Shiseido Lacquer Gloss

Shiseido's new Lacquer Gloss was inspired by traditional Japanese transparent lacquer. This unique formula has a three-layer structure that refines lip texture, adheres to the lips with vivid color, and coats the lips with all-day moisture. This gloss also features an applicator that fits the lips perfectly, allowing you to draw an even lip line with no streaks.

Available in eight shades, Lacquer Gloss ($25) was in short supply at Sephora when I went to purchase it a few weeks ago. I ended up ordering two from Shiseido's Web site. Advertised as rich, with a deep sheen and vivid clear color reminiscent of the beloved Japanese art form, it called to me. I purchased OR303 (In the Flesh, shown at right below) and PK 304 (Baby Doll, shown at left).

I took my swatch photos in full sun, showing In the Flesh at the top of my arm, with Baby Doll below. The lip lacquers were much more transparent than I had expected - and that delighted me. I had expected more opaque color. I would not describe the color of these two shades as vivid.

As I took photos, In the Flesh started to move toward the equator - a common problem when photographing glosses. My top swatch in the photo below is uneven, but still portrays the color accurately.

As I looked at these two shades when I swatched them (blind purchase), I realized they were extremely similar. Both are warm pinks, with In the Flesh having slightly more coral in its color. It won't be a hard choice to keep one in my bathroom and throw one in my handbag. They are almost interchangeable.

On the lips, the glosses are sheer and shiny. The have a medium "feel," meaning I can feel them on my lips, but I wouldn't call them heavy. They have a very subtle taste/smell that dissipates almost instantly, making it barely worth mentioning. They offer slightly better than average wear time.

As usual, Shiseido has launched a color product worth a look-see. The price is right. I'm going to look at RS 306 Plum Wine in person. It may be my next purchase.

Photo at top courtesy of Shiseido; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Nymph - New for Fall

Shiseido's new Lacquer Rouge ($25) liquid lipstick was inspired by Japanese Laquerware. One coat provides intense color and deep luster. This rich liquid lipstick leaves lips as smooth as lacquer. The applicator fits closely against the lips for a comfortable, even application that does not bleed. Lacquer Rouge improves dry, rough, or peeling lips with continued use, leaving them smooth and deeply moisturized through its Super Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE (whatever that is).

Make no mistake - when Shiseido says intense color, expect intense. On my first glance at the display at Bloomingdale's, I chose the color I felt I could wear (remember, I'm a dark lip color phobe). I selected Nymph (RD305), which is outlined in the shade selection photo below.

Even though it looks "relatively light," like a mauve rose, on the lips it's intense. Take a look at my swatch photos, taken in full, late-afternoon sun.

Here's Nymph, one of the lighter shades. You can expect a lot more color from the rest of the shades (with the exception of Portrait (RD203), which has similar intensity). I was not inspired to buy more than one, but if you love a strong lip, Lacquer Rouge will delight you.

Nymph makes my eyes pop blue (as opposed to green, which they can do). Lacquer Rouge is extremely lightweight on my lips, applies quickly and easily (one coat is right!), feels fabulous and hydrating, has a subtle shine, and is long-lasting. Although the rose shade of Nymph is as dark as I can wear comfortably, it's a keeper. I love it.

I purchased mine at Bloomingdale's, where the display encased the lip colors like little treasures. I had to get help to test them; I was afraid I'd break something. You can also purchase Lacquer Rouge at Nordstrom, Macy's, and all the other stores with Shiseido counters, as well as Shiseido's Web site.

Photo at top courtesy of Shiseido; others by Best Things in Beauty

Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum+

Not long ago, I decided to try one of the new spot lightening serums on my sun spots. Why not? I have a few sun damage spots on my face near my hair line, and I hate them. I did my homework and had pretty much decided to buy the Shiseido product (I had even looked for it at Sephora, but it was out of stock) when the wonderful folks from Shiseido asked me if I'd like to try it. I know they make extraordinary makeup and skin care, but I never realized their mind-reading skills were equally impressive.

White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum+ ($125 or $170) is a super-brightening serum created to diminish stubborn dark spots in 10 days and prevent future pigmentation from appearing. Formulated with smoothing and re-texturizing ingredients to enhance clarity and radiance for flawless, perfectly even-toned skin.

• Developed with advanced Shiseido Multi-Action Brightening System+, targeting all types of hyper-pigmentation and their causes: dark spots, age spots, acne scars. and uneven skin tones.
• Contains ME Complex (Yomogi Extract and Angelica Root Extract) to accelerate cell turnover and diminish and eliminate melanin pigment.

It's interesting that they call "sun spots" "age spots." I much prefer the term "sun spot." The sun caused them, but yes, they appear with age. I could have aged flawlessly had I not baked in the sun as a youngster, teenager, and young adult - long before we knew that the sun would cause premature aging. If you don't believe the damage the sun can do, take a look at the photo of the truck driver who was recently featured on the news. Straight from the New England Journal of Medicine, he's a living, breathing advertisement for sunscreen.

