Makeup collections come and go in a matter of weeks, but one M·A·C collection in particular generally stays all year round. The Viva Glam line, which turns over annually with a new range of product(s), has gotten Sia as its spokesperson for the year and I am beyond thrilled – and it’s not just because she has made explaining how my last name is pronounced so much easier.
M·A·C Viva Glam Sia
Having written chart-toppers for Shakira (Try Everything from the movie Zootopia), Rihanna (Diamonds) and Flo Rida (the catchy chorus for Wild Ones), among many others, the Australian singer-songwriter needs no introduction. Since lending her cathartic voice to David Guetta’s Titanium (in which she showcased her songwriting chops), Sia’s popularity has not only skyrocketed, but also disrupted her plans to solely be an all-pop songwriter for hire. Her prominence prompted her to come out of retirement from being a recording artiste to release her sixth and seventh studio albums (yes, she had already made a name for herself as a successful singer prior to this) made up mostly of rejected tracks she had written for other artistes. Proving that one man’s meat is indeed another man’s poison, her comeback spawned a couple of number-one singles including Chandelier, Cheap Thrills and The Greatest which remained as earworms in my head for a long time.
But her success did not come without setbacks. During her early years, Sia struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had even contemplated suicide while dealing with fame (which intensified when the press found out about her bisexuality). Sobering up eventually, she realised the damaging effects of fame and retreated from public view. Hence, despite being a critically-acclaimed musician now, Sia does not feel comfortable being in the limelight and would obscure her face with giant wigs, use a proxy performer and refuse to promote her material (yet was able to sell millions of copies worldwide!) to avoid a celebrity lifestyle and maintain some privacy, that is, with the exception of her partnership with PETA to help end the animal homelessness crisis.
As an extension of her philanthropy, Sia collaborated with M·A·C on their Viva Glam campaign which finances educational programmes aimed at preventing HIV/AIDS and helping people with the disease. The product – a red lipstick – is a compatible match with the notoriously camera-shy singer who is often seen rocking her signature red pout (which I learnt today is Ruby Woo) under her bob wig.
M·A·C Viva Glam Sia (US$18.50 / S$36)
M·A·C Viva Glam Sia
M·A·C Viva Glam Sia
M·A·C Viva Glam Sia
M·A·C Viva Glam Sia
M·A·C Viva Glam Sia
M·A·C Viva Glam Sia
Consistent with the preceding Viva Glam lipsticks, Sia’s version features her signature emblazoned on the polished black surface of the tube. Described as a bright yellow-red with a matte finish, the lipstick delivers a vivid medium red (supposedly to mimic Ruby Woo, but more hydrating) with a soft sheen and nanoscopic gold flecks only noticeable up close when applied. With just a single swipe, it deposits a full-on lightweight layer of opaque coverage for a bold and sophisticated look without bleeding into the lip lines. It tends to skip and drag a bit across the lips owing to its slightly drying texture (typical of matte lipsticks), but it does not strip moisture off the lips over time. This lipstick is almost transfer-proof as most of it stayed put on my lips for more than 8 hours. When it did wear off, it faded to a pretty stain.
Comparing Viva Glam Sia with other popular red M·A·C lipsticks. Viva Glam Sia isn’t too different from Ruby Woo, perhaps just a little warmer and definitely more moisturising
Ruby Woo has always been one of my favourite red lipsticks but its annoying drying tendencies put me off, so knowing that Viva Glam Sia can be a substitute for it certainly earns it a few extra points. I’ve got to admit, though, that red may not be the most interesting lip colour in this day and age where every beauty brand in the market is constantly trying to differentiate itself with never-seen-before lipstick shades, but it is likely the only colour most people would associate Sia with.
What do you think of the Viva Glam lip colour this year? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or take a quick poll!
Thanks for reading!
M·A·C Viva Glam × Sia is now available on MACCosmetics.com and in all local M.A.C outlets. Discounts are not applicable to all Viva Glam products as 100% of the proceeds of the sale are donated to the M·A·C AIDS Fund.
