BEAUTY BATTLES: BATTLE OF THE SILVER EYESHADOW

For this edition's Beauty Battles, let's look at Silver Eyeshadows

I have two silver eyeshadow brands, Shu Uemura Pressed eyeshadow N ME Silver 900 and MAC Frost Eyeshadow in Electra.

Let's look at the packaging. Both have non- detachable covers, which is convenient for me. I don't have to worry about me losing the eyeshadow pot covers.

Here are the swatches. Left is Shu Uemura and the latter is Electra. 

In terms of consistency, Shu's consistency is so silky and it glides on smoothly. MAC's eyeshadow is buttery and it glides on easily as well. The differences between the two are, Shu's eyeshadow is softer as compared to mac's texture. 

Both are extremely pigmented. It took me one swipe of each to achieve these uber pigmented swatches.

In terms of staying power, both held up the whole day. 

As for the price, Shu's pretty steep than MAC, but MAC is at par in terms of quality with Shu. But Shu's eyeshadows have great quality so it's also a good buy. But since we're not having a good economy right now, we should always opt for the cheapest yet great alternative.

SO FOR THIS EDITION, THE WINNER IS:

MAC

BEAUTY BATTLES: BATTLE OF THE SILVER EYESHADOW

For this edition's Beauty Battles, let's look at Silver Eyeshadows

I have two silver eyeshadow brands, Shu Uemura Pressed eyeshadow N ME Silver 900 and MAC Frost Eyeshadow in Electra.

Let's look at the packaging. Both have non- detachable covers, which is convenient for me. I don't have to worry about me losing the eyeshadow pot covers.

Here are the swatches. Left is Shu Uemura and the latter is Electra. 

In terms of consistency, Shu's consistency is so silky and it glides on smoothly. MAC's eyeshadow is buttery and it glides on easily as well. The differences between the two are, Shu's eyeshadow is softer as compared to mac's texture. 

Both are extremely pigmented. It took me one swipe of each to achieve these uber pigmented swatches.

In terms of staying power, both held up the whole day. 

As for the price, Shu's pretty steep than MAC, but MAC is at par in terms of quality with Shu. But Shu's eyeshadows have great quality so it's also a good buy. But since we're not having a good economy right now, we should always opt for the cheapest yet great alternative.

SO FOR THIS EDITION, THE WINNER IS:

MAC

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SHU UEMURA GLOW- ON IN P PEACH 47

Here's an initial review on SHU UEMURA GLOW- ON (P PEACH 47)

PRICE: 700PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: GIRLTALK

OTHER LOCATIONS: GLORIETTA; SHANGRI- LA MALL, ORTIGAS

THE VERDICT:

I've been wanting to try Shu Uemura's blushes but unfortunately, the prices are too steep for a small pan of blush for me. So last week, lady luck was with that's why I managed to score this great deal from a lovely girltalker. :)

Shu's clear plastic glass packaging is unique and sophisticated for me. I like seeing the colors of my blushes so I give the packaging 10 stars. It's compact and it doesn't eat too much space in my make- up train case and bag.

P Peach 47 is a true peach blush with a slight hint of silver shimmer which is unnoticeable at all.

I love the fact that it's sheer yet pigmented. What do I mean by this? It gives you a peach glow that doesn't look cakey or thick yet from afar, you can still see the lovely peach glow. This blush is also buildable, without looking to thick, so you can decide whether you want a sheer wash or a more obvious peach flush.

It's long- wearing. I still see the peach glow even after four hours! This powder is also unscented so it's good for those who prefer their powders without any scent.

Will I buy one again? I'm kinda' eyeing their pink blushes but since the prices are too steep, maybe I'll just have to pass 'em up.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SHU UEMURA GLOW- ON IN P PEACH 47

Here's an initial review on SHU UEMURA GLOW- ON (P PEACH 47)

PRICE: 700PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: GIRLTALK

OTHER LOCATIONS: GLORIETTA; SHANGRI- LA MALL, ORTIGAS

THE VERDICT:

I've been wanting to try Shu Uemura's blushes but unfortunately, the prices are too steep for a small pan of blush for me. So last week, lady luck was with that's why I managed to score this great deal from a lovely girltalker. :)

Shu's clear plastic glass packaging is unique and sophisticated for me. I like seeing the colors of my blushes so I give the packaging 10 stars. It's compact and it doesn't eat too much space in my make- up train case and bag.