Fortunately, I don't look that bad, but my little spots bother me. I can cover them up pretty well with foundation or concealer, but I would prefer for them to disappear. Shiseido to the rescue!

I have not been religious about using my serum day and night, but I've used it for two weeks and I'm beginning to see a slight difference. I'm actually surprised by that because it usually takes a full 30-day skin turnover cycle to see any effect from spot lighteners. Anyone who expects a lightener to work faster than that is too optimistic. I've seen women return them in 10 days because "they didn't work." If I were a product specialist, I'd have a meltdown after hearing that.

At this point, my spots are not gone - by any measure - but I swear they are slightly less prominent. I'm a skeptic, so I'm definitely going to keep using White Lucent and report back to you in another couple of weeks. At this point, I have to wonder if the change is wishful thinking projected onto my face. I'm very pleased, though.

The serum is lightweight and essentially undetectable after application. I use it only on my spots. I suppose you could use it all over your face if you have widespread damage or wish to brighten your complexion. I think I'm OK on that front, so I'm saving the magic potion for my spots. There is no fragrance to distract me. Basically, I can't tell I applied it. I use all my other skin care and makeup over it. It's fast and easy.

If you have spots you'd like to diminish - or lose - you might want to give Shiseido's White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum+ a try. Give it a chance to work. You can find it online at Shiseido or at any Shiseido counter (unless there's a run on it). In my area, there are counters/displays at Sephora, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom. Maybe Macy's too - I can't remember because I don't go there often.

Photo courtesy of Shiseido

New: Shiseido Tea Rose Luminizing Satin Face Color

Even though I didn't order the blue eye shadow that marked the Electric Blues Look (click on link to see) by Dick Page for Shiseido Spring 2012, I did order multiple pieces from the look.

The beautiful Luminizing Satin Face Color is a new shade, Tea Rose ($30), shown above, one of my purchases. Tea Rose (RS302) is described perfectly as a muted, neutral rose.

Luminizing Satin Face Color offers lasting, true color with a silky-smooth finish. Tea Rose has a satin finish, so it won't add shine to your cheeks, just a lovely subdued rose shade that looks natural. It's not bright rose, another plus. You can apply it easily with just a quick swirl and no fear that you'll have to "erase" some before you leave home.

I applied Tea Rose two ways for my swatch photos. Using a sponge-tipped applicator, I applied it heavily in a stripe at the top of my arm for my photos, which were taken in full sun. Below, I applied it moderately heavily with a dense blush brush. The backdrop for this first photo is my star magnolia, which is blooming, but appears to have been lightly frosted Saturday night. Our nights were cool, and our days warm this short weekend.

Tea Rose is a workhorse shade. It's not one of those colors that's likely to send hundreds of you streaming into the stores to pick up the last piece. It's one you should consider if you need a new blush and you find this shade attractive on your skin. I didn't need more blush (I won't "need" more blush for the rest of my life, but that won't stop me from buying the best of the best), but I'm thrilled to own Tea Rose. It's a beautiful, natural color on me, and because it has a satin finish, I'll never look like a glitter victim when I'm wearing it.

You can find all of the new Shiseido products at Shiseido's Web site, where shipping is free with a purchase of $50 or more. You can also find the colors - new and "old" - at Sephora online, where I had my spring Shiseido spree.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

New: Shiseido Shimmering Rouge in Venus from Spring 2012 Electric Blues Look by Dick Page

When I saw the Electric Blues Look by Dick Page for Shiseido's Spring 2012 introductions, I knew I had to have that lipstick. Bold and vivacious, the divine Shimmering Rouge in Venus (RS619) ($25) is a new shade. For the model's look, a lip liner was used for additional definition. Even without it, Venus would have popped her eyes.

I ordered Venus from Sephora, where it's only available online. When it arrived, I worried that it might be too dark for me (with my conservative fear of bold lip colors). It isn't too dark, but it is a special-occasion lipstick for me. I love the color, but I don't think I'll wear it to work. I don't feel comfortable leading with my lips.

Venus is a drop-dead gorgeous color, and because Shimmering Rouge is sheer, it doesn't scare me as much as it might in an opaque formulation. I've worn it in a single, lightly applied application.

The rosy fuchsia shade with a touch of plum is an attention getter. It offers color, shine, hydration, and long-lasting color. I took my photos in full sun, No amount of light could wash out Venus. I'm sure the inspiration was the Roman goddess of love and beauty - not the planet.

