of the larger spectrum. Still, I am pleased the blush pan is larger than the highlighter (ahem. Suqqu).

03 Brown: a orange-toned, nude brown and a nude with a hint of peach.

First thing to note, there is some kick-up when you swirl your brush in the product. Both, the blushers and highlights, have a slightly dry, velvety texture with micro-shimmers, and the same satin finish.

I was a little worried when I first swatched the Comfy Blushes because they looked powdery. However, on the cheeks the blushes show no sign of chalkiness and have this pretty flushed, skin-like sheen. The highlighters, on the other hand, didn't perform as well. Of the three, 02 had a passable sheen. Whereas, the other two blended out into nothing, leaving only micro-shimmers in their wake. Not letting a product go to waste, I solely use the highlighter along the bridge of my nose. Notably, this contains the appearance/migration of the micro-shimmer and, impart a nice, understated sheen.
Are the Comfy Blushes earth shattering? No. Are the shades original? No. And, although the highlighters were underwhelming, the blushes are nicely pigmented. And, what I love most of all about the blushes is the fresh, lively hue they give my complexion.

The comfy blush retails for 3,780 yen, and can be purchased at celvoke.com, Isetan Online, and Cosme Kitchen.

10/13/2016

Laduree Makes Me Blush...Pressed Cheek Color Swatches

I finally got off my keister, and swatched all my Laduree Pressed Cheek Color blushes from the brand's permanent range (swatches of all my limited edition Laduree blushes coming in the near future). I've also included the 3 discontinued blushers because, frankly, they're so darn beautiful, it would be a shame not to show them to the world.

It's been excessively cloudy for the last three weeks. So when the sun finally made a brief cameo, it was a race against the clouds. Unfortunately, by the time I got to the last three swatches, all decent light was gone. It's supposedly going to be sunny this weekend. Ergo, I'll most likely re-swatch them

From left to right: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05.

01: a dusty, mid-tone mauve-pink.

02: a yellow-based carnation pink.

03: a medium, plummy-rose-pink.

04: a dusty, English rose.

05: a muted, mid-tone barbie pink.

From left to right: 06, 07, 08, 09, 10.

06: a muted, mid-tone raspberry pink.

07: a vivid, fuchsia pink.

08: a dusty, browish-plummy-pink.

09: a dusty, brown-reddish-rose.

10: a muted, plummy-raspberry.

From left to right: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

11: a dark, deep, raspberry-red.

12: a muted, rosy-brick-red.

13: a mid-tone, reddish-coral.

14: a muted, turmeric.

15: a warm, nude-brown.

From left to right: 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

16: a rosy-peachy-brownish-nude.

17: a yellow-based, peachy-brown-nude.

18: a muted, mid-tone peach.

19: a cantaloupe orange.

20: a vibrant, yellow-based orange.

From left to right: 21, 22, 23.

21: a pastel, cool-toned blush pink.

22: a pastel, mid-tone, mamey-pink.

23: a pastel, apricot-peach.

My favorite products from Les Merveilleuses Laduree Beaute are the Pressed Cheek Color blushers (surprising, I know right!). These beautiful, cameo embossed blushes come in 20 shades, and all of them have a matte finish. The texture is smooth, soft, and slightly dry yet buttery if that makes sense. All of the Pressed Cheek Colors are pigmented; therefore, you can apply a soft wash of color, or layer for more intensity. On my normal/dry skin, these blushers never go on patchy, look chalky, and last for an average of 5-6 hours.

One thing I must get off my chest: Laduree, I'm still sore at you for discontinuing the divinely rich shades of 08, 12, and 15, and replacing them with the ever-so-common, pastel 21, 22, and 23. There, I said it.

10/09/2016

A Never Ending Summer Ahahah Ahahah Ahahah...ADDICTION Tint Lip Protector + More

Originally, the ADDICTION Tint Lip Protector + More were going to be part of the "Should It Stay Or Should It Go?" Series, but the jury is still out on their fate.

Lately, I feel as if all I ever do is bitch about the weather (and, I do), and today is no exception. Yesterday was pure hell, with temperatures reaching 34 degrees Celsius (93 Fahrenheit). Apparently, autumn is running on Cuban time.

Before I get into the actual product, I want to mention how much I like the weighty, clear, square base and silver lid packaging of the Tint Lip Protector + More.

