Showing posts with label THREE. Show all posts

8/01/2016

Get Them Before They're Gone! THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil

Just in case you are not connected with me on twitter or Instagram, I just found out THREE Cosmetics is discontinuing all eight of the THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencils...WTF THREE! I believe they'll be on sale until August 9th. Hope this information helps those who hand these on their "want" list, or those who may want some backups.

5/29/2016

Ism, Sakuraism...THREE Sakuraism Collection

This spring, I was thrilled to see several brands showcasing the splendor of the cherry blossoms; I just wish they would continue with this theme every spring. Don't you?

I must say, I was patting myself on the back for showing restraint and only purchasing four (of the fourteen) items released in THREE's Sakuraism Collection.

The "squee worthy" sakura emblem, decorating the product's packaging, completes the Japanese-centric theme.

When I saw the beautiful sakura emblem, embossed on the pretty, pale sakura-pink colored exterior packaging, I heard myself let out the awkward chortle.

Cheeky Chic Blushes in S01 Sakuraism Rising and S02 Sakuraism Awakening.

Just when you thought you couldn't take anymore sakura amazingness, the blushes also have the emblems on them. THREE's refined, silky smooth, pigmented blushes are my favorite among all the Japanese beauty brands. And, I'd like you to know, both the Cheeky Chic Blushes in S01 Sakuraism Rising and S02 Sakuraism Awakening, are getting along well with their other siblings.

Shimmering Lip Jams in S02 Sakuraism Spirit and S03 Sakuraism.

The Shimmering Lip Jams give the lips a comfortable, juicy, pigmented pout, without any stickiness; one of my favorite lip glosses in the market! S02 Sakuraism Spirit and S03 Sakuraism Scent are absolutely gorgeous shades. I love both of them equally <3

From left to right: S01 Sakuraism Rising, S02 Sakuraism Awakening, S02 Sakuraism Spirit, S03 Sakuraism Scent.

S01 Sakuraism Rising: a bright, cherry pink with a luminous sheen.

S02 Sakuraism Awakening: a warm, muted, coral with a luminous sheen.

S02 Sakuraism Spirit: a bright, medium, magenta-cherry-pink.

S03 Sakuraism Scent: a bright, medium, lavender purple.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Adjust.
Sonia Rykiel Fresh Gel Foundation SPF25 PA++ in shade 30.
THREE Cheeky Chic Blush in S01 Sakuraism Rising.
Eyes:

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

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).
THREE Shimmering Glow Duo in 01:
The darker shade all over the lid, crease and lower lashline.
The lighter shade in the inner corner and brow bone.
THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil in 06 Eye Kon (blended out along the upper and lower lashline).
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Black.
Lips:
THREE Shimmering Lip Jams in S02 Sakuraism Spirit.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Adjust.
Sonia Rykiel Fresh Gel Foundation SPF25 PA++ in shade 30.
THREE Cheeky Chic Blush in S02 Sakuraism Awakening.
Eyes:

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

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.
Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightening & Setting Powder in Revive.

7/05/2015

A Work-Beauty Balance...THREE Balancing Cleansing Oil

THREE's philosophy of balance of mind, body and skin permeates throughout the entire brand. Yet, it's ethos is particularly evident in it's skincare line.

Through the years (and tons of THREE purchases), I've probably tried about three months worth of the Balancing Cleansing Oil sample packets. After finishing the SK-II's Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil, it was finally time to purchase a full size bottle.

My aesthetic is far from being minimalistic, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the smooth surface and edges of the simplistically sleek, semi- transparent frosted bottle.

THREE's Balancing Cleansing Oilcleanser has an ambrosial bouquet of lemon and rosemary, giving it an invigorating aromatherapy effect.

Primarily, I use the Balancing Cleansing Oil to remove my makeup; btw, it does a fantastic job at dissolving the most stubborn waterproof makeup. With dry hands, I massage (in circular motions) 2 pumps onto dry skin, beginning at the center, working outwards, then use one more pump on the eyes. After a few minutes, I lightly wet my hands and continue to massage, emulsifying the product. After rinsing, all traces of makeup are gone and my face feels firm and looks clear and toned.

As provided of the THREE website, the components of the Balancing Cleansing Oil are:

Grape seed oil, tri (caprylic acid / capric acid) glyceryl, tea seed oil, squalane, ethylhexyl palmitate, triisostearate PEG-20 glyceryl isostearate, pentylene glycol, rose hip oil *, jojoba seed oil *, Rose Marie oil *, Alga near spinosa kernel oil *, shea butter *, beeswax *, orange peel oil *, bergamot fruit oil *, Nyuukouju oil *, marjoram leaf oil *, meadowfoam oil, olive oil, theobroma grunge Furoru seedless fat , isostearate PEG-12, tocopherol, phenoxyethanol * Soil Association Certified and organic raw materials

THREE's Balancing Cleansing Oil retails for 4,320 yen (200ml).