When I want to reach for a lipstick with pizazz, I'll reach for Venus. It gives my face much-needed color, and it makes my eyes pop blue. I love the shine that's inherent to Shiseido's Shimmering Rouge, but if you want to add a gloss topper, you'll have some fun options. I tried it with a silver-white gloss and loved it! It softened the look too.

You can find all of the new Shiseido products at Shiseido's Web site, where shipping is free with a purchase of $50 or more. You can also find the colors - new and "old" at Sephora. I bought a blush too. Hopefully, I'll be able to show it to you tomorrow.

Photos at top courtesy of Shiseido; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Sunshower from Dick Page's Deep Metallic Look for Spring 2012

Shiseido's Sunshower (OR313) Shimmering Cream Eye Color ($25) was featured in Dick Page's Metallic Look for Spring 2012. I wasn't sure what to expect, given Shiseido's product photo above and the orange look on the model's eyes. Trusting in Page, something I've learned to do, I ordered it. Am I glad!

Shimmering Cream Eye Color is a lightweight cream eye shadow with a radiant, lustrous finish that maintains a just-applied fresh look for 16 hours without smudging or creasing. It applies easily with your fingertip for a smooth, even finish - and even more easily with a shadow brush. True to Shiseido's philosophy, the shadow hydrates the skin with "Super Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE." Shiseido always makes sure we get a two-for in our makeup.

Here is what I saw in the pot when it arrived from Sephora. I still had no idea what color to expect. Would it be too red or orange for me? No! Once I applied it, I was thrilled. This is a versatile shade, not orange despite its OR313 moniker, and one that I think will delight you. This beautiful new shade expands the range of cream shadows available to us diehard cream shadow lovers.

Take a look at this lovely neutral shade. At a loss for words to describe the shade, I'll try by calling it a pastel copper or praline - a shade in the neutral family. I see toffee with a hint of rose. It's not flamboyant; it's simply flattering.

I applied Sunshower pretty heavily for these swatch photos. I used a cream shadow brush. I could have used my fingers or even a sponge-tipped applicator. Shiseido's forgiving formula moves from the pot to the eyelid easily.

I've always loved cream eye shadows. I've bought every Shiseido color I thought I could wear (that would exclude Magnolia). I was delighted to add Sunshower to my cream shadow wardrobe. I think the color is luscious - one that I hope grabs your eyes too. There's shimmer, but it's not ostentatious. It's lively and light-catching.

Dick Page calls the Deep Metallic look, shown above, a fun, rich, monochrome look with warm, deep metallic detail on both lips and eyes. Sunshower, featured on the model, is so much prettier in real life than it looks in the Shiseido photo. If you like cream eye shadows. you must see it! Don't forget Techno Gold (GD803), another beautiful shade.

You can find all of the new products at Shiseido's Web site, where shipping is free with a purchase of $50 or more. You can also find the colors - new and "old" at Sephora. I have more to show you from the new collections. Stay tuned.

Photos by Shiseido and Best Things in Beauty

Shiseido Shimmering Rouge in Brocade and Sugar Plum

Shiseido's Shimmering Rouge ($25) is my kind of lipstick! Its sheer, brilliant, shimmering color comes along with healthy hydration. When I showcased Shiseido's Spring 2012 Looks by Dick Page, I realized I had purchased two new-to-me Shimmering Rouge shades without showing you. My bad!

This luminous lipstick creates "perfectly hydrated and supple lips for dynamic sophistication." It contains Super Bio-Yeast Extract to promote the production of collagen (lost with aging), hyaluronic acid to maintain the lips' resilience and hydration, and patented Photo Smoothing Pearl to enhance the natural fullness of lips. In short, it looks and feels great.

My two latest shades, both beauties, are RS310, Brocade, and RD718, Sugar Plum (shown in the photo at the top of this feature). I could have sworn I ordered Venus, but apparently didn't. I took care of that this week. I'll show you Venus when it arrives. By the way, for those looking for the new BR 317, Butterscotch, Nordstrom has it available online.

My swatches were applied heavily because Shimmering Rouge is sheer. RS310, Brocade, is shown at the top of my arm. It's a gorgeous pure rose. You'd never know that from looking at Sephora's swatches. I bought mine at Sephora online and expected a plum-leaning rose. I'm thoroughly delighted with Brocade, even if it isn't what I expected.

RD718, Sugar Plum, shown below Brocade, was an even bigger surprise. The "RD" stands for the red family of colors. The Sephora swatch looked mauve. The shade - at least on my skin - is a rosy brown. I think I look good in brown-toned roses, so I'm happy. That's the way it is with Shimmering Rouge. All the colors are exquisite. Even if you order blind, your chances of loving your new lipstick are very high.

I can't wait to see RS619, Venus, shown on the model in spring's Electric Blues Look. Please Shiseido, make it be a little plummy! If it's not, I may have to go shop in a real store, not online, to find a plum shade. Most of the time, I'm happier when I can shop from home. No parking hassles, no wasted $4.00/gallon gasoline, no crowds, no aggressive sales associates - and a lot faster.

