Shu Uemura Spring/Summer 2019 Collection: Maison Kitsune Lipstick Review

The other day I attended a pool party on a rooftop terrace in Toronto and I wore Shu Uemura’s new pink lipstick to make my pout look bright and summery. I received many compliments from other beauty experts and the bold color made me feel confident and stylish (I totally found my signature shade for the season).

The Maison Kitsune Collection also includes the Cameo Eye Shadow Palette ($115.00), 9 Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipsticks ($37.00 ea), 8 Matte Supreme Liquid Lipsticks ($37.00 ea) and a Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil to take it all off.

Let’s start with my favorite - shade 378: a bright pink that looks amazing on all skin tones. The rich matte lipstick is saturated, versatile, creamy and moisturizing so you can wear it all day without discomfort, flaking, bleeding or chapping. This is definitely a statement color. The pink is pure, playful and suitable for all occasions.

Every woman needs a classic red and in the liquid range 163 is the perfect bombshell shade. The undertones are balanced to suit every complexion and when the shine dries, the matte effect is bold, feminine and sophisticated.

Swatches: Rouge Unlimited Matte Lipstick 378, Matte Supreme Liquid Lipstick 163 and 570

I love that the liquid formula is flexible, non-sticky and moist so my pout never feels stiff and the color applies extremely saturated in just one swipe. The bright orange takes much longer to dry but still looks stunning!

Shu Uemura is available at The Bay, Sephora, Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew and online at shuuemura.ca

Shu Uemura La Maison Du Chocolat Holiday Collection | Review and Swatches

Over the years I’ve reviewed many Shu Uemura Holiday Collections which usually contain bright orange, shimmery purple and pale pinks – colors you’d expect to see at the beginning of spring. This year the brand has teamed up with La Maison Du Chocolat to create an irresistible range of decadent shadows, rich lip colors and multi-use shimmers that sparkle like gold.

The makeup is designed to delight your senses with beautiful packaging, a variety of luscious textures and the delicious scent of cocoa – perfect for treating yourself or pampering the makeup lovers on your holiday list.

The Rouge Unlimited and Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipsticks ($36.00 each) smell like scrumptious hot chocolate with a buttery formula that glides on smooth and vivid. Ripe Cherry and Deep Cranberry have a rich matte finish that feels soft, hydrating and supple. The versatile color is buildable and dramatic for full-coverage saturation and you only need to re-apply after meals. Hazelnut Ganache is a deep wine with subtle sheen and nourishing jojoba oil. It makes lips appear luscious and plump.

The Ganache and Praline Eye Shadow Palettes ($115.00 each) are beautiful! The casing is designed to look like boxes of assorted chocolate and although they don’t smell like cocoa the scent is enticing. I was most excited to try Framboise Berry because of the elegant gold, brown-cherry and shimmery garnet. These velvety hues are expertly matched to create effortless looks for every occasion and the color scheme reminds me of Urban Decay's Naked Cherry Palette. The pigmentation throughout is medium coverage but you can boost the intensity by using primer and layering. The glittery gold applies as a sheer flaky overlay (a bit disappointing) but I use it to enhance the other shadows. More saturation would be nice but these hues look stunning in any combination.

Dark Cacao satiates your sweet tooth with warm chocolatey browns and sugary shimmer. The palette is neutral but still creates lovely definition and contrast. The yellow gold is more consistent than the patchy glitter in Framboise Berry and the pigments are buildable with even application and a smooth silky texture.

The Shimmery Powder ($40.00) is available in Luster Gold Dust and Luster Rosé Dust. Use them on your décolletage, eyes, cheeks, body and lips to glow from head-to-toe. The glitter is beautiful but it does tend to scatter so resist the urge to over-blend. It is difficult to keep the particles neat on the eyelids but it makes a brilliant highlighter.

The Collection also includes a limited-edition version of Shu Uemura’s bestselling premium eyelash curler with a cute chocolate charm ($25.00).

La Maison Du Chocolat is available at The Bay, Sephora, Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew and online at shuuemura.ca.

Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Oil Review

Spring has officially begun but as I write this, snow is fluttering down outside my window. Winter weather and harsh climates can cause skin to become dehydrated, tight and uncomfortable so I’ve been using the Shu Uemura Beauty Oils instead of face wash. These luxurious Japanese cleansers have been around for 50 years and they were initially created to remove heavy Hollywood stage makeup without damaging an actor’s skin. Since then the brand has gained overwhelming popularity worldwide, spreading the message that “beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin.”

