50 years. Wow. Without me knowing, Shu Uemura is celebrating its iconic cleansing oil’s 50th Anniversary. Its older than me. Now I know! My encounter with Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil dated way way back when I started beauty blogging. And when the Ultime8 was launched a few years ago, I never look back. The brown bottle cleansing oil may be the priciest among the lot, it is the best one among the lot . Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil is good as it is a one-step deep cleansing with botanical ingredients that make the skin clean, soft and smooth.

Did you know?

Here’s a little fun fact. The first original beauty cleansing oil launched by Shu Uemura was “unmask” back in 1967. That was years before the first groundbreaking beauty boutique was opened. Shu Uemura then pursued new cleansing oil technology for half a century since to further secure its position at the beauty and skincare revolution.

The team at Shu Uemura Malaysia sent me some interesting fact about these best-selling cleansing oil and since I like all the facts and figures or science of everything *lol*, I thought you might be interested with these too.

10 Facts You Must Know About Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils

Fact 1 – shu uemura’s first product was cleansing oil
After discovering cleansing oil in Hollywood in the 1950’s, Mr. Shu Uemura believed it to be the secret to beautiful skin. thus, cleansing oil became our first product.

Fact 2 – shu uemura introduced cleansing oil in Japan
Way back in the 1960’s, shu uemura was the first company to launch cleansing oil in Japan, helping to create an innovative new category of skincare.

Fact 3 – shu uemura cleansing oils are beloved for their simple effectiveness
With greater fluidity than typical viscous milk or waxy cream, our cleansing oils easily spread over skin, lifting away makeup and sebum.

Fact 4 – With shu uemura cleansing oils, double cleansing is unnecessary
The moment oil droplets contact water, a milky oil-in-water emulsion is created, which can remove both oil- and water-soluble impurities in one-step*.

*only with cleansing oils

Fact 5 – Different oil molecules target different types of makeups to wash off
When selecting oils, shu uemura considers the structure and characteristics of oil molecules for their affinity to makeup products such as long-lasting foundations, long-lasting lipsticks and waterproof mascara.

Fact 6 – shu uemura cleansing oils are formulated to emulsify quickly
Quick emulsification ensures a non-greasy, non-oily feeling after rinsing. just make sure the oil has emulsified well and then rinse thoroughly with water.

Fact 7 – shu uemura cleansing oil is good skincare
Soft, smooth and moisturizing, shu uemura cleansing oils are designed to balance skin condition without stripping away moisture.

Fact 8 – shu uemura offers various cleansing oils for different skin types
There are currently six shu uemura cleansing oils with various textures and fragrances for different needs and conditions of skin.

Fact 9 – shu uemura cleansing oils are gentle
Thanks to oil’s capillary action, it diffuses easily into pores with no need for strong rubbing. our cleansing oils function as a cushion between finger and skin, so a gentle movement is all it takes to remove makeup.

Fact 10 – Cleansing with oil in the morning could change your life
Cleansing oil removes sebum and impurities accumulated during sleep without stripping away skin’s natural moisture, making it the first step in a morning skincare routine.

The post Shu Uemura Celebrates 50 Years of Magic with its Iconic Cleansing Oil – 10 Facts You Must Know About Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

When it comes to lipstick, hands down matte lipstick wins. There has been a love and hate with matte lipstick but I just love them. Not for its long lasting but for the comfort. I love how matte lipstick feels like nothing on the lips. Matte lipstick comes in many form – liquid lipstick, which is in trend at the moment, powder lipstick, which many find odd but I love it, and comfortable matte lipstick that will suit even those who are not into matte lipstick. Comfortable matte lipstick is able to provide comfort and moisture minus the shine. And that is exactly what Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick is all about.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick has a unique creamy texture with moisturizing ingredients to keep the lips from drying out. So far I have been lucky with matte lipstick in all form. Although my lips are dry and chapped to begin with, matte lipstick are quite comfortable without drying out my lips. I find that creamy lipstick are too slippery and sometimes lack of pigmentation but matte lipstick are typically more opaque. Let’s not forget that hair do not get stuck on matte lipstick too

