Paul and Joe Lipgloss N & Lipstick N

The P&J website has been updated with the Secret Beach summer collection! On 1 May, the lipglosses will also be replaced with the new Lipgloss N in 10 shades (2625yen). They are also adding 6 new pencil lipliners (1575yen). I tried out three of the Lipgloss N today at the counter, including #1 and #7 and I was a bit disappointed as they were very sheer without much colour payoff. These look nice in the tube but sadly on the lips, they're not that unique. They have a nice micro shimmer though, without glitter but I prefer the shade selection and texture of the original range. And the new Beauty Mirror is huge! As in bigger than palm size.

I also tried out the new Lipstick N (3150yen). I actually swatched all 25 shades on the back of my hand just to compare them and I was surprised by the number of seriously strange and unflattering shades, like bright orange and dull browns and beiges. I didn't try them on my lips so maybe they look much better on lips than in the tube. I adore my old formula P&J Lipsticks in #22, #26 and #30 which were very elegant, fail-safe, classic shades with a gorgeous creamy finish that is never drying. The new Lipstick N are more sheer and glossy. That kind of spoils for me the old-world glamour image of P&J. I guess glossy lipsticks that feel sheer and lightweight are more popular these days but P&J already had a really great lipstick that they should have kept as part of the permanent range. Such a pity... So for those of you who love P&J's current lipsticks, my advice is stock up before they're gone.

http://www.paul-joe-beaute.com/