Esprique Debut

Kose will debut its new Esprique brand (replacing Esprique Precious) on 25 March in Japan. Esprique will be rolled out to 10 other Asian countries/territories (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Myanmar) starting in May. Targeted at ladies in their early 30s, the brand concept is "one stroke beauty", centering around products that are easy to use.

The first collection will introduce four Blend Dimensional Eyes (Shiny) quads, four Melty Fix Cheek and 10 Aqua Drape Rouge lipsticks. The black packaging can't help but remind one of Visee, which is also under the Kose umbrella.

Esprique Precious Dual Gradation Eyes and True Black Mascara

Last week, I received a few Esprique Precious goodies from Kose Singapore to review. These are the Dual Gradation Eyes D3, Heart Graphical Rouge PK833 and True Black Mascara WP (Volume Separate) BK001. The first two products are from Esprique Precious' Spring 2011 collection while the mascara is part of the permanent range.

Embossed with an adorable clover motif, the Dual Gradation Eyes (S$46) are designed to create a gradational effect on both the upper and lower lids. The palette consists of a cream Highlight Base, an Accent Colour (A), a Deep Colour (B), a Tear Shine Colour (C) and a Tear Charm Colour (D). Using the pearly Tear Shine and Tear Charm Colours on the lower lids helps to add dimension and sparkle.

After applying the Highlight Base all over the lid, I used the fat sponge applicator to line the upper lashline with the dark brown shade, the medium brown shade in the crease and the thin sponge applicator to line the lower lashline with the pearl beige shade. I also used the thin sponge applicator to add a dab of the pink shade in the middle of the lower lashline and at the inner corner of the upper lashline. Next, I used a brush to apply the pearl beige shade as a wash over the browbone area.

I found the Dual Gradation Eyes to be a good improvement over the Symphonic Eyes that were released in 2010, especially in terms of the colour payoff. The cream Highlight Base had just the right consistency, not too emollient and not too dry. I did still experience a bit of creasing after 10 hours of wear but most of the eyeshadows remained intact.

The medium brown shade may be too red-toned or warm for some ladies but otherwise, it has a nice metallic glimmer. The eyeshadows had a smooth texture and applied without any powdery fallout. Do also check out Kathi's review of this palette and D4 (a beautiful taupe/grey combo) on Lotus Palace.

The True Black Mascara WP (Volume Separate) BK001 (S$31) was another winner. Previously, I was worried about having to replace my current Holy Grail, Visee's limited edition Lash Wide Impact (Curl Long) BK002. My main problem with most mascaras is that they do not keep my lashes curled after drying. Like the Visee mascara, True Black Mascara WP keeps my lashes curled the whole day even without using any mascara base. (Both Visee and Esprique Precious are made by Kose.)

True Black Mascara is fibre-free and has an interesting curved applicator. Instead of the more common flat comb design, the applicator has a broader base lined with a few rows of short "teeth" while the under side is ridged. The applicator was well-suited to short sparse lashes like mine, and added volume and length easily without clumping. The mascara also wore well over 10 hours without flaking or smudging. As it is waterproof, it was quite tenacious and best removed with a cleansing oil.

The Heart Graphical Rouge PK833 (Blossom Pink) (S$39) is a limited edition shade. The fragrance-free lipstick was comfortable to wear with good colour payoff and a creamy finish. There is a cute heart motif on the tip but this is quickly eroded with just 3-4 uses.

Here's the finished look!

Esprique Precious New Base Makeup

Esprique Precious will debut the following new base makeup products on 16 February in Japan:

1. Super Lasting Pact UV SPF22 PA++: Long-lasting powder foundation with "pore control powder" and an "air in powder" that is 5-6 times the usual size of foundation powder particles but only one-tenth of the usual weight. Available in 7 shades.

2. Super Lasting Base UV SPF30 PA+++: Makeup primer (30g)

3. Super Matte Veil UV SPF15 PA+: Makeup primer for targeting specific areas. Helps to absorb oil and conceal redness (11g)

Esprique Brand Revamp

According to 2Channel, Esprique Precious will be revamped as simply "Esprique" in March. The first products to be launched in March are for eyes, lips and cheeks, with foundations to follow in April. The new Esprique will have black packaging and lower prices than Esprique Precious, which was launched in December 2006 with Gemma Ward as the spokesmodel.

Esprique Precious Gradation Layer Cheeks

Esprique Precious released a new Gradation Layer Cheeks in two variations in October last year. Kosé Singapore sent me #1 Coral Red to review and I loved it so much that I purchased #2 Pink Rose last weekend at Robinsons. These are not limited edition.

The blush refill (S$35, 8g) is sold separately from the case (S$15). There is a clear plastic sheet affixed to the case to help protect the blush. Nevertheless, the blush tends to kick up quite a bit of loose powder bits into the brush compartment.

The case comes with the brush, which is very soft and of a good size and quality. I like the slim elegant case which looks very convenient for travel.

#1 Coral Red (left in the pic below) is the more red-toned pink while #2 Pink Rose is the sweeter, more feminine mix of pinks.



