tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13905348337463083172012-02-26T11:40:15.588ZThe Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.comBlogger1161100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-42201013738686676242012-02-25T23:12:00.002Z2012-02-26T11:28:30.788Z

Several readers have emailed to ask what my skincare routine is, reminding me that it was time for an updated winter edition post. So here goes: loooong but hopefully interesting to those of you who like perving on other people's routines (I know I do). Skintype: DSPT in Baumann terms (Dry, Sensitive, Pigmented, Tight): dry: very, and prone to dehydration too. My face has actually cracked and

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-53019299353080725632012-02-22T23:30:00.000Z2012-02-23T00:17:23.144Z

On my last Selfridges jaunt, I noticed the new RMK Sprinkling Colours collection twinkling temptingly at the counter (also available on beautybay and lookfantastic). Sprinkling Eyes palettes (£36 each) are each composed of one cream base (satin-matte with sparse silver microshimmer) and three shimmery powders (reminiscent of my beloved THREE quad, no?) I followed the layout in my swatches with

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-84378479692095946402012-02-20T23:16:00.000Z2012-02-20T23:16:16.578Z

Ellis Faas is a Dutch makeup artist whose line consists of instantly iconic silver bullets*, housing liquid pigments for face, lips and eyes. The colour makeup consists of shades "that by nature exist in every human body," which seems to entail a great deal of warmth and brownish tones; I very much appreciate the aesthetic but personally find many of these shades tricky to wear. Hopefully these

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-86826170440037808692012-02-17T18:43:00.001Z2012-02-17T18:43:33.435Z

Nars Gaiety (new for spring, but permanent) is my second purchase of the year (the first was Rouge Bunny Rouge Long-Lasting Pencil Calypso, swatched here). I decided to make it one of my twelve after running around swatching it against every other pink blush Selfridges had to offer, and turning up no 'dupes'. The closest -- Illamasqua's Katie and Nymph powders, and Sob and Laid creams, and the

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-2804356471170074242012-02-14T19:35:00.003Z2012-02-17T23:35:22.985Z

My love affair with makeup really began with red lipstick (one of my mother's or grandmother's Chanels or Elizabeth Ardens) dabbed onto my lips and cheeks before a dance or music recital, play, gala or competition. Histrionic hothoused upbringing, moi? Fie! And la! And *thirty-THREE fouettés en tournant*. Pursued by a bear. Aaaanyway, red lips are still my default, and I beeline for these when

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-28223054628255797672012-02-13T20:05:00.000Z2012-02-13T20:05:00.425Z

According to the lovely ladies at the Suqqu counter, 03 Matsukasa (松球, pine cone) is by far their best-selling quad. It makes me a little sad that people choose this tonal brown palette over the more unconventional colour combinations, but hey, can't really argue with workhorse neutrals in Suqqu's unmatched formula. Or the Lisa Eldridge effect. The shades in this quad are obviously no-brainer

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-43452164237909344802012-02-11T11:48:00.001Z2012-02-11T11:48:40.771Z

As I've drivelled before, Rouge Bunny Rouge matte eyeshadows are my favourite formula evarrr. (It's insanely cold, piratical stylings help. But when don't they?) Creamy, pigmented, and extremely blendable -- one of the few powder formulas my dry lids can wear even in sub-zero temperatures. They recently added two new shades to the lineup, Bashful Flamingo (described as 'a pale powder-pink') and

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-42453318138770934832012-02-08T22:47:00.001Z2012-02-08T22:47:19.101Z

This collection was puzzlingly released in two parts. Three shades each of Face and Eye Colour CS (pressed trios) and Lipstick C in January, and the three epic kitty-head (now with added top-hat and vaguely disquieting smirk) Blusher Sticks and Matte Pressed Powder in Feburary. The full range is now available at counters in Harrods and Fenwicks, and online at beautybay.com and asos.com. Every

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-22954812388276974222012-02-05T22:35:00.000Z2012-02-05T22:37:49.713Z

Sensai Colours is a luxury line from the Kanebo stable, launched in 2008 and aimed at more mature women. Consequently, most of their makeup products seem to include skincare properties -- specifically, anti-ageing, based around their 'signature' ingredient koishimaru silk. The Lipstick is their 'flagship' formula, retailing at a breathtaking £40 in the UK and $55 in the US. (Is there some kind

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-11812623318039147772012-02-02T23:14:00.002Z2012-02-02T23:14:46.408Z

Those of a sensitive disposition should probably look away now. I wonder what these holes do? Repeat seven times.... Left to Right (all are from the permanent Blend Colour Eyeshadow quad range): 01 Kakitsubata 02 Kokedama 03 Matsukasa 04 Keshizumi 06 Ginbudou 07 Komorebi 08 Mizuaoi (And yeah, I picked my klassiest Z-palette.) Worry not, the whole process took less than five

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-28527370153006032412012-01-31T23:50:00.000Z2012-02-01T21:19:25.907Z

Released for Autumn 2011, 08 Mizuaoi (along with 07 Komorebi) joined the permanent line-up of Suqqu palettes but contains a slightly tweaked set of finishes from quads 01-06. The top left shade is a moderately pigmented iridescent shimmer, and the top right is a sheerer iridescent shimmer. The bottom left 'lining' shade is no longer a matte but a very pigmented satin, with very fine multi-tonal

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-5617430315001900742012-01-30T19:06:00.001Z2012-01-31T00:02:38.298Z