I was sent two shades to try. I specifically requested no red as I have tons of red lipstick unopened. You can say I am kinda red phobia now looking at all the reds. So. Much. Red! What I find a bit inconvenient is that there are no shade name. Only code. I was glad that the two shades I was sent are in totally different shade category. M CR 344 is a coral pink shade while M WN 266 is a deep fuchsia shade. Please bear in mind lipstick shade varies on each person. The way I see the shade payoff is on my lips personally. So do take my shade description with a pinch of salt and try them out in store

Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte is really very comfortable to wear and on the lips even after so many hours. Some lipstick makes you want to remove them the soonest but these does not make me feel that way. I hardly remember I had lipstick on as it is so comfortable and lightweight. When I swatch these on my hands, I had to swipe a few times to get the color on but on the lips, it’s different. It goes on smooth, non-sticky with medium to high opacity.

M CR 344 looks a little bit neon coral from the tube but goes on coral pink on me. It is one of those fun and young shade that is suitable for fair to medium skin tone. I lean more towards this shade whenever I want my overall look to brighten up. However, the downside is this shade goes on so patchy on my lips. It clings onto every dry skin and wrinkles on the lips. No matter how I exfoliate and apply lip balm prior, it still does not goes on smooth. It is just so patchy

Now, M WN 266 is a total different story. It spells Fiona all over. It is a deep fuchsia shade, not too red or pink or too plum. Just nice. Consistency and color payoff is far more better than M CR 344. I’m not surprised as darker shade usually has better texture and payoff. Compared to M CR 344, this shade goes on smoother and non-patchy. It does not cling onto every dry skin I had on my chapped lips. Everything was perfect! This is the shade that I have been wearing non-stop for the past 2 weeks. I probably Insta Stories too much with this lipstick on too

This has been one interesting lipstick review I ever done. One shade goes on patchy on me no matter how I prep my lips while the other shades goes on so beautiful. Nonetheless I absolutely love these Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte lipstick. The lipstick overall gives me a comfortable, long lasting wear with feather lightweight. I did not feel anything at all on my lips. Despite being a matte lipstick, it does not dry out my lips. Super comfortable as Shu Uemura claimed it to be.

If you are thinking to try or switch to a matte lipstick, the Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte could be it. Best of all, there are 20 shades to choose from

Disclaimer: Product was sent to me for review consideration. This doesn’t affect my judgement in the review in any way.

The post Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick Defines Comfortable and Moisturizing, Even with its Extreme Matte Finishing appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

That’s right. You did read the title correctly. Shu Uemura collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld once again for the brand’s 2014 holiday collection but this time the star is not just Karl Lagerfel the legend himself but also his most spoiled cat, the snow white long haired princess mademoiselle Choupette, a.k.a. “Shupette”. Admitabbly, Shu Uemura is one of the brand I know of that never fail to launch a rather unique and one of it’s kind collaboration makeup collection. As you know, I’m currently churning out 2014 holiday gift guide from time to time but none of the brand had any actual event but this one. I was invited over for a preview and workshop for Shupette by Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura 2014 Holiday Collection just last week

Who is Shupette?

Shupette is a character name portrayed by Karl Lagerfeld’s most spoiled cat, Choupette. Shupette is famous furry beauty named as Shupette Lagerfeld, queen of catnaps, spoiled glamourpuss and social media’s most wanted! Shupette settles for nothing but the best of the best. This collection line-up was created for you so that you don’t have to either. Shupette’s house aka the La Maison De Shupette is a house of glamourpuss luxury and also a landmark collection for all the must have products that will make your holidays shining brighter than ever.

Shupette by Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura 2014 Holiday Collection

Whether you are obsessed with cat or you are not, one thing for sure is that you will definitely fall in love at first sight once you laid your eyes on the collection. There’s a lot of ooohhh and aaaahhhh during the workshop because everything is just so cute!

