Review – Shu Uemura UV Under Base Fluid

I think i’ve only really learnt the importance of a good base/primer product in the last 8 months or so. Not only does it help to provide a smooth canvas for an even application of foundation, some base products also help to color correct and control sebum. If you have flawless skin to begin with, then it’s pretty safe to say you can skip this step. But for the rest of us ladies who are not as blessed, a good base product can make a positive difference!

And now, i’d like to introduce to you the Shu Uemura UV Under Base Fluid with SPF 20 PA ++. I got this at Changi Airport DFS for about S$43 last month. I couldn’t find it on the Shu Uemura website though, only the mousse version is there. This isn’t a new product, but i thought i’d give it a go anyway. Mousse is really not my thing, and a previous experience with a mousse-type product did not go down well with me so i’ll skip pretty much anything that comes in that form.

This product comes in 3 shades – Pink (for a brighter, even complexion), Beige (for a natural, even complexion) and Medium Beige (for a naturally lightened complexion). Mine is in Beige as i just wanted something as close to my skin color as possible, and to help give my complexion a uniform color sans the redness or dullness that comes round with tired skin on bad days.

Description:
Shu Uemura UV Under Base Fluid is a makeup base designed to create a refined and smooth skin canvas for perfect application of foundation. This beautifully evened out complexion is achieved by selected pearls and powders which creates a smooth surface for even light reflection. The fresh and watery texture with superb spreadability creates a thin layer of comfort for a long lasting beautiful finish. Allergy tested and non-comedogenic.

My Thoughts:

I like the little nifty plastic packaging, it’s really handy, and the nozzle-like dispenser is easy enough to work with.
The liquid base is easy to apply, and spreads evenly across my skin. It also provides sheer coverage with a very slight white-ish cast. For lazy days if i decide to do without liquid foundation, i simply apply pressed powder over this fluid base and i’m all set to go. It gives minimum coverage but helps give a uniform color at least.

My usual SOP is to apply a thin layer of this liquid base, followed by liquid foundation and a light dusting of pressed powder over my face to set it. I get that having so many layers on can sometimes seem scary and over-doing it, but i think the trick here is to keep the layers light and sheer. I usually have an oily t-zone, but since i started using this i have found that my make-up lasts longer than before and helps keep sebum at bay. I just need to use a tissue to blot once or twice a day. I also like that it contains SPF properties. Minimal – but nice to have nevertheless.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are my own, and have not been influenced by PR companies or advertisers. Products featured/reviewed are purchased with my own money, unless otherwise stated.

Review – Urban Decay Naked Skin

Today’s review is a new foundation from Urban Decay – the Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup. This is the first foundation i’ve tried with a HD formula. Retailing at S$62 (30ml), I took the opportunity to buy this during the recent Sephora member’s sale with 20% discount.

I was matched to Shade 4.0, which is a medium-light shade, with golden olive undertones. (If you need an equivalent, i’m a MAC NC25)

The packaging is simple and aesthetically pleasing. It comes with an attractive metallic chrome cap, but it is definitely a fingerprint magnet. It also has mixing balls inside the bottle, and you can hear them when you shake the bottle (which is recommended before usage).

With a pump dispenser, it’s extremely easy to dispense the liquid foundation and control the amount needed.

From the swatch above, you can see that it has a watery, and very lightweight texture. It provides a light to medium, yet buildable coverage.  If you prefer a sheer, semi-matte satin finish, you will like this.

The finish looks pretty good after application, though it doesn’t quite give me that brightened complexion as with the Shu Uemura Face Architect Smooth Fit Fluid Foundation. In terms of sebum control, its performance is so-so. I’d definitely recommend setting powder for this foundation. After about 4 to 5 hours, you don’t see that smooth satin finish and a touch-up is needed especially if you tend to get oily around the T-zone areas.