I own four of the eight ADDICTION Tint Lip Protector + More, and they've been under house arrest in my makeup bag. The Tint Lip Protector + More is an emollient based product that can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. They can be worn as is, or as a base, and I've found the best way to apply them is with the fingers. Although they don't slip and slide all over the face, the products formula does maintain its creamy-balm texture. Also, the Tint Lip Protector + More contains SPF 20, and has a strong rose-geranium scent. Thankfully, the scent doesn't linger after application.

From left to right: 003 Moon Dance, 004 So Moody, 005 Summertime Kiss, 008 Amazing.

003 Moon Dance (limited edition): a pinkish-beige-ivory with micro silver shimmer.

004 So Moody (limited edition): a rosy-beige-nude.

005 Summertime Kiss: a tangerine-orange.

008 Amazing (limited edition): a fuchsia-pink.

As lovely, and dewy a highlighter Moon Dance is, the silver shimmers are noticeable; causing me not to love it as much as I wanted to. Furthermore, Moon Dance needs touching-up after 3-4 hours. I like using So Moody on my lids and cheeks; I especially love the dewy sheen (without the creasing) it gives my lids. Summertime Kiss (the most emollient of the four) is the biggest bummer of the bunch; when you first put it on it looks gorgeous on the cheeks, but after two hours it disappears. If I want to preserve Summertime Kiss' color, I'll need to set my cell's alarm to remind me every two hours. Out of the four shades I own, 008 Amazing is the most pigmented, least emollient, and longest lasting; it looks gorgeous on the cheeks.

Unless your wearing some kind of balm, or gloss, under or over the Tint Lip Protector + More, when wore alone, I found them very drying on the lips and cause them to peel; hence, I'll be skipping that application option.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Guerlain L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold Make-up Base
MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 in NC30.
ADDICTION Tint Lip Protector + More in 005 Summertime Kiss (on the cheeks).
ADDICTION Tint Lip Protector + More in 003 Moon Dance (applied on the on the bridge and tip of the nose, brow bone, on the cheek bones, chin, and cupid's bow).
Eyes:

B & C Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.
MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (eyeshadow base).

ADDICTION Tint Lip Protector + More in 004 So Moody (all over the lid).
ADDICTION Eyeliner Pencil in 09 Rabbit Hole.
Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Waterproof Mascara in 27 Mirage (on the upper lashes).
ADDICTION Sparkling Colored Mascara WP in 01 Tough Love (on the upper and lower lashes).
Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil in Stripdown.

I do remember liking the other shades in the collection: 001 Paranoia Paranoia, 006 Apres Swim, and 007 Door Open (002 Babyish was too pale for my complexion). But, I'll have to revisit them at the counter before committing to a purchase.

My feelings are conflicted with the way I feel towards this product. Some days, I like their sheer, wash of color and luminosity; giving me an effortless, natural "non-makeup" look that still looks put together. Yet, other times I find myself dissatisfied with the pigmentation of some of them, and wanting...I don't know...more?

Have you tried the ADDICTION Tint Lip Protector + More?

9/22/2016

My Liquid Diet...Les Merveilleuses Laduree 103 & 105 Liquid Cheek Color

I'm so exhausted as I write this post, fighting the urge to pass out (which I did, and that is why you're getting this post my Thursday morning) because I need to "get'er done." I'm so committed (or need to be), aren't I?! :P

Anyway, let's see how this goes...and I apologize in advance for any half-assery.

For the last two weeks, I've exclusively been wearing Laduree's Liquid Cheek Color in 103 and 105 from the brand's summer 2016 collection. There was a third Liquid Cheek Color shade (104), and although it showed up on my skin, I felt it was too pale for my summer coloring and had to kindly decline it's advances.

The nautical themed packaging was adorable.

If memory serves me correct, this is Laduree's second time releasing the Liquid Cheek Colors. I prefer the frosted glass packing this time around, than the solid colored bottles of the first incarnation; it a no-brainier seeing the color, and how much product is left.

From left to right: 105, 103.

The formula has a lightweight, creamy, semi-dense texture that makes it easy to apply and blend out. Both, 103 and 105, are pigmented, giving the cheeks a beautiful pop of color that flawlessly becomes one with the skin. You can use your fingers or a brush to apply the product. I, personally, prefer using my fingers, and using a tapping/bouncy motion to blend out.

103: a bright, watermelon pink.

105: a bright, orange-red.

I love both of these colors individually as well as layered over one another, creating a third shade; either way, they give a youthful, flirty flush, with a subtle sheen that stays perfect for 6 to 7 hours.

