Givenchy, Armani , Guerlain, Chicca and Helena Rubenstein Fall 2015

Guerlain will release this KissKiss Rose Lips on 1 August in Japan. It reacts with the pH level of one's lips to create a unique shade. Pics by BeautySakura.


New Armani Eye Tints launching on 5 Aug.


Givenchy Teint Couture Balm Blurring Foundation Balm SPF14 PA++ and Teint Couture Concealer. Pic below by Tomoichi.

Pic below by BeautySakura.

The color makeup collection launches on 7 August. Inspired by Japanese lacquerware, it features red and black tones, and a lipgloss that reacts to the pH level of one's lips. Pics below by Abe Sawako.


Chicca's Moonshine collection, out on 19 August.

Mesmerique Lip Line Stick

Pic below by Voce.

Pics below by Osadanna.


Slated to launch on 1 Aug is the 10th rendition of Helena Rubestein's popular Lash Queen mascara. This is Lash Queen Clean Volume Black. Pic by Abe Sawako.

Pic below by Osadanna.

Pic below by BeautySakura.

Post-Christmas Sale Haul

Prestige beauty brands are usually significantly more expensive over here in Switzerland compared to Singapore so I usually wait until the post-Christmas sales to indulge when there are discounts of up to 50% even on brands such as Chanel and Dior. There are plenty of choice pickings available such as at Marionnaud which was clearing its Lancome Dreamtone coffrets at 40% off.

At Manor department store, I picked up a Helena Rubenstein Lash Queen Mascara Sexy Blacks set that was marked down to CHF25, from CHF44. Helena Rubenstein's mascaras regularly top the reader polls in Japanese beauty magazines. Their Lash Queen Feline Blacks didn't really knock my socks off but I decided to give Sexy Blacks a whirl anyhow. I've never tried anything from Rodial as their products are gimmicky to me, but this rose-flavored Glam Balm Lip SPF15 was pretty affordable at CHF11, down from CHF19. Rodial touts it as being made with "stem cell technology", which I honestly doubt does very much at all.

This Lancome Genefique Yeux Light-Pearl set was marked down to CHF55 from CHF91.

UNE, an eco-conscious brand made by Bourjois, had this smoky eyeshadow trio and mascara set marked down to just CHF15. The eyeshadow and mascara normally retail for over CHF25 each. The set also includes a black tank top.



At Marionnaud, I scooped up Shiseido Benefiance Enriched Balancing Softener and Creamy Cleansing Emulsion at 40% off for my mother. I also picked up a Dior Skin Energizer Radiance Awakening Energizing Moisturizer, YSL Hydra Feel Lotion and Kenzoki Fresh Ginger Fluid, also at 40% off.

The Shiseido Eye Color Bar palette was not on sale but it came in a nifty coffret with deluxe samples of their Perfect Mascara and Lacquer Rouge RD607. The SA also included samples of their new Ibuki skincare range.

All in all, it was a pretty satisfying haul! For spring'14, I'm looking forward to getting the Paul & Joe and Sleek collections. I should probably do a low-buy resolution for the new year, but these never last long for me as much of the thrill about makeup is playing with the latest products.

Ettusais Lash Version Up

I don't usually use a mascara base or primer but the first time I tried Ettusais Lash Version Up, it was instant love. I actually purchased this in Tokyo a year ago and only just opened it up earlier this week. The product was still completely fine without any noticeable dryness. It was pretty affordable too at 1050yen for 6g (versus S$28 in Singapore). It has garnered good reviews on Cosme.net with an average 5 star rating (out of 7 stars).

It contains short fibres to help lengthen and add volume. Normally, I steer clear of fibre-based mascaras as they tend to irritate my eyes but this did not as long as I was careful to remove any stray fibres that fell along the lashline. The clear black tint also looks natural, unlike those white mascara bases by other brands, and you can wear this on its own if you are rushed for time. The fine tooth comb brushes easily through the lashes and catches even the tiny lashes at the inner corners. The comb pulls out of the tube with just enough product so there is no caking or need to wipe it down first before applying.

The most impressive aspect of Lash Version Up is the instant uplift and curl that it adds to my lashes, making one look much more awake. I have very sparse lashes that normally get weighed down by most mascaras. The lift and curl effect lasts quite well throughout the day with just a tiny bit of a droop by the end, but my lashes stayed curled.

In these pics, I'm wearing Helena Rubenstein Lash Queen Feline Blacks mascara layered over Lash Version Up. When I apply Feline Blacks over Lash Version Up, the mascara does tend to catch a bit on the latter so brushing it through my lashes does not feel as smooth as using Feline Blacks on its own. Nevertheless, there was no noticeable clumping and the volume and length did build up quite quickly.