Could be just a case of the grass-is-always greener, but I've found myself uninspired by all of the new releases I've been able to see and swatch in real life, and trawling the net for reports of Japan-exclusive pretties instead. Of Addiction's new offerings the dusty, washed-out pastel eyeshadows caught my attention early on. Birkingbeautybag has an excellent review and swatches of 059P Tiny

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-2263592454322458692012-01-28T22:35:00.001Z2012-01-28T22:35:59.256Z

The permanent Suqqu quads 01-06 all share the same combination and layout of textures. On the top row, a moderately-pigmented complex shimmer and a very pigmented darker satin-shimmer. On the bottom, two mattes: one pigmented 'lining' shade, the darkest in each palette, and one sheerish base/primer shade, the lightest. 06 Ginbudou (銀葡萄, silver grape) is more definitely purple than the dusty

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-83651127385459263332012-01-26T23:03:00.001Z2012-01-31T21:54:59.514Z

Over the next few days, I'll be showing the three permanent purple-based quads in Suqqu's current lineup: 04 Keshizumi, 06 Ginbudou and 08 Mizuaoi. This series has been gestating for quite a while because I wanted to show at least three different looks with each quad; these Suqqus are the core of my eyeshadow collection (I always take one or several travelling) and I find them extremely versatile

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-25106472374270979072012-01-25T19:15:00.000Z2012-01-25T21:22:49.103Z

Not mine (we UK'ers will have to wait until Feburary -- more details as I get them), but from Nankycarmen's Weibo (Chinese Twitter). All items are limited edition, except for the three eyeshadow quads/quints, which will join the permanent range. and a product pic of quad 11 Himesango from Weibo user 1997502131: I hope to swatch these too if my counter gets advance testers

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-37868891903176274922012-01-24T23:43:00.000Z2012-01-26T23:04:31.746Z

Unless otherwise specified, all pictures were taken in natural light.  Givenchy Instant Bucolique was one of my most anticipated releases this season. Unfortunately the textures proved to be disappointing, so I will stick to riffing/ripping off the ad image from other products in my stash. As always, tastes differ (mine often differ from themselves within the space of an hour); you can see

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-19388766581423644322012-01-23T23:55:00.000Z2012-01-24T18:16:00.101Z

Okay, I lied. It's been a whole week, but I'm still loving this shade. If catwalk trends could blog, they'd snark that influencing me is like shooting fish in a barrel. Being on the pale, neutral side, the shades I've found most flattering for lips are bright, clear juicy oranges; I still avoid pastel orangina or toasted brownish/terracotta shades. For eyes, my usual rule of Complexity Trumps

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-59010962272444085762012-01-22T18:19:00.001Z2012-01-22T18:19:27.773Z

This will be the last update until spring so click on over.

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-8171253567580232012012-01-21T11:37:00.002Z2012-01-21T11:38:12.938Z

I've been keeping it pretty classy lately with mostly Suqqu, and there's more yet to come as I work through all my quads for reviews/swatches. This has been seeping into all other aspects of my frivolous life, leading to an impulsive final-cut-absolutely-no-returns sale purchase of a dress which is far too ladylike for me to feel comfortable in. I wore it last night anyway, and tried to undercut

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-91212846716426320062012-01-19T23:32:00.000Z2012-01-19T23:32:42.852Z

As I may have mentioned once or twice, this is my (a profligate fly-by-night lipstick-ho's) favourite lipstick formula ever. Because: Intense pigment. I tried and failed to make sheer swatches for reference; the lightest swipe deposits pure, full-coverage colour. The most moisturising formula I have ever tried (i.e. they actively boots moisture in my very dry lips, rather than just not drying

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-5718573129640594632012-01-18T16:00:00.000Z2012-01-18T21:17:08.290Z

Another great head-to-head comparison between one of my favourite brushes (#10 natural) and one I've long been curious about (#11). Thanks again, toto! Shu Uemura #10 Natural vs #11 Kolinsky comparison by toto850 Let us start with the difference between the type of hairs. Shu Uemura always put sthe name of the hairs on their brush handles, so everyone would know the difference between

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-82152432271023492382012-01-17T23:57:00.002Z2012-01-19T23:21:26.226Z

Due to the popularity of the YSL Glossy Stain paper swatches, I now offer up the Suqqu Creamy Glow lipsticks. (BTW, thanks so much to everyone who reads, links, comments, or emails me about the blog -- I'm a little frazzled/fragile at the moment and honestly they cheer me up like nothing else.) These come in 18 shades, released in Autumn 2010 in Japan and March 2011 in the UK. They replace the

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-74692227485545895582012-01-15T23:22:00.001Z2012-01-16T10:04:36.198Z

As fellow UK'ers will know, it's just gone all wintry over here, so naturally I'm, like, so over those vampy plums and reds and all about bright oranges and beachy corals! Well, until next week... Becca is my go-to brand for that effortless beach girl/angel thang, and I've been resisting their Halcyon Days palette since its release last summer. Their palettes usually manage to be both

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-8606795966910249192012-01-14T13:56:00.000Z2012-01-21T11:54:06.749Z

Remember how I love these? (Still do, and I can now report that a few day's wear doesn't worsen the condition of my picky lips.) They are now available to buy from Sephora.com for those in the US, and have also been released in several European countries (Ireland, Germany and Denmark for sure). In the UK they will remain exclusive to Selfridges until Feburary. To help you early adopters and

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-66558439498759864972012-01-13T23:30:00.000Z2012-01-14T13:50:04.778Z

To bring a little light into your Friday the thirteenths, highlighters to complete this series of RBR swatches and to supplement my earlier post about base makeup. I was born with very dry skin with absolutely no natural glow, and a perverse and stubborn nature. This means that I've been trying to fake a glow for over a decade -- coupled with my extreme pickiness and absolute intolerance of any