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9/20/2016

Any Way The Wind Blows...ADDICTION 073 Montauk Wind Nail Polish

Addiction was spot-on with the Hamptons-themed names, color selection, and finishes of the polishes from their Never Ending Summer 2016 Collection.

073 Montauk Wind is a stormy, grayed-colonial blue with a jelly finish. This shade is so pretty, it reminds me of the ocean along the beachside on a cloudy, gusty day. A fitting mani selection for the tropical storm we are having ;)

Several of the polishes from the Never Ending Summer Collection are not as pigmented (requiring 3 to 4 coats) as the permanent range; I feel this is intentional, giving the finish a summery, sun-bleached translucence when wearing 1 or 2 coats.

In spite of needing 3 to 4 coats to achieve an opacity to my liking, Montauk Wind weathered the proverbial day-to-day storm I put my hands through, withstanding a full 4 to 5 days.

9/17/2016

Roses & Violets...Shu Uemura For Kye Look

Here is a look and an up close eye shot using products from the Shu Uemura for Kye products.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Guerlain L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold Make-up Base
Sonia Rykiel Fresh Gel Foundation SPF25 PA++ in shade 30.
Shu Uemura Fresh Cushion Blush in Hibiscus Orange,
Eyes:
Shu Uemura Brow: Sword Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Rose.
Shu Uemura Brow: Palette Eye Brow Powder in Cappuccino/Dark Rose (used the dark rose shade to fill in the brows)
Shu Uemura Eyebrow Manicure in Dark Rose.

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.

Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightening & Setting Powder in Revive.

MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (eyeshadow base).
Shu Uemura Brow: Palette Eye Brow Powder in Cappuccino/Dark Rose (the Dark Rose shade blended on the lid and lower lashline).
Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil in ME Pink 12 (on the waterline).
ADDICTION Sparkling Colored Mascara WP in 01 Tough Love (on the top and bottom lashes).
Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil in Stripdown.
Shu Uemura Sheer Color Balm Lip Color in Melt in Orange.

Look Breakdown:

Eyes:
Shu Uemura Brow: Sword Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Violet.
Shu Uemura Brow: Palette Eye Brow Powder in Cappuccino/Dark Rose (used the taupish-mauve-grey shadow to fill in the brows)
Shu Uemura Eyebrow Manicure in Dark Violet.

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.

Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightening & Setting Powder in Revive.

MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (eyeshadow base).
Shu Uemura Brow: Palette Eye Brow Powder in Cappuccino/Dark Rose (the taupish-mauve grey shade blended on the lid and lower lashline).
Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil in ME Navy 61 (on the waterline).
ADDICTION Sparkling Colored Mascara WP in 04 Night Dive (on the top and bottom lashes).

Wishing you all a great weekend, and I'll see you in the next post <3

9/13/2016

Should It Stay Or Should It Go? Shu Uemura For Kye Collection

With every season, I like to keep all my current cosmetic collection purchases in one large dish/basket. I do this, as a reminder, to use all the newer products in their allotted time frame.

Shu Uemura always does a stellar just with their packaging,

Finally, I'm wrapping up the arduous task of reorganizing my makeup (three drawers to go), and integrating the newer beauty items into the fold. Yet, to my dismay, I realized I didn't have as much space for new editions as I thought I did; thus, the idea of the "Should It Stay Or Should It Go?" series was conceived. First entry in the series is: Shu Uemura's collaboration with the South Korean, high-end street Fashion designer, Kathleen Kye.

I truly appreciate the brand's attention to detail.

The Kye for Shu Uemura Collection was a big ol' mix bag for me; loving all the brow products, but not so much anything else. And, although some of you love my more snarkier posts, I'm going to start with my loves, the brow goods.

Gift with purchase.

I died when I saw all the dark rose and dark violet colored brow products; colored brows are a fun, and edgy way to alter your look.

Brow: Palette Eye Brow Powder in Cappuccino/Dark Rose.

The limited edition Brow: Palette Eye Brow Powder in Cappuccino/Dark Rose was the product to anchor me to the collection. Both shades are beautiful and look pretty on the brows.

Brow: Sword Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Rose and Dark Violet.

The katana inspired shape of the Brow: Sword Eyebrow Pencil allows for easy, defined precision when filling in or shaping the brows. Additionally, the formula's soft, and smooth, texture gives a natural (minus the color) appearance that last all day. I wish dark rose and dark violet weren't limited edition, because they are attractive shades. One more thing, I forgot to take pictures of it, but the brow: sword pencils have a spoolie on the other end. The spoolie is much too soft and yielding for my liking; so, it never gets used.

