Japanese Cosmetics Series - Majolica Majorca

Majolica Majorca (say that three times fast! lol) is an extremely popular sub-brand of Shiseido Cosmetics. 
In Japan, many large makeup brands have smaller sub-brands within them that cater to different styles and age groups.  Majolica Majorca caters more to young women and teenagers, and is well known for their high quality mascaras. 
They also have whimsical and eye-catching package designs.

All pics above courtesy of Ichibankao

To explore all Majolica's kawaii products, click either of the links above.  Outside of Asia, you'll have to buy them online.  Several different online retailers carry Majolica, such as Sasa and Ichibankao, but you can also try Ebay.  Happy hunting!

Japanese Cosmetics Series - Jill Stuart

The other day I started my Japanese Cosmetics Series with a bang by showcasing Anna Sui (click here in case you missed it). 
Today we venture forward into a makeup fairytale with Jill Stuart Beauty.  Behold:

Pic via Musings of a Muse

Pic via Ichibankao

Pic via Ichibankao

Pic via Ichibankao

Pic via Ichibankao

Pic via Ichibankao

These gorgeous products would look right at home on a princess' night stand, and they've got a royal price tag to match.  That lovely blush quad shown above is 4,725Yen or about $60 US, and a tube of that beautiful lipstick will set you back 2,940Yen or almost $40!  Ouch!  And since these cosmetics are next to impossible to find outside of Asia, you'll have to add a considerable shipping cost to that price.  Once you shell out that kind of money, they're still almost too pretty to use!
 
You can find many Jill Stuart products online at Ichibankao or you can check Ebay (beware of imitations however if you buy on Ebay).
But never fear, not all Japanese makeup is this expensive.  In the days to come, I'll show you some more affordable options that are still lovely to look at.

Japanese Cosmetics Series - Anna Sui

As a lover of all things cosmetic, I've been recently looking into the super-kawaii and unique world of Japanese cosmetics.  Japan has an incredible number of makeup brands that stand out for their cute and creative packaging and top quality.  I've decided to share some of my favorites in a series of new posts I'll be doing over the next couple weeks. I haven't been able to try any Japanese makeup yet, but as soon as I do, you'll be the first to know!  If you have a favorite Asian cosmetic brand you want to see featured, please let me know!

My first post features the lovely and edgy world of Anna Sui Cosmetics!

All pictures courtesy Anna Sui Cosmetics. 

Doesn't this stuff look beautiful?!  I love the packaging!  Click the link above to see the latest from Anna Sui (Japanese site), or head over to the awesome Japanese cosmetics online superstore Ichibankao to buy.

Kawaii Hello Kitty Cosmetics at Sephora

All pics via Sephora

If you love makeup, you know that Sephora is cosmetics heaven!  This year they got even better by launching this exclusive Hello Kitty collection.  With everything from eyeshadow and lipgloss, to makeup brushes and perfume, this Kitty does it all.  I want one of everything!
Click here to check out all of these awesome products!

Shiro - Amazing makeup for video game nerds like me (and you. Don't lie)!

I love shopping for indie makeup on Etsy.  There's some really talented people on there making really nice products.
But today while browsing Lipsticks and Lightsabers, I hear about this makeup brand Shiro whose tagline is "Makeup and geekery."  Hey, I'm a geek who loves makeup... sounds like a match made in heaven!

This pic is from Shiro's two video game-related eyeshadow collections: The Super Effective Collection (inspired by Pokemon) and the Legends Collection (inspired by The Legend of Zelda games! Looove).  Makeup for gamer girls!! Joy!

And just look at the incredible little jars they come in!!  One looks like a Pokeball and the other has the Triforce on it, lookin all sassy and awesome.  I would even keep the lil containers after the eye shadow's gone cuz they're so cool.  The shades are so colorful and imaginative, and from what I hear, they're also very pigmented and great quality as well.  You can bet I'm gonna be saving up my rupees to get some of these beautiful, vegan shadows!  Get your own here.

Milani Crystal Eyez Sparkling Eye Shadow

I was on Spring Break from school all week so I went to spend the night with my folks Tuesday.  While we were out and about, I spotted a CVS (of which we have none where I live) and stopped in to see their Milani makeup (again, of which there is none to be found where I live).
There were lots of sparkly things I wanted but I thought the prices seemed a bit high.  So mom ended up getting me this gorgeous Milani Crystal Eyez Sparkling Eye Shadow !

Pictures cannot show how multi-dimensional and sparkly this eye shadow is!  The shade is "01 Lovely & Luminous" and I would describe it as a deep grayish-navy background with mult-colored, irridescent glitter. Also the packaging is so pretty too!
So far, it seems to have decent staying power with little creasing once it dries but I have yet to put it to the full test. Can't wait to do a new makeup look with this product. Thanks mom :)

Layered w/a bit of Chamelion by ID Bare Minerals

Applied to bare lid with fingertip

            

A cool, cheap, and totally convenient way to store your loose eyeshadows

I read online that a handy way of storing your loose pigments and eyeshadows was to use a bead storage container.  I looked at different sizes and configurations at several different places before finding this one at the Flower Factory for like $5.

The larger outside box contains 24 round, screw-top containers and, even though they look small, can hold a ton of shadow/pigment.  This is perfect because it keeps them all in one place and allows you to see at a glance exactly what you have.  Simply remove the makeup from its original container and place in one of the small jars.  You can label them if you wish and arrange them by color, texture, etc. As you can see, I still have some to fill.
A similar bead storage container can be found here http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2119&PRODID=prd54008