Filed In: Shu Uemura

Shu Uemura | Petal Lash Mascara, Eye Event Summer 2014 Collection

July 23, 2014

With a brush head shape inspired by the pistil of a flower, the new Petal Lash Mascara (CAN $29.00) from Shu Uemura (Summer 2014 Eye Event), looks nothing like the type of mascara I usually tend towards (the bushier-headed variety), but after just a few wearings, has earned itself a permanent place in my beauty arsenal. Created with a unique new formula that is meant to give curl as well as provide length and volume, and all without the usual heft and heavy feel of traditional mascaras, I absolutely couldn’t wait to give this a try.

shu uemura | petal lash mascara

petal lash mascara intense black (CAN $29.00) | A mascara in a deep black hue that is supposed to give your lashes curl, volume & length while providing waterproof all-day wear in an ultra-light and pleasantly scented formula. The bristles of the curved pistil-shaped brush head have been designed to catch even the tiniest of lashes and help spread the product effectively from root to tip, while the squared-off tip can help with definition and separation. According to the company:

rice bran wax complex – provides a powerful curling effect
3-polymer WP complex – coats lashes with a waterproof and resistant finish, smudge proof for all day wear
bamboo complex – to help keep lashes smooth and supple
ceramide R & pro-Vitamin B5 – protects hair surface and improves surface condition
subtle Sakura (cherry blossom) fragrance

My mascara criteria are quite simple: I want my lash product to be long-lasting (not necessarily waterproof), smudge free (hate those crescent-shaped smears that can show up under the eyes), relatively clump-free (although some clumping can actually work in favour of those with thin and/or sparse lashes), flake-free (again, not a fan of black specks under my eyes), and give decent volume with visible length. Even though my lashes have a pretty good natural curl, I always curl them pre-mascara application anyway, therefore any curl claims made by brands have never been an important factor for me, although those with straight lashes will surely appreciate the added feature.

I have always tended towards the straight/conical bushy-headed type of mascara brushes, so it was with a healthy dose of skepticism that I approached the significantly thinner and oddly curved brush of the Petal Lash Mascara. That being said, I need to clearly state that I LOVE IT. The first thing you notice, is the subtle and extremely pleasant fragrance – so much better than the traditional chemical/rubbery smells of most mascaras. The curved shape has at least 2 benefits that became clear from the very first use; firstly, you can angle it easily to reach thin/small lashes without fear of the rest of the brush accidentally depositing colour anywhere else (either your other lashes or the surrounding skin) and even more importantly, helps to actually “hug” your lash line so effectively, that it gets as close to the roots as possible, to give the appearance of lush fullness. The tip works extremely well to help with separating and defining lashes, although the formula does seem to lean towards the dryer type, so you do need to work quickly (not so quickly that you don’t have time for at least 2 generous coats, however). The first coat will give you lashes look defined and significantly longer – and perfect for a natural daytime/office look, while a second coat gives a bit more in the length department and visibly added volume – perfect for an evening look & those who like their lashes with more va-va-voom appeal. The final thing I noticed, was that even through the multiple coats which I applied, my lashes still felt light and not weighed down by excessive product. Wear time was impressive as well, lasting easily throughout the entire day – without smudging or flaking, and true to the waterproof/water resistant claim so be advised that you’ll need a bi-phase or emollient type eye make remover to take this off. buy Alphagan online andnewbloonline.com/ no prescription

shu uemura | petal lash mascara

shu uemura | pre-petal lash mascara

shu uemura | petal lash mascara, 1 coat on curled lashes

shu uemura | petal lash mascara, 2 coats on curled lashes

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While I can’t speak for the curl claim, the new Shu Uemura Petal Lash Mascara does all the rest that it’s meant to, and does it extremely well indeed. If you’re like me and usually avoid thin brush heads in favour of their more bristly cousins, do yourself a favour and try this one – it has made a convert out of me. To my knowledge, it is only available in this one black shade, which is fine by me as that too is as claimed: Intense Black, giving you deeply sooty lashes. Petal Lash Mascara may have been specifically created for “Asian” lashes, but in my opinion it is a product that all eye shapes and lash types can truly benefit from. For mascara fiends such as myself, this is a total win – on all counts. buy aceon online andnewbloonline.com/aceon.html no prescription

