shu uemura | Vol. 1 Brave Beauty Eye Palettes – Pink, Orange & Green

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

While new collections seem to be rolling out at a hypersonic pace right now, I want to take a step back and show you the utter gorgeousness of these three eye palettes from the shu uemura Vol. 1 Brave Beauty Collection (CAN $90.00 each). Debuted just a few weeks ago from beauty visionary Shu Uemura – a man who pioneered the concept of makeup as a tool for personal expression – was the introduction of the first in what is to become an annual collection by shuATELIER: the Vision of Beauty Collection. Every year, an inspiring new theme will be presented in two formats: a beauty collection (such as the palettes shown here), and an artist edition that is to be a special collectible piece of art.

Vol. 1 Brave Beauty, is about women not only exploring, but also indulging in who they are within, paying tribute to our varied natures: from strong, fearless, and rebellious, to an empowering femininity or even fierce rocker-chic side. The three limited edition palettes of Pink, Orange, and Green, each hold 6 shades in an array of textures, ranging from soft pearl neutrals to arresting matte hues. Each compact comes with a bold, almost organic-looking design on the lid, and can be further personalized by removing the individual shades and/or mixing them about, if desired. Price-wise, each palette might initially seem a little steep, but when you factor in that each individual shadow refill retails for CAN $19.00, then you are in effect actually saving $30.00 on what a 6-pan palette would ordinarily cost. And if that’s not enticement enough, a quick swatch of the incredible quality of these shades will more than convince you.

shu uemura | Brave Beauty Eye Palettes

shu uemura | Brave Beauty Eye Palettes (click to enlarge for ingredients list)

Brave Beauty Pink Eye Palette (CAN $90.00) | This palette has a surprisingly wearable collection of pink shades, a colour most people tend to avoid with regards to eye makeup (for obvious reasons: fear of looking like one either has A) an infection or B) has been crying). Colour-wise, the 3 deepest hues make for the most spectacular and unique smokey eye look, while the 3 lighter hues work well for an easy daytime look that also serves to highlight the eye area and generally add a touch of brightness to the face. A colour breakdown:

deep cerise (matte)
cranberry (satin shimmer)
dusky rose (frosted shimmer)
icy pink (complex shimmer; reminds me of a brighter version of MAC’s Vex)
thistle (pearlized gleam)
plum/raisin (pink duo chrome iridescence)

shu uemura | Brave Beauty Pink Eye Palette

Brave Beauty Orange Eye Palette (CAN $90.0) | Like the colours of Autumn perfectly captured in an eye palette, the six shades here are a good mix of totally wearable and oddly unique (the Cheetos orange hue at the end – I dare you to take your eyes away from that one) at the same time. Orange is not a colour I have indulged in overmuch – whether for eyes or lips – primarily because the wrong shade can clash violently with my skin tone (light/medium with yellow undertones) … but that was before I began playing with this palette. It should also be stated that apart from the matte orange shade, the other 5 each display the most incredibly complex shimmer. A colour breakdown:

true orange (matte)
deep cinnamon (satin shimmer)
champagne beige (duo chrome shimmer)
oyster (pearlized luster)
pink/copper (fiery glow)
burgundy/sienna (satin shimmer with pink reflects)

shu uemura | Brave Beauty Orange Eye Palette

Brave Beauty Green Eye Palette (CAN $90.00) | This palette: Oh. My. Lord. When we talk about a standout shade, that intense matte green on the end is what we refer to – almost surreal in its vibrancy. Once again, the convoluted and intricate shimmer combinations rule the other colours of this palette, as well as making them all the perfect counterpoint to the lone matte hue. The colour green has never been as originally represented, as what is seen here. A colour breakdown:

viridian (matte)
bronze/antique gold (duo chrome shimmer)
greyed oyster (pearlized luster)
icy seafoam (frosted gleam)
chartreuse (satin shimmer)
pine green (glowing shimmer)

shu uemura | Brave Beauty Green Eye Palette

The short version: all three palettes are simply divine. Shu Uemura eye shadows come in such a varied assortment, that it can sometimes be overwhelming to try and create a 6-pan version, but each of these palettes have taken the guesswork (and headache) out of needing to do so. I wish to briefly mention the quality and textures found here: superb, would be putting it mildly. Outstanding, comes closer to the mark, with absolutely no powdery kickback on any, and neither do I experience any fallout during application. Staying power is amazing as well (especially with primer – mandatory if you suffer from oily lids as I do), but the matte shades literally wear like iron, regardless of whether you apply primer first or not. I’m happy to break away from my comfort-zone neutrals with any of these palettes, and despite the more vivid hues, have actually found them all quite wearable. The slim size of each compact, makes them quite portable and perfect for travelling with, while the the full-sized mirror on the inner lid helps with on-the-go touch ups. If you’ve yet to indulge in the exquisite world of Shu Uemura beauty, then I highly recommend you give any (or all) of these palettes a look.

Limited Edition, but should still be available at all shu uemura counters/online