It takes about 3-4 pumps for a thorough coating and the oil works best if your hands and face are dry to begin with. Rubbing the liquid between your palms can waste product because it does not lather or foam. Simply massage the cleanser onto the skin and then add water to emulsify into a milky solution. It does feel like you are washing your face with a glossy oil, but it rinses clean with a supple, hydrating finish and no greasiness. My face feels soft, clean and refreshed with no uncomfortable dryness and it effectively removes makeup and impurities. 

I haven’t really tested the oils on heavy makeup yet but they are formulated to work on waterproof formulas. When dealing with sensitivity and irritation, the lightweight cleansers gently unclog pores to prevent blemishes while antioxidants and plant extracts sooth, purify, balance and nourish. 

In the green bottle you have the Anti-Oxi + Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Oil ($46.00). This enhanced blend removes micro-impurities deep within the skin to help battle city smog and environmental aggressors. It isn’t my favorite scent but the Green Tea and Moringa extracts help restore dull, yellow skin while gently exfoliating and boosting radiance.

The Nutri Nectar Gentle Oil ($46.00) comforts, heals, strengthens and conditions delicate skin with Acai, Magnoila and Reishi Mushroom which gives the cleanser an earthy fragrance.  

The Ultime8 ($46.00) replenishes and hydrates for a soft, silky complexion and improved makeup application. The botanicals are derived from Chinese medicinal ingredients that detoxify and prevent blemishes.

The Porefinist2 Sakura Refreshing Oil ($46.00) is ideal for oily and acne prone skin. The formula washes away excess sebum and blackheads to refine and smooth.

Shu Uemura is available at Sephora, Hudson’s Bay and online at shuuemura.ca

Shu Uemura Hair Mask Treatments

Women always ask how I keep my hair so silky, long and healthy but the answer isn’t simple, it requires continuous effort and effective products. If I had to narrow it down I recommend: limiting heat styling and damaging chemicals like hair dye, eat healthy, take multi-vitamins, cut back on sulfates and increase moisture. I also sleep on a satin pillowcase, use natural oils, trim split ends, do weekly scalp massages, use GummiBand coils instead of regular hair ties to prevent breakage, nourish my ends with luxurious serums, limit shampooing to prevent brittleness and deep condition 2-3 times per month for at least 1-2 hours.

Nothing resurrects and replenishes dull, parched strands like a good hair mask and Shu Uemura has developed a wonderful collection of treatments for normal to thick hair.

The Color Luster Brilliant Glaze Mask ($66.00) preserves the vibrancy of color treated hair and functions like a protective varnish to prevent fading without sulfates. I’ve never dyed my hair but the formula also strengthens, restructures, softens and boosts shine to help counteract the damaging effects of over-processing. If you have thick hair, the treatment can be used as regular in-shower conditioner for more hydration.

My hair sucks up moisture like a sponge so I don’t have to worry about limpness. If you have thin hair or fine strands these formulas might be too heavy.

The method I use to get the most from my hair mask is simple:

1. Shampoo, rinse and use a light conditioner with lots of slip to detangle. The Tangle Teezer Aqua Brush works like a charm.

2. After rinsing, part your hair into manageable sections and apply the mask. Saturate the ends thoroughly and comb through evenly to distribute the product.

3. Tie or pin your hair up at the top of your head and cover with a plastic (disposable) shower cap.

4. Wrap your head with a hair towel/turbie twist for 1-2 hours to trap in the heat and enhance absorption. To speed up this process use the heat from your blow dryer to warm the plastic cap for 15-20 mins and rinse thoroughly.

5. Air dry or use the cool setting on your blow dryer and style as usual.

*Note: Adjust the treatment time based on your hair type or follow the directions on the jar.

Silk Bloom with Argan Oil ($66.00) is formulated for damaged hair. It deeply restores and fortifies to prevent split-ends, frizz and breakage. This thick, creamy treatment is great for people who use heat appliances like blow dryers, curling rods and flat irons because the conditioner rejuvenates rough, brittle strands by enveloping each one in rich, nutritive moisture for a radiant finish. I notice immediate improvement in texture - my hair feels incredibly soft, smooth and polished with a glossy sheen that lasts until my next wash day. It also makes a wonderful detangler and smells fantastic!

