Shu Uemura Tint in Gelato - Spiced Orange (CR 04), Berry Berry (PK 01) and Milky Framboise (PK 02)

The SOFT matte is the new trend of spring 2014 and I love it!. So is the trend of a lip and cheek duo use product that mix and match.This is definitely their moment. I recently reviewed the delectable YSL kiss and blush creations here, and today bring you there ' doppelgänger' the Shu Uemura tint in gelato' ! (..........secrets out, I watch the Vampires Diaries!) I chose three pretty shades sight unseen: Spiced Orange ( -a fresh coral), Berry Berry (- bright hot pink) and Milky Framboise (- Rose). If you look at both reviews you will see I almost selected the same colour array in each brand.

Shu Uemura has opted for a lip gloss type casing with a pointed oval applicator similar to the YSL. I like this version for 'in my bag' purposes , but love the little 'paint pot' look of the YSL. Both have narrow necks to stop excess product on the applicator. The gelato is highly pigmented, but slightly less mousse-like like the YSL, but rather creamier than the YSL. I find the SHU gives a stronger pop of colour on the lips and the cheeks at first swipe. The YSL is softer and you will have to build colour intensity. I also need a few swipes on the lips to get a bold look. The SHU gives colour more quickly, but can still be blended for a softer look. One swipe gives a strong colour on my lips, yet I find these slightly more drying than the YSL. I also think the SHU lasts longer on my oily cheeks. As mentioned above, the finish on the cheek is a soft matte. This means no sheen or glow, but soft colour that is matte with no harsh line- almost blurred. It has the same look on my lips. These both are fun to use but I think the YSL win by a nose (freeze frame to check!), but seriously it like splitting hairs, both are lovely.

Spiced Orange (CR04), Berry Berry (PK01), Milky Framboise (PK02)

All three blended out- longevity!

Are you a fan of the new cheek/lip duo's?

Exploring My Collection : Face Brushes

Let me start by saying that I am no brush aficionado, but I have managed to put together quite a nice brush collection that meets my needs. Today I bring you my most used face brushes. These represent those that are beyond beautiful to touch and use. I do have a few others that I use, but did not make the cut for this edition for the hopes of some brevity. In compiling this collection I relied heavily on bloggers friends for recommendations, as well as those brush mad blogs that made me dive head first into this brush obsession. So here is a glimpse inside my collection. I hope you enjoy!

 Brushes Top to Bottom:

• Hakuhodo Kokutan Finishing LAG - A perfect mix of blue squirrel, goat and synthetic hairs has gone into the making of my perfect finishing brush. This super soft angled head sweeps away unwanted product and softens any harsh powder lines. The angle allows it to hug the contours of my face. I then go back in with a finishing powder to set, blur, perfect my makeup. The handle is ebony wood and comfortable to use. The synthetic hair help maintain the shape of this brush and support the natural hairs .
• Hakuhodo S103 -It has a beautiful vermillion handle which is a traditional japanese colour. I use this pointed goat brush primarily for powder and contouring. It does lay down a good amount of colour, so I need to go back with a clean flat shaped head brush to diffuse the contour. It can also be used for strong cheek colours, but I prefer it for a precise contour application or a sweep of finishing powder.
• Tom Ford Bronzing Brush - The Tom Ford Bronzing brush is a soft, dense goat hair creation. It is quite large, but it manages to place just the amount of bronzer on my cheeks. The density allows it to then buff the powder seamlessly into place.

• Bobbi Brown Powder Brush - One of my first higher end brushes, this has always been a workhorse brush. It is definitely not as soft as my Hakuhodo or Tom Ford Brushes, but does a suitable job when applying setting/finishing powders. I am not 100% sure of the natural hairs used and even when I ask the local BB SA's I get varied answers, so we will just call it Hair 'x'
• Bobbi Brown Cheek Brush - This came soon after my BB powder brush. It gives a pretty cheek that is not to strong or too soft. Natural hairs again of unknown origin. I have experienced no shedding with either of my BB brushes and they have maintained their shape for quite a few years.