Available through Holt Renfrew (Canada), find more information via:

*Disclosure: Product sample provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

shu uemura Green Pearl & Lavender Pearl – Bijoux Collection Spring 2014

March 17, 2014

The Bijoux Collection for Spring 2014 by shu uemura takes its inspiration from precious gems, filled with beautifully multi-faceted light yet subtle enough to be worn every day. The two limited edition lacquers may seem ethereal and softly delicate, but something about the way their shimmers catch the light will leave you staring. And let’s just admire their perfectly Springtime freshness, shall we?

shu uemura Bijoux Collection Spring 2014 – Green Pearl & Lavender Pearl

Green Pearl (CAN $25.00) – Delicately pale seafoam green hue with crushed pearl shimmer.The flow was absolutely spot-on, self levelling and laying down exactly where applied without any dragging or pooling issues, with excellent coverage even at the first coat and leaving behind a natural glossy finish. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

*NOTE: there may be some shimmer migration upon the skin with removal – nothing that a second pass with remover can’t solve, however.

shu uemura Bijoux Collection Spring 2014 – Green Pearl

Lavender Pearl (CAN $25.00) – An airy lavender hue filed with opalescent and crushed pearl shimmer. The formula is a touch thinner than that of Green Pearl, making it slightly easier to apply, but with the same perfect flow & beautiful glossy shine at the end. TIP: thin coats will yield the best and most even coverage. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

shu uemura Bijoux Collection Spring 2014 – Lavender Pearl

The Japanese aesthetic of understated beauty espoused by the shu uemura brand, may not be what Westerners are used to, but I for one have embraced it wholeheartedly, as I find that this philosophy works to subtly enhance what we’re all born with, as opposed to trying to change and/or cover things up. That’s not to say that I don’t appreciate skillfully applied makeup or vibrant colour; it’s closer to the truth to say that working with shu products almost forces you to take a step back and appreciate the “art of making up”. The two limited edition shades of the Bijoux Collection apply that same principle to the nails with shades that are soothing yet still glam, and will definitely earn second looks.

The shu uemura limited edition Bijoux Collection is available now (Holt Renfrew in Canada). Find more information via:

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

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shu uemura 6 heart Princess Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil, Holiday 2013

January 16, 2014

Using an oil to clean your face might seem somehow counterintuitive, but there’s a reason why the shu uemura Cleansing Oil range has reached cult status: they work. Seriously & amazingly well, with one basically sold every 7 seconds worldwide. That’s a whole lot of cleansing going on.

For the Holiday 2013 6♥Princess Collection, the Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil was given the cutest (and limited edition) decorative packaging; in collaboration with well-known Japanese contemporary artist, Takashi Murakami, this collection takes its inspiration from the duality found within each woman – her “pink” or nice & innocent side, vs her “black” or naughty & sexy side, with the lines occasionally blurring between the two to bring forth a woman who is definitely a little of both.

I think I’ve been leaning heavily into my black princess side … maybe I’ll give the pink princess a go, just to change things up a bit.

Takashi Murakami (source)

shu uemura 6♥Princess

shu uemura 6♥Princess Collection gift box

shu uemura 6♥Princess Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil

Anti/Oxi Skin Refining Anti-Dullness Cleansing Oil (CAN $92.00/450 ml) – This clear cleansing oil is enhanced by the addition of moringa and green tea extracts to help revive dull skin, such as that exposed to daily pollutants, as well as remove all traces of makeup and improve clarity. With daily use, skin texture is refined and tone is significantly brightened, which will enable your makeup application to look that much more flawless. The bright green plastic bottle is equipped with a convenient pump dispenser, making one handed use effective and simple. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive (although I do notice that perfume is on the ingredients list, so those with fragrance sensitivities should be aware).

The absolute genius behind this product, is how easy it is to use – and I can guarantee you right here & now, that once you discover how amazing it makes your skin feel, you will NOT want to be without it.

