Spring into Spring with Shiseido

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Shop

Published on Monday, 12 May 2014 12:41

Written by Elaine Ing

Founded in 1872, Shiseido is one of the oldest cosmetics companies in the world, the fourth largest cosmetics company in the world, and the largest cosmetic firm in Japan. It’s easy to see why Shiseido has had such longevity. It continues to reinvent itself with skincare lines made for specific needs and different age groups, and with Dick Page as its artistic director since 2007, introducing its brand’s signature color cosmetics collection with new innovations and new color schemes to suit every mood.

Skincare

“Future Solution LX” : is an ultra-luxurious line launched in 2009.  Jennifer Connelly, well-known model and actress, is an apropos spokesperson for this line of skincare technology made of formulations of the highest quality for maximum anti-aging results. Joining the Future Solution LX line, Future Solution LX Total Protective Emulsion SPF18 ($240) and Future Solution LX Superior Radiance Serum ($225) reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sagging, visible pores and dullness with the groundbreaking anti-aging ingredient Skingenecell 1P - a new approach to skin science that increases cell vitality and fundamentally improves skin quality.

"Benefiance": was introduced in 1996 and is formulated for mature and dry skin types. Recent additions to the Benefiance line include a reformulated antiwrinkle eye cream that also treats dark circles, and a retinol face mask. The Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask ($63) immediately helps to improve the appearance of eye area wrinkles and helps brighten dark circles and dullness with advanced Pure Retinol Micro-Infusion Technology.

"White Lucent": is used to brighten the skin tone and lighten the appearance of skin discoloration due to sun exposure, This line replaced the UV White skincare line, which is one of the most popular skincare lines in Asia. This product line relies on Japanese botanicals and vitamin C esters to brighten the skin tone, reduce the appearance of sun damage, and promote skin clarity.  The latest addition is the White Lucent Total Brightening Serum ($125/30ml, $170/50ml) that helps prevent and diminish the appearance of dark spots and dullness, re-texturizing the skin’s surface for added luster and moisture with Resveratrol, 4MSK, and active ingredient Bright Derm Fragrance.

"Bio-Performance": The line was introduced in 1987 with Shiseido being the first to formulate and synthesize hyaluronic acid. Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizer and Advanced Super Restoring Cream are two of Shiseido's most popular lists. Recent additions to the Bio-Performance line include a Refining Essence and Super Exfoliating Discs.

"The Skincare" is for all skin types, but targets women in their 20s to 50s, and is therefore more hydrating than Pureness. The Skincare line was introduced in 1997 and replaced the Vital Perfection skincare line.

"Pureness" is Shiseido's oil control line introduced in 1995 and is aimed at a younger consumer (who typically has oilier skin). Pureness products contain plant-derived ingredients like palo azul, a skin conditioner Shiseido claims stimulates the skin's moisturizing capacities and rosemary extract, which has a well-known antimicrobial effect.

“IBUKI” Skincare : is a new skincare line with Exclusive Shape Memorizing Cell Technology with PhytoResist Complex that visibly corrects imperfections by targeting dryness, dullness, uneven skin tone, blemishes, roughness & visible pores. An anti-aging line for women their mid 20’s to early 30’s, consisting of two cleansers, a serum, three moisturizers, and an eye cream. The line reinforces skin's protective lipid barrier to help it hold in moisture and ward off environmental stressors, and builds skin's resistance to UV rays, dryness and daily stress by infusing it with long-lasting moisture. The Ibuki line helps prevent all this damage by training the skin-barrier cells to remember their healthy shape.

Makeup:
Dick Page joined Shiseido in 1997 after years of doing the backstage makeup for fashion luminaries Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs.  His inspiration for Spring 2014 was “variety” and that can be seen in the introduction of new shades in the color palette.