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-56781305393791072292012-01-10T22:35:00.001Z2012-01-10T22:53:53.696Z

Now for my less-complete collections of RBR cream eyeshadows, loose pigments and pencil liners, neatly composed of three of each. I've also owned and loved their Quartz liquid liner/eyeshadow in Tiger Eye Essence (blackened old gold shimmer) but at £27 for a dainty pot I blazed through in about three months (admittedly used profligately, Liz-Taylor-Cleopatraly even...) they proved too rich

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-47998207842774785142012-01-08T23:30:00.000Z2012-01-10T10:53:43.570Z

I adore RBR eyeshadows (pressed, cream and loose), and have recently fallen for their liners too, so decided to split these swatches into two parts. First up, pressed eyeshadows. There are some variations in finish and pigmentation across the shades but what does not vary is the richly creamy texture, smooth true-to-pan application and comfortable wear these offer. Versatility too: each shade

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-13830277214390699482012-01-06T20:03:00.003Z2012-01-06T20:03:49.952Z

As Zuneta are currently running a 20% off discount code (ELLE20) until February 28th, I thought it would be useful to swatch my Rouge Bunny Rouge collection to help you make your blind-buying decisions. Not that there's any great shortage of those any more, but I'm not one of those fastidious sophisticates who think that less is somehow more. Or, if it is, then more is even MORE. And better,

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-57255971269303599062012-01-06T12:54:00.001Z2012-01-06T12:54:05.092Z

Please click through to the sale tab and help me clear out!

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-24439967922033887802012-01-04T19:00:00.000Z2012-01-04T19:00:03.424Z

Today, I bring you a guest review (hopefully the first of many) by the fabulous toto850 of makeupalley, who has one of the sexiest makeup brush collections around. RMK brushes are manufactured by Chikuhodo (as are Suqqu, Lunasol, EST, Shiseido etc.) and a meme floating around the beauty net suggests that they are therefore all the same. In my experience, having tried all of the brands above,

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-53753259003867368182012-01-03T02:00:00.000Z2012-01-03T02:00:02.716Z

Now for an illustration. Somewhat fluey, mildly hungover, in need of comfort both physical and psychological = '90s throwback RMS face. Because if you're going to go brown, you may as well go brown. Products Shu Uemura Stage Performer Instant Glow RMS Beauty 'un' cover-up 11 under eyes RMS Magnetic eyeshadow over lid and lower lashline RMS Rapture lip2cheek on lips and cheeks Shu Eye

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-61504529834575755012012-01-02T22:41:00.000Z2012-01-02T22:41:39.575Z

RMSBeauty is one of those slightly oddball brands I first read of on Londonmakeupgirl. As Grace writes, these organic, raw (no ingredients heated above body temperature), emollient products are a boon for sick days, lazy days and bitter wintry days, whenever they should strike. As winter deepens, I reach for these more and more -- my skin is prone to eczema and despite assiduous (well, ...ish)

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-10662962303236461952012-01-01T23:56:00.000Z2012-01-02T10:16:57.741Z

Happy New Year, everyone! My beauty resolution for your future smirking and I-told-you-so-ing pleasure is to buy only twelve new beauty products in 2012. If the blog still exists a year from now, it will be interesting to see whether I manage to stick to it, and if so, which things I regret buying or not buying. I've applied this one-a-month rule (staples and basics excluded) to clothes for the

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-38871760519378480602011-12-30T10:51:00.000Z2011-12-30T17:42:27.444Z

Reserving my strength to fight off impending post-Christmas lurgy so here's a brainless picture post introducing the Addiction palette system, and reswatches of the eyeshadows I own (you can see my counter swatches of the line here and Aurora Reflection swatches here). Addiction make two kinds of palette: Compact Case I (¥1050) holds up to four eyeshadows or two blushes, and Compact Case II (

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-80140013815542000012011-12-28T13:19:00.000Z2011-12-30T20:11:14.164Z

The final set! You can see an index to the whole series by clicking the Comparisons tab at the top of the page. 1. Shu Uemura 7HR kolinsky, rounded angled (also excellent for cream eyeshadow and gel liner -- like a bigger, thinner version of the brush that comes with Chanel Illusion D'Ombre eyeshadows) 2. Boots No7 Lip synthetic, square 3. Hakuhodo Push-up flat BkA kolinsky, square --

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-54451224662275874552011-12-27T20:46:00.001Z2011-12-30T18:43:14.013Z

As you may have gathered, I'm pretty pale. Not porcelain, and far from the fairest person I know, but already too light to have a ready-made shade from MAC and many other mainstream brands. Hopefully these swatches of some close-ish foundation matches will help both those looking for similar shades and anyone else looking to extrapolate from how colour products look on my face. From left to

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-48681089624648031592011-12-25T21:49:00.002Z2011-12-27T09:11:48.278Z

Happy Christmas to all those who celebrate it, and to everyone else, a fabulous and frivolous last week of the year! This stack is pretty representative of my booty bountiful collection of gifts: Although there were a few beauty treats as well:   The Addiction addiction rumbles on: Fudge and Sandbar eyeshadows (previously swatched) Amazing powder blush 3 x Compact Case II Last

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-43466008248814678312011-12-24T21:17:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:53:40.991Z

Another month, another set of finished products and reviewlets. As before, I am only linking to ingredient lists which are harder to track down and to only one of many possible retailers; I have no affiliation to any of these sites nor will I receive any kickbacks if you click through. I finished a foundation! And not a mixer this time, either. Laura Mercier Silk Creme in Soft Ivory £33 for

