I should (Rouge) Coco - The new lipstick from CHANEL

Lipstick has been overshadowed by its less mature sister, lipgloss, for ages. No, it's not groundbreaking (or, really, important in the larger context) but the recent change in the beauty landscape back to full-on lipcolour is comforting for those of us who brave even the most inhospitable environs in matte red lipstick.

The renaissance of sophisticated lipwear over the last few seasons is, I think, a boon for pouts the world over. Lipstick 2.0 is gives us an amped up version of this ancient beauty aide -- from quality packaging to innovative formulas. Who's leading the charge? CHANEL, of course, the brand that always seems to do the same thing but by doing so ends up on the cutting edge. Defies belief and probably riles the competition. However, they know what they like and what they do well, and they like lipstick so much that it's cult 2.55 handbag has a dedicated pocket just for the prized product.

This lipstick revolution has a name - Rouge Coco, and it's happening quietly. What makes it so revolutionary? The devils in the details, dears, and the details have been overlooked far too long in the name of the bottom line. Have a quick rummage through your makeup drawer. Pluck out the lipsticks and look at them, really look at them. Roll them around in your hand. How do they feel? Certainly not like Rouge Coco. The new lipstick comes in a metal tube... when was the last time you bought a lipstick swathed in anything other than plastic? It feels luxurious cupped in the palm - heavy, cool to the touch. The cap snaps on to the base, making the most satisfying sound, within are the intertwined double Cs, as well as atop the lid.

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Muji skincare launching in the UK... still waiting in the US!

Muji, the makers of my favourite travel radio alarm clock, the purveyors of the minimalist, hyper-organised aesthetic to which I am a slave (as the perpetual wish list I am now keeping on Posterous has made painfully clear), are bringing their simple, lovely skincare to the UK. Japan has been privy to Muji's skincare secrets for, well, as long as they've existed.

So what do we have to look forward to? A capsule collection of the popular Muji skincare products and ranges, which is based on the water of Japan's Iwate region, apparently renowned for it's softness and tiny particle size (all the better for absorption). The sensitive skin range, high moisture range and three cleansers (an oil, a milk and a gel) will kick off Muji's entry into the UK beauty market.

The two ranges are free from alcohol, parabens, artificial colouring, mineral oils, synthetic perfume (and perfume full stop in the sensitive skin range). 

The sensitive skin range includes star ingredients grapefruit seed extract, which is naturally moisturising, and Portulaca Oleracea (Common Purslane) extract, which protects the skin. Not sure what their concentration is, but worth noting. Same with the peach extract, Hyaluronic Acid and Lipidure ® (Polyquaternium -51) in the high moisture range. 

When can you buy the goods? At the end of March, both in store and at www.muji.co.uk. With prices ranging from £7.95 to £16.95, I foresee them being an instant hit.