The "Lucent" shade (A) shade at the top is for creating a natural glow and luminescence. The "Shadow" shade at the bottom (B) is for shading to make the face appear slimmer while the "Pure" shade on the left (C) gives a translucent healthy glow. The "Tint" shade on the right (D) is for creating a soft, translucent effect. With the exception of the Shadow shade, the other three shades have a very refined micro-shimmer. There are no chunky glitter bits.

For creating a sharper, more elegant look, it is recommended that you apply the blush in the crescent shaped area on the diagram. For creating a more youthful, cute look, it is recommended that you apply the blush on the apples of the cheeks.

In these pics, the top row shows the four shades in #1 Coral Red, the middle row shows the four shades in #2 Pink Rose while the bottom row shows how the four shades in #1 Coral Red and #2 Pink Rose look like when blended together. These swatches were done with two layers on my bare hand without the use of any primer.

I like the delicate shimmery finish of both Gradation Layer Cheeks as there is no artificial-looking frostiness even when layered. The blushes have good colour payoff without being too crazily pigmented, so it allows you to layer easily to your preferred intensity.


In the pic above, I am using #2 Pink Rose while in the pic below, I am using #1 Coral Red.

Here's the ingredients list.

You can find Esprique Precious at the Kosé counters in Isetan Scotts, Takashimaya, Robinsons (Raffles City & Centrepoint), OG, Metro and BHG. The new spring collection featuring the Dual Gradation Eyes (S$46) is also available now. You can read a detailed review of the Dual Gradation Eyes on Lotus Palace!

Esprique Precious Blooming Liberty

The Esprique Precious website has been updated with the new Blooming Liberty collection. The star product of the collection is the Dual Gradation Eyes for creating the perfect gradational look on both the upper and lower lids, hence the "360° eye" tagline.

You can view the new TV CM and promotional clip here. The new winter issue of Precious Beauty (Kose's seasonal magazine) has step-by-step tutorials for creating the four looks in this collection. The text is in Japanese but it's not difficult to figure out based on the pictures alone.

Esprique Precious Twinkle Story Collection

Kathi's review of the Esprique Precious Twinkle Story Collection reminded me that I haven't posted a detailed review of it yet.

I've already written in detail about the contents of the set here so I won't repeat that here. The application tips for three looks can be viewed in this earlier post. Compared to the palette from the 2009 holiday set, the Multi-Prism Palette is slightly larger. I love the sprinkling of stars across the cover. I've actually used the Multi-Prism Palette in the set several times, usually when I'm in a rush and have no time to dig through my stash and I just want a quick simple look.

The white cream shade can be used either as a highlighter or as a base under the powder eyeshadows. As I am usually out the whole day, I prefer to use either Beaute de Kose Eye Fantasists or Urban Decay Primer Potion as the base as these have better lasting power and don't crease as easily as the white cream shade in this palette. The powder eyeshadows apply quite smoothly and blend easily. The only disappointment is the purple shade which is quite sheer and does not contrast that well with the pink shades, so it usually looks like I'm wearing only pink eyeshadows. I also use the pink shades as a blush as they give a nice hint of colour.

Aurora Crystal Gloss SP002 (the light pink one in the pic below) in this year's set is quite similar to the lipgloss in last year's set as both apply quite sheer with a good amount of sparkle. Aurora Crystal Gloss SP002 gives a nice shine to the lips. It can feel a bit thick and tacky but it lasts very well on my lips over 3-4 hours.

The Pencil Eyeliner BK001 was somewhat of a dud on me. Even after swiping it first on the back of my hand to soften it up, I had difficulty applying it on my upper lashline. It did work better on my lower lashline for some reason but it just would not apply on my upper lashline without a fair amount of tugging. Then when I tried running it across a piece of tissue, the liner part broke off and had to be sharpened.

For this look, I used Eye Fantasist PK957 Sugar Glazed Pink as the base before applying the Sweet Pink shade (extreme right) over the eye socket area, Shadow Rose (the purple shade) at the outer corners, Frosty Pink (second from right) in the crease and Icy Silver over the browbone area, inner corners and along the lower lashline.

Next, I applied Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Liner along the upper lashline, the Esprique Precious Pencil Eyeliner BK001 at the outer half of the lower lashline and Visee Wide Long (Curl Impact) mascara.

For the rest of the look, I used Addiction Tinted Moisturiser No. 1 with Jill Stuart Loose Powder 01 Natural, K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow 02 and the Esprique Precious Aurora Crystal Gloss SP002.

The Twinkle Story Collection retails at S$48, which is quite affordable especially considering the number of products that it contains. However, it does have a couple of flaws as mentioned above and the shades in it are not that unique. If you have a large makeup stash, chances are you probably already own similar shades. Nevertheless, I still find myself reaching for it quite often as the shades are very easy to work.

Voce Spring 2011 Collections Preview

Voce magazine has a tantalising sneak preview of several Spring 2011 makeup collections in its new January issue! The prices and release dates listed are for Japan, with the majority of brands launching their spring collections in January. That's just a few weeks away, giving virtually no time for our wallets to rest after the holiday season.