P Peach 47 is a true peach blush with a slight hint of silver shimmer which is unnoticeable at all.

I love the fact that it's sheer yet pigmented. What do I mean by this? It gives you a peach glow that doesn't look cakey or thick yet from afar, you can still see the lovely peach glow. This blush is also buildable, without looking to thick, so you can decide whether you want a sheer wash or a more obvious peach flush.

It's long- wearing. I still see the peach glow even after four hours! This powder is also unscented so it's good for those who prefer their powders without any scent.

Will I buy one again? I'm kinda' eyeing their pink blushes but since the prices are too steep, maybe I'll just have to pass 'em up.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SHU UEMURA ROUGE UNLIMITED IN BR 723

Here's an initial review on SHU UEMURA ROUGE UNLIMITED (BR 723).

PRICE: $22 (APPROX. 1038PHP)

PLACE BOUGHT: DUTY FREE, PARANAQUE

OTHER LOCATIONS: RUSTAN'S SHANGRI-LA MALL; MAKATI (LOCAL PRICE IS 1350PHP)

THE VERDICT:

So Shu Uemura is part of my lipstick project. I resorted to getting this because Chanel Rouge Allure in Comedia is already out of stock.

The lipstick I got is in a sheer formulation. It gives off a shiny color finish. I've been wanting to get the matte ones but I didn't like the colors that much. I was going for the pink shades but their pink colors didn't suit me. All the colors would make my teeth look garish. Besides, almost all of the pink shades have violet undertones.

So I went for the brown shades. Right after swiping BR 723 on my lips, I totally liked it!

The code of the lipstick is BR, which means it's in the BRown family of colors. 

The shade gives off a lovely brown- peach hue that looks natural. It also makes my overall aura look summery due to the shine that it has.

Much like my Nars Sheer Lipstick in Dolce Vita, it gives off a lovely shine that doesn't feel too wet. BR 723's shine dries off to a sheen, which I like. I also like that though it has a sheer formulation, it still packs on some color, which goes to show that this has great pigmentation. It is also long wearing and it didn't dry my lips.

It also has a slight perfume scent just like Nars, lipsticks, which fades off eventually. But, it didn't taste perfume- ish though it smelled like one.

I've read that some people would deem Shu's lipstick packaging as cheap because it comes in a clear plastic tube. Well, I don't think it's cheap because the tube does look like as if it's made of high quality plastic. It has weight and the plastic feels sturdy so I don't see the reason why they would judge the packaging as cheap.

This is priced at 1350php in Rustan's, which prohibits me from buying this because I feel that there are some products worth buying before I get this. But since Duty Free's exchange rate was pretty low, I decided to get one. Getting this in Duty Free saved me 312 bucks!

It's actually a nice MLBB color but in actual, it's a brownish- peach shade. Sorry for the stupid lighting :p

Overall, I like this. I'm satisfied with the color and with the effect. And another thing, the actual product is kinda' long so you get a lot for your money. Going back, the bottle looks cute and they have a wide range of colors that you can choose from.

Would I buy this again? Maybe, but I'm not really lemming for another one. If I have extra cash, I might get a shade from the WN line.

SHU UEMURA ROUGE UNLIMITED LIPSTICK GUIDE:

PK- PINK

BR- BROWN

BG- BEIGE

WN- WINE

RD- RED

OR- ORANGE

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SHU UEMURA ROUGE UNLIMITED IN BR 723

Here's an initial review on SHU UEMURA ROUGE UNLIMITED (BR 723).

PRICE: $22 (APPROX. 1038PHP)

PLACE BOUGHT: DUTY FREE, PARANAQUE

OTHER LOCATIONS: RUSTAN'S SHANGRI-LA MALL; MAKATI (LOCAL PRICE IS 1350PHP)

THE VERDICT:

So Shu Uemura is part of my lipstick project. I resorted to getting this because Chanel Rouge Allure in Comedia is already out of stock.

The lipstick I got is in a sheer formulation. It gives off a shiny color finish. I've been wanting to get the matte ones but I didn't like the colors that much. I was going for the pink shades but their pink colors didn't suit me. All the colors would make my teeth look garish. Besides, almost all of the pink shades have violet undertones.

So I went for the brown shades. Right after swiping BR 723 on my lips, I totally liked it!

The code of the lipstick is BR, which means it's in the BRown family of colors. 

The shade gives off a lovely brown- peach hue that looks natural. It also makes my overall aura look summery due to the shine that it has.

