J-pop culture beauty

If you are obsessed with everything cute and playful from the wonderful world of Japanese pop culture like Hello Kitty and the princess pink color, then you will surely love Tokidoki. Italian, LA-based illustrative artist Simone Legno created his brand of dizzying poppy art from Japanese geishas, smiling tulips and floating milk cartons. Cool, huh?

"Tokidoki means ‘sometimes’ in Japanese, because everyone waits for moments that change their destiny," says Legno. "Tokidoki is the hope and hidden energy everyone has inside that gives us the strength to face each new day and dream that something positive, something magical will happen to us."

Dig this, Tokidoki has been featured in magazines like Nylon, Tokion, Teen Vogue and Elle. Even in Taschen’s Illustration Now book. Perhaps what made the Tokidoki brand stand out is Legno’s line of clothes, jewelry, accessories and iPod skins. No wonder Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas is a fan.

Another great thing about Tokidoki is that the brand is known for unique design collaborations with Lesportsac for adorably cute bags and Fornarina shoes. Recently, the latest teamup is with Smashbox Cosmetics for the spring 2007 makeup collection.

"Smashbox is excited to introduce Tokidoki for Smashbox, a limited-edition color collection created to celebrate spring," says Norman Barsky, VP of Smashbox Cosmetics. "Tokidoki for Smashbox merges the provocative yet pure, cute and playful, sexy and sophisticated style of Tokidoki with the A-lister beauty secret, Smashbox Cosmetics, for a high-energy collection that is fun and flirty, glamorous and cool."

I really did not have any clue about Smashbox’s spring collection. So, when I was given a preview last December, I instantly fell in love with the whimsical J-pop-inspired packaging and the makeup, of course. Well, it gave me a sweetness toothache just by looking at it.

Smashbox Cosmetics has a long history of working with artists. In fact, the entire collection is designed for the needs of the makeup artists and photographers who work on the sets of legendary Smashbox Photo Studios.

Tokidoki for Smashbox features fun and flirty makeup with limited-edition artwork, which is perfect for creating that high-energy, youthful look. Think modern geisha that meets pop princess – playful but nice. Here are Smashbox’s products adorned with Tokidoki-designed packaging that will surely make you drool:

Artificial Light

If you want to know the secret of how celebrities light up the room, then try Tokidoki Artificial Light. Made with vitamins A, C, E and gingko biloba, this sheer luminizer brightens the skin especially when you are on the go. It can be used with a body lotion for an all-over glow or to highlight cheeks and brow bones. Aside from diamonds, gorgeously glowing skin is definitely a girl’s best friend.

Eye Shadow Quad

To make the eyes look absolutely stunning, use the magical Tokidoki Eye shadow quads. It comes in two color versions like Modela (yellow with blue iridescent shimmer, baby blue shimmer, peach sheen, matte chocolate) and Celebrita (baby pink shimmer, vibrant purple sheen, pearl sheen, pewter shimmer) to amplify your look. All four easily blendable shades work well to contour, highlight and define the eyes to create a captivating halo.

Lip Gloss

Do not just fantasize about fuller lips. To light up the lips, try Tokidoki lip gloss in Dolcissima (a shimmery sheer peachy pink) or Drammatica (a shimmery bright pink). With sheer formulas, these glimmering glosses can be used on bare lips or over lipstick. Here is a cool trick: Apply Drammatica all over the lips for a glamorous pop of pink then dab Dolcissima on the center of the bottom lip to add dimension and shine.

Skin Tint

The ultimate multipurpose product from this lot is Tokidoki Skin Tint. This oil-free, natural-looking tint in Bella (bright pink) is made vitamin A, C and E to brighten and rejuvenate the skin and echinacea and aloe to soothe the skin. So, if there is an all-in-one beauty product you need, this is definitely it. Perfect for brightening up your cheeks, lips and even eyes. To have the perfect pink pout that will last all day, dab this Skin Tint on the lips and if you want to add extra glamour, then apply Dolcissima lip gloss on top.

Soft Lights & Brush Set

To add a golden pink sheen on the face, use Tokidoki Soft Lights and Brush Set in Dolce Vita. It comes with a jumbo pot of silk-like pressed powder and fan brush. Sweep across the cheeks, temples and nose that warm the skin with a bright and healthy glow. You could also layer over the Skin Tint for a more intense burst of color.

Stellina Makeup Mirror

A makeup kit is not complete without a mirror and there is nothing cuter than Tokidoki Stellina makeup mirror. Stellina is Italian for "little star," and this is exactly what this compact will make you feel every time you use it for a quick touch-up. This star-emblazoned makeup mirror comes with a travel pouch and is sleek enough to fit perfectly into any purse.

Ah, Tokidoki for Smashbox shows that you can merge art and makeup together for a collection that is full of life, love and magic. Now, that is what I call flipping cute!

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Tokidoki for Smashbox’s spring makeup collection will be available in March at Beauty Bar. E-mail love-hate whatever things to becca_rodriguez@yahoo.com or visit www.myspace.com/beccacrodriguez.