Weekend Beauty Reads from the Beauty Blog Network

Enjoy the weekend beauty reads from the Beauty Blog Network!

1. Beauty Anonymous reviews Dior 5 Colour Eyeshadow from Dior spring 2009 collection.
2. Head on over to The Makeup Divas and enter to win 2 tubes of Covergirl's Lashblast Luxe Mascara. While you are there, check out the other giveaways I have.
3. ThisThatBeauty reviews two new Lancome Collections and does two Lancome Face of the Day looks. Here's Pink Irreverence and for Travel Chic CLICK HERE
4. Beauty Junkie in SF has found an eye cream she might actually use on a daily basis! No more puffy, dark circles!
5. The GRAMMY Awards may be over but Cybelesays.com got ahold of 2 of the official post party gifts to give away! Click here to enter.
6. StyleBell talks to celebrity stylist, David Babaii, on how you can create Angelina Jolie's award winning Oscar half up half down hair style!
7. Check out another installment of 5 minutes, 5 questions over at Beauty in Real Life. This week the girls interviewed Gretchen Heber from naturallycurly.com. Check it out here!

YSL Limited-edition Gloss Pur

YSL Limited-edition Gloss Pur No 48 Noble cherry (Left) & No 47 Fresh Peach (Right)
(Asia Exclusives)

YSL will release two limited-edition Gloss Pur lip glosses exclusive to Asia on April 3rd. Gloss Pur is the latest lip gloss range just launched along with YSL's spring '09 collection in January this year.

Gloss Pur is a new version of the famous Golden Gloss, without the sparkles. It has the same formula of Golden Glosses, which feature real 24 carat-gold flecks (0.2% of 24 carat gold) for an intensely shimmering and high shine finish.

Gloss Pur is designed to deliver a glossy shine and spark-free finish suitable for a more casual look. It is scented with a fresh mango scent, and is currently available in six shades (Golden Glosses also feature a mango scent as well).

I have never tried YSL's lip glosses. Gloss Pur is on my list to check out when I go to the YSL counter next time. I am interested to see how it compares to my favorite Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer. Have you tried any YSL lip gloss(es)? I would love to hear your thoughts! :)

[Photo credit: www.cosme.com]

Information updated on March 1st, 2009

Related posts:
YSL Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

YSL Ombres 5 Lumières 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes (in blue variation)

Givenchy Limited-edition Rouge Interdit & Rouge Interdit Shine Lipsticks

Rouge Interdit (Left): 3 shades & Rouge Interdit Shine (Right): 3 shades
(limited-edition)

Givenchy will release six limited-edition lip colors on March 19th in Japan, including 3 shades of Rouge Interdit and 3 shades of Rouge Interdit Shine.

Rouge Interdit and Rouge Interdit Shine are the main two lipstick ranges in Givenchy makeup line. Rouge Interdit has a satiny matte finish with a hint of shimmer. The name of Rouge Interdit Shine is self-explanatory. It features pearlescent particles for a subtly shimmering finish.

I am not sure if these limited editions are Asia exclusives. I will update this post when I have more information.

[Photo credit:www.joseishi.net/voce/]

Related posts:
Givenchy Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

Givenchy Spring 2009 Limited-edition Collection

Dior 5 Colour Eyeshadow in 553 Elégante

Dior 5 Colour Eyeshadow

Dior spring 2009 makeup collection is one of my favorites for this season. The collection offers a range of nude and earthy shades from eyes, lips to nails. What makes it so attractive to me is that the nude and earthy shades in this collection feature a creamy and milky tone, which make the colors look softer and more sophisticated.

For spring, Dior comes up with two limited-edition eyeshadow palettes; 5 Colour Iridescent Eyeshadow in 559 Parisian Lights and 5 Colour Eyeshadow in 553 Elégante. I am sharing my thoughts on 553 Elégante today.