These days, with influential figures like Rihanna paving the way for inclusivity in the beauty world, and an extensive spectrum of hues being held up as the standard to meet for every international beauty brand deliberating over new product launches, dark-skinned people seem to have it easier when it comes to makeup selection. But instead of pushing out tens of similar products to please everyone (especially people of colour) which makes little sense logistically, M·A·C decides to partner with American-Indian Padma Lakshmi on a collection that is mainly dedicated to brown skin. And quite frankly, I’ve never encountered any makeup specifically developed for brown skin that does not look great on other skin tones.
Padma Lakshmi for M·A·C 2018
Padma Lakshmi is an author, TV personality and a former fashion model. But as glamorous as her credentials may seem, her life has been far from smooth-sailing. Growing up in Los Angeles in her teens, she had to cope with racial taunts and persecutions which heightened her insecurities of being a minority. Living with endometriosis also meant that she would experience chronic pelvic pain (among many other issues) during her menstruation, causing her to be bedridden every month for a week and as a result, miss out on important occasions throughout the years.
Instead of wallowing in self pity, Padma concentrates on leveraging her shortcomings for the betterment of life. In the hope that no other sufferers would slip under the radar like she had been, she co-founded The Endometriosis Foundation of America, a non-profit organisation which focuses on bringing awareness of the disease to the general public and helping to find a cure for it. Her choosing not to cover up the seven-inch scar on her arm inflicted by a car accident is another testament of her bravery to break the mould in the entertainment industry which is often unforgiving towards any forms of imperfection. Now, turning her struggles as an brown-skinned girl into a makeup collaboration with M·A·C, she has created a 17-piece collection that caters to darker skin tones, yet complements fair complexions at the same time and effectively hitting two birds with one stone.
MY HAUL!
Breathtaking lipstick packaging
Released in March, the gold-emblazoned collection with Mehndi-inspired design includes 6 Lipsticks (Sunset Rose / Nude Fudge / Mittai Pink / Sumac / Apricot Gold / Blue Blood), Cremesheen Glass in Nefertiti, 2 Powder Blush Duos (Moon & Shine / Melon Pink), 2 eye shadow quads (70’s Sunset / Desert Dusk), 3 Powerpoint Eye Pencils (Iced Heather & Kerala Sun / Indian Ink & Mossy Green / Bordeauxline & Molé Brown) and 3 brushes (#168 / #275 / #213) – out of which 4 across different product categories will be reviewed in this post.
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi Eye Shadow X4 in 70’s Sunset
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi Eye Shadow X4 in 70’s Sunset
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi Eye Shadow X4 in 70’s Sunset
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi Eye Shadow X4 in 70’s Sunset
70’s Sunset swatches using damp brush and dry finger
Picking the right eye shadow colours can be a tricky business for most Asians since our non-existent eyelid creases and limited lid space do not allow for much leeway in creativity. The wrong choice of eye shadow can easily ruin our overall look, and too much makeup can also overwhelm our teeny-weeny eyes. But what other options do we have apart from boring ol’ neutrals? The answer – if I may jump the gun – lies in this specially curated palette of four unusual yet harmonious shades in a luxurious gilded case (with a push-to-open latch) which by far has the best colour combination that M·A·C has ever produced in the history of my makeup-obsessed life.
The following palettes were selected for comparison purposes due to their similarities to 70’s Sunset: Too Faced Clover Eyeshadow Palette · M·A·C × Rossy de Palma Veluxe Pearlfusion Shadow · Urban Decay × Jean-Michel Basquiat Tenant Eyeshadow Palette
Sand & Clay is described as a midtone cool beige with a matte finish. Although rather low-contrast against my skin, this no-frills warm-toned apricot is pigmented with a delightfully smooth and even consistency, adhering well to the lids with no fallout when applied. Semi-opaque on the first pass, it is buildable to full opacity with the next layer and can simply be diffused around the edges. It can act as a base for heavy colours to build on and bring out the eyes. When used wet, the colour becomes darker with a tinge of glossiness. But once blended out, it loses its intensity and becomes as vibrant as its original dry state. Either way, this shade didn’t crease on my lids.
