Archive for January, 2010
Shiseido To Buy Bare Escenutals for $1.7 Billion
Posted by Wendy in Latest Obsessions on January 16th, 2010
According to Reuters.com, Shiseido – Japan’s largest cosmetics company – is set to buy Bare Escentuals for $1.7 Billion. Before all you Bare Escentuals devotees (of which I count myself one) start to hyperventilate, Reuters.com also reports that while Bare Escentuals will be owned by Shiseido, it will operate as separate division, and the Bare Escentuals brand will continue to be run by CEO Leslie Blodgett. In the article, Jason Gere, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets, mentioned that the acquisition by Shiseido will allow Bare Escentuals greater resources to expand into Europe and Asia. It will also allow Shiseido to expand into the natural cosmetics market.
On the Bare Escentuals website, Leslie Blodgett posted a letter relaying the news, saying that “Bare Escentuals as you know it will remain the same. We are on a mission to share our products and our philosophy with as many women as possible, and this development will allow us to do so in a much faster way. Shiseido [...] will help us realize our mission of being a truly global brand so we can bring our products to even more women worldwide.” Responses by fans on Facebook has been polarized, with comments strongly divided between those that support the decision and those that worry about the quality of the brand moving forward.
What are your thoughts?
Top 5 Dior Foundations
Posted by Wendy in Top 10 Lists on January 6th, 2010
Hooray! We’ve reached the end! Here’s the final post in my “top 5″ foundation series. The following are the Top 5 Dior Foundations, based on the reviews at Sephora.com and Makeupalley.com:
1= Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Fresh Powder Makeup ($45)
Average Sephora.com Rating = 4.4/5; Average Makeupalley.com Rating = 4.4/5
Product Description from Nordstrom.com: “Discover the beauty of your complexion, Nude. Ultra-lightweight loose powder naturally hydrates. Skin radiates a natural and fresh glow. A unique blend of 100% natural mineral pigments and Dior’s innovative Mineralized Water delivers an energizing cocktail for your complexion. Over time, your skin looks more beautiful, with and without makeup!”
*Fans on Sephora.com loved how evenly this went on, as well as how light it felt on the face. Many reviewers also emphasized how it didn’t feel “chalky” and left a very soft and silky feeling on the skin. The negative reviews were split between those who felt it didn’t provide enough coverage and those who thought it felt heavy and looked “mask”-like.
2= Diorskin Forever Flawless & Moist Extreme Wear Makeup SPF 25 ($44)
Average Sephora.com Rating = 4.5/5; Average Makeupalley.com Rating = 4.1/5
Product Description from Nordstrom.com: “Extreme wear for extreme beauty. This compact foundation with sponge stays flawlessly smooth and looks naturally perfect in every environment. Dior takes smoothing, wear and comfort to the ultimate extreme of beauty.”
*Fans on Sephora.com loved that it is natural-looking and lasts all day. There were a variety of application methods mentioned — some used the sponge that was included, while others preferred using a powder or kabuki brush. Those who left negative reviews often felt that this foundation was too drying.
3= Dior Capture Totale Foundation SPF 15 ($75)
Average Sephora.com Rating = 4.4/5; Average Makeupalley.com Rating = 4.1/5
Product Description from Nordstrom.com: “A unique blend of Capture Totale anti-aging ingredients (Alpha Longoza™ and Centuline™), optical correctors and HD Liquid Crystal Pigments™, this revolutionary serum foundation gives skin radiant ‘high definition’ perfection in every dimension. Thanks to a broader band of multi-toned pigments more subtle, real and natural than the four (red, yellow, white, black) usually used in foundation. Treats all the signs of aging. Boosts collagen, nourishes, replenishes, re-plumps.”
*Positive reviewers loved the dewy and illuminating finish of this foundation. Because this foundation includes Dior’s Capture Totale anti-aging ingredients, many of the reviewers tend to be in the 45-54 or 54+ age category. Those who wrote negative reviews mentioned the narrow color selection and the foundation’s ability to look “masklike” as limiting factors.
4= Diorskin Airflash Spray Makeup ($60)
Average Sephora.com Rating = 4.4/5; Average Makeupalley.com Rating = 4/5
Product Description from Nordstrom.com: “For gorgeous skin, start with Airflash. You’ll look luminous and radiant in seconds and touch-ups are quick and easy for a night out. A quick spray, and you’re on your way! You’ll feel an airy-light, fresh sensation. You’ll see a more even skin texture, fewer fine lines—a softly radiant, airbrush perfection that lasts all day.”
*Sephora reviewers listed a variety of application methods — using a dampened sponge, applying with a stippling brush, and spraying it directly on the face and blending with a foundation brush. Positive reviewers liked how it went on smooth and even and provided a nice amount of coverage. Negative reviewers felt the shade range was limiting and a little to dark, and a few reviewers felt that it tended to slide in to fine lines and wrinkles as the day went on.
5= Diorskin Sculpt Foundation ($53)
Average Sephora.com Rating = 4.4/5; Average Makeupalley.com Rating = 4/5
Product Description from Nordstrom.com: “A revolutionary, line-smoothing, firming makeup that instantly fills in fine lines and wrinkles, boosts skin elasticity and turns up your natural radiance. It’s like a mini face-lift. In nine shades that match skin to perfection.”
*Sephora.com reviewers loved that this foundation went on smoothly and minimized fine lines. However, some reviewers felt that it was a little too heavy.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree with these rankings?
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