If you're like me and want to shop online, you can order Shiseido's Shimmering Rouge from many good sources. Try Shiseido, Sephora (online only), Nordstrom, Macy's, and Bloomingdale's. There are many options. There's even a nice gift with purchase right now at Nordstrom.

Photo at top courtesy of Shiseido; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Shiseido Spring 2012 Looks by Dick Page

There are three Shiseido looks for Spring 2012 - all by the master artist Dick Page, and all gorgeous. Deep Metallic, Cool Pinks, and Electric Blue all offer something special. At least one element (or more) of each look appeals to me.

Dick Page calls the Deep Metallic look, shown above, a fun, rich, monochrome look with warm, deep metallic detail on both lips and eyes. To create the look, start with Luminizing Satin Face Color in your own shade across the cheeks. Page used Orchid (RD401) on the model, along with High Beam White (WT905) just under the cheekbone. Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Techno Gold (GD803) the new Sunshower (OR313) were blended seamlessly on the eyelid and inner corner. The upper lash line was defined with Sable (BR709) using a fine brush.

The model's warm, rich lips were created with the new Butterscotch (BR317) Shimmering Rouge. The lashes were the finishing touch in the new Perfect Mascara Full Definition in Black. I would love to recreate this look on my own face.

The Cool Pinks look is one I'd have to duplicate selectively. While it looks gorgeous on the model, those pink eyes would make me look like an albino bunny. Page described the look as "A fun, fresh, luminous makeup. Cool pinks on the eyes and lips, lit up by white highlights."

The base for the look was Luminizing Satin Face Color in Carnation (PK304). As with the Deep Metallic look, High Beam White (WT905) was used just under the cheekbone. Shimmering Cream Eye Colors were layered, starting with the new Pale Shell (PK314) on the upper eyelid and crease, with Magnolia (PK302) applied deep in the crease, and the Shimmery Mist (WT901) applied up to the brow bones and in the inner corners.

The new Sorbet (PK315) Shimmering Rouge adorns the lips. Of course, the new Perfect Mascara Full Definition in Black was used to finish the look.

The Electric Blues look is a "fun, elegant take on a classic combination of pink and blue." The "blue is light and clear, the pink is deepened to lustrous violet," according to Page.

For this look, Page used Luminizing Satin Face Color in Tea Rose (RS302) in an oval shape across the cheeks. The cheekbones were highlighted with Soft Beam Gold (BE206). The model's eyes were decorated with Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Ice (BL215) on the upper lid up to the crease and on the lower lash line. Angel (BL711) was used on the upper and lower lash lines, as well as on the corner of the eyes in a crescent shape. Her eyes were completed with Perfect Mascara Full Definition in Black.

The divine lip color is Shimmering Rouge in a new shade, Venus (RS619). A lip liner was used for additional definition.

What do you think? You can find all of the new products at Shiseido's Web site, where shipping is free with a purchase of $50 or more. You can also find the colors - new and "old" at Sephora. I've put my wish list together.

Photos courtesy of Shiseido

New: Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color

Shiseido introduced new Shimmering Cream Eye Colors ($25) this month, and they are luscious. The lightweight cream eye shadows have a radiant, lustrous finish that will maintain a just-applied, fresh look for 16 hours without smudging or creasing. They apply easily with your fingertip or a cream shadow brush (or concealer brush) for a smooth, even finish. You can wear the shades separately or blend them to create a custom look.

The formula adds a luxurious bonus to the color. Shiseido's Super Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE hydrates the lids. The shadows contain a jewel-reflecting powder that emits an intense radiance to morph to your surroundings. A patent-pending emulsification technology allows excess oil and water to be removed after application, leaving behind only the hydrating and jewel-reflecting powder on the lids. That's how the shadows stay crease-free for the duration. They apply like a dream come true.

The 12 shades range from the vibrant Purple Dawn, shown on the model above, to a discreet Sable. I purchased two shades to start my collection. I love cream shadows, so I was on the lookout for the new shades. Actually, I had seen them at Nordstrom, but it was during the crazy Anniversary Sale days, so I skipped out of there quickly. The shadows are now available online at Sephora. That's where I bought mine.

The two shades I purchased are shown above: Meadow (BE204), a gorgeous antique gold - and Patina (GR707), a silvery khaki or olive green. I adore them both!

I took a few swatch photos in full sun. You can see that these shadows are shimmering beauties. Yes, the sun makes them look especially sparkly, but you can always count on Shiseido for totally wearable makeup. On my lids, they are magnificent. For these photos, I applied the shadows with a cream eye shadow brush.