4/05/2015

Pigments Of The Imagination...THREE Shimmering Color Veil Bijou Box 01

When it comes to Pigments, people either love them for their wide-range of uses or dismiss them for the extra care they require when working with them; personally, I love them!

This weekend, I used THREE's Shimmering Color Veil Bijou Box in 01(5,940 yen) from last year's holiday collection, for a friends weekending on Saturday and a Sunday outing.

After removing the paper cardboard sleeve, you have this cute, sleek, black satin makeup coffin (that's how I interpret it). Actually, the box is of pretty good quality with magnet closer.

Inside the little black coffin are three (0.9g) Shimmering Color Veils in shades: 29 Ice Blink, X02 Pink Topaz Gisele (exclude to the set), and 38 333 Dreamers.

From left to right: 29 Ice Blink, X02 Pink Topaz Gisele, 38 333 Dreamers.

29 Ice Blink: a matte snowy-white with micro glitters.

X02 Pink Topaz Gisele: a refined glitter with reddish-burgundy pink based and violet, pink, silver and gold micro glitter.

38 333 Dreamers: a grey based, bluish-lavender with silver, pink, blue, and purple micro glitter and a shimmery finish.

The photo below are swatches of the lip and cheek products I used in both looks.

From left to right: Color Veil for cheeks 23 emotional Rescue, Velvet Lust Lipstick 12 Scarlet Noir.

Look Breakdown:

Face:

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).

THREE Shading Wand (to lightly contour).
THREE Color Veil for cheeks 23 emotional Rescue.

Eyes:

Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.
MAC Mineralize Concealer in NC30 (placed under the eyes).

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer in 02 Cream (placed on top of the MAC Mineralize Concealer).
MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (eyeshadow base).
Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight (on the lid).
THREE Shimmering Color Veil in X02 Pink Topaz Gisele (all over the lid and lower lashline).
THREE Shimmering Color Veil in 38 333 Dreamers (in the corner outer crease and lower lashline).
THREE Shimmering Color Veil in 29 Ice Blink (in the inner corner and brow bone).
THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil in 08 Eye On (smudged out on the upper lashline, used to tightline and on the waterline).
MAC In Extra Dimension Lash Mascara.
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Sexy Blacks Mascara in 01 Scandalous Black.
Lips:
THREE Velvet Lust Lipstick in 12 Scarlet Noir.

Look Breakdown:

Face:

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).

THREE Shading Wand (to lightly contour).
THREE Color Veil for cheeks 23 emotional Rescue.

Eyes:

Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.
MAC Mineralize Concealer in NC30 (placed under the eyes).

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer in 02 Cream (placed on top of the MAC Mineralize Concealer).
MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (eyeshadow base).
Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight (on the lid).
THREE Shimmering Color Veil in 38 333 Dreamers (all over the lid, blended up into the inner crease and lower lashline).
THREE Shimmering Color Veil in X02 Pink Topaz Gisele (patted on the outer corner).
THREE Shimmering Color Veil in 29 Ice Blink (in the inner corner and brow bone).
THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil in 08 Eye On (smudged out on the upper lashline, and used to tightline).
THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil in 02 Eye Believe (on the waterline and smudge along the lower lashline).
MAC In Extra Dimension Lash Mascara.
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Sexy Blacks Mascara in 01 Scandalous Black.
Lips:
THREE Velvet Lust Lipstick in 12 Scarlet Noir (patted on the lips and worn as a stain).

X02 Pink Topaz Gisele and 38 333 Dreamers were the main reason I purchased this set, but I loved layering and mixing all three of the Shimmering Color Veils.

3/30/2015

It Was A Dark And Stormy Night...THREE Nail Polish

In May of 2014, I was excited to learn THREE was releasing nail polishes. And, as pretty as the shades were, none of them were exceptional original, or "hold the press! Part the Red Sea and make me run out of the house to buy them now" worthy.

However, the THREE Future Noir Collection featured four new polishes. Now, these four shades were more my cup of tea, not being about to buy just one, I picked up two to try.

THREE's Nail Polish in 16 Dark and Stormy, looked stunning as it radiated so beautifully on the counter; it literally stopped me dead in my tracks.

Keeping with the brand's harmonious infusion of nature, grace and minimalism, the packaging is elegant and pragmatic; with its elongated glass bottle and removable, plastic over-cap, it reveals a cap that is comfortable to hold.