Dior 5 Colour Eyeshadow in 553 Elégante

Packaging
I love the sleek and elegant compact. The deep blue translucent lid is embossed with silver "Dior" letters, and is also embedded with the two letter, "CD", in bold under the Dior letters.

The eyeshadow palette features 5 eyeshadows, a mirror and two dual-ended sponge applicators. The applicators have a good ability to pick up colors.

Dior 5 Colour Eyeshadow in 553 Elégante

Color

• (top left) bronze with gold iridescent shimmer
• (top right) pale ivory with peachy pearl sheen/iridescent shimmer
• (center) pale nude beige with gold pearl sheen/iridescent shimmer
• (bottom left) deep brown with muted gold shimmer
• (bottom right) peachy taupe beige with silver pearl sheen

These shades feature a creamy and milky tone, which makes the colors look softer on the skin. The colors are warm except the peachy taupe beige imparts a subtle silver sheen.

All the shades contain shimmer. The shimmer bits are more of iridescence or pearl sheen shimmer, very subtle and elegant.

Texture
The eyeshadow powder is so finely-milled. They are silky smooth to the touch, and are easy to apply.

Pigment
The pale ivory and pale nude beige shades are light. The bronze and peachy taupe beige colors are light-to-medium tones, while the deep brown shade is medium-to-high pigmented. The colors are very blendable and buildable.

Dior 5 Colour Eyeshadow in 553 Elégante

Finish
I have fairly light skin. Other than the deep brown shade, these eyeshadows are slightly lighter or darker than my skin tone.

The colors have a satiny finish. The shimmer is subtle, and imparts a beautiful pearl sheen or a hint of iridescent shimmer at different angles.

The deep brown shade is a great lining color for a casual look. It softly sculpts and defines my eyes without appearing overdone. On the other hand, it is just not intense enough for dramatic, smoky eyes.

Lasting Power

The staying power is decent. But I was surprised to find that my YSL Ombres 5 Lumières 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes in #05 Riviera and Coffret D'Or Trance Deep Eyes in #03 Khaki Green seem to have a better crease-resistant ability than this palette.

Summary

I am pleased with 553 Elégante. The milky-toned nude and earthy shades are elegantly beautiful and wearable in all seasons. The colors give a subtle fresh finish with soft definition on my eyes. For night occasions, I would use a high-pigmented lining shade or eyeliner to complement these shades for more drama.

I personally don't think 553 Elégante would show the colors well against darker skin because the The overall colors are light and medium tones. However, for people with lighter skin, they are great colors for a casual look or an office environment.

My Makeup Reviews and Autumn Masquerade also feature detailed reviews on Dior 5 Colours Eyeshadow in 553 Elégante. Do check out their alternative thoughts on this palette.

Related posts:
Dior Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

Lady Dior Palette in 002 French Chic

RMK New Base Makeup Releases

On March 6th, RMK will release some new base makeup items, including Powder Foundation EX, Super Basic Concealer Pack and Super Basic Liquid Concealer, in Japan.

Powder Foundation EX contains shimmer and matte pressed powder. The shimmer powder offers a radiant and luminescent finish. As to Super Basic Concealer Pack, it features a concealer and two finishing powder. Only the concealer provides sun protection.

Here are the images of the new releases:

Powder Foundation EX (SPF24/PA++): in 9 shades

Super Basic Concealer Pack (SPF28/ PA + +): in 2 variations

Super Basic Liquid Concealer (SPF28/ PA + + +): in 4 shades

[Photo credit: www.rmkrmk.com]

Related posts:
Esprique Precious Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Collection

Coffret D'Or Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Collection

Anna Sui Spring 2009 Special Promotion

Weekend Beauty Reads from the Beauty Blog Network

Enjoy the weekend beauty reads from the Beauty blog Network!