To make things more interesting, I will walk you through half of the collection follow by a ‘day’ makeup demonstration, then continue with the remaining half of the collection and ending with another makeup demonstration transformation from the day look to ‘night’ look

Shupette Has-It-All Eye & Lip Palette (RM350)

The star of the Shupette by Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura 2014 Holiday Collection is this main makeup palette. This Shupette Has-It-All Eye & Lip Palette is huge and gorgeous palette comes with eight eyeshadow shades and six lip shades, together with two applicator – one for the eye makeup and another one for the lip makeup. I was kinda drown in neutral palette lately and this palette brought me back to the colourful me with it’s gorgeous and yet wearable colourful eyeshadow shades. I am never a fan of lip product in a palette but the color payoff of these changed my mind completely. It’s mind boggling how pigmented, creamy and beautiful it is.

There is a shiny mirror surface on the front of the palette lid which also feature a portrait of the adorable Shupette. I like the mirror surface but the OCD in me kicked in when I saw all the fingerprints on the palette.

But I’m willing to ignore all the fingerprints on the palette itself for the exclusive fur palette pouch that comes with the palette. Now who say you can’t get the best of both world?

Eye-Need-Shu Trio (RM120)

If you don’t wish to spend on a large palette and you have a smaller budget or you want to buy an eyeshadow palette for gifting purposes, you can opt for the Eye-Need-Shu Trio. There is a selection of two palette – 01 For Parisienne Chick Look and 02 For Tokyo Kawaii Look.

01 For Parisienne Chick Look comprises two shades (medium & light shade) from Shupette Has-It-All Eye & Lip Palette including the gorgous “Shupette Blue” while 02 For Tokyo Kawaii Look comprises one shade (darker shade) from the main palette.

Silk Cushion Cheek (RM100)

This bouncy cushion-y cheek blush is one of my favourite as it comes with Shupette decorated case . Described as the addictive marshmallow-like texture blush, this is definitely one product that is pigmented, powdery and yet creamy at the same time. This time round, there is only two shade selection to choose from – Pink or Orange. You only need to made up your mind to go pink or to go coral. I’m glad it wasn’t 10 shades of pink or coral to choose from!

A little goes a long way. You can achieve a subtle color payoff from the pigmentation given. It is extremely smooth and stays on the skin well like a cream blush. My pick? The Pink shade of course. I’m never into coral blush for some reason lol.

Eye-Need-Shu Liner (RM75)

Not only Shupette’s paw prints was printed all over the Eye-Need-Shu Liner (sorry, I didn’t managed to capture the prints lol), these creamy, smooth, long-lasting and smudge proof eye pencil is something that resemble the gel pencil as the texture is so easily draw on and blend. It may look like a normal black or brown eyeliner pencil but it’s not. Midnight Black are with “Shupette Blue” pearl while Gala Brown are with pink and gold pearls in it. This is the only eyeliner pencil that doesn’t smudge on my oily lids!

At the workshop, Lisa Yap, Shu Uemura Elite Artist also demonstrated to us two makeup look. She did Tokyo Kawaii Cat Eye Look as the day time look before transforming the makeup into night time look.

This look is very easy. First she used Eye-Need-Shu Liner (Gala Brown) to draw a feline flick. If you’re wondering why Lisa starts with eyeliner first before eyeshadow, she said by doing so you can rectify any eyeliner mistake if there’s any without interfering with the eye makeup. If you had eyeshadow on first and made a mistake with the eyeliner, you risk having to remove everything and redo again. With this method, you’d only need to redo the eyeliner if you messed up. . Next she applied ivory yellow all over the lid, soft brown eyeshadow on the crease and dab on the pink shade on the center of the lid. Lastly add some Eye-Need-Shu False Eyelashes onto the top outer corner lid and one on the center of the bottom lash. Voila! A sweet and modern kawaii cat eye look for day time.

We’re not quite done yet. At the workshop event, we were shown more than two handful products but there is more. Before I get into that, let’s continue with part 2 of the collection.

Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil (RM360 / 450ml)

Shu Uemura is also well known for their cleansing oil. Ultime8 is made with eight precious oils of botanical origins for supreme cashmere skin. Yes, this is the same product from their permanent line, except that this one here was dressed in shiny metallic packaging which feature Shupette in her flowing black ribbon. If you haven’t try this particular cleansing oil, you must try it then. It smells amazing.

TSUYA Skin UV Under Base Mousse (RM135)

Besides Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil that was repackaged for 2014 holiday collection, one of Shu Uemura UV under base mousse gets a repackaging as well. TSUYA Skin UV Under Base Mousse is a brightening makeup base that comes in Peach shade that provides the skin with 24 hours of moisture and lasting formula for a glowing complexion. As a result, skin glows from within even with makeup on. This particular one here smells kinda sweet and fruity as well.

Pampearl-Me Face Powder (RM140)

This is one of my favourite. My all time weakness is face powder and if you are into the glow from meteorites pearls, you will like this powder too. This colorless shimmer finishing powder is translucent BUT highly shimmery. Eventhough so, you will not look like a disco ball or whatsoever because once in contact with the skin, it is so subtle and soft that you will not even notice the shimmery of the powder. The texure is extremely fine and silky with gentle pink and gold sparkles. Again, you won’t look like a disco ball don’t worry.

Furry Fantasy Premium False Eyelash (RM250)

This is one epic fake eyelash! The 2014 holiday collection’s premium eyelash comes in a sleek metallic silver box. You can reuse this eyelash again and again for a few ten times, depending how well you take care of it. With this price tag, I bet I will too take good care of it just like my own real eyelashes . This pair here are made with elegant pink feather with a hint of Shupette-blue crystal on the band. If you want a feline pair of eyelash, wear this! A complete look with this Furry Fantasy Premium False Eyelash is at below. It’s dramatically beautiful.

Eye-Need-Shu False Eyelashes (RM100)

Not into dramatic, feathery feline lashes? No problem! Shu Uemura had something more “natural” for you. If you scroll back to the above Tokyo Kawaii Cat Eye Look makeup demonstration above, the model was wearing this exact Eye-Need-Shu False Eyelashes. This is actually a partial accent lashes with metallic silver highlights and of course with Shupette-blue crystals as well. Simply wear it on the outer corner of your eyelash for a more natural and yet eye-catching look.

Shupette’s Flair Eyelash Curler (RM65)

Just like every new Shu Uemura collection, the brand’s iconic and highly raved eyelash curler gets a Shupette touch as well. This collection will feature a special edition eyelash curler with Shupette stamp charm dangling from the finger loop.

With-Love-From-Paris Brush Set (RM240)

This travel brush kit comes with two face brush, one eye brush, one lip brush and a metallic silver envelope-shaped brush case with magnetic clasp. One of the face brush included is a NEW luxurious large face brush made with natural hair. All four portable brushes are with white holder and with pink Shupette paw prints. So cute!

Transforming Tokyo Kawaii Cat Eye Look to Parisienne Chic Cat Eye Look

To transform from the existing Tokyo Kawaii Cat Eye Look makeup that the model had to Parisienne Chic Cat Eye Look, Lisa laid on Eye-Need-Shu-Liner in Midnight Black on the Gala Brown with a long dramatic tail with a curved line on the outer eye socket and line the under eyelash as well. Next, take the Shupette-Blue eyeshadow and blend along the dramatic line drew on earlier, softening the black just a bit. Leave the middle lid empty. Fill in the empty space with a light blue eyeshadow. This will make the eye-do popped out and brighten instantly.

Lastly, apply mascara to the top and bottom eyelashes and laid on Furry Fantasy Premium False Eyelash. Parisienne Chic Cat Eye Look is now complete. Oh and the lipstick is the bright fuchsia pink from the bottom left of Shupette Has-It-All Eye & Lip Palette.

Here is the closer look. Quite easy to replicate but I’m not confident with outlining both eyes evenly LOL.