Much like my Nars Sheer Lipstick in Dolce Vita, it gives off a lovely shine that doesn't feel too wet. BR 723's shine dries off to a sheen, which I like. I also like that though it has a sheer formulation, it still packs on some color, which goes to show that this has great pigmentation. It is also long wearing and it didn't dry my lips.

It also has a slight perfume scent just like Nars, lipsticks, which fades off eventually. But, it didn't taste perfume- ish though it smelled like one.

I've read that some people would deem Shu's lipstick packaging as cheap because it comes in a clear plastic tube. Well, I don't think it's cheap because the tube does look like as if it's made of high quality plastic. It has weight and the plastic feels sturdy so I don't see the reason why they would judge the packaging as cheap.

This is priced at 1350php in Rustan's, which prohibits me from buying this because I feel that there are some products worth buying before I get this. But since Duty Free's exchange rate was pretty low, I decided to get one. Getting this in Duty Free saved me 312 bucks!

It's actually a nice MLBB color but in actual, it's a brownish- peach shade. Sorry for the stupid lighting :p

Overall, I like this. I'm satisfied with the color and with the effect. And another thing, the actual product is kinda' long so you get a lot for your money. Going back, the bottle looks cute and they have a wide range of colors that you can choose from.

Would I buy this again? Maybe, but I'm not really lemming for another one. If I have extra cash, I might get a shade from the WN line.

SHU UEMURA ROUGE UNLIMITED LIPSTICK GUIDE:

PK- PINK

BR- BROWN

BG- BEIGE

WN- WINE

RD- RED

OR- ORANGE

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SHU UEMURA FACE ARCHITECT REMODELING CREAM FOUNDATION IN 734 (DEEP ALMOND)

ON THE INFO SHEET: A smooth and creamy texture imparts a perfectly flawless yet natural complexion.

Flexible Coverage:

This foundation is designed to achieve buildable levels of coverage. When you apply a small amount, it delicately covers the skin and expresses a radiant and natural look while smoothing out skin texture and evening tone. When layering, coverage increases without compromising a natural satin finish.

Pursuing Ultimate Comfort:

The exquisite balance of Depsea water and emollient oils as well as carefully selected powders and pigments result in a creamy texture and a smooth luxuriously soft feel.

Preparing for Skin Aging:

contains Jasmine extracts, recognized for its anti- oxidant properties

DEPSEA WATER- found in the deep seas below 200 meters; clean and pure, yet rich in minerals and nutrients that are important for the skin. Depsea water enhances skin transparency, naturally provides moisture to the skin, thus improving it's quality (from vitro test)

JASMINE- found in Jasmine flowers.

THE VERDICT:

This foundation looks very rich and creamy in the pot. It may look heavy on the skin to some, because the consistency and texture may appear too thick on the pic of the swatch below. 

Here's the foundation when spread and blended evenly on skin. It disappears into a clean foundation that evens out skin tone and hides minor skin discolorations and blemishes.

LEFT PART OF THE FACE W/ SHU UEMURA

- My skin appeared velvety smooth when it was applied and blended evenly. In person, the foundation might appear to thick even if you put a small amount. In my opinion, the reason behind this is for the foundation to create a good effect in terms of coverage in hiding flaws and concealing discolorations. The result, a velvet looking skin that's soft to the touch. This foundation is buildable, so you could apply a sheer amount or a lot depending on the amount of coverage you need.

RIGHT PART OF THE FACE W/O SHU UEMURA:

My skin is naturally smooth and blemish- free, but you could see some bumps, some bumpy whiteheads and blackheads, and some scars and pimples that have healed and dried already.

When I applied the Shu foundation, my skin just became magazine worthy! (except for that bump on my right cheek). I wish you could see how smooth this foundation is on the skin and how lovely it's consistency is, making it easier for blending. At first, it might appear too thick but let it dry for around 2- 3 minutes then set it with a loose or pressed powder for a matte look. This shade goes well for those with the shade in NC42. In fact, it's almost the same shade as NC42 so I used my Studio Fix pact to set this foundation. It doesn't feel hot on the skin or heavy. My face stayed matte (with the help of a face primer) and it didn't cake nor streak during the day! Lastly, it didn't sting my face whenever I sweat so this quality makes this product a winner. I really have no idea what the spatula is for but I think it's kinda' hygienic if you don't dip your fingers in the foundation. This way, it makes your foundation stay bacteria- free! I've read in the info sheet that it's for controlling the amount of coverage but I don't see how it does that so I'd buy the hygiene reason for having this spatula. :)

What are the cons of this product? The liquid is kinda' messy when you start using it so you'll literally stain the plastic cover and the white cap. The worst thing is, the cap starts to change color due to the foundation so if you're planning to sell yours, you might price it a little lower than how much you bought it because the product might appear too used already. It's in a glass pot so it kinda' bulges in your make- up stash. Not to mention, it's heavy too.

