David Jones Ultimate Beauty Gift with Purchase

Mother's Day is fast approaching (Sunday 12th May 2013) and shopping around this time of the year has never been better, as David Jones is currently offering a bonus and exclusive beauty bag containing 14 full sized and deluxe travel-sized products (total value A$370) from luxury beauty brands when you spend A$250 or more on beauty at David Jones. To view my beauty gift guide, please click here.

The gift with purchase contains the following:

Aromatherapy Votive Candle, 50g

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, 30ml

OPI Nail Lacquer, 15ml full size (colour will vary)

Lancome Absolue Precious Cells Eye Cream, 5ml

Lancome Absolue Oleo Serum, 5ml

Napoleon Perdis Luminous Lip Veil, 5ml

Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist, 10ml

Philosophy Hope in a Jar, 7ml

Marc Jacobs Fragrance Miniature, 5ml

Shu Uemura Porefinest Gentle Foaming Cleansing Water, 50ml

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream, 7ml

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, 30ml

Elle Bache Great Tan Without Sun, 50ml

Molton Brown Body Lotion or Bath and Shower Gel, 50ml

David Jones Beauty Cosmetic Bag

For more information, please click here. Offer is only available at David Jones until Sunday 12th May 2013 or while stocks last.

Enjoy!

Shu Uemura Powder Foundation Natural Glow Finish SPF20 PA++

Shu Uemura Powder Foundation Natural Glow Foundation with SPF20 PA++

I was initially drawn to Shu Uemura as their line of cosmetics and skincare evokes a very fresh and fun sense towards their sleek and simple packaging as well as their high-end quality formulations.  

My combination/oily skin tone can never ever last whole day, with just makeup applied, without showing the slightest hint of shine along my T-zone. Hence, a light dusting of powder to the skin is one of the essential products I use to control oil and leave my skin looking matte and shine-free during most of the day. I’ve been using Shu Uemura Powder Foundation Natural Glow Finish SPF20 PA++ since I purchased this beauty a while ago and I have recently just touched pan!

Here is how Shu Uemura describes this powder:

Shu Uemura - ‘This comfortable formula enriched with a natural moisturizing ingredient recreates flawless skin texture, locking in natural colours and a finish that lasts all day long. Derived from the deep sea, this powder formula is packed with anti-sebum and sweat-proof ingredients. It serves multiple purposes as it imparts an effortless glow, covers imperfections, and protects skin with SPF 22.’

Shu Uemura Powder Foundation Natural Glow Finish SPF20 PA++ contains 13g of product and you can purchase the powder casing, which comes with an in-built mirror and sponge applicator, in the original black or white case or even one of the limited edition designs which launch every now and then during the year. I decided to purchase the black casing as it looks very sleek and won’t get so dirty as easily as the white case. 

The finely milled powder can be applied directly onto the skin alone using the sponge applicator or as a mattifying powder after liquid foundation application using a large fluffy powder brush. I tend to apply this powder using a large brush as the powder controls oil very well and give my skin a nice healthy matte-finish without ever looking cakey or heavy. 

I always opt for powder, which contain SPF to protect my skin from the harmful sun rays, so I’m glad this powder contains SPF 20.  The formula of this powder is water-based, as opposed to oil-based powders, which are prevalent in the beauty industry. The powder applies on evenly and I only use small amounts (i.e. lightly swirling the brush back into the pan once) for each application, so it has lasted me about 1 year until I finally hit pan!

Overall, Shu Uemura Powder Foundation Natural Glow Finish SPF20 PA++ helped to control my oily T-zone and it’s high SPF is a huge plus for this powder. The finish of this powder gives a lovely, natural and light matte finish, which suits my skin tone and type perfectly. This powder has actually been discontinued, which is really sad, so hopefully Shu Uemura will launch an equivalent or even better powder so that I could play with!

What is your holy grail powder foundation?

xx Rose

Wong Kar Wai for Shu Uemura Holiday Collection Glow Powder

I was completly chuffed when Nadia from Beauty Indulgent Reviews notified me via e-amil that I had won a Shu Uemura Holiday Collection Glow Powder from the Wong Kar Wai Collection from her recent giveaway!! I am a huge fan of Shu Uemura, especially limited edition palettes and I am just stunned that I won! A big Thank You to Nadia for hosting an amazing giveaway!

Glow Powder in Pleasure Rose

 During Christmas 2011, Shu Uemura collaborated with acclaimed Hong Kong film director Wong Kar Wai brought about the Shu Uemura Holiday 2011 Collection. The products featured in this collection showcase shimmery, glittery and glow based products to celebrate the Christmas and New Year holiday. 

Pleasure Rose Lustrous Glow Powder is a soft warm rosey powder with shimmering gold pearls to enhance a lustrous glow. The words seen on the powder is a glittery gold shade which disappears after a few uses leaving behind the finely milled warm rose shaded powder. The warm rosey shade as seen in the palette is barely noticeable once applied, although the subtle shimmers do bring out a lustrous yet natural glow to the skin. This powder could also be used as an all-over powder to create a natural sensual glow to the complexion or as blush to add a hint of shimmer and glow to the cheeks. 

Do you love using illuminating/highlighting powders? Which illuminating powders do you love?

xx Rose

My First Beauty Box (September)

My excitement had escalated when I received a notice in the mail that a parcel awaits my arrival for collection. I was anticipating for this parcel to be my Beauty Box which I talked about here. The parcel was indeed from Beauty Box YAY! I received a hot pink box with the words Beauty Box written accross and the actual Beauty Box was inside. I think this Beauty Box would be great for makeup storage etc.