Top to Bottom

• Hakuhodo G557 BkSl - A mix of Goat and polyester. An angled brush, with the synthetic hair slightly longer than the goat. I use this with my liquid foundations. it gives a fairly good finish, but does take time to create a flawless canvas.
• Hakuhodo J210 - This is a natural goat hair brush, which is good for small faces and a more precise application. The round head helps blend any harsh edges. It does produces a natural to strong colour so when using vivid colours such as Tom Ford Narcissus, rather use a less dense brush.
• Shu Uemura 20H. An angled cheek brush made with pony hair, which I tend to use for contouring as it does sit in the hollows quite well.
• Suqqu Cheek - Famous! This is best used with strong cheek colour to create a soft look. It is quite floppy and I do feel the need to go with a firmer brush to blend colour more.
• Tom Ford Cheek Brush - Tom Ford just does beautiful brushes. Dense goat hair once again. I should use this more often but tend to save it for 'special occasions. This is daft as it is my favourite cheek brush. A light tap into the blush, tap onto back of hand then onto cheeks - sheer bliss.

There you have it!
Any recommendations for my next brush acquisition?

Shu Uemura x Takashi Marakami 6 princess holiday 2013 : Heart-Full pink parallel palette

Today I am thrilled to show you the other Shu Uemura Holiday 2013 palette. While the black parallel palette (reviewed here) will dazzle you with striking, sparkly colours, this pink inspired palette may look bland in comparison. I cannot tell you how much it has wowed me. It has the same sweet graphic on the front face of this lightweight case, by japanese artist Takahsi Marakami, but with a pink princess and anime.

Palette colours:
Top L- R

• White with yellow hue - pearlescent finish
• Soft yellow - pearlescent finish
• Medium Brown with golden hue - soft metallic finish

Middle L-R

• Baby pink - pearlescent finish
• Cool bubblegum pink - satin finish
• Rose toned copper - Soft metallic texture

Bottom L-R

• Flame toned copper - soft metallic finish
• Bright pink cheek colour - almost matte

All shades are buttery and blend like a dream. The three small pans (like the other Shu Palette), are even more dense and beautiful. These two copper shades are so unusual (Shu Uemura does these colours well) and will look good on all eye colours. The two light pastel colours have no frostiness to them. The cheek colour while bright, is slightly harder in texture to make it easier to apply and build up the pink to your desired depth. I have also mixed and matched with the black parallel palette- the combinations are endless. This is by no means all 'sugar and spice', but has interesting contrast and wearable shades all housed in one handy palette.

Shu Uemura Sweet Reds collection : Spiky Rose, Mon Shu Red Pure and Baby Flame

Shu Uemura has released some of my favourite collections of late. The Sweet Reds came out before the holiday collection. Initially I thought (in embarrassed error) a collection of 6 red lipsticks - snoozefest!. I quickly take back that most stupid thought (bubble be gone) and am now firmly on the Sweet Reds wagon. I 'limited' myself to a pick of three. Beware these are limited, but were still very available last week. They were paired with a neutral palette but my focus was on these luscious reds.

The formula of all three, are in the supreme shine product range. These lipsticks are described as a ' breakthrough dewy shine' with 'vibrant, pure colour '. All three shades produce a jelly like cover that gives a shot of colour while still remaining translucent. The effect is a moist juicy lip. My lips feel soft and hydrated. A soft stain of colour remains after the lipstick has worn of so no harsh lines are left. With most sheer lipsticks with hydrating texture wear time is limited, but with the residual stain effect, I am quite satisfied.

Spikey Rose, Mon Shu Red, Baby Flame

 I think I managed to choose a good trio of reds from the cool blue-red Spiky Rose, the more classic Mon Shu Red and the coral-toned Baby Flame.  Spiky Rose is a sheer cream texture. Mon Shu has a soft shimmer, while Baby Flame has a matching sparkle that dazzles on the lips. My natural rose lip colour does peek through, but these lipsticks while considered 'sheer', have good colour pay-off.

Spikey Rose, Mon Shu Red, Baby Flame

All these reds have a different look. If I had to choose only one it would have to be Spiky Rose. It just makes everything look chic. But if I could add one more to my collection it would have to be Dolly Red. I used the expression recently and find it apt with this blog entry today "the same but different!"
Note to Shu Uemura: make these sweet, sweet reds permanent!