(1) Esprique Precious Dual Gradation Eyes D1 (3150yen, 1 Dec)
(2) Dior Cinq Couleur Designer 018 (7980yen, 7 Jan)
(3) Jill Stuart Jewel Crystal Eyes #6 (5250yen, 14 Jan)
(4) YSL Palette Celebration Pink (7980yen, 14 Jan)
(5) Majolica Majorca Puff de Cheek PK303 (1365yen, 21 Jan)
(6) Majolica Majorca Jeweling Eyes PK330 (1575yen, 21 Jan)

(7) Paul & Joe Lipstick C 071 (3045yen, 7 Jan)
(8) Chanel Rouge Allure 84 (4095yen, 7 Jan)
(9) Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm 06 (2100yen, 2 Jan)
(10) Shiseido Shimmering Rouge PK407 (3675yen, 1 Jan)
(11) Jill Stuart Lip Jewel 01 (2940yen, 14 Jan)
(12) Givenchy Blush Gelee Candied Pink (4725yen, 14 Jan)

(1) Chanel Ombres Perlées de Chanel (7875yen, 7 Jan)
(2) Lunasol Ocean Scene Eyes 01 (5250yen, 14 Jan)
(3) Coffret D'Or Perfect Grade Eyes 01 (1890yen, 12 Dec)
(4) Cosme Decorte AQ Shadow Supreme 031 (6825yen, 16 Jan)
(5) Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Colour Trio VI308 (4200yen, 1 Jan)

(1) Lunasol Ocean Scene Eyes 03 (5250yen, 14 Jan)
(2) Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Colour Trio BL310 (4200yen, 1 Jan)
(3) Mary Quant Nail Polish 06 (1365yen, 10 Feb)
(4) YSL Manicure Duo 5 (4725yen, 14 Jan)
(5) THREE 4D Eye Palette 02 (6300yen, 19 Jan)
(6) RMK Crayon & Powder Eyes 03 (4200yen, 21 Jan)

(1) Esprique Precious Dual Gradation Eyes D2 (3150yen, 1 Dec)
(2) Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio BR209 (4200yen, 1 Jan)
(3) THREE 4D Eye Palette 01 (6300yen, 19 Jan)
(4) Givenchy La Prism Eye Quartet 78 (7245yen, 14 Jan)
(5) RMK Crayon & Powder Eyes 05 (4200yen, 21 Jan)
(6 & 7) Shu Uemura Shine Mystic Eye Color Khaki Silver & Ivy Gold (2415yen, 21 Jan)

(1) Maquillage Lighting Eyes Creator BE313 (3675yen, 21 Jan)
(2) Magie Deco Shadow Brilliance II DC041 (5775yen, 16 Jan)
(3) Est Dual Multiple Eyes EX13 (5775yen, 1 Jan)
(4) Cle de Peau Ombre Couleur Quadre 207 (7875yen, 21 Jan)

(1) Anna Sui Nail Colour N 031 (1680yen, 6 Jan)
(2) Lunasol Ocean Scene Eyes 04 (5250yen, 14 Jan)
(3) Magie Deco Fairy Rouge WT073 (2940yen, 16 Jan)
(4) Chanel Nail Colour 511 Pearl Drop (3045yen, 7 Jan)
(5) Dior Cinq Couleurs 034 (7980yen, 7 Jan)
(6) Chanel Levres Satinelle 151 (3465yen, 7 Jan)

(1) Aube Couture Designing Puffy Cheek 412 (2940yen, 7 Dec)
(2) Lunasol Cream Cheeks EX03 (2625yen, 14 Jan)
(3) Majolica Majorca Puff de Cheek PK301 (1365yen, 21 Jan)
(4) RMK Sheer Powder Cheeks 02 (4200yen, 21 Jan)
(5) Clarins Blush Prodigy 02 (5040yen, 14 Jan)
(6) Chanel Joues Contraste 65 (5565yen, 7 Jan)

I like the look of the new Majolica Majorca Puff de Cheeks, which remind me of Love Clover's Pon Pon Cheek PC N.


The Dior quint 034 looks like a gorgeous smoky eye palette!

I'm not a fan of the Dior Cinq Couleur Designer quints, and 018 looks quite bland.

I'm looking forward to seeing how Lunasol Ocean Scene Eyes 03 looks in real life as well.

Esprique Precious Spring 2011

Esprique Precious will release its Spring 2011 collection on 1 December in Japan. It includes:

1. Dual Gradation Eyes: 4 variations, each containing 5 shades

2. Ruffle Flare Mascara: curling and volumising mascara

3. Heart Gradical Rouge: 2 limited edition shades

4. Dress On Glossy Rouge: 2 limited edition shades


The Dual Gradation Eyes are designed to help make the eyes look bigger and more attractive by using the top three shades on the upper eyelid and the two shades in the bottom pan on the lower eyelid.

Esprique Precious Twinkle Story Collection Application Tips

For ladies who are interested in the Esprique Precious Twinkle Story Collection coffret, here are the English translations of the makeup application steps for the three looks, courtesy of Kosé Singapore!