I tend to avoid using this during the weekdays for work, simply because it isn’t long-wearing and i hate to have to touch-up during the day. I do enjoy wearing this on the weekend for an afternoon out though. It is weightless and feels comfortable on my skin.

Here’s a FOTD featuring the Naked Skin foundation and a EOTD using the Sleek Glory Palette. Thanks for looking!

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are my own, and have not been influenced by PR companies or advertisers. Products featured/reviewed are purchased with my own money, unless otherwise stated.

Review – Shu Uemura Glow On Blush medium peach 560

Yet another recent duty free purchase, today i’d like to share a little bit about the Shu Uemura Glow On Blush in medium peach 560. They have several beautiful shades, so it wasn’t so easy picking a color for my first Shu Uemura blush. I didn’t have much time to properly swatch and compare the shades, as we were expected to board soon at the airport in Jarkarta. I settled on a coral pink shade which i was confident would look good on me.

Here are some pictures of the product in its casing and a swatch of the medium peach 560.

My thoughts:

To be honest, i’m not too crazy about its packaging. Yes, it is very compact, fuss-free and minimalist. However, i think they can do something about its plastiky, lightweight casing – which, by the way, you have to pay extra for. For the price you are paying, you’d think they can do better. After all, i do like the glass bottle packaging for their liquid foundations.

I paid a total of US$28 (~S$36) for the blusher and its casing. If i’m not wrong, the normal retail price at counters in Singapore is about S$50.

What i do love about it is that it’s really pigmented and easy to blend. It even gives a very subtle glow to your skin upon application. You will see from the swatch above, that it is really leans more towards pink than coral though. I don’t mind that, as it applies beautifully on my skin (not blotchy at all!) You may want to keep this in mind if you’re really looking for a peachy kinda shade. In terms of staying power, it does pretty well in my books. I can still see the color on my cheeks well past lunch time.

Hope this review was useful to you!

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are my own, and have not been influenced by PR companies or advertisers. Products featured/reviewed are purchased with my own money, unless otherwise stated.

Review – Shu Uemura Eyeshadow Palette

This is by far the most expensive eyeshadow palette i own, and the best. At S$110 (including the case), i was very close to walking away considering the number of eyeshadow products and palettes i have. Alas, the excuse of it being a sale (the Metro one that is) saved the day and i gleefully went home with this 4-shade palette from Shu Uemura.

I stood there for what felt like eternity, carefully swatching almost all the shades on display. There were several pretty shades, but many were not what i would reach for often. Since i was burning a major hole in  my pocket for this, i figured these had to be colors that i would often use, and they must be able to match with other colors that i already have.

Here are some quick pix of my latest treasure.

(L-R) ME medium Brown 856, IR light beige 811, P soft coral 121, G orange 251

I love the case – it’s simple and sophisticated. It’s very representative of its minimalist, no-fuss brand persona. It is a little hard to open, but i guess it will get easier with time once it loosens a little.

I know, the orange looks kinda over the top in the pan. Thank goodness i gave it a chance! After i swatched it, it was love at first sight. The subtle orange, and that sparkle… i couldn’t let it go. And when paired with the soft coral, it has fast become one of my favorite everyday looks. The medium brown looks more bronzy in the picture, but in real life it has a hint of grey to it. I love using this for the crease. And the light beige – it’s got hints of gold and i like to layer this over other colors to give it a nice sheen. For lazy days, i just apply this color all over the lids for a subtle sheen and finish off by lining my upper lash line.

Texture -wise, it is buttery smooth and easy to apply. With the orange shade, there is minimal fall-out but it isn’t difficult to clean away. I just use a big brush to brush it off.

After experimenting with it for a while, i’ve found lots of ways to use this palette. And the best part is, even without eye primer it doesn’t smudge or crease on me! And i have very oily lids. The sparkle still remains even after a long day in the office. Am so happy i’ve finally found a product i can use without primer!