Would I buy this again? Maybe not. Shu Uemura is too expensive. But if I find someone putting the same product up for swap, I might consider swapping some items for another one. :) Another thing, I'm no foundation wearer and I don't think this will withstand my theatre performances. But If I wear foundation on a daily basis, I might be saving up for this every now and then!

MY SWAPPED ITEM HAS ARRIVED!

Around 11am, my xend package from sis Crissy arrived. I tore the package open again before taking a pic so sorry for the deformed looking package (I always get excited kasi haha :D)

It's the Shu Uemura Face Architect Remodeling Cream Foundation in 734 (Deep Almond)

She also included The Face Shop's soap sample and a Kiehl's shampoo and conditioner sample as freebie. Thanks Crissy! :D

It really looks new. :) Well, I hope you enjoy my Elianto palette and MAC Blushcreme though they look kinda' dirty. ;p

It has a spatula and an info sheet. :P

I'll review this in a while. :P

I LOVE SHU: THE SHU UEMURA EYELASH CURLER LEGACY

Shu Uemura was catapulted to stardom because of his masterpiece make- up creation in a Hollwood movie. In Japan, his oil facial cleansers have been making a big wave since the 60's and has reached international fame. And his eyelash curlers are considered as the best eyelash curler there is in the market.

Other contenders are Shiseido's eyelash curler and La Cross. But this Shu Uemura is still the product to beat. SU claims that their eyelash curler is well- engineered to fit any eye and face shapes. The bend of the curler is accurately measured so as to provide ouchless curling that leads to damaging of the lids. Their mushroom- like pads are designed to aid in effectively curling the lashes, making it reach it's full potential and the curls last longer.

Meryl Streep, in the movie 'The Devil Wears Prada' has mentioned Shu Uemura's eyelash curler. Now that's how famous it is!

This high- end curler is costly. Well, it has proven to be the number one curler so what do we expect? The curler costs around 1k in Shu Uemura outlets. I got mine for 600php only because I had someone who bought me the curler in Japan, home of Shu Uemura.

I told myself before "Jusko, 1k para sa eyelash curler? eh yung ------ 60php lang okay naman!" But what drove me to buy the curler? My friend, who is an aspiring make- up artist had a couple of SU curlers in his stash. He has 2 silvers, 1 black and 1 gold 25th anniversary edition. I tried one and I was really impressed!

I didn't believe that this curler was engineered to provide accurate curling to provide eye accidents but after trying it, it truly is! No matter how i position myself and how careless I put the curler on my eyes and start curling, IT DOESN'T PINCH AT ALL. Which amazed me the most. I have to admit that I often pinch my lids due to curling. There was a time my lids got swollen! So this curler really is perfect for me.

(L-R) LA CROSS COMPARED TO SHU UEMURA

Lastly, the curl lasts long. I didn't believe this before but to my surprise, the curl of my lashes lasted as compared to my old curlers! I also compared the pads of the SU to a normal curler and there's really a big difference. The pads of SU have high quality and the mushroom- like special kind of rubber works well with the steel to provide a lasting curl. The pads of the cheap curlers are just made of plain rubber so it doesn't last long and the curls of your lashes don't either because the rubber is too soft.

THE CURL TEST

MY LASHES (UNCURLED, UNTOUCHED AND HAS NO MASCARA)

LASHES CURLED WITH LA CROSS

- Curl is not impressing

- Pinched my eyelid

- You can see the curl straighten in a matter of seconds

LASHES CURLED WITH SHU UEMURA

- Ouchless curling

- Curl is very visible, lashes have reached full curling potential

- Curl stays relatively long but eventually straightens

Although some say that Shiseido's the best there is and Shu Uemura is just overrated, the only difference is 200 bucks. I haven't tried Shiseido yet so I can't make any comparison but Shu Uemura's reign in the world of cosmetics is proof that you really can't go wrong with this curler. I have two so I can really attest how good this product is.