The colorful coils you see around the jars are GummiBands – they protect my hair from breakage and hold my ponytail snugly without denting or crinkling. There are a variety of trendy shades to choose from and the gummi material does not absorb oil, sweat or water. The cords are easy to remove without yanking out strands of hair and a box of 4 retails for $7.99 at gummiband.ca.

Shusu Sleek ($66.00) is paraben and silicone free for coarse frizzy hair. Inspired by Japanese silk, this luxurious formula works wonders on curls and thick waves by deeply nourishing, moisturizing and maintaining the natural shape of your spirals. It creates movement, bounce and body without poof and the power of Black Cumin Oil drenches hair in vitamins to help slow hair loss, soften and alleviate scalp irritation. Like the other masks in this collection, the rich formula is great for repairing damage, protecting against environmental elements and strengthening to prevent breakage but the scent is a bit spicy.

The results I achieved with these treatments were much better than anything I’ve experienced at high-end salons and my hair looks healthy and lustrous. Shu Uemura is available at Hudson's Bay, Sephora and online at shuuemura.ca.

Since we’re talking about hair care, I should also mention my collection of Tangle Teezer Compact Stylers because I recently got 2 new designs – the red lips with stripes and the adorable Hello Kitty ($21.00 - $25.00 each). I love these brushes because they fit in my purse and come with a cap that protects the bristles from getting warped. The long spindly teeth are perfect for detangling all hair types including long, thick tresses and I also use it to distribute conditioner and masks through my wet curls to enhance treatment results and make my ringlets more spring-y. They also comb through pesky knots with minimal hair loss and stimulate blood flow to the scalp. Tangle Teezer is available at The Bay, Sephora and online at tangleteezer.com.

Shu Uemura X Super Mario Brothers Holiday Collection – Review & Swatches

Super Mario Brothers was one of the first video games I played as a kid. I can still remember my family gathered in the living room with the Christmas tree glowing in the background as we took turns manoeuvring the joystick to rescue Princess Peach. This season Shu Uemura and Mario will take you on a beauty adventure to fight off the evil Bowser with powerful cleansing oils and colorful makeup.

The limited edition Cleansing Oil Shampoo ($56.00) is suitable for all hair types (including color treated) and cleans thoroughly with a light, paraben-free lather. It balances the scalp by eliminating build-up, greasiness, and impurities while boosting radiance for a “unique airy touch.”  The nourishing blend of botanicals, oils and fruit extracts seem to counteract the sulfates so hair feels sleek and fresh without brittleness. I personally like the strong fragrance because it makes my hair smell amazing for days!

Essence Absolu is infused with Camellia Oil ($69.00) and can be used as a pre-shampoo moisture treatment or a rejuvenating leave-in to help reduce frizz, flyaways, dryness and UV damage. The texture feels very glossy and creates shine but a little goes a long way so don’t overdo it. I usually apply the oil to damp hair prior to heat styling for extra softness and manageability. It also helps repair and improve the look of damaged ends.

The Super Mario Master Wax ($42.00) is a styling paste that offers powerful hold with no greasiness. The formula is very thick (similar to a deep conditioner) and the gummy texture binds hair together to retain shape. I prefer to use it when my hair is curly rather than straight to keep my spirals well formed and frizz-free.

The Cleansing Oil Conditioner ($65.00) is gentle and formulated for all hair types. The smooth gel texture creates nice slip which makes it easy to comb through and detangle. It coats each strand in quenching moisture and makes my tresses feel sleek and soft. Sometimes I mix it into my deep conditioner because the aroma is fabulous!

After a long, hectic day, the first thing I do is remove my makeup to de-clog my pores and prevent breakouts. The Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil ($49.00) is composed of 8 botanicals that deliver amazing skin benefits. It also loosens and emulsifies stubborn makeup while moisturizing and eliminating impurities. You can massage it in with your fingers and simply remove the residue with a cotton pad but since I wear a lot of makeup, I usually apply some to a cleansing cloth and wipe clean before using a face wash.

The Peach’s Eye & Cheek Palette ($125.00) is super cute! You get 6 shimmery shadows in a range of pretty shades and each color trio compliments the blush underneath.