Thanks for reading! I hope this review was useful for you

I also got the liquid foundation – i will share my review in a separate post.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on this blog are my own, and have not been influenced by PR companies or advertisers. Products featured/reviewed are purchased with my own money, unless otherwise stated.

Unboxing the Bellabox – Jul 2012

So this month, we’re back to 5 samples from Bellabox. There was however, a bonus lipstick pen thrown in. As you might have heard, Bellabox has increased their monthly subscription rate from S$15 to $19.95 from July onwards. That itself caused quite an outburst from several subscribers, prompting some to cancel their subscriptions too. I must say last month’s bumper box created quite a bit of excitement around the blogospere, and tempting many to sign up because of the great samples. It has also upped the expectations of many, myself included, on subsequent boxes.

The theme surrounding this month’s Bellabox is ‘Around the World‘ – Discovering the best in beauty from across the globe, being inspired by high fashion and neon colors of summer and it also includes a little bellabox gift for each member. Also, 3 lucky members will find a Tiffany gift hidden in their July box.

Let’s check out July’s goodies!

1. Tokyo: Shu Uemura Art of Hair
A full line of haircare and styling products that is sure to impress. Based on a unique selection of natural ingredients that deliver purity with the highest level of performance for a sensorial and extremely personalized luxury experience.
Shu Uemura “Full Shimmer Shampoo & Mask” for coloured hair – 200ml for $59, 300ml for $80
Shu Uemura “Moisture Velvet Shampoo & Mask” for dry hair – 200ml for $59, 300ml for $89

2. London: Jimmy Choo Fragrance
Imagine femininity, luxury and style bottled…introducing Jimmy Choo, the Fragrance. The EDT, is a floral and fruity combination of green top notes with Tea Rose, exotic Tiger Orchid and Cedarwood. The EDP is more sensual adding sweet Italian Orance and Indonesian Patchouli to this elixir.
Eau de Parfum – 40ml for $78, 60ml for $125, 100ml for $165
Eau de Toilette – 40ml for $68, 60ml for $112, 100ml for $145

3. Korea: L’egere Double White O2 One Stop Cleanser
This amazing all-in-one cleanser by L’egere will leave your skin preserved with chamomile extract and wiped fresh of makeup. Forget about buying a makeup remover and separate face wash, this product does both for you!
130ml for $38.90

4. Japan: SK-II
For more than 30 years, SK-II has brought to many women new, breakthrough technology and product innovation that have been widely acclaimed in Asia and around the world. Discover and experience the miracle of crystal clear skin and life today.
SK-II Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser 120g for $89
SK-II Cellumination Mask-In Lotion 100ml for $114
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence 75ml for $99, 150ml for $168, 215ml for $209
SK-II Cellumination Deep Surge EX 50g for $199

5. Korea: Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Pack
Skinmiso’s nose pack will help rid you of black and whiteheads in the comfort of your own home. With a simple three-step process you can reveal perfect skin and help ensure it stays that way.
Mask-10 sheet plus Essence-15ml $21.99 USD

Bonus: Bellabox Lipstick Pen

While i like the idea of a bonus gift and the lipstick pen is kinda cute and chic, i would have appreciated it more if it wasn’t scratched up. I’m not a big fan of hair care samples like shampoo and conditioners, so i would have much preferred the twist hair tie thingy that some others had received. I’m not new to SK-II, but still i look forward to trying out their range of products. Who knows? It may prompt me to integrate some of these into my skincare routine. The Skinmiso pore beauty nose pack sounds great, i think i really need that seeing i haven’t gone for a facial in ages!

So the final verdict for this month’s Bellabox is that it didn’t really leave feeling very excited. It was alright, you know… so-so. Hopefully next mont’s box will be more exciting. Perhaps it is time i log in to my account to review my ‘preferences’? Do you do that periodically?

See what the April, May and June Bellabox was all about.
If you would like to subscribe to Bellabox, check it out here!