The directions state to apply 3-4 pumps on dry skin, but I found that 2 pumps were more than sufficient for my usual daily use – I add another pump or two only if I have a full “face” on and want to ensure I get every square inch of skin. Basically, it goes like this:

apply
add a bit of water to emulsify (foamy lather)
rinse
dry
done

Simple, huh? The best part is not only in how effectively it removes every last trace of makeup, but how gently it does the job; there’s no need for scrubbing, as the Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil gently lifts dirt and sebum from pores to leave skin feeling clean, not dry & stripped. As this product is non-comedogenic, it will not clog pores or cause any breakouts – in fact, I’ve noticed that my skin has never looked clearer, and my pores less visible. Even my daughter (whom I nagged incessantly to try this out until she finally caved – probably just to get me off her back) noticed how much smaller her pores now appear. I love it when I’m right. smug grin

I notice that the directions say that “in case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately” and yet the pictogram shows the product applied all over the face, eyes included. I use another product to remove my eye makeup first, then I follow with the Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil all over my face, closed eyes included, and so far, have had no issues whatsoever.

shu uemura 6♥Princess Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil, information

shu uemura 6♥Princess Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil, directions

shu uemura 6♥Princess Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil, ingredients

Now that I have discovered the wonderful world of shu uemura Cleansing Oils (there are several types to choose from), there’s no going back. Using a white towel as my gauge, I was so surprised to note that after using this product, there was absolutely zero makeup residue left behind – further proof of how completely this oil works. My skin loves it too and it shows, and that’s the best testimonial of them all.

While the Anti/Oxi Cleansing Oil is part of the permanent shu uemura range, the packaging here is limited edition and still available at most counters. Find more information via:

*Disclosure: Product sample provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

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shu uemura Eye-Conic Collection: Soft-Gel Pencil & Mini Yellow Quartz Lashes

November 23, 2013

New from Shu Uemura and added as part of the permanent lineup, are the Soft-Gel Pencils – available in M Black (reviewed here today) and M Brown. What makes these pencils unique is not only their incredibly soft texture (which means no excessive tugging and/or pulling around the delicate eye area), but their ultra saturated colour and mega staying power. Known for making some of the most amazing lashes out there, these Shu Uemura mini versions are the absolutely perfect crowning touch for any look you create … sophisticated sparkle definitely included.

*Note that previous reviews of several items from the Shu Uemura Eye-Conic collection can be found here:

shu uemura ♦ Soft-Gel Pencil in M Black

Soft-Gel Pencil M Black (CAN$36.00 ) – With its mechanical-pencil style body protecting the contents, this pigment-rich black liner remains well protected from any unfortunate accidents. With just a few clicks the product comes to the surface, although you should note that it is NOT retractible and you should only expose as much as you need at a time. Application couldn’t be easier; this pencil basically glides across the skin and drawing a fine line is a breeze (not ultra-fine), but you always have the option of going thicker by simple adjusting the angle of the pencil. Wear time on the waterline was approximately 9-10 hours and a little longer when applied to the upper/lower lash line.

shu uemura ♦ Soft-Gel Pencil in M Black

shu uemura ♦ Soft-Gel Pencil in M Black (direct sunlight)

shu uemura ♦ Sft-Gel Pencil in M Black (indirect light)

I opted to compare M Black to my go-to black liners, CHANEL’s Ébène (which is that brand’s waterproof version) and Giorgio Armani #3 Black (not waterproof, but a similar buttery consistency to M Black). The results:

The CHANEL seemed a touch more pigmented, albeit a “cooler-toned” black, the longest staying power of the three
M Black had a warmer look to it, with a smoother texture and almost lasted as long as the CHANEL
The least pigmented of the three, close in texture to M Black, shortest staying power

It occurs to me that if you were to merge CHANEl’s Ébène with Giorgio Armani’s #3 Black, you’d probably get the Shu Uemura M Black. Just saying.

shu uemura ♦ Soft-Gel Pencil in M Black (and comparisons)

shu uemura ♦ Mini Yellow Quartz Lashes

Mini Yellow Quartz Lashes (CAN $32.00) – These finely crafted lashes are meant to bring emphasis to the outer corners of the eyes, adding a flattering amount of length and volume. You get tantalizing glimpses of the the 3 small rhinestones under certain lighting and at various angles, particularly when the eyes are downcast — very sexy and totally NOT overdone. As these lashes fall on the pricier side of the scale, it’s good to know that they also seem to last longer than the drugstore variety, especially when you take the time to clean the excess glue off them after wearing, and store them back in their case. Well worth the investment, if you want quality lashes.

shu uemura ♦ Mini Yellow Quartz Lashes

Something tells me that I will definitely be picking up a backup of this liner – I absolutely love how buttery smooth it is as well as how long it lasts, especially considering its über-soft texture. As this was my first experience with Shu Uemura lashes, I can honestly say how impressed I was, both by the quality and how beautifully they wore. The only problem? I don’t think I can ever go back to wearing the drugstore/cheaper variety again.