The polish also has a flat brush that fans out well, allowing for a precise and controlled application.

THREE claims their polishes keeps nails healthy, and moisturized, with the blend of five species of plant oils: sugar squalane, avocado oil, meadowfoam seed oil, jojoa oil and rosehip seed oil. The polishes are toluene free, formalin free, phthalate and dibutyl free.

Dark and Stormy is a bark-brown based, blackened-purplish-maroon with dark pink shimmer. The formula is smooth, easy to apply, hassle-free, drys quickly, and wears for about four to five days. I don't want to say the finish is dull, but the glossiness isn't as intense as an Addiction polish. A good top coat is needed to achieve the scintillating radiance the polish has in the bottle.

THREE nail polishes contain 7ml and retail for 1,944 yen.

3/21/2015

With A Wave OF The Wand...THREE Shading Wand

Contouring is a technique that allows you to cheat genetics, by defining the facial structure and sculpting features, using light and dark shades.

My favorite contouring medium are cream products; I feel they give a more naturally defined and blended shape to the face.

From all my countless visits to the THREE Cosmetics counter, I can't believe it was only a month ago that I noticed the brand had a shading wand. Guess I was distracted by all the other pretty pretties.

I love the slim, cigarette-length, shaped cylinder tube. the casing is made of a heftier tin material, giving the wand a nice "weighty" feel in the hands.

THREE's Shading Wand is an ultra-blendable, velvety-cream product that glides effortlessly, melting onto the skin, allowing for precise application, and giving a long-lasting, even finish.

The shading wand has a neutral, brownish-nude with a grey undertone, giving the appearance of a natural contour. From my experience, contouring isn't really popular in Japan. Unfortunately, this is probably one reason why the shading wand only comes in one color. Pale beauties will love this, but if you're a MAC NC35 or darker, this won't show on you.

Wearing THREE's Velvet Lust Lipstick in 12 Scarlet Noir as a stain.

I love the subtle depth this product gives my cheekbones; particularly, the definition it gives my cheekbones, nose, jawline as well as enhancing the overall shape of my face. My favorite tool to blend the product out are, my fingers; the warmth of my fingers and the soft, upward-pressing motion gives a lovely, graduated shadow. Now, this is on the hush-hush, but THREE's Shading Wand is working it's way to becoming a little contouring secret in my makeup kit. A perfect soft, inconspicuous contour for Spring.

The THREE Shading Wand retails for 3,780 yen and contains 2.4g of product.

What do you like to contour with?

11/17/2014

All The Holiday Cheer...Japanese Cosmetic Holiday Sets

Hey darlings, here is a sneak peek of the Japanese cosmetic brands Holiday sets I've picked up:

Suqqu Christmas Makeup Kit A (8,640 yen).
Suqqu Christmas Makeup Kit B (8,640 yen).
THREE Shimmering Color Veil Bijoux Box 01 (5,940 yen).
THREE Shimmering Color Veil Bijoux Box 02 (5,940 yen).
Addiction Tokyo Jazz Holiday Set (7,776 yen).
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Makeup Coffret 2014 (8,100 yen).

Review, swatches and looks coming soon!

What Holiday Sets have you picked up?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/24/2014

Stealing Beauty: THREE Cosmetics Flawless Cream & Flawless Ethereal Fluid Foundation Counter Swatches!

Yesterday, I went on a counter swatching rampage, and first up (requested by Faye): all shades of THREE's Flawless cream and Flawless Ethereal Fluid Foundations.

I deplore swatching products at the counter; the lighting is terrible, you have to rely on someone else's assistance to take pictures (usually, the SA looming over your shoulder), and, although I have a great rapport with all the sales associates at the counter I frequent, it just feels awkward. I prefer the comfort of my own beauty cave to provide you all with, what I hope are, good quality swatches.

Anyway, I don't mind doing these counter swatches, I just want to give you something of better quality.

From left to right: MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation NC15 (Faye requested it be swatched for shade comparison); THREE Flawless Cream Foundation 101, 102, 202, 203, 204, 205.

From left to right: THREE Flawless Ethereal Fluid Foundation 101, 102, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206.

In regards to both foundations, the 101 and 102 are pink based, and the rest are yellow based. I'll be writing an in-depth review of each foundation in the near future.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

9/14/2014

Nightshades Falling, Lovers Calling...THREE 4D Eye Palette 02 My Blue Heaven

My friend, Sara, asked me to accompany her to beauty counters at Isetan Shinjuku (my beauty hood), and help her purchase some core products. As we were roaming around, she asked me what my "all-time favorite" Japanese cosmetic brand was? Now, I don't believe in having just one "favorite". I mean, why pigeonhole oneself when you have so many tantalizing options, right?!

