LOTD: Summer colors + shu uemura false lashes "smoky layers"

Long time no see ~ 

Just a quick LOTD before I knock off to work soon!

Posted some of the same pics on twitter yesterday, but just thought to share it here as well hehe :)

This was my look yesterday!

I personally love using several colors for bottom lash line: mixture of purple, blue, pink and red.

Love the lashes! They are from shu uemura, "Smoky Layers"

Smoky layers might look rather dramatic and long in the packaging, but once worn, they really look quite natural. They are made in 2 layers, one shorter on top, and one longer below. The effect is wispy and natural. Adds volume and length without looking over the top!

On double eyelids I used pink as base color, plum and purple as accent colors, and white as highlight color. 

Hope you like this look! I will be back with a review for Lancome's Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara after work tonight! 

Review: shu uemura white efficient UV under base brightening mousse

I L.O.V.E fair and translucent skin. I love it when my skin looks crystal clear and rosy, and hate it when its dull and patchy. That is why I always include brightening products in my daily skincare regime, be it a serum or moisturiser. 

My latest attempt at whitening is shu uemura's new brightening UV under base mousse. It's a makeup base, to be applied before powder or liquid foundation.

shu uemura white efficient UV under base brightening mousse,  50g,  $80
Image from http://www.chicprofile.com

Unique features of this product:

1. Lightens existing spots and limit the formation of future spots.

2. Corrects yellowness of skin to give instant rosy complexion.

3. It's 20X lighter than any other makeup base, which makes the texture of the product light and suitable for humid weather like Singapore.

4. Pore tightening & line filling, to give skin flawless appearance before makeup application.

5. Comes with SPF30 PA++

Mousse is pink purple, which corrects yellowness of skin to translucent and rosy

Left: After, Right: Before

From above photo, the result after using the product is clear! My skin looks brighter, more rosy and more matte. It doesn't give coverage, but corrects my skin tone. I like the product for its lightness and non-greasiness. I feel like my skin can breath, with SPF protection. It's also nice to know that the product is somehow working hard to limit formation of pigmentation in the deeper layers of my skin. LOL. The only thing is that my t-tone is still shiny after the usual 2 hours. But well, this product doesn't really promise oil control effects. 

I apply a golf ball size of product with shu uemura's pentagon sponge every morning. The product should last me about 2 months. I am already halfway through the can and am going to purchase the pink one as soon as I finish this! 

Overall rating: 4/5. -1 point for the price and not so good oil control!

*Limited Edition* Mika Ninagawa for Shu Uemura:UV under base mousse SPF30 PA+++ (Updated!)

I love Shu Uemura limited edition products, as the packaing is always so pretty! After hearing very good things about this mousse makeup base, I thought that maybe I should finally try it, especially because the packaging is LE now =)

65g, SGD78

This time round the base comes in 3 different packaings. The one I got is a new formula that has an even lighter texture than the original, therefore lighter coverage. The SA told me that the original formula has better coverage. As this is just a base, I thought the lighter the better, so I went with the new formula in beige. The lighter version also come in pink, which is supposed to make skin appear fairer and more radiant. I have two many pink bases, so beige was the clear choice!

*NOTE* I have just been informed by a reader that this is NOT a lighter version of the original. I am going to check it out and update =D

*UPDATE* So I just checked and discovered that the dear reader was right and I am wrong. Indeed, the beige and pink version are the normal formula, only with limited edition packaging! The new thing is the the BB cream in mousse form, the one with the darker blue packaing =) Now, BB cream in mousse sounds exciting... I feel like trying! No wonder it was sold out at the Takashimaya counter on the 2nd day of launch when I went there!

So what is special about this UV under base? Yes, it is a mousse base! I had fun squeezing the mousse out =)

This is the description of the original formula on the Shu website:

"Latest technology introduces UV under base mousse SPF30 PA+++ with 20 times lighter texture, to achieve “pore-less” complexion with exquisite coverage for long-lasting flawless beauty. Lighter in weight compared to liquid or cream type make-up base."

I think the idea of a mousse base is really innovative. And I liked the process of spreading it on my face as it feels "new". However, once again I feel a little disappointed because I don't think my foundation applied easier/ lasted longer, compared to other bases that I own like Jill Stuart and Chanel. It might be the way I used the product. Maybe I got it wrong? After applying the mousse all over my face, I let the product settle for 5 minutes or so before applying my foundation.

Left: AFTER, right: BEFORE

However, the base definitely evened out my uneven skin tone, as you can see from the photo above. After applying the base, my skin does look more translucent and skin tone much better.

I really wanted to like this base more, not only because it's SGD78, but also because it is so raved about! I don't think that it is a bad product at all, but I guess I was just hoping for a break through, a base that will make my foundation appear really smooth and silky, last longer, and controls oil better? Maybe I am too demanding and there isn't a product out there that does all that I want =D

Why you should buy this:

1. Limited Edition!!

2. Covers pores and evens out skin tone

3. Fun to use

Why you should think again:

1. Product is expensive - you can get other products with similar results at a cheaper price

Well, although I think there is only one reason why I would not buy this product again, I think it's a reason really important for me. What do you think?