1. Beauty Anonymous features a preview of Paul & Joe Summer 2009 Makeup Collection.
2. A Touch of Blusher reviews Deluxe Eyeshadow Kit from Barry M.
3. The Makeup Divas reviews Gillette Venus Embrace & Spa Breeze shavers.
4. Raging Rouge raves about the latest fragrance by CLEAN, Simply Soap.
5. Face Candy gives you the details on Les Noirs de Chanel.
6. Check out Christine's picks for bringing some Spring to your toes. Head on over to Beauty in Real Life to get the details!

Total Beauty Web Tour

Enjoy the weekend beauty reads from Total Beauty Web Tour

1. It's week three of Bare Budget Beauty's birthday bash, and this week you can enter to win a $50 gift card to Salon Hive! Hurry, you only have until February 23!
2. Viva Woman asks what should come first during a shower: shampoo or facial cleansing? and finds out why the sequence would make a difference.
3. Beauty Secrets Revealed Finally Launches LashMantra- 100% Natural Eyelash Growth Serum
4. Read Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog's review of new Ageless Fantasy perfume, and then enter the Ageless Fantasy Giveaway to win a bottle (ARP $120.)
5. Beauty Anonymous features a preview of Paul & Joe Summer 2009 Makeup Collection.
6. Beauty Junkies Unite discovers Shampowder Hair Powder as an alternative to her favorite aerosol dry shampoo!
7. Learn hair dye secrets with Makeup Files' Home Hair Dying 101. Plus, see Trisha with her brand new dark brown 'do!
8. The Makeup Divas reviews Gillette Venus Embrace & Spa Breeze shavers.
9. Fabulous Over Forty is having an Oscar Worthy Giveaway worth nearly $1200 in beauty products. You won't want to miss this one!
10. More Than a Pretty Face interviews Trae Bodge Naperiala, Co-founder and Creative Director of Three Custom Color Specialists.
11. Get Trae's Bronzed Goddess look for spring 2009 by entering our contest to win one of three Mood Lighting Shimmer Cremes in On Fire.
12. Beauty411 brings you a review of the new Olay Professional Pro-X Skincare line that is getting so much buzz!
13. Boutique Flair reviews the Crabtree & Evelyn Aromatherapy Distillations Body Wash. And, she's giving away a Good For You Girls Complete Skin Care Kit - because good skin care starts early!
14. Neon Bible takes a look at beauty products from the 90s in the new feature Flashback Beauty
15. Face Candy reviews a Rihanna Favorite, Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask.
16. Alison of the Advice Sisters is covering Fashion Week from the runway and backstage at Diesel, Carolina Hererra, Tory Burch, and more!
17. Brighten up your skin for spring! Dolce Beauty enlightens us on Aveda's newest (Sodium Laureth Sulfate-Free!) skincare collection, Enbrightenment.
18. Need some new makeup brushes? Check out Glossypink's pick!
19. Make sure you enter the giveaway over at Beauty in Real Life. Enter to win a bottle of Ralph Lauren Romance Always Yours - a $72 value. Click here for the details. Hurry, the contest ends Tuesday!!!
20. makeup loves me gives you the 411 on here!
21. What's a Kitten Eye? Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie reports from backstage at Twinkle to give you all the details.
22. This week, Daneen from Spoiled Pretty was a Barbie Girl in the Barbie World. Click here for your backstage pass to New York Fashion Week's most anticipated event: the Barbie Runway Show!

Jill Stuart Skincare Kit

Jill Stuart Skincare Kit

Jill Stuart will release a limited-edition Skincare Kit on March 6th in Japan. This collection features a few of its current skincare items, including:

• Softening Fluid (150ml)
• Hydro-filler I or II (50ml)
• Cotton (contains 28 cotton pads)
• Original Pouch

[Photo credit: www.jillstuart-beauty.com]

Related posts:
Jill Stuart Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

US Debut of Jill Stuart Beauty

Update on Anna Sui Spring 2009 Special Promotion

Promo Image of Anna Sui Spring 2009 Special Promotion

I've mentioned Anna Sui's new whitening products and base makeup items in an earlier post. I just found out that Anna Sui's website has been updated with the product images and information of the new items. The new releases are actually Anna Sui's spring 2009 special promotion, and will be launched on March 5th in Japan.