Available in Canada through The Bay (online as well as select stores) and Holt Renfrew. Find more information via:

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by Kitagawa Utamaro (1753 – 1806) source

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

shu uemura Eye-Conic Collection: Duo-Color Cheek Refills (LE)

November 22, 2013

The Duo-Color Cheek Refills of the Shu Uemura Eye-Conic Collection, gave me pause; Sweet Pink seemed “normal” enough, but the vibrant orange-y hue of Fresh Apricot was somewhat … scary-looking, at least to me. I worried needlessly, as these products combine a highlighter portion along with the blush colour, which means that they can be worn separately or swirled together for a glowing tint to the cheeks. A normal glowing tint, not the clown-cheeks variety.

shu uemura – duo-color cheek refills in Sweet Pink (left) & Fresh Apricot

Sweet Pink – limited edition (CAN $42.00) – With my skin colouring (light-medium with olive undertones), pink blush can be extremely difficult to pull off, but this shade seems to just work. Slightly warm toned, this peony shade gives that perfect healthy flush to the cheeks, without coming off as a wind-burn. Pigmentation was decent – not too light, but not overly saturated either, and it lasted approximately 8 hours before any significant fading. The pearly highlighter portion has enough gleam (without overt sparkles) to impart a gorgeous glow, especially when the two are swirled together. Finely milled, there was some powdery kickback when I applied my brush to the pan – easily remedied by tapping the excess off first.

shu uemura – Sweet Pink duo-color cheek refill: highlight (left), blush (middle), blended (right) in sunlight

shu uemura – Sweet Pink duo-color cheek refill: highlight (left), blush (middle), blended (right) indirect light

Fresh Apricot – limited edition (CAN $42.00) – The first thing that surprised me, was how softly this colour applied – NOTHING like the almost neon vibrancy seen in the pan. The second thing was how it not only didn’t really show up against my skin tone, but failed to suit me as well – unusual, since peachy shades are what usually work for me. The highlighter portion seemed a touch chalkier than that of Sweet Pink and was a bit trickier to apply, as well. Worn separately, I found these shades to be rather difficult. Swirled together, however, proved not only the easiest method, but the most flattering – albeit more in an overall highlight capacity than a blush, as pigmentation was on the lighter side. Lasting power was approximately 7-8 hours, although the glow was still evident even after all that time. With a similar kickback, this shade works best when buffed into the skin to avoid looking powdery.

shu uemura – Fresh Apricot duo-color cheek refill: highlight (left), blush (middle), blended (right) in sunlight

shu uemura – Fresh Apricot duo-color cheek refill: highlight (left), blush (middle), blended (right) indirect light

shu uemura – limited edition Fuchsia-Fusion custom palette

shu uemura – Sweet Pink & Fresh Apricot duo-color cheek refills in the Fuchsia-Fusion custom palette

shu uemura – Sweet Pink blush (left) & Allure Mauve triplecolor eye shadow (right) in the Fuchsia-Fusion custom palette

shu uemura – Fresh Apricot blush (left) & Gypsy Brown triplecolor eye shadow (right) in the Fuchsia-Fusion custom palette

I can’t stop playing with the Fuchsia-Fusion Custom Palette and the combinations one can make (as is obvious by my above photos, lol!). Blushes are something of an obsession with me (as if all other makeup/nail polish isn’t?) and I’m always excited to try new products. From the two shades here, my surprising favourite turned out to be Sweet Pink – finally! A pink shade that looks GOOD on me! While Fresh Apricot failed to be a suitable blush shade for my skin tone, I was able to make it work as a peachy-hued highlighter. As the decorative swirls are not exactly conducive to applying separately, note that you’ll need a narrow blush brush if you want to pick up each portion individually – otherwise, mix & match to your heart’s content.

These two Duo-Color Cheek Refills are limited edition and available in Canada through The Bay (online as well as select stores) and Holt Renfrew. Find more information via:

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