Addiction Haul Pics and Review

My single largest purchase in Osaka recently was at the Addiction counter. As Addiction is currently sold only in Japan, I decided that I might as well get several products to play with. As some of you may already know, Addiction was introduced by Kose in July 2009 and designed by New York-based Japanese makeup artist Ayako, who is the former NARS International Makeup Director. At first glance, the NARS influences are obvious in the sleek black packaging, the selection of shades and even the font of the brand logo. If Jill Stuart is the flirty young sister who loves everything pink, then Addiction is like the more glam, leather-clad older sister in stilettos.

The eyeshadow shade selection is a refreshing departure from the usual offerings by Japanese beauty brands that have a tendency to be a bland sea of gradational pastels. When the line first debuted, it was notable for offering six black and six white eyeshadows in matte, pearl, metallic and sparkle textures. In contrast, there are very few pink, purple, green and blue shades in the line-up.

Fortunately, Addiction does not sport the same dust-magnet rubber packaging as NARS (which survives poorly in humid tropical weather). Instead, the compacts are a sleek, lightweight plastic. Like several Japanese brands, Addiction offers empty palette cases that you can fill with the eyeshadows and blushes.

Compact Case I (1050yen) can fit 4 eyeshadows while Compact Case II (1575yen, shown here) can fit 6 eyeshadows. A blush occupies the same space as two eyeshadows. I like the generously sized mirror in the case.

Face Colour #11 Gorgeous (2940yen, 3.9g) is slightly dusky pink nude with gold micro-sparkles. The sparkles do tend to be obvious when applied, so if you prefer a more natural finish, then Gorgeous is probably not for you.

For the eyeshadows, I was naturally drawn towards the more shimmery shades with a metallic finish. The textures of these eyeshadows feels incredibly silky smooth and they all have good colour payoff. These retail at 2100yen each. Below is 042P Screen

030ME Flash Back

45P Bad Romance

029ME Arabian Ruby

I also picked up three of the Lip Glosses (2625yen each). From top to bottom: 015 Dear Liar, 021 Cry Baby and 014 Azalea

All three have a good amount of shine and fortunately, no gritty glitter bits. Formulated with centifolia rose extract for moisturising benefits, there is no taste or scent. These last about three hours on me and did not feel sticky.

The slightly tapered doe-foot sponge applicator is quite nifty for getting a precise application, especially at the corners and bow of the upper lip. The applicator comes out of the tube with just the right amount of gloss.

After prepping my lids with Urban Decay Primer Potion, I applied Bad Romance from the inner corners to the middle of the upper lid and the outer half of the lower lashline; Screen at the inner corners and along the lower lashline; Arabian Ruby from the middle of the upper lid to the outer corner and Flash Back from the crease to the browbone area. I blended in Screen just above the outer half of the crease.

For this look, I also used Addiction's Primer SPF20 PA++ under Tinted Moisturiser No. 1, and Cry Baby lip gloss over a Cosme Decorte lipstick BE355. Instead of the usual liquid or powder foundation, Addiction carries only a Tinted Moisturiser (4625yen, SPF12 PA+) in five shades.

The Tinted Moisturiser provides a surprisingly good amount of coverage and helped to even out my skintone, although a separate concealer is still required for the under eye circles and more pigmented areas. It proved to be very easy to apply and blend, without streaking or caking. When applying it, there is a slight cooling sensation. The oil control is average and I still needed to blot every couple of hours. It contains centifolia rosa and rose hip oil to help keep skin hydrated.

Overall, I'm quite happy with my Addiction haul, in particular the Tinted Moisturiser and the eyeshadows. The products are well-formulated with elegant textures and simple, functional packaging. The prices are also reasonable for a department store brand, around the range of Shu Uemura.

Currently, Addiction has only 8 counters in Japan :
1. Isetan in Shinjuku, Tokyo
2. Seibu in Shibuya, Tokyo
3. Mitsukoshi in Ginza, Tokyo
4. Takashimaya at JR Nagoya station
5. Daimaru in Kobe
6. Daimaru in Shinsaibashi, Osaka
7. Umeda Hankyu in Osaka
8. Takashimaya in Osaka