•    Sheer Eye Zone Corrector ($30, 6 shades) cancels out "color noise” to brighten and balance skin tone in a convenient applicator- pen, with 96% of women reporting under-eye dark circles immediately minimized

•    Lacquer Gloss ($25, 8 shades) designed by Artistic Director Dick Page, offers a transparent lacquer finish with shine, color and moisture from a triple-layer formula, inspired by the suki-urushi style of traditional Japanese lacquerware artistry

•    Lacquer Rouge ($25, 7 shades) and the Shimmering Cream Eye Color ($25, 8 shades) collections

•    Sebum & Oil Blotting Papers ($12) and Sweat & Oil Blotting Film ($12) provide on-the-go solutions for a refreshed, oil-free complexion and are ideal for use before makeup touchups

To learn more, go to: http://www.shiseido.com/

In the Thicke of Things at Express

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Shop

Published on Thursday, 03 April 2014 04:36

Written by Elaine Ing

On Tuesday, Mar. 25th, 2014 singer Robin Thicke officially opened the Express flagship store in the midst of Times Square.  After a Q&A and photo-op session in the middle of the gigantic store, Thicke descended the escalators wearing the Express “Photographer” suit and Henley graphic tshirt, opened his set to a screaming filled-to-capacity in-store crowd.  Much to the surprise and delight of pedestrians outside the store, his live performance was telecast on Express’ 9,000 sq. foot billboard (the highest resolution billboard ever in Times Square).  Thicke played a number of his hits, including starting off with Give It 2 You, his 2008 song Magic on the keyboard, and of course the 2013 summer anthem Blurred Lines.

The massive new three-story, 28,000-square-foot flagship is in the heart of Times Square. The Japanese redesign of its flagship store, as well as its world-wide store locations, features industrial fixtures, separate women’s & men’s section, a special "denim lab" area, and a runway down the center of each store to showcase special merchandise. In addition, the flagship store boasts interactive iPads, mobile points of sale, and on-site charging stations to enhance the shopping experience. Express has more than 620 worldwide, generating sales of $2 billion a year.  It was announced last fall that supermodel Kate Upton will be the first celebrity spokeswoman to appear in the brand’s campaigns in the past decade. As the brand ambassador for the American company, the model recently wowed the crowd at Express’ runway show in Miami Beach and will appear in their fall ads.

The flagship store opening celebration was the perfect opportunity to see Express’ latest Spring 2014 collection.  The first two floors featured the women’s collection.  The first floor consisted of mainly casual wear, including the recently launched Love Express line (yoga and casual lounge) and Express Core (activewear).  Both lines highlight Express’ aggressive pricing strategy of offering fast fashion clothing and accessories with the same fabric technology as many of the high-end sports/ activewear brand competitors, at a fraction of the cost.

The second floor showed Express’ dressier items and accessories. Lightly tinted blush is a predominant color in their Spring 2014 collection, as well as the au courant monochromatic black / white theme in the form of stripes, polka dots and eye-catching visuals.  These color schemes are echoed in apparel and accessories. The massive retail store utilizes each space well, with separate areas allotted for handbags & totes, hosiery & shoes, jewelry, and fragrance.
The third floor was dedicated to menswear, featuring suits, shirts and casual wear including the “denim lab”.

Festive Fossil Finds

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Parent Category: Travel Info

Category: Places To Shop

Published on Monday, 23 December 2013 04:06

Written by Elaine Ing

We saw a glimpse of Fossil’s Holiday preview back in the summer but at a special press event in November, we got to see the full Fossil Holiday collection in full Yuletide regalia.  

Inspired by the Northern Lights (Aurora Beorealis), the natural light display is echoed in the array of sweeping colors throughout the collection.  From limited edition watches (the Heather Starstruck for women and Grant Sapphire for men), traditional handbags and accessories (studded or embroidered constellation detailing on color blocked or solid backgrounds), to fashion jewelry in shimmering palettes, it’s hard not to shine during this festive season. 

Fossil has every budget covered for both him & her.  Fossil offers great stocking stuffers under $50 – charms, bracelets, wallets, pouches, ipad cases, sunglasses, belts.  And for those with deeper pockets, bargains abound for less than $200 – watches, purses, totes, city / messenger bags, watch boxes, and even clothes!!