What was missed from above

There are a total of four more items from Shupette by Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura 2014 holiday collection that was not mentioned above. Fret not. I’m not going to leave you hanging half way wondering why the collection is not complete

Rouge Bonbon Fantasy Trio (RM120)

Notice there was no lipstick in this holiday collection? That is because this time round the collection features a lip palette in the Shupette Has-It-All Eye & Lip Palette. Again, if you just want the lip palette solely or you want to gift it to your girlfriend, you can choose from the two lip trio palette available. Rouge Bonbon Fantasy Trio comes in two shades – 01 For Parisienne Chic Look (top) and 02 For Tokyo Kawaii Look (bottom). The color payoff is mostly vivid candy, extremely pigmented and luminosity thanks to Shu Uemura’s innovative Lumicolor Matrix Technology.

My Precious Glitter Set (RM150)

This trio glitter set are powder glitter in brilliant sparkles but yet quite subtle and comfortable to wear even on the inner corner of the eyes. You can use it to highlight the eye’s inner corner, brow bone or even dab some onto the mobile lid for the extra brightening effect. Each set comes with three different shades – Pink (left), Gold (center) and Platinum (right).

Fabulous Cat Nail Enamel (RM60)

A wearable set of nail polishes is also included in the collection and that is the Fabulous Cat Nail Enamel. Featuring a pink champagne gold that is suitable for everyday wear or you can top it up with diamond twinkles for that purr-fectly festive charm to the nails! Yes, you can even wear it on it’s own too if you want to.

Shupette’s Make-Up Trunk (RM1,500)

Last but not least is the limited edition make-up trunk case. Shu Uemura’s signature make-up box gets a dress up for Shupette too!

Phew. That was a long 15 items introduction for the Shupette by Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura 2014 Holiday Collection. Before I end this cuteness overload post, here’s a contest announcement for selfie pro. To coincide with the launch of Shupette collection, there is an international Instagram competition happening from 1st October to 12th December 2014. Winner will get to win a Shupette make-up trunk signed by Karl Lagerfeld himself. Details of the contest is as below. All the necessary hashtag requirement is also stated as below

Which of the above is your favourite? Mine would be the Shupette Has-It-All Eye & Lip Palette as it does has it all, Silk Cushion Cheek and Pampearl-Me Face Powder. But of course I was drooling over the make-up trunk, which I couldn’t afford hehe.

The post Shupette by Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura 2014 Holiday Collection: Ending 2014 with the most unique collaboration between a makeup brand and a feline appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Toner, or some company refer as lotion is generally used after cleansing but before applying moisturizer. This step is crucial as it act as a bridge between the cleanser and moisturizer. Many would skip this step thinking it is unnecessary or not important, just like how some people would skip eye cream, which they deemed as unimportant as well. I was one of the many a few years ago. I would skip toner but not my eye cream because I learnt about a simple fact on using a proper eye cream than relying on face moisturizer as an eye cream. Anyhow that is a totally different topic

Today I’m going to talk about the basic of skin toner. I’m not going into extreme detail i.e. astringents, floral water, fresheners, herbal toner and so on. I’m going to cover the few different types of toner in basic. This is what you should know at least. I remember a few years ago I would skip toner because no BA would tell me toner is equally important in a skin care regime. They would tell me I can skip it as it doesn’t do anything to the skin. There are so many different types of toner or lotion available in the market. Do you know which one you need?

The importance of toner

Toner act as a double cleansing after cleanser. It will help to lift away any dirt and residue left that your cleanser weren’t able to and also wipe away any cleanser residue from the face. That’s not all. A toner also helps to tone your skin (most toner do) and rebalance the skin pH. There are two types of toner – with alcohol and without alcohol. Interestingly, toner can be applied onto the skin using a few method – with cotton pad, misting onto the face or use as a facial mask by soaking a dry cotton mask sheet. Back in those days, I was told that toner will help to shrink the pores. I find that this point does nothing for me at all. So, to attest if a toner help in pore shrinking or not is up to your skin. It may or may not work for you.

Traditional Toner

Suitable For: All skin type. Do look out for “alcohol” in the ingredient list if you are allergy to it.
Recommended Product: Yadah Pure Green Toner, Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin Youthful Crystal-Transparency Lotion, Biotherm PUREFECT Skin Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Toner.