My current daily lash routine consists of curling the lashes first with the Tarte curler, followed by one coat of Lash Version Up and then Feline Blacks. There is no waiting time needed between applying Lash Version Up and Feline Blacks. I use Lancome's BiFacil to remove at the end of the day, by pressing the soaked cotton pad against the lashes for about 10 seconds and then gently wiping the mascara off.

Feline Blacks was a recent purchase when it was on 50% discount. It's not especially impressive enough for me to consider re-purchasing it at full price (more than 40 Swiss francs). Ettusais Lash Version Up, on the other hand, is a new staple and I would definitely re-purchase it.

Ettusais will release a limited edition BB Plus Mineral Powder (1522yen, 9g) plus its popular BB Mineral White and BB Mineral Cream in a limited edition packaging (but only in shade #20) on 19 September in Japan.

More x Gelato Pique and Glow x Helena Rubenstein

Stopped by Kinokuniya again this afternoon to get the new January issue of More and Glow.

More comes with a pair of Gelato Pique socks in their trademark "moco-moco" fluffy fabric in mint and lavender.

The magazine is pricey at S$19.30 but it's not that bad when one considers that Gelato Pique's room socks usually retail for 1890yen (about S$30). The material is incredibly fluffy and soft, with a decent thickness. These will come in handy on overseas trips during the cold season. Uniqlo currently also carries some roomwear designs in this type of fabric.

Gelato Pique's winter collection.



The February issue of More will include a L'Occitane zip pouch and a Shea Rich Butter Cream sample. Due out on 25 December in Japan.

The January issue of Glow (S$19) comes with a gold Helena Rubenstein makeup pouch with a black lace overlay on both sides of the pouch. The lace design is inspired by Helena Rubenstein's Lash Queen Sexy Black WP mascara.

I haven't tried Helena Rubenstein's makeup line before but I liked the metallic gold and black lace design of the pouch. Their mascara is often voted the number one mascara in various Japanese beauty magazines. You can find the makeup line at DFS Galleria in Scotts Road.

The pouch is quite roomy, measuring 11x21x6cm, and has three internal side pockets.


It is quite well-made with reinforced stitching. One does have to be careful with the lace-covered portions so as not to snag it acidently.


The next issue will come with a Roberta di Camerino felt bag and satin drawstring pouch. The handbag is a mini version of a popular "R handbag" design by Roberta di Camerino. The release date is also 25 December in Japan.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Lancome, Guerlain, HR & Lola Xmas Coffrets

Here's a peek at the coffret sets that Lancome, Guerlain, Helena Rubenstein and Lola are releasing in Japan. Guerlain has an absolutely gorgeous gold-themed collection for this Christmas season. The Lola Spellbound Color Book also looks like another winner with so many products crammed into one case!

Lancome
"Precious Carat Coffret"
Release date: 2 November
Price: from 8400yen
Contents: Jewellery Case, mini lip liner, mini eyeshadow palette with minimum purchase of 8400yen including the Christmas collection.


"Fusion Coffret"
Release date: 7 December
Price: from 8400yen
Contents: Pouch with any makeup purchase of 8400yen



Guerlain
"Golden Eyes coffret"
Release date: 16 November
Price: 16,275yen
Contents: Kiss Kiss Gloss Golden Princess, Radiant Shadow Duo & Liner (midnight gold), Golden Rush mascara, party bag


Meteorite Voyage "Golden Temptation" (19,950yen) : pressed powder
Forever Gold (10,185yen): face and body gold powder in a spray bottle
Kiss Kiss Gloss Gold Princess (3,570yen)


Insolence coffret (12,075yen) and L'Instant coffret (12075yen)


Lola
Spellbound Color Book (5,670yen)
Release date: 30 November
Contents: 6 eyeshadow trios, 2 cream blushes, 3 lipglosses and an applicator


Lola Laptop (5,040yen)


Helena Rubenstein
"Shimmering Face Kit"
Release date: 9 November
Price: from 11,235yen
Contents: Choice of foundation and makeup base, Cleansing Cream 27g, gold clutch


"Sparkling Jewels Color Kit"
Release date: 9 November
Price: 7350yen
Contents: Choice of 2 items from Sparkling Jewels collection, Illumination Loose Powder #1 (mini size), Rouge #40 Base Coat (mini size), pouch


Eye Kit
Release date: 1 December
Price: from 8,805yen
Contents: Choice of mascara, Eyeshadow Duo, Mascara Remover 50ml, Silky Eyes #1 mini size), mini lash curler and pouch


Prodigy Home Collection
Release date: 1 December
Price: from 22,050yen
Contents: Choice of Prodigy series skincare (min 22,050yen), Prodigy Makeup Remover 30ml, Prodigy Cleanser 28g, Prodigy Lotion 10ml, Prodigy Mask (1 sheet, 23ml), original tray and cotton box