The spring 2009 special promotion includes:

Whitening Lotion (Left ) & Intensive White Serum (Right)

Trial Kit W: includes Deep Cleansing Oil(50ml), Whitening Lotion(50ml) and Intensive Whitening Serum(10ml) in a satin pouch (limited edition)

Loose Compact Powder G: SPF 12 PA++, in 2 shades (Left)
Foundation Compact Case '09 (Right)
(limited editions)

[Photo credit:www.annasui-cosmetics.com]

Related posts:
Spring 2009 Special Promotion by Anna Sui Cosmetics

Heads up: Maquillage Face Creator 3D

Refill for Face Creator 3D #22(Left), Case(Center), Sample Pack of Moisture Rouge(Right)

Maquillage Face Creator 3D that I ordered arrived last week. The package also came with a free sample pack with three Moisture Rouge (Sheer Type) lipsticks and three Moisture Rouge (Color On Type) lipsticks in sample size (0.18g).

By the way, Face Creator 3D, Moisture Rouge (Sheer Type) and Moisture Rouge(Color On Type) belong to Maquillage's spring 2009 makeup collection. Face Creator 3D features five shades for highlighting, shading and contouring the face. It is available in #11 Nuance Red, #22 Nuance Beige, #33 Nuance Coral and #44 Nuance Pink. All of them look pretty and fresh. I took a long time deciding which to get, and ended up buying #22 Nuance Beige.

I always like this kind of face palettes with coordinating highlight, blush and contour shades. The gradation of colors help achieve a subtle glow and dimensional look on my face. Plus, it is easy to take along in my makeup bag for a quick touch-up when I go out.

I just got started trying out Face Creator 3D and Moisture Rouge lipsticks. The reviews will be posted up later. Stay Tuned. :)

Preview: Paul & Joe Summer 2009 Makeup Collection

Here is a brief preview of Paul & Joe summer 2009 makeup collection that is scheduled to be released in May. It really surprised me to see the news of Paul & Joe's upcoming summer collection at this point of time.

What surprised me more is that one of my favorite actresses and beauty icons, Catherine Deneuve, becomes the inspiration of Paul & Joe's summer 2009 collection. The collection is gold-themed, and offers a range of colors to translate the two different looks inspired by Catherine Deneuve; innocent sweet look and enchanting, glamorous look.

The eyeshadows, lip glosses and nail polishes in this collection feature gold lids or gold caps, which are different than the current ones in pink packaging. It is also worth noting that the forthcoming Nail Enamel S limited editions have tiered colors. The nail polishes are supposed to be shaken and mixed well before applying on the nails.

Here are some images of part of this collection taken by Iswii's beauty editor from a press event in Taiwan.

Eye Color G: in 3 shades, limited editions

Nail Enamel S: in 3 variations, limited editions

[Photo credit: www.iswii.net]

Related posts:
Paul & Joe Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

Weekend Beauty Reads from the Beauty Blog Network

Enjoy the weekend beauty reads from the Beauty Blog Network!

1. Raging Rouge announces the tarte complexion giveaway! Click HERE to enter for a chance to win one of three tarte cosmetic prizes, each with a retail value of $83!
2. A Touch of Blusher tries out Jill Stuart's Mix Blush Compact.
3. Beauty Anonymous wears Jewel Lips.
4. Come see what mascara The Makeup Divas is raving about.
5. Beauty Junkie in SF loves Benefit's The Overnighter's Set because it comes with product and her fav, a Hanky Panky, just for Valentine's Day!
6. DivaShop reviews some Coastal Scents & e.l.f. Products.
7. Elke starts her series on how to take control. Beauty control that is. Part I: Focus.
8. Beauty Banter gives you the exclusive dish on Gwyneth Paltrow's hair inspiration!
9. The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are having a giveaway with Ralph Lauren's new fragrance. Click here for the details and to enter!