Sand & Clay swatch comparisons
Cardamom is described as a cool light green with white frost and Veluxe Pearl finish. Infused with silver microshimmers, this shimmery pale cool-toned green has a smooth texture with very minimal fallout even though it has seemingly sparse particles. Sheer upon application, it is not quite visible on my lid unless hit by direct light. This shade works best as a topper or when applied at the inner corners of eyes to add a pop of sparkle or downplay tired-looking eyes. Adding it on the lower lash line can also help camouflage dark circles when light reflects off the eye shadow.
That said, only when it is wet that it can be used to its full potential. In its moist state, it transforms to a slightly metallic finish, and shimmers become visibly more densely packed which makes it more pronounce on the lid. Despite it being more rigid when wet, I was still able to blend it out with ease.
Cardamom swatch comparisons
Mumtaz is described as a copper with gold sparkle and Veluxe Pearl finish but a swatch reveals it to be more of a cool berry than the rose-pink in the pan. A colour that defines the socket of the eye, it packs a lot of pigment while providing a smooth and even consistency. The intensity lightens a great deal when blended out even though it is still buildable to your desired level of impact. The texture certainly feels grittier when it is dry so some fallout and kickback are expected. To get around this issue, the eye shadow can be applied wet but the tradeoff would be that it would form harsh edges that are almost impossible to diffuse.
Mumtaz swatch comparisons
All’s Rosy is described as a midtone plum with gold pearl and a matte finish. This eggplant purple has microshimmers of a somewhat lighter colour and is cooler than Mumtaz in undertones. Although offers pigmented payoff, the texture can be a tad chalky. It is prone to leave fallout due to its loose consistency but on the plus side, it makes it easier to blend out the edges and add a little more depth to the eyes. That said, this shade is best applied wet as it intensifies the colour and it would also be more manageable when the shimmers become more densely packed. But doing so would take you awhile to soften out the harsh edges.
All’s Rosy swatch comparisons
APPLICATION & SUGGESTED LOOK
Primed my lids with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Starting with Sand & Clay
Sand & Clay as the base colour
Followed by Mumtaz
Mumtaz to define my eyes (and to create a subtle ombre!)
All’s Rosy is next
All’s Rosy for an added depth, and to complete the ombre
Cardamom as the finishing shade
Wetting the brush so that the shade would be more prominent on my lids
Cardamom on the inner corners to add a pop of sparkle to the eyes
Complete the look with some colours (can be in the same sequence as those on the lid) on the lower lash line
Voila! A look that’s not too subtle and not too heavy!
Optional: line the eyes for maximum impact (I’m using the Rollerwheel Liquid Liner which I had reviewed some time ago)
M·A·C is known to boast a plethora of eyeliners just like it does for lipsticks. Powerpoint Eye Pencil is one of its many ranges which promises waterproof, long-wearing in metallic, shimmery or matte finish. From experience, this range of liners does not give the most pigmented of colour but it does stay on the lid for as long as I want it to, and it does take a bit more effort to remove it. Although I’m not really a fan of the application, it was just too hard to pass up on the offer of having two shades for the price of one (to be exact, they’re 50 cents more than those in regular packaging but whatever). Furthermore, that green is GORGEOUS.
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Indian Ink
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Indian Ink
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Indian Ink
Indian Ink is described as a pure black which is a complete lie (seriously, who does all these inaccurate descriptions on the website?) because anybody with a normal vision would be able to see that it is a cool-toned navy blue. The first stroke of this matte liner gives a sheer coverage but it is buildable to semi-opaque coverage with three passes. The texture glided moderately smoothly across the lid without tugging the skin and deposited enough colour for it to be prominent enough atop the eye shadow. As expected, it didn’t budge or smudge on my lower lid throughout the nine hours I had it on despite the oily surface.
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Mossy Green
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Mossy Green
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Mossy Green
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Indian Ink & Mossy Green
Mossy Green, on the other hand, is described as a deep green with a slightly metallic finish. This stunning cool-toned army green has tiny gold flecks which are aren’t conspicuous unless viewed up-close. It glides smoothly and has a lightly creamy texture. Smudge-resistant, it provides semi-opaque pigmentation in one stroke and is buildable to a full coverage. But much as I love this shade, it unfortunately doesn’t translate well on the lid especially on eye shadow because it kinda appears greyish? Nevertheless, this shade wore well on me for over nine hours.