I love how the pigments are coordinated and grouped. The pinks and purples are soft and illuminating while the vibrant orange looks amazing against the deep bronzy plum. I don’t care much for the yellow since the finish is quite sheer and a little more glittery than the others but overall the pigmentation is buildable and silky (especially with a good primer). The blushes are a little too basic for my taste. I like the orange but both shades could use a stronger punch of color and saturation. Something in the berry and deep coral range would have been nice.

The Fresh Cushion Blush ($45.00) is available in 2 shades – Dreamy Mauve and Brave Amber (the color below). I can’t decide how I feel about cushion blushes, they feel a bit wet and the sponge doesn’t seem to have as much actual product as pressed formulas but this texture is light and easy to apply. Unfortunately the pigment blends right into my skin tone and completely disappears so it may work better on fair complexions.

There are a few great lip products in this collection but the Tint In Balm ($36.00) drenches skin in buttery moisture and rich color for comfort, dryness protection and extra poutiness.  Although the pigment is classified as a “tint” the beautiful berry tone is highly saturated with a touch of juicy shine. The consistency feels like a gloss - balm - lipstick combo, very smooth and nourishing but once you click it up in the tube you can’t retract it back in (bit of a bummer).

The Drawing Pencils ($28.00) are described as multipurpose eye shadow liners inspired by Princess Peach’s iconic dress. You can apply the soft, creamy crayons all over the lids or along the lash lines and the long-wear formula resists fading extremely well. My favorite shade is Light Orange which is actually more of a shimmery gold. Unlike many loose or pressed shadows these shades don’t transfer from lid to crease, they stay put all day and have great color payoff. The pencils are also very easy to work with, simply swipe the color on (they actually look more like shadows than eyeliner) and blend for fantastic coverage.

Shu Uemura always has the cutest packaging and the Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipsticks ($36.00) are adorable! The sheer pink tubes display different characters from the video game and the colors are very stylish.

If you need a statement red for upcoming holiday parties, 187 is luscious and very Hollywood glam. For neutral lovers, 375 is a subtle nude-mauve-pink that looks great on everyone! The formula is hydrating, light and supple to prevent dryness and the color glides on smooth and ultra pigmented – pretty much everything you could want in a good matte lipstick.

Swatches: Lipstick & Tint In Balm

Shu Uemura is available at Sephora, Hudson’s Bay and online at shuuemura.ca

Shu Uemura Shusu Sleek Hair Care Review

During the summer hair is exposed to harsh UV, humidity, indoor cooling systems, chlorine from the pool, salt water and many other factors that can affect health and growth. Combine these elements with heat styling and you have a recipe for dry, unruly hair. The Shusu Sleek Collection by Shu Uemura is designed to discipline the most unmanageable mane with a luxurious blend of Japanese Satin and Black Cumin Oil - also known as “the oil of Pharaohs.” Cumin contains rich omega oils that heal, strengthen and replenish damaged strands for breakage protection.

I am quite familiar with cumin because I use it for cooking and these products do emit a natural spiciness balanced by a wonderful perfume scent. Lathing-up with this aromatic blend is an invigorating experience! The shampoo foams away dirt, excess oil, impurities and product build-up while detoxifying the scalp and cleansing the follicles from root to tip without stripping. As the first phase of treatment, it also helps manage frizz and the formula is free of parabens and silicone. The shampoo retails for $46.00.

I use conditioner a lot more than shampoo and I love this smoothing formula! The light, creamy texture glides through the hair and coats each strand for easy detangling and a rejuvenating boost of moisture. Allow the ingredients to seep in for a few minutes – the steam from the shower enhances absorption and softens coarseness. After use my curls are shiny, bouncy, sleek and more manageable. The conditioner retails for $56.00.

The Treatment Masque ($66.00) is the way to go if you seek revival and intense nourishment. The ultra rich texture is heavier than the conditioner so it clings well and drenches hair in lush moisture. Rough, split-ends are fortified and limp, dull strands are resurrected for a glossy, frizz-free finish. I love how satiny and healthy my hair feels after treatment and the entire process seems to promote growth and protect against environmental aggressors.

Another summer essential that I’ve been using for years is the Shu Uemura Wonder Worker Air Dry/Blow Dry Perfector with Moinga ($42.00). The lightweight spray protects, softens, smooths, moisturizes and tames frizz to help prepare hair for styling. It can also be used as a leave-in conditioner and I often sprtiz it on damp curls to replenish my ringlets and dry ends.