So from a slow, hesitant start my Shu Uemura love affair is no longer a secret but an all out lovefest!

Shu Uemura x Takashi Murakami 6 Princess Holiday 2013 collection - featuring Enchanted Black Parallel palette

The Shu Uemura  Enchanted black parallel palette is by far the most enticing holiday palette for 2013, a close second being the slightly more 'shy' Heart- full pink parallel palette from the same collection.
Something has to be said for the utterly beautiful textures of these japanese eyeshadows and one cheek colour (funnily enough it states 'made in Korea' on the back). The next feature of this palette is the simple genius mix of colours. I can be a goth, punk, on trend, elfish, pretty or dark princess with just a few choice swipes from this colour spectrum. What a joy!

The palette itself is slim and light. The  cutest 'manga' characters adorn the front of the case by artist Takashi Murakami - who has been dubbed as the "Japanese Andy Warhol" by many, but is his work is firmly steeped in Japanese culture and is famous in his own right.

Shade descriptions :
Top L - R
Metallic True Gold with subtle gold sparkle
Metallic True Silver subtle silver sparkle
Satin dense black with multi colour sparkle
Middle L-R
Soft tulle pink with subtle tulle pink sparkle
Satin lilac
Pearlescent Grape with subtle grape sparkle
Bottom L- R
Blackened green in a soft metallic finish with subtle green sparkle
Cheek colour - Rose pink with a soft pearlescent finish to add a lustre to skin

Indoor with Flash

Natural Lighting Outdoors

Natural Lighting Outdoors

All swatches were with one swipe of the finger. I now know what the true meaning of buttery is. My fingers in the pans are meet with such a soft touch. All shades in this palette are of the most exceptional quality. The smaller three shadows seems to be that fraction more dense and even more silky. Pigmentation, blendability, wear time are all there. All my boxes have been ticked. The enclosed double ended sponge applicators are good in a fix. The double ended brushes (hair unknown) are flexible and soft. I am quite happy with the exclusion of a lip shade, as I find these messy and "how do I touch up after the initial application?". Holiday palettes should have that dash of sparkle- this palette is perfect!


What has been your favourite Holiday collection released so far?

Shu Uemura Single pressed eyeshadows in G Copper, Soft Copper, Medium Purple and Medium Brown

I put together an autumnal Shu Uemura palette. I chose four single eyeshadows and popped it into one of their custom palettes. It is one of the best custom systems I have come across. The custom palette is compact and easy to store. The shades I chose were G Copper, ME  Soft Copper, IR Medium Purple and ME Medium Brown. G denotes a glitter, ME a metallic and. IR an iridescent. All go on smooth and blend well. G Copper is a bright pumpkin shade which is sparkly but no chunky glitter. Soft copper is a copper with tones of rose.- quite metallic. Medium purple is a satin red purple. Medium brown is a deep brown with slight golden undertones, slightly metallic finish. All four are soft to the touch and highly pigmented. The texture of this quad are silky and a dream to work with. Both G Copper and Soft Copper can be layered over the two deeper shades for a multi- dimensional effect. All tone into each other seamlessly.

L-R G Copper 261, ME Soft Copper 270, IR Med purple 795,
ME Medium Brown 885

I think it is time to put together another custom palette. Do you have any suggestions?

Shu Uemura Umask palette in Pink - Review and swatches

Shu Uemura has so many hero products. I love their cleansing oil, eyelash curlers and wonderful lashes! For Spring 2013 they launches their Blossom Dream collection which included 3 eyeshadow palettes and if I am not mistaken all are matte palettes. Trying to be practical I went for the most neutral and chose Unmask palette in pink. This was my first venture in 'Shu' shadows as I only previously owned G White Gold. Sadly, this palette has left me wanting and I'm not sure I will purchase Shu Uemura shadows again. I had swatched their Karl Largerfeld collaborative palettes and the shadow seemed really exceptional. I also felt their single shadows and I have a list of single shadows that I really want  wanted!

Firstly let me start by what I did love about this palette. The packaging is sleek, reusable (as the permanent shadows and cheek refills can slot in) and so cute. The colour combination of this palette really is appealing. It is a palette of matte shades which is unique and hard to find. I thought this might stop me buying the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette as the two light shades looked like dupes. NO!