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-21465164989728153982011-12-23T10:35:00.001Z2011-12-28T14:08:35.955Z

Finally, the brushes I use for precision work and eyelining (with powders, creams and gels). These divided neatly into four categories so new format today: a group shot to show relative scale and handle lengths, and then closer comparisons. As before, the short gold-handled Hakuhodos I purchased in Japan; I've linked to the brushes with exactly the same heads and numbers currently available on

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-59450658391356022702011-12-21T21:05:00.002Z2011-12-25T22:27:12.305Z

Fluffy non-tapered blending brushes -- can you tell that I'm not exactly au fait with artistic/brush terminology? These are even more of a motley crew than usual because I find them particularly difficult to shop for given the size/shape of my eyes and my preferred style of application (more like Jung Saem Mool than the Chapman sisters or Lisa Eldridge). All brushes are mine except for the Suqqu

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-41215518948415960122011-12-20T20:31:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:27:26.505Z

Yesterday I was a good beauty blogger and a very bad fiscally-responsible Grown Up, and treated myself to one of the YSL Rouge Pure Couture Glossy Stains (£22.50, exclusive to Selfridges, see BBB's review) whilst finishing up some last-minute Christmas shopping. My initial impressions basically consist of high pitched squealing but, in bullet point form: more pigment, less slip and

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-5688174925558304052011-12-19T21:55:00.004Z2011-12-25T22:28:16.392Z

Pointy/tapered ones this time -- my other favourite shape. If you asked me which single eyeshadow brush I would save in a fire, I would roll my eyes at you contemptuously. But I would agonise over Shu Natural 10 and Suqqu S on the inside. Onwards! 1. Boots No7 Smokey Eyeliner Brush designed by Lisa Eldridge (hair unknown. Anyone? Bueller?) 2. MAC 219 deservedly famous goat pencil brush 3.

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-88987885170329883732011-12-18T11:12:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:28:38.237Z

Another picture post to give some idea of how the Hakuhodo/Chikuhodo brushes I own compare in size and shape to some more well-known ones from MAC and Shu. Again, all brushes are my own, and have been used/washed. I like my brushes to be multi-purpose and find these flat(ish) fluffy(ish) shapes quite versatile -- all of them perform at least two functions out of three of lay-down, blending, and

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-4203717939374854352011-12-17T19:44:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:28:53.416Z

It's Saturday which means more time to play with makeup in the morning, and I decided to try out: -- some new(ish) Rouge Bunny Rouge goodies -- to franken a plum lipstick with a hint of brown à la Sleek Cranberry -- my new hat -- a new style of FOTD post Eyes Left to right: RBR Long-Lasting Eyeliner Pencil in Lola as a base and liner RBR Caress of Mink loose pigment over lid and under the

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-21218793847686364892011-12-16T08:54:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:29:13.288Z

Over the next few days I'll mainly be posting picture comparison posts à la glossedintranslation. More detailed reviews of individual brushes will come in time, but I know people would like to order from Hakuhodo USA before the planned price rise in January 2012 (which is also when DollyLeo is due to be restocked with Suqqu brushes) so hopefully these will help you make some decisions. This time

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-22429638660031078792011-12-15T14:57:00.002Z2011-12-25T22:29:29.766Z

Chikuhodo is a Japanese brush company based, like Hakuhodo, in the town of Kumano with a long tradition of calligraphy brush manufacture. They provide makeup brushes for Suqqu, RMK, Lunasol and Kanebo Tesshyu among others. Of course, there are still variations in quality and price-point between the brushes from those brands, and within the various Chikuhodo own-brand lines as well. My personal

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-74333026450336703452011-12-14T05:18:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:59:20.417Z

Released on August 1st 2011 as part of KATE's Autumn 2011 collection, these Rouge High Glam are marketed as 'luxury' drugstore lipsticks, promising long wear with with a treatment complex to keep lips moisturised and plump. While I love KATE's eye products, their lip formulations have always seemed like an afterthought and I much preferred those from sister-brand Lavshuca. However, just as

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-87773327984201131582011-12-11T13:08:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:47:48.947Z

Those who don't enjoy next-season antici..... look away now. I tentatively began this blog along with my East Asian travels, figuring that going home would provide a natural end point if the product or process turned out to suck. Well, I fly back London tomorrow and seem to feel no readier to shut up than usual, so stay tuned for: brush comparisons featuring Chikuhodo, Suqqu, Hakuhodo, Shu

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-51860446993395506692011-12-10T14:51:00.000Z2011-12-31T22:10:40.928Z

I loathe the term "guilty pleasures." It instantly conjures up those adverts for chocolates that feature a skinny woman giggling (dubbed giggling, no less) at her own naughtiness (ohemgorsh, calories! teehee!) in sneaking a dainty nibble of The Bad Stuff... ooh la la what self-indulgence! That said, I have no other way of describing my addiction to Vivi magazine. Even if you can't read Japanese

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-30025515853722160232011-12-09T09:54:00.001Z2011-12-25T23:03:44.067Z

Upon receiving it as a gift with purchase with my last RBR order, I was eager to try this mascara from one of my favourite brands to see if it would measure up to my Japanese favourites. Upon opening the tube halfway and seeing that it was brown, I heard shrieky violins and immediately emailed beautiful friend and mascara junkie lash queen LauraJean for help (hey, it rhymes! Maybe she won't slap

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-51527620536718988392011-12-07T20:41:00.000Z2011-12-25T23:00:30.551Z