When you’re in a hurry with no time to wash, condition and re-style - the Color Luster Dry Cleaner ($42.00) comes in handy. I don’t dye my hair but it does maintain the vibrancy of your color (natural or chemical) while the micro-fine powders absorb oil and impurities at the root. Hair feels fresh, clean and hydrated without any white residue or stickiness. The scent is light and pleasant and the product dispenses in a strong mist that targets the scalp.

Shu Uemura is available at Hudson's Bay, Sephora and online at shuuemura.ca

Shu Uemura Murakami 2016 Holiday Collection: Review & Swatches

When it comes to holiday design and symbols of festivity many of us think candy canes, Christmas trees and Santa but contemporary artist Takashi Murakami does things a little differently. When it came to creating the colourful holiday collection for Shu Uemura, he used his cosmic bloom flower pattern to evoke the magic of the season from a child’s perspective and reawaken our dreams and innocence. I think the packaging is vibrant, fun and cheerful while staying true to Japanese trends.

The Cosmic Blossom Eye and Cheek Palettes are available in two color collections. This compact is called Cosmikawaii and the finishes range from matte, shimmer and glitter with tones that flatter many complexions. The beautiful garnet-red (my favorite for the season) has good pigmentation and the shimmery orange is bright and radiant. The deep matte purple is a little dry but creates contrast and definition for sculpting and all shades have a smooth texture. The lighter purple is quite soft compared to the others and the glitters are all very sheer so they require a lot more layering. I also found that sponge applicators or eye shadow brushes don’t really pick up and transfer the glitter very well so you may be better off using a finger or dusting them over other pigments. The coral blush with sparkling gold fragments provides just enough saturation for a fresh summery effect.

The Cosmicool palette is idea for those who prefer cooler tones. The purples, grey and midnight navy mix, match and pair beautifully in any combination for a harmonious balance of iridescence and smokiness. The lavender has a soft finish but the 4 central shades have the best color pay-off in the palette and can be enhanced for more coverage. Like the glitter shadows above, these are also very sheer (more like an overspray without much underlying pigment) which is probably what the artist was going for. The pink-coral blush reminds me of spring. It isn’t my favorite shade but it definitely helps perk up a dull complexion on a gloomy day and the glitter is very subtle. The palettes retail for $85.00 each.

The shadows are also available in trios with the same design for $39.00. I love the smouldering aubergine and bright orange combo!  

You don’t usually see much sunscreen in holiday collections let alone in makeup primer but these will shield you from harmful UV all year long with SPF 50. There are 2 tints available - Fresh Pink and Natural Beige which are formulated to balance uneven skin tone and hydrate for up to 24 hours. The primers do have a faint white finish if you use a generous amount but when blended very well the tint becomes unnoticeable and creates a smooth, even surface for foundation. Although they contain high SPF, the consistency is light, non-sticky and non-greasy so it doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all! The Primers retail for $46.00 each.

The Skin Purifier Anti/Oxi + Pollution & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil is enriched with moringa and green tea to remove stubborn makeup and impurities. The citrus scented oil glides across the skin and loosens heavy foundation and pigments while nourishing, soothing and stimulating. After massaging it in for a few minutes, simply add water to emulsify and rinse clean. Unlike soap cleansers this one is gentle and non-drying. It leaves my skin soft, supple and moisturized which is why I will be using it all winter! It retails for $44.00.

The Rouge Unlimited Lipsticks come in the cutest packaging ever! The colors are vivid and luminous with sheer finishes that make lips look plump and pouty.

Although the tints are not intense, there is enough pigmentation for a nice wash of juicy color and the formula is light, non-sticky, hydrating and comfortable on parched lips. Some of the lipsticks have a simple, shiny finish while others contain floating pearls for a bit of dazzle but they are all bright and flattering no matter which you choose. They retail for $36.00 each.

This collection has a wide variety of products including the Wonder Worker Leave-In Spray. It detangles, conditions, smoothes and tames frizz. I spritz it on clean, damp hair before heat styling to enhance moisture, shine and softness. You can pick it up for $42.00

The Cleansing Oil Shampoo formula is one I am very familiar with. The lush oil works its way through every strand and transforms into a light cleansing lather that eradicates build-up, and excess oil. The shampoo also purifies and balances the scalp without parabens or silicone. It retails for $56.00.

You can find the Shu Uemura Holiday Collection at Sephora and shuuemura.ca