My Recent Nail Polish Purchase

Trickle Me Francey from OPI Fall/Winter 2008 France Collection (Left)
Eternal Optimist from Essie Spring 2009 Collection (Right)

Finally, I start to feel the arrival of spring, as the weather is getting a little warmer (it is still not too warm, just not freezing cold). I feel like wearing something pastel and spring-like on my nails. Earlier, I had my eyes on OPI spring/summer 2009 South Beach Collection and Essie spring 2009 collection. After trying out the colors at a beauty store, I decided to pick up Eternal Optimist (in nude pink), which is my favorite shade from the two collections, along with Tickle My Francey (in nude) from OPI fall/winter 2008 France Collection. I can't wait to try out these colors, and share my thoughts with you.

Happy Valentine's Day

Vera Wang Princess Eau de Toilette
[Photo credit:www.nordstrom.com]

~I wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day!~

US Launch of Jill Stuart Beauty

Promo Image of Jill Stuart Beauty

Jill Stuart Beuaty is coming to town! It was reported on Wall Street Journal last September that this coveted brand will come to Jill Stuart stores in the US this March. However, according to Elle News Blog, it has been confirmed that Jill Stuart cosmetics will debut in late spring or early summer at Jill Stuart’s flagship store in SoHo district of New York City.

Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact

Jill Stuart Beauty has started a licensed business with Kosé Corporation since 2005 in Japan. It was launched in Taiwan in 2007 and in Hong Kong last year. The line consists of around 140 products, and is currently only available in Asia.

Jill Stuart Eau de Toilette

Starting out young, Jill Stuart has earned high popularity in Asia. It is largely due to the good reputation for quality and its girly and feminine take on makeup colors along with its vintage and princessy packaging design. It definitely has become a popular beauty destination for girls who dream to own beautiful cosmetics, not only to make themselves look prettier but also to decorate their vanity places.

I know many of you from the US who have eagerly anticipated the arrival of this cosmetics line must be disappointed by the delayed release. The same with me. But I am glad that the Jill Stuart company provided some updated information on the US debut. I just have to wait a little longer...

[Photo credit:www.jillstuart-beauty.com]

Related posts:
Jill stuart Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

Jill Stuart Holiday 2008 Makeup Collection

Jill Stuart Fall/Winter 2008 Makeup Collection

Lavshuca Jewel Lips Review

Lavshuca Jewel Lips

Among the Japanese drugstore brands, Lavshuca is my favorite one. I falll for its quality, affordability, and princessy packagings. One of the most adorable items in my Lavshuca collection is Jewel Lips (mini lipstick).

It was released as part of Lavshuca's spring 2007 makeup collection. I bought the one in PK-2 last spring simply because of the lovely packaging and the small size. I thought it would be a cute little lippie in my party clutch on a night out.

Lavshuca Jewel Lips

The packaging is in plum purple that looks very sophisticated. The bottom of the tube is slightly curvy. The surface of the cap has faceted diamond shapes in gradational shades of transparent plum. The cap features a round adornment embossed with the Lavshuca logo on the top. I love the princessy and vintage touches to the packaging!

Lavshuca Jewel Lips in PK-2

PK-2 is a rosy pink with shimmer. The pink shade is on the cool side. The shimmering bits are not too obvious, but they are more noticeable than I expected. PK-2 imparts a subtle pink with a hint of silver sheen. The color stays put well without migrating into lines around the lips. As the color starts to wear off, there are some shimmer particles left on my lips. This is not too bothering to me, though, as I can just wipe them off.

Lavshuca Jewel Lips in PK-2

The downside of this lipstick is its relatively dry texture. First, it is not so moisturizing to my lips as I have dry lips. It tends to dry my lips if I wear it without applying lip balm beforehand. Therefore, I usually prime my lips with lip balm before applying this lipstick. Second, I found it does not offer a good coverage to the fine lines due to the dry texture. I do hope the texture of Lavshuca Jewel Lips will be improved in the future.