You can see that Meadow is a gorgeous, shimmering gold. I love gold shadows on my lids, and Meadow is going to replace a very old one (another brand) that has finally given up the ghost. Patina is an interesting, muted green with a silver shimmer. It's beyond flattering. It brings out the green in my eyes, which is fun.

I think the pots are really well-designed. Instead of being perfectly round, they have a contour that allows for an easy grasp and turn (as you can see in Shiseido's photo of Meadow above).

I am a huge Shiseido devotee, and I'm passionate about cream eye shadows. I am totally delighted with my new Shimmering Cream Eye Colors. Now I have Techno Gold and Sable on my must-have list. Perhaps I'll even buy Leather. I need to see that one in person, but I could order the other two from the online photos. I know I'll love them.

You can find Shiseido's gorgeous new Shimmering Cream Eye Colors at Shiseido's Web site (click on the little circle and a fabulous photo will display), Sephora online, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's. Go look at them!

Photos at top courtesy of Shiseido; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Shiseido Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow in H4

Shiseido Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow ($25) is one of my favorite cream shadows. Intense and lustrous, this dewy cream eye shadow transforms into powder that creates a glaze of brilliant, shimmery color. It's crease-resistant and long-wearing.

There I was, a few months ago, lusting after some gold and copper eye shadows I saw in a magazine. H4 had been swatched. I wanted it. When I want something, I'm relentless in searching for it. I looked online at first. I couldn't find it. Then I started prowling the Shiseido counters. Every time I went in a store with a Shiseido counter, I looked at every Hydro-Powder shade on display (testers) and asked someone to check the stock in case the H4 tester was missing. No one had it. No one at a Shiseido counter knew the shade. I had almost given up when I found H4 at Bloomingdale's at Tysons Corner Center. I think the sales associate (someone I didn't know) was surprised when I told him I wanted it within seconds of picking up the tester. It was worth the search.

H4 is called Spring Plum. This shade is not plum to my eyes. Maybe I should be worried about my vision. Not only that, the color swatches online make it look mauve pink. You be the judge; I swatched it.

On my arm at right is a heavy application at the top and a lighter, blended application below. I applied the cream with my fingertips (my bad - I was in a hurry, but I washed my hands before I touched it). I would describe the color as a rose-tinged copper. When applied heavily, the rose is more dominant than it is when applied lightly and blended. Either way, I can wear it. I don't look like an albino bunny in it. The shade is extremely flattering to my pale skin and blue eyes, and I think women with other skin/eye combinations will find it very pleasing.

Last night, I looked online, and now suddenly the shade is "everywhere." Go figure! No matter what it's called, it's gorgeous! I verified H4 today with the lovely ladies who represent Shiseido. They see a soft plum with some shine; I see another color. It's not new, so I have no idea why many counters don't display it. Browsers would pick up this beauty in a heartbeat.

You can find Shiseido at Sephora, Macy's, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and other Shiseido counters, as well as online at the Shiseido Web site. See if you can find H4 more easily than I could.

Photo at top courtesy of Nordstrom

New: Shiseido Oil-Free Powder Bronzer

I've been in a bronzer kind of mood. Maybe it's because summer will be upon us before we know it. Maybe it's because I am always impressed with the year-round contouring power of bronzers. They can make your cheekbones pop. Whatever the reason, I saw Shiseido's Oil-Free Bronzer ($35) at Sephora online and ordered it right away. I love everything Shiseido.

This pressed powder, oil-free bronzer creates a natural, radiant, sun-kissed look. Its formula ensures a perfectly even, natural, air-brushed finish. For those who find that oil in beauty creates a problem for their skin, this bronzer should be a delight.

It's available in three shades: Dawn Light, Desert Rose, and Dusk. All three looked gorgeous in the color swatches at Sephora, but I ordered Dawn Light. I know that the others - despite their beautiful tones - would probably be too dark for my fair skin. I still plan to play with them when I go to a department store that carries Shiseido.

This is a short feature because there's not much more to tell you than, "I love it." The compact comes with a brush (nice touch) that is separated from the bronzer by a plastic insert. The color works nicely for me. Even though I swatched it using a sponge-tipped applicator to get a saturated rendering of the shade, it looks pretty, natural, and sheer on my face when applied with a powder or blush brush. I haven't used the little brush that comes with it, but I could. It's nice.

Here's a swatch photo, purposely created with a dark, heavy application to the left of the swatch, fading to a lighter application at the right. My photo was taken outdoors in full sun, accounting for my shiny skin. This bronzer is not sparkly. I hope you can see that.

The soft, airy texture is perfect, and it applies and blends with ease for an air-brushed look. It's an excellent bronzer for anyone who wants a bronze tone that appears extremely natural. While I can only testify to Dawn Light, I know Shiseido so well now, I can predict that the darker shades are equally gorgeous.