Today I offer swatches of the 4D Eye Palettes, one element of my trio (ho ho) of purchases from Japanese beauty brand, 'natural, honest and creative' THREE. This newish brand didn't really seize my interest when I first started seeing their ads and products popping up in Japanese magazines in 2009. The words 'natural' and 'organic' (I believe 'holistic' also featured heavily in the original

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-37409274919374577302011-12-05T13:59:00.000Z2011-12-25T23:03:17.881Z

Just a reviewlet because this limited edition shade (#12) for Holiday 2011 performs in exactly the same way as the regular black Lash Expander Frame Plus (and the limited edition brown version for Spring): - holds a curl on the stubbornest lashes - doesn't crease, smudge or flake no matter how much you rub your eyes (and I can testify that it is at least monsoon- and typhoon-proof so will

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-88546081268593929812011-12-04T12:29:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:30:43.298Z

Recent discussions on makeupalley and thought-provoking posts (on arsaromatica for example) have helped me crystallise some things about What Makeup Is To Me (right now, subject to drastic change in the next five minutes). It all boils down to this: taste is a verb as well as a noun. Some see playing with makeup as a series of edits to evolve the ultimate repertoire of 'individualised tweaks'

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-80480600885843677732011-12-02T02:01:00.000Z2011-12-25T23:00:30.596Z

Japanese drugstore brands can come and go in the blink of an eye and Majolica Majorca (launched in 2003 by Shiseido) ranks as a veteran by now. Although it was one of my gateways into Japanese makeup, and their Lash Expander Frame Plus mascara remains a staple, its competitors Lavshuca and KATE (from Kanebo) and Visee (from Kose) have since supplanted it in my affections. Swatching some of the

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-66203781785906904602011-11-30T11:10:00.001Z2011-12-25T22:31:11.215Z

A friend wrote that it was a pity Addiction Revenge powder blush wasn't as multipurpose as the cheekstick, as she preferred its pink tinge. So I present: Revenge powder blush as eyeshadow! The entire look was shamelessly -- shamelessly -- lifted wholesale from Lisa Eldridge's latest video. All pics in artificial light without flash because I expected it to be hideous but it ended up being

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-28919387860671197422011-11-29T15:50:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:59:20.365Z

Click to Part 1 for requisite drivel, now straight on to the swatches! Shade descriptions: as before, shimmery shades are marked with an asterisk. This usually just means that the shade is not completely shimmer-free -- the effect on the lips is dimensional, and the micro-glitter particles are not visible once applied, except in extremely bright direct light. In this batch there were however a

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-50701031628005876102011-11-27T15:41:00.001Z2011-12-25T23:08:24.061Z

Apologies for being all "ooh, shiny eyeshadows" and neglecting to swatch the three blushes that also formed part of my Addiction haul. Those who frequent MUA will know I am head-over-heels in love with these and have been wearing them almost exclusively for the last three weeks. I reviewed the cheek stick earlier, and those giddy these-are-like-soooo-awesome rantings still hold true. In

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-65246508075341938232011-11-25T15:29:00.001Z2011-11-26T03:09:27.332Z

Right Here! You can find this and future sales by clicking the Sale tab at the top of the page.

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-87763070202515462182011-11-25T13:45:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:53:58.503Z

Hopefully the first in a series: some scattershot, scatterbrained reviews of some products I've recently finished, and a few I've given up on. (On that note, stay tuned for a small blog sale.) EMPTIED (apologies for 'artistic' lighting) REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Cream £26 for 200ml Very light-textured cream that sinks in immediately without stickiness. However, it was only just

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-81137618841944896802011-11-24T00:11:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:52:46.462Z

Those who frequent makeupalley might know that earlier this year, I embarked on a slightly deranged scheme to swatch the paler shades of foundation from as many brands as I can get my hands on. Here is a belated comparison of the two new foundations from ByTerry (Cover Expert and Sheer Expert) with the rest of the line. Patter summary (in case those links threw you into a where's-my-big-red-pen

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-47551022432047507792011-11-23T01:36:00.000Z2011-12-25T23:00:30.449Z

Based on the shoddiest of anecdotal evidence, Dior has always seemed to me to be more popular in East Asia than in Europe or America. The releases are (correspondingly?) bigger; the holiday 2011 collection in Hong Kong consists of two eyeshadow quints (to one in the EU/US) and eight lipsticks rather than four. The four nail polishes are the same. Karla has swatches of the US range; here are the

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-55297546283923795142011-11-22T06:12:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:32:18.293Z

Recently, for my sins radiant beauty okay, can I have "hauling prowess" then?, I was offered a complimentary makeover at a Shu Uemura boutique. It's always interesting to see what someone else will do with your face and while I didn't like all my makeup artist's choices, I also picked up some useful tips, and had a fun hour chatting about makeup (offline! zomg). The product (all pics in

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-35759915868064422832011-11-21T06:26:00.001Z2011-12-25T22:59:20.379Z

Finally, a Japanese brand that a) makes only one line of lipsticks and b) did not saddle it with a fifty-syllable name. Sonia Rykiel Sublime Lipsticks are balmy, lightweight, rose-scented and moisturising beauties which layer effortlessly to give a more opaque (but still glossy and somewhat translucent) look. They last surprisingly long (at least 4 hours of wear) and the brighter/darker shades

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-32431919977247709122011-11-19T03:32:00.001Z2011-12-25T23:00:30.427Z

So, remember how Sonia Rykiel was my newest addiction before my newest Addiction? (sorry, Laura!) I've been adding to my collection on the sly and everything has been a delight, so expect more reviews in the future. Meanwhile, I swatched the permanent quads I don't own (...yet) in hopes that they'll be useful. Each quad contains 3.2g and retails for HK$320 in Hong Kong or ¥5250 in Japan. All