Related posts:
Lavshuca Summer Gradually Compact in Shiny Sandy Beach

Guerlain KissKiss Maxi Shine Sheer Colours Volume Effect

Lady Dior Palettes

Lady Dior Palette in 002 French Chic

I have received a few emails asking about the color differences among Lady Dior palettes from Dior spring 2009 collection. Some of you might be also confused because of the colors. In fact, Lady Dior palette comes in three variations. Not all of them are sold in each region.

Lady Dior Palette in 002 French Chic

In the US, Lady Dior palette is available in 001 Parisienne Chic (Sephora exclusive) and 002 French Chic. Overall, 001 Parisienne Chic is more peachy-toned, while 002 French Chic is more neutral-toned. For 002, the highlighter shade has a light gold undertone, and the cheek/lip color has a brown undertone. For 001, the highlighter shade is more peachy, and the cheek/lip color is coral-toned. (You can read my post and A Touch of Blusher's review on 002 French Chic for detailed reviews).

On the other hand, 001 Parisienne Chic and 003 French Chic are available in Asia. 003 French Chic is an Asia exclusive featuring an off-white and light pink and 001 Parisienne Chic features beige and brown-toned colors. I guess the version of 001 Parisienne Chic available in Asia is actually the version of 002 French Chic sold in US. 001 Parisienne Chic has the same colors as the global release version.

I personally think the three versions of Lady Dior palette feature beautiful nude shades of pink, peachy and beige/brown. These colors are flattering on a range of skin tones. I wish 003 French Chic were available worldwide. The off-white highlighter and cool-toned pink shade look lovely for spring.

Related posts:
Lady Dior Palette in 002 French Chic

Dior Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

Weekend Beauty Reads from the Beauty Blog Network

Enjoy the weekend beauty reads from the Beauty Blog Network!

1. Announcing the first annual Golden Compact Awards brought to you by the blogging community! Vote for your favorite beauty products of 2008 and receive a chance to WIN a prize package filled with items from the finalists!
2. Enter to win a Marc Jacobs Star Charm Watch Necklace over at The Makeup Divas.
3. A Touch of Blusher reviews Lady Dior palette in French Chic.
4. Beauty Anonymous reviews Shiseido's Integrate Nail Polishes.
5. Beauty Junkie in SF is loving her weekly manicure with OPI's Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ. Even if the name isn't cute or sexy, it is a hot shade for winter.
6. Elke shares her review of the Clarisonic Skin Care System. Find out if it's worth the hype.
7. It's Mascara Monday says The Beauty Blog Network, thanks to, guess, which network member!
8. ThisThatBeauty meets Vincent Longo! Check out Felicia's interview and makeover. Check out the technique that Vincent Longo taught Felicia for a more lifted look!
9. Kyle at Face Candy shows you the web's best FREE Gift With Purchases.
10. Beauty Banter dishes on the must-have products for EVERY type of hair!
11. Jenn of Beauty in Real Life shares her beauty picks of the week. Click here to find out what they are.

Total Beauty Web Tour

Enjoy the weekly beauty reads from Total Beauty Web Tour!

1. Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog is giving away a pair of ICE.com diamond stud earrings valued at $250. Enter for a chance to put a little sparkle in your Valentine's Day!
2. Viva Woman shows you how to use Aloe Vera juice for DIY facial masks.
3. Neon Bible looks at Lush's adorable bath products in the Valentine's Day Gift Guide
4. In celebration of its first anniversary, Bare Budget Beauty is having great giveaways all month long! This week, win some Johnson's Body Care 24 Hour products!
5. The Jet Set Girls are supporting Operation Smile and giving away 5 sets which include Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste, Crest Pro-Health Rinse, and Oral-B Power Toothbrush.
6. Alison (aka. "Advice Sister Alison" has discovered a bracelet that can help you lose weight without any effort at all!
7. Beauty Anonymous reviews Shiseido's Integrate Nail Polishes.
8. Boutique Flair reviews the new Kiss My Face Sheer Organic Shimmers and Sheer Organic Shines line. And, they're giving away $50 Worth of Kiss My Face Swag! Good luck!
9. Daily Dose of Coffee is loving the new Make Up For Ever High Definition line. See which products we've tested out recently!
10. Beauty Junkies Unite became pretty amazed with the new AmazeMint lipglosses and Outlast Lipstains from CoverGirl! Check out the swatches!
11. Enter to win a Marc Jacobs Star Charm Watch Necklace over at The Makeup Divas.
12. At Fabulous Over Forty learn how to maintain your hair coloring longer.
13. Kendra Wilkinson Beauty Secrets an interview by Marta Walsh-Talking Makeup.
14. Indian Girl is celebrating her Blog's First Anniversary with MONTH LONG GIVEAWAYS !
15. Monique at Beauty Girl Musings shares her love for a face cream that contains real liquid gold! Read about it here.
16. Beauty411 is captivated by the Givenchy Spring Makeup Collection inspired by the colors of India. Gorgeous!
17. Makeup Files has a brand new look! Head on over and see the sleek and beautiful new design.
18. Frappelattes highlights special Valentine's Day womens fragrance deals on Amazon, including discounts on Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker fragrance and more.
19. Check out Glossypink's Valentine's Day Get Glam Guide!
20. MissWhoever You Are takes you through the foundations she has, needs, and gotta have!
21. Face Candy gives you a sneak peek at Laura Mercier's new Gilded Garden Collection.
22. Mineral Makeup Reviews discusses the Benefits of Mineral Makeup.
23. Suzanne at RN Guide to Skin Care reviews Tinted Moisturizers.
24. Valentine’s Day is a big perfume holiday. The Beauty Blog reviews the Best Selling Romantic Perfumes.
25. Get CLEAR SKIN with Beauty Blvd. & Phisoderm! Enter the GIVEAWAY and win a facial cleansing bar two pack, anti-blemish body wash, anti-blemish cleansing pads, and nurturing toner!
26. Jenn of Beauty in Real Life shares her beauty picks of the week. Click here to find out what they are.
27. GIVEAWAY ALERT! Enter for a chance to win Kenzo BELLE DE JOUR at Makeup Bag.
28. Still battling with dry skin? Hot Beauty Health discusses known foods that will help treat your dry skin.
29. Blaq Vixen Beauty wants you to take advantage of Pretty City's Love You Campaign! Did you remember to wear red in honor of National Wear Red Day?
30. One week left to enter the contest to win a 12-piece makeup brush collection from More Than a Pretty Face and Beauty Strokes. Have you entered?
31. Visit Spoiled Pretty and enter to win a "Love Enamel Bangle" from Cynthia H Designs (retail value $65) and KENZO Belle de Jour Face Cream (retail value $105)
    
32. Jennifer Hudson sure looked gorgeous at the Superbowl! Find out how to get the look at eye4style!
33. Bobbi Brown has done it again. Butterflydiary shows you how to do the "Blushed Pinks" collection.
34. makeup loves me exposes the white hot nail trend.
35. Beauty Blogging Junkie chats with The City's Jay at the MAC Hello Kitty party! Click here to read about the event and learn about the new collection.

Esprique Precious Spring /Summer 2009 Base Makeup Collection

Many Japanese cosmetics brands have been slowly releasing their spring/summer '09 base makeup collections since February. Esprique Precious(under Kosé Corporation) will release a base makeup collection for spring/summer '09 on February 16th in Japan.

Specially designed to solve the problems caused by sweat and sebum in summer, the powder foundation and foundation primer are formulated with Film Fix Powder, which features lipophilic and hydrophilic properties for a smooth skin tone and long-lasting finish.