NOTE: I just remembered that I do have blue and green eyeliners somewhere in my stash so check back soon for some comparison swatches of this eye pencil!
Lipstick: Apricot Gold
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi lipstick in Apricot Gold (US$18.50)
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi lipstick in Apricot Gold
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi lipstick in Apricot Gold
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi lipstick in Apricot Gold
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi lipstick in Apricot Gold
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi lipstick in Apricot Gold
Apricot Gold is described as a midtone peach nude with Amplified finish. This terracotta orange glides on the lips to instantly brighten the face and give a glistening texture that feels both lightweight and comfortably moisturising. I can see it working beautifully on dark complexions as well, which could jolly well be true judging from its sold-out status online. But it accentuates lip lines and doesn’t really apply evenly especially on the wrinklier areas such as the inner corners of the lips. Still, it’s a lovely everyday colour which was able to withstand a light meal. It wore well on me for about five hours before fading to a stain.
Swatch comparison against Apricot Gold
Lipstick: Nude Fudge
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi lipstick in Nude Fudge (US$18.50)
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi lipstick in Nude Fudge
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi lipstick in Nude Fudge
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi lipstick in Nude Fudge
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi lipstick in Nude Fudge
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi lipstick in Nude Fudge
Nude Fudge is another universally flattering shade described as a midtone neutral with a matte finish. This medium cool-toned rosebrown tugs slightly during application but offers an even and opaque coverage. It has a smooth and creamy texture that isn’t too drying despite it being a matte, which is a plus for my flaky lips. On top of that, it is also able to conceal imperfections pretty well. Similarly, this shade wore well on me for about five hours before some product noticeably settled into the cracks. But it didn’t make my lips look awfully parched so I’m willing to close my eyes to that. With such commendable application, it beats me why it hasn’t been wiped off the shelves yet.
Swatch comparison against Nude Fudge
The overall great quality and uniqueness (I’m lovin’ all the greens – such novelty!) of the products in this collection, as well as the element of surprise in them makes this collaboration one of the best that M·A·C has done so far. I like how certain shades appeared to be impractical for daily use but turned out to be subtle enough for those who shy away from bold colours and yet made a world of difference to the look. Definitely my best makeup purchase of 2018. I’m kinda bummed out that it isn’t given much airtime to garner enough hype before the next collection (*cough* Patrick Starrr *cough) was rolled out.
What do you think of this collection? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or take a quick poll!
Thanks for reading!
M·A·C × Padma Lakshmi is now available on MACCosmetics.com and AT ion & vIVOCITY tangs OUTLETS.
Just as we thought the matte lip trend was losing steam, shu uemura offers a timely reminder why colour-rich matte lipsticks are still on-trend in many ways with an expansion (albeit temporary) of its Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte line this spring. This time, it has even roped in the expertise of a familiar name to pimp up the packaging of these new (and not-so-new) additions to make them a little more special.
Yazbukey for shu uemura, Spring 2018
Following the tremendous reception to its first collaboration with Yazbukey in 2015, shu uemura has teamed up with the Paris-based accessory and jewelry designer yet again for this first ever lip-focused makeup range – the Mattitude collection – in which a total of 16 lipstick shades comprising 9 new limited editions and 7 existing bestsellers (shades may vary in the U.S.; full list in poll below) would each be accessorised with one of the 4 variations of her iconic “c’est ahh lips” specially designed for this partnership on the packaging.
The display
Sea of lipsticks~
Featuring across the 4 colour ranges expressing the 4 different attitudes (Sexy Red, Lovely Nude, Quirky Pink and Edgy Berry) in this collection, the lip motifs are a nod towards Yazbukey’s quirky and kooky sense of style which combines pop references with modern culture and contemporary art. The silicon lip rings*, which can be fitted into the coloured lipstick tube for an added aesthetic appeal (or simply worn on the finger to show the world how much of a lipstick addict you are), instantly transform shu uemura’s signature lipsticks into the most edgy chic statement pieces imaginable.