The most basic and conventional toner is the normal toner that we all know since many many years ago. Usually when you shop for skin care, the sales girl would recommend the matching toner to go with. Toner can be from the same category i.e. hydrating but I say it’s not necessary. It’s just like hair care. If you suffer from two or more skin concern, you can mix and match the category regardless from the same brand or not for even more efficacy, although I would highly recommended getting from the same brand as your cleanser and moisturizer. Toner is usually in a clear, colorless, watery consistency. Some is slightly with fragrance scent while some is over the top. My favourite toner is always the one that doesn’t have a specific function to it, but a little hydrating won’t hurt . My current favourite is none other than Yadah Pure Green Toner. It is the PERFECT everyday toner that is neither a whitening, brightening, anti-blemish or oil control. It is said to be a hydrating toner that soothe and soften the skin but it’s not heavy or oily on the skin, just the way I like. It definitely feels just like a normal toner.

Essence-in-Lotion

Suitable For: All skin type.
Recommended Product: Estée Lauder Micro Essence, ZA True White EX Essence Lotion, Hada Labo Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion.

Beginning last year we witness the growth and demand in having a 2-in-1 lotion product that work as a toner and essence at the same time. Let’s face it. No one have the time to sit down and pat a few different products every day and night due to our hectic and busy lifestyle. I do and I enjoyed it but not everyone think the same as I did. As a convenient alternative to consumer, many company race in the olympic of essence-in-lotion race and came up with their version of treatment lotion aka essence-in-lotion. With this, you can skip toner and essence altogether as both product is already combined into one bottle. So how to choose which is which? Easy. My advice has always been “think of what your skin concern is and what you need”. My favourite is Estée Lauder Micro Essence and ZA True White EX Essence Lotion. Estée Lauder’s Micro Essence is actually a treatment lotion that is recommended to use together with Advanced Night Repair. When it is used alone, it act more of a normal toner without any obvious result except for waking up with well-hydrated skin. But when used with Advanced Night Repair, the result is a rosy, glowing skin! Now, ZA True White EX Essence Lotion is equally interesting. It is not a 2-in-1 product but a 3-in-1 product – lotion, essence and emulsion. This product is mainly for dark spots and evening out skin tone. I like it for it’s 3-in-1 whitening benefits.

Exfoliating Lotion

Suitable For: All skin type, especially for sensitive or dry skin.
Recommended Product: Clarins White Plus HP Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel, Hada Labo Mild Peeling Lotion.

As I like to scrub my face, I was recommended to use a “peel” instead. I called it peel because the first ever exfoliating product that I used was from Clarins and they said it’s a gentle peel. It was later on when other company came out with similar product and named it as exfoliating lotion or peeling lotion. This is one confusing product for many people mainly due to its function and liquidy texture. I too asked the same as I was told it is a “scrub”. To not further confuse you, an exfoliating lotion is actually a lotion that is also with gentle peel/scrub properties. What it does is that it tones and remove dead skin layers from the skin surface without the conventional harsh scrubbing. Isn’t it a perfect combination and to pair exfoliating with toner is brilliant! There are a small majority people that suffer from sensitive skin that they are unable to use conventional facial scrub. But if you do not remove the dead skin layer from the skin, skin care applied on will not be able to penetrate into the skin. This is where exfoliating lotion came in to save the day! This can be used as a weekly treatment or if you skin can take it, use it daily at night. It doesn’t sting the skin. All exfoliation is done without you even noticing. One thing that I don’t like about these type of lotion is that the consistency is more gluey and chunky than normal toner. It does hardens into jello around the cap and nozzle that never fail to send chill down my spine

Hope you find this 101 edition useful for you. No doubt there are so many types of toner / lotion in terms of function, texture, benefits and so on. What you need to do is to think of what exactly your skin need, for example brightening. Then from there you just need to pin point which brand and budget to go for and that’s it! . Until next 101, adios!

The post Toner 101: Types of Skin Toners appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona