Musings of a Muse

Lavshuca is one of several brands under Kanebo. The brand is set apart by its princess-y packaging. I’ve always been a rather big fan of the brand but some of the product releases became repetitive so I hadn’t purchased anything from the brand in a while. I try not to miss their LE, special releases for the Holidays although they have changed considerably in recent years from really pretty palettes to coffrets that focus on eyes or lips, etc….

This year, their “coffret” spotlights cheeks with a cute set that includes a blusher and kabuki.

Let’s have a look!

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Lavshuca didn’t go the coffret route this year for the Holidays which was a bit disappointing. Nor did they go for a special palette release. They did however release a brand new selection of eyeshadow palettes. This is an interesting release for the brand considering they reserve palette releases for the Spring and only release a special palette or two or a coffret for the Holidays.

Lavshuca is a drugstore brand that can be purchased in Japan. Unlike findings in a US drugstore, Japanese drugstore makeup is of high quality, incredibly pigmented, and just stunning, packaging wise.

For Winter, Lavshuca released a total of five shades of their new Star Decoration Eyes Palettes.

Let’s have a look!

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Lavshuca’s main portal has yet to be updated but the Kanebo product pages are slowly being updated with the new offerings for Holiday 2009.

Lavshuca Holiday Collection 2009 is interesting, particularly because of it’s large size.  While many Japanese brands embrace coffrets or smaller releases for the Holiday, Lavshuca went all out with 12 shades of brand new shadow.  This is quite a large offering for the Holiday considering that Spring Collections launch very early in Japan.  You’d think with Spring right around the corner that Lavshuca would not go for such a huge release but nope….it’s a big one.  Compared to last year’s very small coffrets this should please many a fan of Lavshuca.

Lavshuca Custom Selective Eyes will be available as of November 1st in Japanese drugstores and feature a slide-out drawer design.  This is another revamp for Lavshuca and would be about the third time the packaging has changed since it’s debut.

Although the duals are very exciting one must not forget that duos are old hat to Lavshuca as they have been done before just not in this interesting packaging.  It’s difficult to be so blunt and honest when I love Japanese Cosmetics so much but the fact is aside from the very cute packaging the colors themselves are highly uninteresting and if you already own a few Lavshuca palettes the fact is they are easily duped from past colors.

I must admit that I am very excited about this release and MAY indulge in one maybe two palettes at most but the shades do ruin the release for me slightly.

Also releasing are 12 shades of Lavshuca Lips N Shiny Lipstick and 10 shades of Jewel N Color Lipstick.

My mind is on the Jill Stuart Coffret at the moment which I know I’m leaning towards but as of yet I’m truly finding Holiday in Japan uneventful so far.  But we shall see.  I look forward to hearing about Korean releases and seeing where that leads particularly Etude House although I notice Spring with Etude House is the best release of the year for me.

Overall, I love Lavshuca initiated such a huge release but even I admit I miss a really “special” release for the Holidays.  See last year’s review to understand what I mean by special.

On a side note the current conversion rate from yen to usd is very good so I really should be busy hauling what I missed over the last year when the conversion was flowing rather badly.  As of last convert we are breaking practically even dollar to dollar.

What do you think?

Loving Lavshuca Holiday 2009?

Not so much?

Share it!

For what seems like a very long time I’ve fallen out with many of my beloved Japanese cosmetic collections. If you’re a collector or fan or Japanese cosmetics you probably know what I mean as it’s been a rather long, hard road of reruns and repetitive products and colors.

This year I’m actually quite excited to finally haul some new products from some of my favorite Japanese brands that have captured my interest.

Jump ahead to hear the Muse’s Wish List for Japanese Collections 2009.

Although my love affair is not nearly over with T’estimo, I have gotten used to the idea of Coffret D’Or. One thing I am excited about is the release of sixteen shades of Coffret D’Or Eye Shadows Singles. These shadows all look quite exciting to me and carry an inexpensive price tag so indulging in a few won’t break my bank.

It’s been a while since Lunasol really caught my interest. As beautiful as many of the pieces are, I admit that the price does put me off every so slightly. However, cost aside this year’s Lunasol Star Shower Eyes have me in fits of joy. I see at least three color combinations I’ll be hauling!

KATE almost always has my heart and it hasn’t been so long since my last haul from the brand. Kate Reflect Mirror Eyes look positively delightful with three shades of shadow for a contrasting, sparkling eye look!

And finally Lavshuca Light Mix Eyes garnered some of my attention as these are a tad different from what Lavshuca has been pulling off lately. Although the color selection is pretty the same ho-hum shades, I still feel they may be worthy of a pick up.

Overall, Japanese Fall is looking up this year. Although many of the shades and products have been done before a few items did warrant a further look and since I do feel ever so slightly excited about these releases I think, finally after a long, dry spell, I’ll be indulging in quite alot of Japan’s Fall cosmetic offerings.

How about you?

Ahhh blessed relief. Let’s all let out a collection sigh of utter, blissful relief. My good friend Iris from Rouge Deluxe reports about the Lavshuca Fall Collection 2009 and what a pleasant surprise it is!

Finally something great to look forward to from Lavshuca this year.

With it’s disappointing release after release as of late Lavshuca has fallen into the do not buy list for the Muse. Look at Summer, utter disappointment there!

My last known purchase from Lavshuca was Summer 2008 and I do think, currency conversion aside, this is testimony how bad collections have been as of late from Japan. Because seriously if I’m not hauling something is terribly wrong.

But have no fear the Lavshuca Fall Collection 2009 is so something special to look forward to it appears. The floral motif and interesting color selection shown in the photo above is enough of a reason to get this Muse excited. I’m looking forward to how this develops and I’ll start saving my pennies as of now so I might indulge. Iris reports the following items will be released:

• Lavshuca Light Mix Eyes (5 Shade Selections)
• Lavshuca Grade Color Eyes (1 New Shade Selection)
• Lavshuca Dual Prism Eyes (2 New Shade Selections)
• Lavshuca Full Baloon Rouge (15 Shade Selections)
• Lavshuca Rouge Star Classics (2 New Shade Selections)
• Lavshuca Power Memory Eyebrow (2 Shade Selections)
• Lavshuca Power Memory Eyeliner (1 Shade Selection)
• Lavshuca Pore Concealer Base

Count me excited for Fall to get here!

Anyone else?

You ever have those very favorite products that seem so amazing, so great, so incredible that you feel like you couldn’t possibly live without them? Indeed, the Muse knows that feeling well!

Jump ahead for a few Beauty Items that I can’t live without.

Shills BB 6 in 1 BB Cream (review coming sometime soon) is something I can’t possibly live without. It’s one of thee best BB creams I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing! So much so that I’ve forsaken most every other BB Cream in my collection for it. This is love people.

Speaking of BB Creams no question that Etude House Magic Cream and InnisFree Trouble Care BB Cream are two of my other favs in the BB Cream world!

Benefit Coralista omg! I can’t think of three letters that explain how great Coralista is other than O M G. This pigmented peachy powder is my very favorite blush of all time.

On the topic of Benefit let’s not forget the awesomeness that is Thrrrob and my staple product, Benefit Lemon Aid.

I find that lately I can’t live without the very beautiful Ella Dean’s Beautiful Twist Lip Balm in Winter’s Cherry Snow Slushie Kisses. Who doesn’t like slushies? Especially cherry ones! Yum!

Although it’s sticky and tacky and ooey and gooey I probably couldn’t live without Lipstick Queen Shine Gloss. It gives my lips such incredible slippery shine plus it makes them look twice the size! Loves it!

The day NARS Super Orgasm entered my life I think the angel’s sung! What an incredible blush. Needs no commentary from me about it’s awesomeness.

I can’t live without Urban Decay Primer Potion and I don’t want to think about it not being in my life. ’nuff said.

Bobbi Brown Blush in Apricot entered into my collection quite by chance when I happened upon it at my local CCO. Ever after it’s been my staple blush and favorite shade!

Oh Bobbi your name is on my lips today! Let’s not forget how I went from feeling unsure about the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer palette and quickly having it become a staple product for me. I NEED this in my life.

Shu you know how to treat my lashes right. The cadillac of lash curlers would be my trust Shu Uemura Lash Curler, we be best buds.

Although it’s meant for aging skin I absolutely love Lancome Absolue Makeup. Flawless perfection comes to mind after use!

Speaking of perfection that would also come in my jar of Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer, nope can’t live without, can’t go for that!

Another beautiful foundation that graces my daily cosmetic regime would be Lavshuca Creamy Liquid Foundation, we loves each other for about a year now with no end in sight!

It’s Summer again so the Muse is hauling out Urban Decay Baked Bronzer in Glided Gold. Indeed, this product single handedly changed my mind about bronzers!

Life isn’t worth living without Urban Decay Midnight Cowboy in my life, golden perfection.

Mally Concealer System, worth it’s weight in gold peeps.

Majorca Majolica Mascara probably couldn’t live without that and not willing to try either!

Ok that’s Beauty Items that I can’t live without! Any of ‘em match yours? Name a few you can’t live without!

Well hmmm! Count me disappointed. Rumor of Lavshuca Lipgloss and it’s Summer release has been afoot on the Internet for ages now but I thought perhaps we’d get a palette or two a la last year’s incredible release.

Think again!

Lavshuca has updated it’s website with the Summer Special section and it’s a pimp of old items and the brand new Lavshuca Lipgloss. Whoa. So that’s it?

Two looks, Clear Shiny and Clear Sweet, are shown on the site. Basically the looks are made up of old releases (blush, shadow, etc…) along with the new Lavshuca Lipgloss.

Well, I guess that means money saved this Summer. I can’t help but be slightly disappointed but what can you do? The Muse was under the impression maybe they’d extend further and slap us with a surprise palette or two. Doesn’t appear to be happening!

I’ll be bringing you a review of Lavshuca Lipgloss soon minus incredible, nonexistence palettes. Damn.

My stash of Lavshuca palettes has gotten considerably smaller over the years as they release more and more palette styles and colors that I am none too fond of. I believe the last time I indulged was last Summer. I’m hopeful this Summer we’ll have more of the same great palettes from Lavshuca rather than a rehash of terrible colors.

Until Summer the Muse hauled out some of her Lavshuca to do a Stash Spotlight on!

As I said Lavshuca has failed to catch my fancy as of late. Lord knows it’s an epic fail lately. I am so terribly eager for news of the Summer Collection to reach my ears (hopefully good news and not disappointing news!).

I’ve been collecting Lavshuca for a few years now and I embraced the brand new packaging with glee however I do miss the certain princess feel the brand used to sport however I’m still loving the new slicker clothes.

Could be the sparkle, the smallness of the palettes, or just the fact that it’s Japanese but Lavshuca has a special place in my heart even when it’s busy putting out crummy shades!

Here’s a few pictures of my stash of palettes!

Lavshuca lover yourself?

Longing for something better from Lavshuca?

Tell the Muse!

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Lavshuca has updated it’s website with the new Spring Collection but the Muse is sadly confused considering she can’t navigate it too well at the moment.

Most of the collection is hid away somewhere deep in the website and I don’t have the time or the patience to look through it however the Muse highly suggests visiting with Kanebo directly to see what the deets are or seeing my other post about Lavshuca Spring 2009.

I did want to mention that the puffy girls are looking quite fluffy today..or is it me? I like the straightened hair but I’m unsure if this is the look for this particularly promo.

Hmmmm oh well random Musings from a Muse!

As I mentioned in my previous post I’ll probably avoid a majority of what is being released aside from one of the new palettes. I honestly fail to feel any excitement for Lavshuca lately as it’s too much of a rerun.

I keep hope that Summer will bring something exciting enough to keep me pacified enough to stop ranting about the lack of imagination lately with Lavshuca’s releases.

How about you?

Hauling any of it for yourself?

Tell the Muse!

Kanebo’s main portal has been updated with the Lavshuca Spring Collection for 2009. Although the Lavshuca main site has yet to reflect these changes we can at least get a bit of a sneak peek at what Lavshuca has to offer for Spring!

Sometimes the Muse wonders if she should be grateful or saddened over the fact that Lavshuca has hit an all time low in regards to repetition. The new eye palettes are simply the same o’, same o’ item that keeps popping up in a new design. Your Muse longs for the days when Lavshuca was keen on introducing aquas and bright pinks as opposed to the new standard of brown, brown, a bit of pink and brown, and more brown.

Sigh.

About the only color that appeals at the moment is the GN-1 variation which I don’t believe I’ve seen from Lavshuca as of yet. Considering my grave love affair with KATE Glamtrick GN1 and the Visee Glam Hunt palette in the same color selection I do so wonder if I really need to add this to my stash? But ado it calls to me so try it I must!

As we already seen with past releases, Lavshuca is fully embracing it’s new aubergine packaging and slowly phasing out anything and everything that carried the old style packaging. The latest item to take the hit is the Lavshuca loose powder which now comes with a round aubergine screw top and about zero of the fanfare and beauty of the old style packaging. I’m somewhat disappointed as I love my girlish packaging from the old power…le sigh…..I may indulge in the new powder out of curiosity since it appears to be a new formulation.

We also have two new mascaras to look forward although I can safely skip both as I’m not a huge fan of Lavshuca mascara plus I have a few on my hit list already for Spring so these are just a filler I really don’t need. It’s rare they release mascara so it may be something you’ll be wanting to jump on board with!

I enjoyed the Lavshuca Foundation released this Fall immensely so I was excited to see a new base that’s matching with the packaging of my foundation! Weee! I want to try out the moist version and see how it is!

There are also some lippies and I believe a concealer but again all safely off my wish list! At the moment one palette, the base, and possibly the powder is looking good to me but I have to see a few more collections on my list and budget out what Spring will cost prior to deciding on these as they aren’t top priority for me at the moment but we shall see as I do feel a little twinge of temptation for the GN-1 palette!

How about you?

As disappointed as the Muse?

Love the collection?

Not so much?

Tell the Muse!

Last week I brought you a review of the Lavshuca Holiday Makeup Collection in Antique Sepia. As mentioned in my prior review Lavshuca released two separate coffrets for the holidays. Today I’ll be reviewing the second color option available for the collection entitled Antique Monochrome.

If you read my prior review you already know the little details about the collection, the price, the packaging, etc….so I’ll just dive into the review today without repeating much of what has already been said about the Lavchuda 2008 Holiday Collection. I wasn’t particularly thrilled with Antique Sepia but it’s probably my favorite of the two as Antique Monochrome doesn’t have a whole lot going for it aside from the nice shade of gloss.

The shadow included with this set is a duo that includes an icy, creamy white shade with a pink iridescent finish and a contrasting gray black shade. I used the lighter shade as a base and highbrow highlighter prior to applying the grayish black shade on my lid and blending a bit into my crease. The pigmentation on the shades is as nice as Antique Sepia and the completed look is a bit of a smoky eye with a hint of girlish innocence due to the creamy pink base. Honestly, in my humble opinion, the look is a tad bit on the boring side but for a quick makeup look I do like it!

The Lavshuca Liquid Rouge Gloss in this set is a bright pink with silver sparkles. I mentioned in my other review how much I loved the gloss and in this set I feel the same way. The gloss is the best part of the set for me! It has a nice shimmer and sparkle and looks rather fab over a dab of lip stain!

Overall, I wasn’t particularly thrilled with Antique Monochrome or Antique Sepia but I am glad I purchased both for my Lavshuca Collection. I’m unsure if you really need to indulge unless you’re a collector. The Lavshuca Spring Collection does hold a bit of promise for me so I’ll look towards brighter horizons on the Lavshuca front!

How about you?

Loved these?

Which was your favorite set?

Planning on purchasing them?

Tell the Muse!

Lavshuca Antique Sepia Review, Swatches, and FOTD

Lavshuca Rouge Star Classic Review, Swatches, and FOTD

Lavshuca Color Conc Rouge Review