When applied with a brush, it leaves a warm tone on my fair skin without making me look like a mud puddle. In fact, the bronzer, when applied with a blush brush is barely discernible as a bronzer, which is fine with me! I don't want people to look at me and think I am wearing a pretty bronzer. I want them to look at me and think I look good - healthy.

As always, I am delighted with my Shiseido purchase. You can find this lovely bronzer at Sephora, Macy's, and other Shiseido counters.

Photo at top courtesy of Sephora

Shiseido Replenishing Body Cream

Drawing on its expertise in Western science, Shiseido created its body care line with today’s advanced technology, along with inspiration from Eastern philosophy and medicine. Shiseido believes the key to a beautiful body is to provide vital nutrients, while effectively removing impurities and unwanted substances. "Shiseido body care combines the newest technology with the science of aromachology to create two high-performance products that redefine skin care."

The two new body care products are Shiseido Refining Body Exfoliator and Replenishing Body Cream. Both products are formulated to maximize the synergistic effect of the ingredients. Based on the philosophy of balancing “skin’s natural renewal cycle,” Shiseido body care products include a skin microcirculation-improving complex to eliminate impurities, while evening skin tone.

I had an opportunity to try the Replenishing Body Cream ($72). What a nice, rich body cream! It's worth every cent of its price. This "high-peformance" body cream is specifically designed to help moisturize, firm, and improve the overall look of the skin. Its moisturizing properties are fabulous.

It has a unique set of ingredients. Yuzu seed extract is a traditional Japanese citrus fruit that is typically added to baths during the winter in Japan to improve microcirculation. Yuzu seed extract maintains the skin’s natural moisture while stimulating the production of collagen (from in vitro data). It also has a divine fragrance.

Cherry blossom leaf extract is a natural antioxidant. Agar Gel, an algae-based compound, helps to leave skin deeply hydrated with no sticky residue. Then there's the fragrance ingredients that make no sense to me. Shiseido says that Kuroho, an ancient, traditional fragrance composed of clove, musk, sandalwood, frankincense, and agallach, combined with relaxing jasmine, scents the cream. I hate the scent of cloves and frankincense, and I have no idea what agallach smells like. What I smell is jasmine, rose, and a touch of the crisp, fruity yuzu. It's delicious!

Replenishing Body Cream comes in as large container, so you get a lot for your money. It also spreads with ease, meaning it doesn't take much to cover all the dry areas of your body. I've been using it on my legs, which came out of surgery with an alligator look. Now, they are smooth.

I love applying this luxurious body cream before bed. It has become a ritual. See what you think! It should be available at Shiseido counters soon.

Photo courtesy of Shiseido

Shiseido Shimmering Rouge for Spring 2011 - Part 2

Women everywhere are going to love Shiseido's new Shimmering Rouge ($25), a sheer lip color that feels and looks great. There are 13 new shades. On Sunday, I told you about my first four. Please pop over to that feature by clicking on the "Sunday" link. Today, I want to show you the second four, ordered from Sephora, that arrived this week.

To recap quickly, Shimmering Rouge offers sheer, brilliant color that infuses the lips with lasting moisture and makes them appear full. These sheer lip colors feel good and look great.

For the first round, I had selected three shades from Sephora, and Shiseido sent me a fourth. I loved all of them, so I had to have more shades. I'm a sheer lipstick lover - maybe an addict. The four colors I ordered in the second round are listed here.

• PK 311, Pink Champagne
• RS 312, Iced Rose
• RD 406, Desire
• RD 601, Golden Dragon

The shades are shown on my arm at right in the same order, with PK 311, Pink Champagne at the top. My photo was taken outdoors in sunlight. The first three shades are perfect for me. Golden Dragon at the bottom may be a little bit darker than my "comfort zone," but I applied several coats of each of these shades to make sure I got a good photo. Applied with a lighter hand, it looks good.

Shimmering Rouge has a very reasonable wear time for a sheer lipstick. I don't mind reapplying throughout the day. I would rather have the brilliant, glowing, unfaded color than a long-lasting lipstick that looks like a stain in an hour - and feels like chalk. Another benefit to Shimmering Rouge, there's no detectable fragrance or taste - yippee!

You can purchase Shiseido makeup at Macy's, Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale’s, Saks, and Dillard’s. To get more information or to find a store location near you, just pop over to the Shiseido Web site. Make sure to get yours before the stores start to sell out of the most popular shades!

Photo at top courtesy of Sephora

Shiseido Shimmering Rouge for Spring 2011

One hit followed by another - that is how I think about Shiseido now. The new introductions for Spring 2011 are fabulous. From skin care to makeup, there's something for everyone. Women everywhere are going to love the new Shimmering Rouge ($25), a sheer lip color that feels and looks great. There are 13 new shades. Make sure to get yours before the stores start to sell out of the most popular shades!