Video Tutorial: Fall Festive Glam Look *Shu Uemura Florescent Fall Mode Inspired*

http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/_us/_en/collections/index.aspx

Yay!! The video is finally completed!! This time, my look is inspired from Shu Uemura's Florescent Fall Mode Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. When I looked at the promo poster, I knew immediately that I would have to do this look. In fact, I have tried filming this 2 times, without much success. This look is simply difficult to re-create... and not look like it's for Halloween... ^^"

MY VERSION:

I made some changes to the look to make it more wearable. This first thing I took away was the RED LASHES! I mean... I really love red lashes, but I really am not going to walk out of the house with red lashes!!

Ok... I will not say any further... please enjoy the video =D If you like it, please remember to retweet this post!!

I filmed this 10am in the morning... seems like too much sunlight does not equal good lighting in filming...

Products used:

Eyes:

1. Anna Sui Eye Color Duo #06

2) Clarins Mono Couleur #01 Vibrant violet

3) Shu Uemura Pressed Eyeshadow N ME Yellow 300 & ME Green 550

4) M.A.C Technakohl Liner in GraphBlack

Cheeks:

1) SKII Blusher UV SK-2N

Lips:

1) Paul & Joe Lipgloss G #08

Preview: Fall Festive Look (Shu Uemura Florescent Collection Inspired)

Finally finished filming~ Will start editing as soon as I finish some work related stuff that I have to submit! As usual, the hardest part of video making (for me) will be finding the right music.

Hopefully this video will be up in a few days' time!

Tutorial: Shu Uemura Abracadabra Fantasy Inspired Look

Source: http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/_us/_en/collections/seasonal/holiday_2010/index.aspx

I know I have not been doing tutorials for awhile... and so finally... here it is! For those readers who have been waiting for my video tutorials... I will try to upload one next week or so... I have quite a few workshops to attend and some pointless paperwork to finish!! SIGH~

Anyway, I really like the Shu Uemura Christmas Collection, especially the eyeshadow palettes. As you guys know, I already bought the peace & harmony mini brush set, and was undecided about the Reindeer Kiss xxx Palette. After rummaging through my makeup stash, I finally decided not to get it... and to do a similar look with what I already have!

Ta-dah~! My Shu Uemura Abracadabra Fantasy Inspired Look!!

Here's the eyeshadow I used:

silver, shimmery turquoise-ish blue (I will call it 'tur-blue' in my tutorial steps), pastel matte blue

THE STEPS:

1. Apply eyeshadow primer all over your eyelids.

2. Apply a silver eyeshadow over a large area of your eyelids.

3. Brush on a matte pastel blue over your crease. When you open your eyes, you should see the blue a little above the line of your crease.

4. Using a small blending brush, blend a small amount of tur-blue at the outer corner of your eyelids.

5. Apply the tur-blue to the 3/4 of your lower lash line. Then, apply silver to the inner corners of your eyes.

6. Frame your eyes with a black pencil eyeliner. Draw the line all the way to your tear ducts.

7. Apply black mascara. Don't forget your lower lashes!

8. Apply false eyelashes. Choose a design that has more length and volume. Curl your lashes to combine your natural and false lashes together.

9. Apply blush tint and shimmery powder to your cheeks.

10. Apply baby pink lipstick and pink lipgloss (preferably without shimmer to create that barbie doll lips).

DONE!

Please retweet this post if you like this tutorial!!

Shu Uemura 2010 Christmas Collection: Abracadabra Fantasy Peace & Harmony Mini Brush Set (Limited Edition)

When I saw this mini brush set at Isetan, I totally could not resist getting it. Not only is it functional, easy to bring around for a holiday, the packaging is also super whimical and adorable looking. This brush set is from Shu Uemura's 2010 Christmas Collection with Aya Takano, called Abracadabra Fantasy.

Peace & Harmony Mini Brush Set, SGD125

Even the box is very very pretty

Frosty pink pouch... who can resist that?? Definitely not me!


Diamond and heart detail for the zipper


This is how it looks like when you open the pouch. The brushes are well protected by a canvas flap.

From left to right: lip/eyeliner brush, eyeshadow brush, blending brush, blusher brush

Even the brush handles are pink

Very convenient net compartment to put makeup necessities like small eyeshadow pots, cotton buds, facial blotters

I managed to control myself and didn't pick up the eyeshadow palettes and lip tint. The colorcombinations are not really that unique (I still have mixed feeling about the Reindeer Kiss xxx Palette) . The false eyelashes are gorgeous, but I doubt that I would have any real opportunity to wear them! I hope I will still see the crayon eyeliners and blusher at the airport in December later this year!