*Receive one limited edition Yazbukey × shu uemura silicon lip ring with purchase of any 2 pieces of Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte lipsticks at TANGS.com. While stocks last.
To celebrate the release of the Mattitude collection, shu uemura hosted a launch party at Horse’s Mouth Bar for select members of the media. While there, I was able to get a complete swatch of everything, as well as to take home four lipsticks (one from each range) to do a detailed review on. Take a look:
Sexy Reds
Swatched: Carmen Bound, Tangerine Bloom (accidentally swatched this twice), Ruby Heart. Not in picture: Yaz Red (scroll down to the review for swatches)
Lovely Nudes
Swatched: Coral Dance, Brown is Brown, Choco Crush, Sandy Quartz
Quirky Pinks
Swatched: Rose Flows, Truly Ruby, Cyclamen Sound, Eclair Pink
Edgy Berries
Swatched: Magenta Spell, Currant Mood, Powder Blue, Grape Jam
A lil pouch to go along with the lippies!
Look at zee lip rings!
How the lippies look with the lip rings on!
Limited Edition packaging
Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte
Yaz Red (RD1)
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Yaz Red (S$38 / US$31)
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Yaz Red
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Yaz Red
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Yaz Red
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Yaz Red
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Yaz Red
From the Sexy Red range, there is Yaz Red, a mid-tone raspberry red (leaning more towards pink) with a flat matte finish. A repromote from the first collaboration with Yazbukey, Yaz Red is both festive and chic, depending on how pigmented you want it to be. When applied with pressure, it seemed slightly bolder and darker at first but gradually lost its intensity and became brighter, though not to the extent of it being neon. This lightweight lipstick adorned the lips with a powdery texture for a feeling of velvety softness while delivering an even, medium to full coverage as it glided on. It did not settle into my lip lines, though, until several hours later.
In terms of its longevity, the colour on the outer edges stayed on through a McSpicy dinner but wore off at the centre of my lips as I had expected. The lipstick didn’t feel drying throughout my 10-hour wear time but it somehow wasn’t the easiest to remove at the end of the day unless I exfoliated my lips.
Yaz Red swatch comparison
Coral Dance (NUDY1)
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Coral Dance (S$38 / US$31)
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Coral Dance
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Coral Dance
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Coral Dance
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Coral Dance
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Coral Dance
Coral Dance from the Lovely Nude range appears to be a warm, medium beige with subtle red undertones on the tube, but translates to a bright pink-toned salmon on my lips which I don’t quite fancy. Similarly, it has a flat matte finish which forbids it from having any hint of shimmers. Even so, it does not at all leave a tacky feeling on the lips nor does it zap out moisture from them. The consistency was still so smooth and velvety that it glided on my lips without tugging or pulling. This lipstick provides a nearly opaque payoff in one swipe which was buildable to a full coverage, along with a texture that allows for an even application that stays put for more than 8 hours.
Coral Dance swatch comparison
Rose Flows (PK2)
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Rose Flows (S$38 / US$31)
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Rose Flows
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Rose Flows
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Rose Flows
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Rose Flows
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Rose Flows
Rose Flows, a deep warm pink with a flat matte finish that isn’t too over-the-top for work environment that isn’t too accepting of unconventional makeup looks, nor is it too dark that it would make thin lips appear smaller.
Intensely pigmented with an evenly soft consistency that sits so ever comfortably on the lips alongside a texture that impeccably conceals any imperfections (as it attempted to fill the lines instead of caking around them), it is not difficult to understand how this shade surfaced as my top pick for an effortless early morning pick-me-up. It doesn’t take a lot out of me to get a prominent colour on my lips as all it requires is one firm swipe. This shade wore well on me when I test-drove it for about 6 hours before fading evenly to a muted rosy stain and is neither drying nor hydrating.