From Left to Right:- Soft warm pink, Bright coral pink, warm coppery brown, Dark flat chocolate, warm cream to round it off.

When I swatched the colours I inadvertently put a damp finger on one of the pans. This created a hard no-go zone that I had to scratch off before I could get to usable shadow. Matte's are notorious for being powdery and hard to blend. I managed to pat and build up the shades but these shadows are chalky and virtually unblendable. I was so upset as I though I would love this palette. It is quite an expensive palette at $65,  I expected the quality to match.

I do not like to write negative reviews. I am hoping some of my readers have creative tips for me how to get the best out of this palette. For now I'm going to stick to my Smokey layers lashes and hope that Shu Uemura improves on their poor performing shadow formula.


What has your experience been with Shu Uemura eye shadows?

Hi Friends. I would appreciate it if you could refrain fron including self- promoting links in your comments, as I then have to mark them as spam. I love to hear from you, but can only publish comments that adhere to the above. I am really forward to hearing from you all!

My Favourite cleansers-Highly recommended !

Cleansing forms the basis for any good skincare routine. I have always had any oily skin, so from the start always opted for a cleanser that in my mind made my skin feel squeaky clean. As skincare has evolved over the years, so must our mindset of how we choose what to use. Traditionally, someone with an oily skin would lean towards foaming cleanser and those with dryer skins milky solutions that were usually tissued off. Many skincare brands now market their products with two strategies in mind. Firstly, what the product can do for your skin- radiance, anti-aging, whitening etc. Secondly the finish of the product ie gel, creamy or oil.

So years later my skin is still oily and prone to blemishes and dehydration. I now not only look at how the cleanser makes my skin feel, but also what my skins main concern is for the moment. I have four favourite cleanser that are in rotation at the moment.

Perricone MD Nutritive cleanser
This is a wonderful cleanser that is anti-aging. It is packed with Dr Perricone's signature ingredient's which includes DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid. It is a gel that I use with or without my Clarisonic. It feels like it cleans my skin without stripping it of any natural oils. It helps with reducing pore size and improves the look of my fine lines (hopefully prevents them too.) Either way I'm loving it and have used it for quite some time now. I think it would work across the board with regard to skin type and age.
Shu Uemura Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil 
Shu Uemura has a few varieties in their cleansing oil arsenal. This is their lightest oil and meant for people with normal, combination or oily skins. I think the basic concept with the oils is that oil attract oil (this is made possible by there "high performance oil system"). So, when you apply the oil to a dry skin it pulls the sebum away from your skin and dissolves impurities (this is my muddled understanding of it and I'm sure it is far more technical). As you add water and slowly emulsify, the product goes milky and rinses off. My skin is left soft and refreshed. I typically use this in the morning., but is also good for eye make removal when cleansing the whole face. This particular one is for pore refining and the SA described this one as the express formula within the cleansing range. Ingredients such as avocado and jojoba protect the integrity of your skin's moisture levels. If you have oily skin, do not be afraid of dousing your skin in this oil - this really works!
Dr Brandt Lineless Foaming Cleanser
Okay, so one of the main reasons I love this cleanser, is that as you apply it in it's gel form. Suddenly it expands and puffs up into a luscious foam that sweeps impurities away. I am a sucker for these little pleasures! It has ingredients like apple fruits, sunflower seed and tangerine leaf oil to help act against free radical damage and hydrate while cleansing well. This is meant for use on all skin types and part of their Lineless Range for first steps to preventing and correcting the first signs of wrinkles. I have also repurchased this product and will continue to use it.
Perricone MD Cleansing Treatment Bar
Who does not love a bar of soap. Well this is the best, and then some! This gentle yet thorough cleanser has glycolic acid in it which helps clear impurities and keeps pores super clean. My skin is hydrated as it also contains Olive Oil Polyphenols. Lastly this little beauty has DMEA which works to tone my skin. So it's anti-aging while it gently exfoliates too! As a bar this is great for on- the- go use- as there is no leaking in your bag. This also can be kept in your shower for express use - lovely!

I purchased all these products myself.

I would love to here which are your favourite cleansers.