I'm a sheer lipstick addict, and the moment I saw Shimmering Rouge at Sephora, I ordered three shades. After I received them, Shiseido sent me a fourth. I felt very special to have these four new goodies in my makeup bag. Shiseido says they offer sheer, brilliant color that infuses lips with lasting moisture and fullness. "Lips have never looked so all-day sensuous." I don't know about the sensuous part. "Sensuous" is not high on my priority list on most days, but I care as much about looking good as most glamour girls. I can verify the rest of the description!

Apply these lipsticks, and you will be immediately pleased by how you look. I put on Discretion (RD713) first, and I jumped for joy. You know I love sheer and transparent lip colors. They can be semi-sheer or completely sheer; I love their natural look. Wearing them makes you look like yourself, only better. I know that's becoming a hackneyed description, but it's true.

All of the shades add semi-sheer, gleaming (not glittery or sparkly), and just-pretty color to the lips. At right, there's a photo of my four shades (so far). My photo was taken indoors in sunlight. From top to bottom, the shades are Iron Maiden (RS308), Lounge (RD709), Discretion (RD713), and Sizzle (OR405). If you compare these shades to the Sephora color swatches, you'll see significant color differences.

Hands down, my favorite among four great shades is Discretion. The mauve-rose shade is perfect for my coloring, and I adore it. I was surprised at how much I like Sizzle, the shade Shiseido sent me. Normally, I wouldn't gravitate to a shade with "OR" (meaning orange family) in its preface. I think this peach shade is gorgeous on the lips. Iron Maiden is bright blue-pink. If you can wear blue-pinks, you will like this one. Lounge is a hard color to nail in a description. It has elements of apricot, rose, and brown. On the lips, it's a very natural color.

Shimmering Rouge has a very reasonable wear time for a sheer lipstick. I don't mind reapplying throughout the day. I would rather have the brilliant, glowing, unfaded color than a long-lasting lipstick that looks like a stain in an hour - and feels like chalk. Another benefit to Shimmering Rouge, there's no detectable fragrance or taste - yippee!

Next Shimmering Rouge purchases? I am sure to order Champagne (PK311), Desire (RD406), Golden Dragon (RD601), and Iced Rose (RS312). I had a hard time selecting only three on my first pass, but I knew I would get a better feel for the shades after trying a few. I may be headed to Sephora online today. I'm feeling housebound anyhow. I will show them to you when they arrive.

You can purchase Shiseido makeup at Macy's, Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale’s, Saks, and Dillard’s. To get more information or to find a store location near you, just pop over to the Shiseido Web site.

Photo at top courtesy of Shiseido

Shiseido Luminizing Eye Color Trio for Spring 2011

Dick Page has done it again. The Artistic Director for Shiseido Makeup always has his fingers on the pulse of color. His spring introductions for Shiseido are trendy - and gorgeous.

The new Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trios ($33) are available. Inspired by brilliant landscapes as well as the simplest moments of daily life, the newest color additions to the Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Colors reflect places that have captured Page's imagination. These tri-color palettes consist of naturally contrasting and highlighting shades that brighten the eyes. The luxurious powder, with the ultimate in smooth texture, spreads evenly onto the eyelids (as smooth as silk), making it easy to apply the exact texture and color you desire with their blendable sheerness. Each shade can be worn together or separately for a wide variety of looks and effects.

The delicate luster of satin-smooth pearl provides a superb, stunning finish. Micromatic color pigment reflects light that conventional pigments would normally absorb, making it possible to create vivid, yet translucent colors. "Super Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE" improves dryness and roughness to give eyes a moisturized look all day long. Dual optimizing powder provides true color and a natural sheen for all-day wear.

There are three new shades of Luminizing Eye Color.

• Bouquet (VI308), a purple-violet palette inspired by the sculptural impression of a wild bouquet of flowers (shown below)
• Voyage (BR209) with colors inspired by a photograph of Shiseido model, Raquel Zimmermann, crossing the Venetian lagoon by motoscafi (how romantic - shown above right)
  
• Punky Blues (BL310), a cheeky, spontaneous picture taken in London representing aggressively bright colors (shown above left)

The neutral connoisseur in me said, "Order BR209 from Sephora!" So, I did. I was thrilled when it arrived. I took a lot of swatch photos. The photo below is the only one that came close to showing the richness of the shades in the trio - all of which are magnificent. My photo doesn't show how beautifully pigmented the lightest shade is. It's a very light golden beige, not as sparkly as the indoor photo, taken in sunlight, makes it appear. All of the shades shimmer, but they don't sparkle. Simply put, they are perfect. Golden bronze, antique gold, and the perfect light gold base/highlighter shade - stunning!