Magenta Spell (RD2)
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Magenta Spell (S$38 / US$31)
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Magenta Spell
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Magenta Spell
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Magenta Spell
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Magenta Spell
shu uemura × Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Magenta Spell
Representing the final colour range Edgy Berry is Magenta Spell which takes the form of a promising flat-matte warm burgundy (leaning more towards brick red) but lets down with its uneven and smidgen streaky finish on the initial coat, partly because it also tends to skip during application. Then, as I tried building up the opacity of the lipstick, it became noticeably patchier whereby areas that had received more product becoming a lot darker than those that didn’t. Although, to be honest, the payoff wasn’t the worst I had seen (I’ve also had my fair share of disappointing M·A·C purchases), I found it to be rather unacceptable given the high standards on which shu uemura prides itself.
But to be fair, the unsatisfactory texture is too minor a flaw to render this lipstick an F grade considering that there are worse offenders in the market than it is. Discounting the fact that application could have been better, Magenta Spell does have its good points, too. For a start, it has the same non-sticky powdery smooth texture and is as long-lasting as the other shades. Somehow, it also feels comparatively more hydrating on the lips.
Magenta Spell swatch comparison
Magic Metallic Lip Liner
From S Curler to star-shaped stamp, shu uemura never fails to surprise us with interesting novelties. This year, the newest innovation from shu uemura features another line of lip products (sadly, also limited edition) that enable you to add a fun and artistic twist to your lip contour, or in this case your matte lips. Make a lip statement that will truly turn heads simply by applying metallic lines with any of the four Magic Metallic Lip Liner shades for a contrasting finish against the matte background.
shu uemura × Yazbukey Magic Metallic Lip Liner in Gold-WOW (S$38 / US$30)
shu uemura × Yazbukey Magic Metallic Lip Liner in Gold-WOW
shu uemura × Yazbukey Magic Metallic Lip Liner in Gold-WOW
shu uemura × Yazbukey Magic Metallic Lip Liner in Gold-WOW
shu uemura × Yazbukey Magic Metallic Lip Liner in Gold-WOW
shu uemura × Yazbukey Magic Metallic Lip Liner in Gold-WOW
shu uemura × Yazbukey Magic Metallic Lip Liner in Gold-WOW
shu uemura × Yazbukey Magic Metallic Lip Liner in Gold-WOW
Unlike most traditional metallic liquid lipsticks, these lip liners have way thicker consistency with an exceptionally fast dry-down rate, hence preventing them from bleeding or dissolving into the product beneath them. The finish of the liner becomes flat matte once it dries with no hint of tackiness. The pigment of my gold liner is incredible and filled with densely packed high-shine gold shimmers, so much so that for a split moment, I actually had the suspicion that this was the same substance used to foil lettering. But it’s obviously not because it can be removed entirely with regular water (so only apply on the outer edges of the lips if you want it to last through meals).
Instead of a doe-foot applicator, these liners are applied using the brush applicator (similar to that of nail polish) attached to the cap. It is dense and stiff enough to allow easy manoeuvering along the outline of the lips. Embellishing lips had never been so much fun 🤩
Took the liberty to zhng some more hahaha
Watch out, M·A·C: these matte lipsticks will be giving you a run for your money! Through the Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte line, shu uemura proves that it is absolutely possible to create non-drying, true matte lipsticks without compromising on the quality. In fact, what I find most admirable about the brand is that they actually delivered what they promised. Just how many times have you encountered lipsticks that claimed to be matte but turned out to be anything but that? Ever seen or run your finger over matte countertops? These matte lipsticks by shu uemura look and feel exactly like them – they are smooth to the touch and don’t reflect light. shu uemura is the real deal.
But regardless of the brand of the lipstick, the same ol’ rule applies: exfoliate before application as these lipsticks won’t show their potential on rough, flaky surface. And if possible, apply with a brush because as you might have noticed, the lipsticks have the tendency to ball up on the lips.
shu uemura, to me, has always been the underdog in the global beauty market that hardly gets any acknowledgement for their quality and performance. Despite the cutting-edge and superior formula the brands constantly puts out, it has never (not that I know of) ranked on international beauty charts which more often than not are dominated by Western beauty giants. Perhaps, it’s about time shu uemura gets the recognition it deserves. What do you think?
Thanks for reading!
shu uemura × Yazbukey launches islandwide from 1 May 2018. It is also available online through TANGS.com and Metro.com.sg. in Singapore and shuuemura-USA.com for U.S. residents.
fionaseah.com 