The collection includes:

Dramatical Stay Pact UV EX: SPF25 PA++, in 7 shades

Dramatical Stay Base EX: SPF20 PA++

Face Styling Powder: for highlighting and contouring

Cleansing Lotion: makeup removal cleanser

[Photo credit:www.joseishi.net/voce]

Related posts:
Coffret D'Or Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Collection

Coffret D'Or Spring/Summer 2009 Base Makeup Collection

Coffret D'Or will release its spring/summer 2009 base makeup collection on March 1st in Japan. The collection includes Lasting Power Pact UV (powder foundation), Pact Case, Lasting Power Soft Gel Foundation UV (gel foundation), Lasting Power Veil UV (foundation primer), Magical Flat (concealer), One-touch Gloss Powder (illuminating powder).

The primer and foundations are formulated with "Change Block Fixer" and two types of "Poreless Powders" for better pore covering and long-lasting finish that withstands sweat and sebum.

Here are the images of this collection:

Lasting Power Pact UV: SPF22 PA++, in 7 shades

Lasting Power Soft Gel Foundation UV: SPF23 PA++, in 7 shades

Lasting Power Veil UV: SPF21 PA++

Magical Flat

One-touch Gloss Powder: in 2 shades

[Photo credit:www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/coffretdor]

Related posts:
Anna Sui Limited-edition Compact Powder G and Compact Foundation Case '09

Integrate Nail Polish RD381 and RD351

I bought some nail polishes from Integrate when I was on vacation in Taipei a while ago. As you might already know, Integrate is a low-end drugstore brand under Shiseido Company. Although its nail polishes retail for only ¥420 Japanese Yen(or USD $4.50) each, the bottle has merely 5 ml. It is a rather small size compared to OPI Nail Lacquer 15ml and retail at $8.50. Integrate Nail Polish costs nearly 1.5X more than OPI Nail Lacquer.

Integrate Nail Polish RD381 and RD351

Integrate nail polishes are specially developed for quick drying. They have two categories: One contains glitters, and the other one features pearlescent shimmer.

Integrate Nail Polish RD381 and RD351

I bought four nail polishes by Integrate, including RD351, RD381, RD701 and GD841. All of them feature subtle shimmer. I am going to share the first two shades in today's post. The review on the last two shades will be posted later.

Color
RD381 is a pomegranate red with gold shimmer. The color is well-pigmented. RD351 is a mid-tone rosy pink with gold shimmer. The shimmer is finely-milled and very subtle.

Integrate Nail Polish RD381 and RD351

Application
The texture of the nail polishes is rich and smooth, not too thick nor too watery. The brush is well designed. The bristles are soft and flexible. And they glide on smoothly. The application is even and strip-free. Moreover, I found these nail polishes dry decently fast.

Integrate Nail Polish RD351

Finish
These nail polishes show their best colors with at least two or three coats. The swatches are three coats of color without top coat, and were taken under natural light without flash. With three coasts, it gives a pigment-rich finish. The gold shimmer is hard to notice in a darker room. But it imparts a warm and soft pearl glimmer when it reflects with light.

Integrate Nail Polish RD381

Lasting Power
The only drawback of Integrate Nail Polish is its lasting power. The lasting power is weaker than most of the nail polishes I have tried. The nail polishes scratch and chip more easily compared with my other nail polishes. I hope Integrate could improve the formula to provide better protection against chipping and scratching since these nail colors look so elegant and sophisticated.

Summary
To sum up, Integrate offers a range of feminine and sophisticated nail colors that are appropiate for daytime and nighttime occasions. It is hard to go wrong with the colors.

I am very impressed with its bristle design. It offers a good ability to apply the color evenly and beautifully. The downside is its weak lasting power. My nail colors start to scratch after 2 to 3 days of wearing. But it is a minor problem for me. I usually remove my nail color(s) within 4 to 5 days anyway (except when I am reviewing nail colors).

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