Hopefully, I've tempted you enough to make you seek out the new Shiseido trios. Wish I could show you the other two, but they don't live at my house - yet. The are available nationwide at department and specialty stores where Shiseido products are sold, beginning mid-February 2011 - although Sephora has them now. Shiseido is also available online at Macys, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, Saks, Barneys, and Dillards. For more information or to find a store location near you, just visit www.sca.shiseido.com.

I've got more to show you. Stay tuned!

Photos of trios courtesy of Shiseido

Shiseido Holiday 2010 Collector's Edition Makeup Palette

I wrote about the Shiseido Holiday 2010 Collection in August! Now that it's available in the stores, I decided to remind you how nice it is. Here is my August feature. I noticed last week that the palette is for sale while I was VIB shopping at Sephora. What a great time to purchase it, with a 20% discount!

I'm convinced Dick Page, Artistic Director for Shiseido Makeup, is a genius. Not only can he craft stunning, theatrical looks for the runway, he easily slips into his role creating stunning, wearable looks for us regular gals who want to look our best - day or night.

He has created his first complete makeup palette for the face, a limited-edition beauty that arrived at my doorstep about a week ago. Page commented that Shiseido's Collector's Edition Makeup Palette ($50) is "simple, chic, and elegant - essentials for every woman."

The palette contains seven new shades for lips, eyes, and cheeks. Page designed the collection so that women can create customized day-to-night makeup looks, all with one palette. He carefully selected shades that can be worn alone or in combination - shades that will perfectly complement any skin tone.The palette is a unique collection of makeup designed to create looks that take you anywhere, casually dressed in jeans, or glamorous in a black dress. These exquisite colors were calculated to work with every skin tone. Perfect beauty is now created
with one makeup palette. – Dick Page

Not counting the foundation that most of us feel we need and the essential mascara, this palette provides everything to dress the face.

To demonstrate the palette’s ability to create a variety of makeup looks, all Shiseido makeup counters are featuring “Glamorous” and ‘Casual,” exclusive makeup looks created by Page. By visiting a Shiseido counter (it's easy to find one), you'll learn how to re-create these looks, shown at right, with Casual at the top and Glamorous below.

The shades in the Shiseido Collector's Edition Makeup Palette are all gorgeous. See my arm photos below for a taste of Page's brilliance.

Lip & Cheek Tint (one shade on left of palette) - This compact lip and cheek tint (shown on my arm at bottom of post) was inspired by traditional Japanese lip paint, originally created with safflower. The base color appears to be a true bright red that is tinged with a shot of gold. To my eye, on my skin it's a sheer rose that can be applied lightly for a gorgeous day look or more heavily for a glam evening look. Here's a tip from Dick Page: “For day, lightly pat color on lips with your finger. For more of a punch, apply Lip & Cheek Tint with a lip brush.” I love the fact that the Lip & Cheek Tint is a dual-purpose cream charmer.

Eye Color Base (one shade) - This transparent pinkish-beige base shimmers without a glittery effect. Tip from Dick Page: “This base can be used under powder eyeshadows, providing increased color intensity.” Tip from Charlestongirl: This base is a perfect highlighter. Even if you don't use it as an eye shadow base, use it under the brow, on the high point of your cheekbones, anywhere you want an extra glow. It's drop-dead gorgeous, and the texture is divine.

Eye Color (two shades) - This neutral-toned eye duo consists of a pearly charcoal-gray that I will wear down to the bottom of the pan, paired with a matte mid-toned brown. Tip from Dick Page: “Each shade can be worn alone or together to create a beautiful refined finish.” Check out the two eye shadow shades and liner at right (and no jokes about my veins - thin gals live with their prominence).

Cream Eyeliner (one shade) - A glossy, dark-purple cream eyeliner is the fall trend. This one applies like a dream and leaves a pure dark purple look that, because it's close to the lashes, even a purple phobe can wear. It coordinates perfectly with the silver and brown shadows. Tip from Dick Page: “This liner is beautiful when applied alone or blended with eye shadow for a smoky finish.”

Blush (two shades at left) - The blush colors, Glowing Golden Coral and Shimmering Bright, provide just the right hint of color to the cheeks. Tip from Dick Page: “These shades may be worn alone or swirled together to create a glamorous third shade.” When I took the photo at left, I used the brush that came with the palette and applied the blushers to my arm individually.

The textures of all of these shades are "Shiseido-stunning," and every shade is long-wearing. None of them will wipe off easily with a tissue, my initial test for longevity. I wore them on my arm to show you, and I wore them to work.

Under Dick Page, Shiseido has quickly arrived at the top of my must-have collections list. Some think Shiseido is better known for its skin care. He's changing that!

The palette is available at department and specialty stores nationwide. Shiseido makeup is also available online at Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Saks, Dillard’s, and Sephora. To get more information or to find a store location near you, just pop over to the Shiseido Web site.

Photos, palette courtesy of Shiseido
Arm photos by BTiB