Of course, I loved them all, but I have to say my top favorite brands are THREE, Addiction, Sonia Rykiel. and Laduree. During the conversation, I realized, I need to showcase my collection from these brands

THREE 4D Eye Palette 02 My Blue Heaven.

I own all of the THREE 4D Eye Palettes, and there isn't a dud in the bunch. THREE eye shadows apply wonderfully; they have this magical way of just blending themselves, and I love them all!

Photo taken over three years ago.

THREE 4D Eye Palette 02 My Blue Heaven Swatches.

Color description from left to right:

A glittery, bright sky blue, with a violet sheen.

A warm-toned, tarnish olive green, with gold and chartreuse shimmers, cream eyeshadow.

A yellowish-brown-based, tarnish olive-khaki with pink shimmers. Basically, the eye shadow version of 07 Eye Doll Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil.

A pale, manila yellow, with silver and yellow shimmers.

The color combination in this palette makes 02 My Blue Heaven sublimely, empyrean.

From left to right: Color Veil For Cheeks 13 Light Sonic, Glam Touch Lipstick 09 Ring My Bell.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (medium 2).
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus.
THREE Color Veil For Cheeks in 13 Light Sonic.
Eyes:

Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW25.
Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (on the brow bone).

THREE 4D Eye Palette in 02 My Blue Heaven:
The olive cream shadow (all over the lid, in the crease and lower lashline).
The bright sky blue shadow (patted on the inner-half of the lid, and blended into the inner crease up to the brow).
The tarnished khaki shadow (patted on the outer-half of the lid and blended into the outer crease).
The pale manila shadow (in the inner corner and brow bone).
THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil in 05 Eye Rock.
MAC In Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara in Black Extreme.

Lips:

Mac Lip Pencil in stripdown.
THREE Glam Touch Lipstick 09 Ring My Bell.

Besides having the THREE logo branded on, and coordination with, one of the 4D Eye Palette shades in the palettes, I also find their names whimsical and witty. I wonder if the 02 My Blue Heaven palette is named after the 1927 song with the same name?...I love the Gene Austin version.

Which THREE 4D Eye Palette would you like to try?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

12/03/2013

While My Guitar Gently Weeps...THREE 4D Eye Palette in 09 Star Guitar

As one of my favorite Japanese cosmetic brands, THREE's Rock Ur Life A/W 2013 Collection is Definitely one of my favorites this Fall.

THREE 4D Eye Palette 09 Star Guitar.

09 Star Guitar (along with the other two quads in the collection) is sensationally squee-worthy!

09 Star Guitar swatches.

Three Color Veil For Cheeks 22 Sweet Thing.

From left to right: 22 Sweet Thing Color Veil For Cheeks, 01 Little Wonder Vibrant Sumptuous Lip Crayon, 05 Surface Yourself Glam Touch Lipstick (not included in the collection, but I used it in both look, so I included it in the swatches.

Look Breakdown:

Face:

FACEatelier Ultra Foundation in #5 Sepia.
Three Color Veil For Cheeks in 22 Sweet Thing.
Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.

MAC Mineralize Concealer in NW25.
THREE 4D Eye Palette in 09 Star Guitar:
The red based plum cream shadow in the outer one-third of the lid, crease and lower lashline.
The grayish-brown taupe shadow patted on the inner two-thirds of the lid, crease and used to blend out the edges of the cream shadow on the lower lashline.
The dusty, mauvish-rose-pink shadow in the inner corner and brow bone.
The glittery taupe shadow dusted in the inner corner and two-thirds of the lid.

THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil in 08 Eye On (on the upper and lower lashline, the waterline and used to tightline).

Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara in 1 Black Satin.

Lips:
THREE Vibrant Sumptuous Lip Crayon in 01 Little Wonder.
THREE Glam Touch Lipstick in 05 Surface Yourself.

Look Breakdown:

Face:

FACEatelier Ultra Foundation in #5 Sepia.
Three Color Veil For Cheeks in 22 Sweet Thing.
Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.

MAC Mineralize Concealer in NW25.
THREE 4D Eye Palette in 09 Star Guitar:
The grayish-brown taupe shadow on the lid and crease.
The red based plum cream shadow on the upper and lower lashline.
MAC Chromagraphic Pencil in NW25/NC30 (on the waterline).

Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara in 1 Black Satin.

Lips:
THREE Vibrant Sumptuous Lip Crayon in 01 Little Wonder.
THREE Glam Touch Lipstick in 05 Surface Yourself.