And, the last of the brow products in the collection is the Eyebrow Manicure. The brush's long and short bristles comb through all lengths of hair easily, depositing a subtle tint, without making the brows look clumpy or feel stiff. The eyebrow manicure is a great finishing touch for fuller, stay-in-place brows.

From left to right: Cappuccino/Dark Rose Brow: Palette Eye Brow Powder, Dark Violet and Dark Rose Brow: Sword Eyebrow Pencil, Dark Violet and Dark Rose Eyebrow Manicure.

Color description from left to right:

Cappuccino/Dark Rose: a taupish-mauve-grey and a rosy hue/dark burgundy-rose.

Dark Violet: a dark, violet-blue.

Dark Rose: a dark, burgundy-rose.

Dark Violet: a deep, violet-blue.

Dark Rose: a dark, burgundy-rose.

Now, onto the not-so-much liked products.

From left to right: Fresh Cushion Blush in Hibiscus Pink and Hibiscus Orange.

The Fresh Cushion blushes were a massive disappointment. When I applied the product with the provided puff, I got a decent amount of pigment; but, after blending it out on my NC30 skin, it disappeared. Shame, because the color description for these blushes was "vibrant." Also, I really liked the glossy/dewy finish.

Initially, I was going to pass on the Sheer Color Balm Lip Color (once swatched, all the colors looked the same), but I finally gave into the cute packaging. Anyhow, I should have listened to my gut, because I found this pH adjusting lip color blah and overpriced.

Also included in the collection (and swatches below) were the Drawing Pencils, in ME Navy 61 and ME Pink 12 (permanent), and repackaged in the limited edition Kye for Shu print. I already own both, and found no need to repurchase them for the sake of packaging.

From left to right: ME Navy 61 and ME Pink 12 Drawing Pencils, Hibiscus Pink and Hibiscus Orange Fresh Cushion Blush, Melt in Orange Sheer Color Balm Lip Color.

ME Navy 61: a metallic navy with blue glitter.

ME Pink 12: a metallic hot pink with pink glitter.

Hibiscus Pink: a milky, cool pink.

Hibiscus Orange: a milky orange.

Melt in Orange: a neon orange.

Overall, loved all the brow products. I've only worn them twice this season, because it's way too hot and humid in Tokyo, and I sweat like a man-beast. Also, I find these shades more fitting for fall, winter and spring. Therefore, they'll be in retirement until it get cooler (end of October).

As for both, the Fresh Cushion blushes and the Sheer Color Balm Lip Color, they will be going up for sale, and finding a proper home to love them.

8/29/2016

The Sparkle In Your Eyes...ADDICTION Sparkling Colored Mascara WP

One of these things is not like the other. When it came time to take the photo above, I couldn't find one of the mascaras, and had to use one of the older ones I kept around for color reference. Don't worry folks, I have since found the missing mascara, and it's doing fine.

I fell in love with the Sparkling Mascaras when they were first released in 2013, with the Secret Nights collection. So, you can imagine my excitement (and yes, I think you can) when I discovered ADDICTION was re-releasing them this Summer.

These colored mascaras are somewhat different than their original counterparts. First, there are five colors instead of six. Secondly, the shades that have made a comeback are 02 Fanfare, 03 Color Purple, 04 Night Dive, 05 Lady of the Lake, with 01 Tough Love being the new edition. And lastly, these mascaras has a straight wand, whereas their predecessors were curved.

From left to right: 01 Tough Love, 02 Fanfare, 03 Color Purple, 04 Night Dive, 05 Lady of the Lake.

01 Tough Love: a plummy-maroon brown.

02 Fanfare: a bright, emerald green.

03 Color Purple: a deep purple.

04 Night dive: a marine blue.

05 Lady of the Lake: a burgundy-red.

The Sparkling Colored Mascara WP defines and separates, and gives a little volume and length, but not that much. Even on days were the humidity levels were in the high 90's, this resilient waterproof formula kept my mascara from flanking or smearing. While not vivid, they are pigmented and give the lashes an eye-catching wash of color. Also, the formula is creamy and contains shimmer. However, the shimmer is so microscopic, it's almost unnoticeable, except in certain angles when the light hits your lashes; hence, giving them a beautiful radiant effect, and not glittery at all.

whether worn on both my upper and lower lashes, or just the tips of my upper lashes, or solely the lower lashes (heck, I've even worn them on my brows), I'm infatuated with all five shades, and have been rotating between them, and another shade (post coming up soon), this entire season.