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-65586293486556870942011-11-17T14:30:00.000Z2011-12-25T23:01:07.609Z

Shiseido is a brand that is finally gaining some recognition among beauty junkies, but whose makeup still flies very much under the radar, if my usually somewhat forlorn counters are any indication. That is a crying shame, because while the makeup has always of good quality, the textures and colour combinations have been consistently exquisite and inspirational since Dick Page took over as

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-41885730133031458462011-11-16T10:53:00.001Z2011-12-25T22:59:20.386Z

One of these click-pen lipsticks was my first purchase on this Hong Kong trip, and I remain a fan of the balmy, moisturising and pigmented formula. As their other fans seem to include the beauty editors of every glossy magazine I've flicked through as well as Asian youtuber Fuzkittie among many others, it's taken me a few weeks to find a counter that had been restocked with all the shades. Today

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-56377211821790450232011-11-15T15:50:00.000Z2011-12-25T23:00:30.559Z

Belated swatches of all the shadows released in the Autumn 2011 collection, none of which I could resist after seeing them in real life. Hopefully you'll be able to see why... Each eyeshadow retails for ¥2100, none of these shades are limited edition.   natural light natural light, sunny An experiment: I'm not experienced in or skilled at taking photographs

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-2802618884679125252011-11-15T15:25:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:33:19.382Z

I actually posted this on MUA a while back, and totally forgot to blog it. Very simple and totally ripped-off inspired by the ad visual: Products (all Addiction unless otherwise specified) Dewy Glow Foundation 01 Wafers, Lunasol Undereyes Concealer 00 Ice Storm, Blue Moon and Pink Python eyeshadows; Majolica Majorca LEFP mascara Amazing cheek stick Miss You More lipgloss Lighting was

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-12067112953595567672011-11-13T15:30:00.000Z2011-12-31T22:09:42.449Z

Not much gets me out of bed and into makeup during daylight hours on a Sunday, but dimsum happens to be top of that list. And as I helpfully woke up with a lunch date, a week's worth of sleep-deprivation showing around my eyes AND a derptastic O_o expression, I thought I'd traumatise you all with some before and afters featuring my new Lunasol concealers. Product pics with some other base

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-82297514649643970752011-11-12T14:42:00.071Z2011-12-25T23:00:30.603Z

SUQQU Christmas Collection (already out) This is the only brand where the words "limited edition" cause me to reach for my diary (to draw little hearts around the release date of whatever-it-is) rather than roll my eyes and raise the cynicalest of eyebrows (my left, if you're wondering). This year, they cruelly bundled two glorious taupe-based eyeshadow quads with SKINCARE. No mascara like last

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-48844505164882630112011-11-11T06:30:00.000Z2011-12-25T23:06:14.775Z

Prepare for another bloated lets-see-how-many-pictures-I-can-fit-into-one-post exercise. To anyone reading this on your phone, I'm so sorry. Addiction Dewy Glow Foundation (5 shades, ¥4725 for 30ml) This was released in September 2011 and is Addiction's version of the moisturising, radiant foundations prevalent in Japanese autumn/winter collections. It provides SPF20 PA++ (bah) and contains rose

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-39712896066118228032011-11-09T15:07:00.002Z2011-12-30T13:34:50.954Z

Apologies for the rag-tag order of these and the dodgy lighting -- all swatches were made at various counters in Tokyo and Osaka and most pics taken in store lighting. Labelling was done during bouts of insomnia and I apologise for any misnomers. You can see the proper shade names on the Addiction site. For more information about this exclusive-to-Japan brand, see glossedintranslation, who also

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-28637193264734525882011-11-08T14:23:00.002Z2011-12-25T22:34:04.532Z

Just a few pictures of my Japan haulage. Reviews, FOTDs and swatches will follow in due course. All pictures taken in artificial light+flash because I suspect another tropical storm may be brewing. Suqqu quads from Christmas Sets A and B Addiction eyeshadows, cheek sticks, powder blush, lipgloss and foundation From the Autumn 2011 Aurora Reflection collection Horizon, Poetic, Blue

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-34239029218416621452011-11-06T15:33:00.000Z2011-12-25T22:46:56.904Z

Come lurch with me into various Japanese drugstores! Which, like their posh department-store counter counterparts, usually had testers for the Holiday collections and even some Spring 2012 collections out. *spoilers ahead?* No swatches unfortunately, or indeed even decent-quality pics...but on the off-chance that among those reading there are freaks like me who enjoy all aspects of

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-13067618236819894422011-11-02T13:52:00.000Z2011-12-25T23:00:30.371Z

Hello my loves! Sorry for the lack of posts/keeping up with comments lately -- frivolity as usual will resume from next week. However I have managed to sneak some depaato/drugstore visits and swatch-sessions, so here are the first fruits. Addiction Sleepless Nights Collection (released Nov 11th in Japan, ¥9765) A cool-toned, smoky, sexy collection that is right up my street :D I swatched the

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-39136696489203485632011-10-30T16:48:00.001Z2011-12-25T23:06:14.767Z

As promised, today I will be reviewing the Sonia Rykiel Teint Hydra Eclat Treatment Cream Foundation SPF20 PA++ in shade 10, received as a very generous gift from a certain beauty. You get 23ml in a nice hefty frosted glass pot with an inner plastic separator and a cool-toned gold lid (great incorporation of the SR stripes again, no?) The consistency is a bouncy gel-cream; it's highly

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-27347861793523562182011-10-29T11:07:00.001+01:002011-12-25T23:00:30.420Z

This completes my swatches of all the permanent Shu Uemura Colour Atelier eyeshadows. Please see part one for ingredients, prices and all that jazz. 800 BROWNS and BEIGES natural light artificial light + flash IR Light Beige 811 iridescent white gold P Light Beige 812 pale lemon yellow satin M Light Beige 813 matte ivory P Light Beige 822 peach satin with cool gold micro shimmer

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-71409559244820456032011-10-28T15:37:00.000+01:002011-12-25T22:59:56.952Z

The contents of this post have been rattling around my head for a while...originally they were going to form a Monday Miscellany, then Tuesday/Thursday Traipsings, then Wednesday Wamblings (yeah, dodged a bullet there). As they're semi-fermented by now I'm just going to spew them forth today because I suspect Saturday/Sunday will mainly alliterate with sleep. And flying to Japan :D But you can't

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-24822948371767544932011-10-26T15:47:00.000+01:002012-01-09T11:41:20.579Z

Please see part one for ingredients, prices and all that jazz. 300 GREENS and OLIVES natural light artificial light + flash ME Soft Yellow Green 432 sparkly chartreuse IR Soft Yellow Green 435 lime satin ME Medium Olive 471 smooth metallic pewter-olive with golden shimmer ME Medium Olive 472 drab olive base with silver and gold shimmer M Medium

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-43765019764598794062011-10-25T08:08:00.003+01:002011-12-25T23:01:07.596Z

These are some of most popular 'cult' drugstore products across Asia and having swatched them I can see why. Cute, jewel-like clear plastic packaging and a highly blendable packed-with-cones gel-cream texture that sets to a powder and is famed for lasting power even in humid Japanese summers. These swaches are all one heavyish swipe onto a bare arm but they are very easy to sheer out if need be.

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-1996021347141955882011-10-23T15:06:00.000+01:002011-12-25T23:00:30.378Z

As requested by a record number of readers and MUAers: Shu Uemura colour atelier eyeshadow swatches! Hong Kong has the full range available on on the Japanese Shu site and I'm swatching them in numerical order starting today with the 100's (red/pink), 200's (orange/copper) and 300's (yellow/gold). Each 1.4g single refill retails for HK$110 in Hong Kong, or ¥1890 in Japan. 100 REDS AND PINKS

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-40778156409939270492011-10-23T05:03:00.000+01:002011-12-25T22:36:00.021Z

Disclaimer: I am freakishly lazy about hair. A few months ago I bought my first ever hair-dryer and the only comb I own may be pink plastic and labelled "With Love from Marie Claire"... That said, I have been dyeing my hair pretty much every shade under the sun for over a decade, beginning with The Great Sun-In Fluorescent Orange Streak Debacle aged 12/13. I've tried every brand of box dye in

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-73231525383686925162011-10-22T13:00:00.004+01:002011-12-25T23:00:30.589Z

As I said in my haul post, Sonia Rykiel is the best brand I've 'discovered' this year. Their foundations usually come in a very pale shade (10 is around NC10) and their eyeshadow quads are wonderful, with a mix of shades and textures that work beautifully together and look more complex on the skin than in the pan. All swatches are one-swipe made with the included sponge applicators, onto bare

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-31551988074835759272011-10-21T08:53:00.000+01:002011-12-25T22:59:56.937Z

I love every product in Chanel's Rouge Allure stable: the Extraits de Gloss converted me (strictly a lipstick girl) to the wonders of weightless, pigmented, gel-based lipglosses. Dragon Laque is my platonic blood red and most frequently-worn lip product; I've gone through several tubes and repurchased faithfully without hesitation. The Rouge Allures themselves are luscious, moisturising cream

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-88879942081626337752011-10-20T14:48:00.001+01:002011-12-25T22:36:35.023Z

Hello my lovelies! I am finally back in Hong Kong after spending the last week in Beijing only to find one of zuneta's grey boxes waiting for me upon my return... I'd ordered from them more than a dozen times in the past, with faultless customer service. As most UKers will know, they are the easiest way for us to get our hands on Rouge Bunny Rouge, Edward Bess, Hourglass, konjac sponges and,

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-71699937069028214602011-10-18T07:22:00.000+01:002011-12-31T22:11:12.523Z

Like Jill Stuart, Paul&Joe and Elégance, Sonia Rykiel is one of those French brands whose cosmetics are designed and manufactured in Japan, and are mainly sold only in East Asian countries. Having tried two of the eyeshadow quads and a foundation earlier this year, and been highly impressed with everything, I took advantage of Hong Kong's cheap prices (about half the Japanese retail) to pick up

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-86655719510422698102011-10-17T15:53:00.000+01:002011-12-25T23:01:07.641Z

Majolica Majorca is one of Shiseido's most popular drugstore brands, and probably epitomises most foreigners' ideas about that 'kawaii stuff what those Japanese folk like so much'. Packaging tends to princessy extras, glitter plays a starring role, and the website is a ADD-flash-packed camp nightmare, but they also happen to make some standout products. Earlier this year, the Puff de Cheek

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-91927491988118240272011-10-16T15:31:00.003+01:002011-12-25T22:59:20.434Z

We  are almost at the halfway point through Lavshuca's enormous collection of lip products (through which they justifiably dominate the Japanese drugstore market). These are probably their most popular/famous lipsticks, because they are excellent dupes for the high-end Cle de Peau Extra Silky ones / Dior Serum de Rouge. Personally, having owned a few shades from all three lines, I can't discern

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-54987957175285819832011-10-14T04:40:00.000+01:002011-11-15T02:45:14.260Z

(yes, as in Darling Mermaid Darlings, or Boutique Travel Travel Boutique...) A reader emailed me a question (*plays it cool, is squealing inside*) about my current skincare routine so here goes. My skin is dry and sensitive so I do best to keep things minimal / simple / cheap. On the other hand, my product-junkie/mad-scientist ways ensures that I'm almost always trying out a few new products (

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-79405309925570895542011-10-12T11:35:00.002+01:002011-11-15T02:45:14.513Z

In fashion terms, I am an insatiable omnivore constantly trying to reform my shopping habits and edit my wardrobe. For the last 4 years, I have kept strictly to a "project twelve piece" (not allowed to buy more than twelve new items a year, all others must be thrifted or hand-made, basic necessities excluded). Er...yeah... not so much anymore. In my defense, I have tried to shop mostly local,

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-43034949076402247922011-10-11T15:03:00.000+01:002011-12-25T22:52:46.432Z

Designer Lift is the latest foundation from Armani, released this autumn and supposed to bridge the gap between liquid and cream foundation. According to the sales assistant, it's best suited for normal-dry skin, and offers medium-to-full coverage with a silky matte finish. It will be the fullest-coverage liquid foundation that Armani makes, but will provide less than the Designer Shaping Cream

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-87831571911397323192011-10-11T09:28:00.000+01:002011-12-25T22:37:50.675Z

Occasionally a product or collection will come out that just seems made for me -- something that speaks directly to the colours, textures or 'feel' that I'm craving just at that moment. This autumn, I was arrested by the visuals for RMK -- greyed greens? 'Dusty Bright Colours'? Cream eyeshadows paired with glitters? Pretty and clever packaging? Model with wayward hair? SIGN ME UP.

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-60178017712530640542011-10-09T16:45:00.000+01:002011-12-25T23:00:30.566Z

Fasio is Kose's sleek&simple drugstore line in competition with Kanebo KATE and Shiseido Integrate. Honestly, the most striking thing about it for me has been the use of boy-band-Arashi-member and one of the busiest (and most fabulous) hams around the Japanese actor/singer/model circuit, Matsumoto Jun, in its ads. Click here for the latest example. And if you haven't already seen it (WHY NOT?!),

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-70458954133716825012011-10-09T13:11:00.002+01:002011-12-25T23:01:07.627Z

This concludes my swatches of all of the permanent Colour Atelier blushes. P light pink 315 and P light peach 510 are also reswatched from Parts 1 and 2 respectively. All swatches one swipe onto bare arm (except for P005 and P010 which are two swipes layered). As always, click to enlarge. direct sun natural light I'm sorry you probably can't see the highlighters very

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-28047576712384829852011-10-08T21:16:00.001+01:002011-12-25T23:01:07.587Z

So apparently sunny days and nice SAs are like buses... Today I swatched the 'Peach' and 'Orange' blushes from the Shu site along with P 531 which they inexplicably shoved into the 'Pink' category.... as you will see, it aint no pink. natural light (more colour-accurate) direct sun, angled to show which shades have more shimmer Only

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-10613795358993036442011-10-07T15:09:00.002+01:002011-12-25T23:01:07.577Z

Today was the first day since arriving in Hong Kong that I a. got some weak sun and b. found an amenable SA. So to celebrate, here are some belated Shu Colour Atelier blush swatches! I swatched the 'red', 'wine' and top row of the 'pink' categories on the Japanese Shu site, slightly out of order as the lovely SA had to go dig some out of storage. HK$135 for a refill. First impressions: these

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-25681733830523167832011-10-07T06:48:00.000+01:002011-12-25T23:00:30.405Z

Kanebo KATE makes some of my favourite drugstore eye products. Their gel and liquid liners have been my staples for years, and their eyebrow products regularly win awards in Japan too. Most Asian drugstore eyeshadows are on the sheer, glittery and girly side, so KATE was always a breath of fresh air, with its buttery, pigmented sheen and bolder colour options. The sleek black packaging and

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-74791737229930327982011-10-06T17:26:00.002+01:002011-11-15T02:45:14.457Z

It is a truth universally acknowledged that fashion bloggers all adore -- simply ADORE -- macarons. My extremely scientific survey of... uh... my blogroll, shows that beauty bloggers are fond of a vaster range of cakely delights. And who am I to ignore a jumpable bandwagon when I could merrily ride it down the sprinkle-strewn path? Pistachio walnut muffin  Chocolate salty balls I mean, chocolate

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-35458240754383391942011-10-06T14:51:00.001+01:002011-12-25T23:00:30.435Z

I have been remiss! Here are the belated swatches from my Shu haul last week. From left to right: Eyeliner Matte White M White 907 G White Rainbow P Dark Green 595 ME Medium Plum 761 No in-depth reviews; if you've tried older Shu shadows, you'll know they rock. These new Colour Atelier ones have vastly improved the P(earl) finish, maintained the quality of the M(attes -- which are still a

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1390534833746308317.post-61926772796705677122011-10-04T15:59:00.000+01:002011-12-25T23:00:30.574Z

These two eyeshadow quads, 206 and 207, are both permanent additions to the Cle de Peau line-up, released in Spring 2011 to join the previous five released in Autumn 2010. The 20x line replaces the previous series of quads which were numbered 1-21, some of which are still available in certain countries. Having been a huge fan of the buttery soft texture and refined shimmer of the old style CdP

The Driveller Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07617598353890176354noreply@blogger.com2