September Beauty Box

I haven't tried any of these products before, so I'm keen to try each one. I've tried a different version of Shu Uemura's Cleansing Oil (pink tinted bottle) and Marc Jacobs Lola. I love both of these products that I've used, so I'm very happy to have received a different version of the cleansing oil and the newest Marc Jacobs Fragrance, alongside the products from Sally Hansen, Playboy and YSL.

I guess my expectations were too high on this first box, so I really do hope the next few boxes will come with bigger surprises. I hope the next box will come with colour makeup and nail polish.

Included in this gorgeous box with a hot pink ribbon adorned was a greeting card from Michelle and the Beauty Box Team. On the other side of the card there is information on the products included in this month's box.

 

Contents of the September Beauty Box includes the following products:

Marc Jacobs 'Oh! Lola!' perfume vials, 1.2 mL each, 3 vials worth A$5.75 (full size 100 ml rrpA$160)

Playboy 'Play It Spicey' Body Spray, 75 mL full size (rrpA$4.49)

Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil (suitable for all skin types), 20 mL worth A$4.65 (full size 450ml rrpA$105)

Sally Hansen Everyday Strength Medium Nail File, rrpA$4.95

Yves Saint Laurent Top Secret Beauty Sleep serum, 5 mL worth A$12.40 (full size 40 ml rrpA$99)

I love all the brands associated with Beauty Box and the wonderful deluxe samples included in September's Beauty Box are products that I would use, especially for travel! I will continue to subscribe to Beauty Box as I like to have a few surprises come through the mail ♥

Have you received your September Beauty Box yet?

What do you think of the contents in this month's box?

Rose

Australia's First Ever Beauty Box: Exclusive Inivitations NOW OPEN!

Following the trend of Birchbox in the US, Luxe Box by Loose Button in Canada and GlossyBox in the UK, Australia has finally jumped on the bandwagon and have just started introducing this new concept. 

Introducing.... B E A U T Y  B O X!

Gorgeous Beauty Box!

Beauty Box is a monthly subscription in which a selection of up to 5 of the latest and best luxury beauty products on the market are beautifully gift wrapt, packaged in a 'Beauty Box' and sent to your door on the 10th of each month. Beauty products will include a selection of skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care. 

The beauty products associated with Beauty Box are HIGH END deluxe/miniature sample sizes, so that you could get a decent experience using the product before making that wise decision and purchase the full size if you are happy with the product. 

When I say HIGH END products I mean products from the following brands:

Biotherm

Bobbi Brown
CK Fragrances 
Clinique

Garnier

John Frieda

Jurlique

Marc Jacobs

Playboy (Fragrances for women)

Sally Hansen

Shiseido

Shu Uemura
Yves Saint Laurent
Essie
Thalgo
Bio-Oil

How amazing are the above beauty brands?! As you all know I am a huge fan of Bobbi Brown, Jurlique and Shu Uemura just to name a few! I love the idea of receiving surprises in the mail and that the total value of the contents always end up being above the purchase price. This scheme is also a convenient way to introduce new products on shelf and even the chance to try luxury brands that you've never ever thought about purchasing.

Inivitations to subscribe has started today, so if you'd like to receive an invite, sign up at the Beauty Box website.

The monthly subscription costs $14.95 per month and you can cancel anytime.
There is also a prepaid 6 month subscription (with a discount), however, this is currently not available.

Have you subscribed to Beauty Box?

What do you think about the concept of purchasing deluxe sample sized beauty products?

Rose

Review: Shu Uemura Aya Takano Reindeer Kiss xxxx Palette (Holiday 2010)

You may have noticed that I  have an obsession and love affair with limited edition palettes as I like the convenience of having eyeshadows, blush and lipgloss/stick all in one neat little palette. Also, I can't forget to mention the cute, adorable and limited edition packaging that I get sucked into! 

The Shu Uemura Abracadabra Fantasy Christmas Collection 2010 was a collaboration with Aya Takano- one of Japan's most popular artists.

“Creating something that is universally beautiful. That is art.” -Shu Uemura

The packaging and oh so gorgeous playful design of this collection is just too cute! Everything is PINK!

I HAD to get the Reindeer Kiss xxxx Palette.

Reindeer Kiss xxxx Palette

The Reindeer Kiss xxxx Palette is one of two palettes in this collection- the other is named Bowwow! Magic Queen Palette.

Reindeer Kiss xxxx Palette (left) and Bowwow! Magic Queen Palette (right)

 Here's what Aya Takano had to say about these two palettes:

'The colours of Reindeer Kiss xxxx evoke a frosty winter land covered in crystalline snow that sparkles in the light. Frolic in the dreamy winter wonderland where animals and humans play together in the snow.'

'The colours of Bowwow! Magic Queen are warm-toned for a peaceful holiday season.  Feel relaxed, curled up inside the Magic Queen's cozy  home that is redolent with the fresh pine scent of her enormous Christmas tree and filled with luxurious decor or silver, gold and bronze.'

The Reindeer Kiss xxx Palette contains 1 x 2.1g and 2 x 0.9g pressed eyeshadows, 1g cream colour eyeliner, 1g cream highlighter/illuminator, 4.5g glow on blush and two dual applicators.

Reindeer Kiss xxxx Palette

The shades in this palette do not have names, so I will describe each shade and its use from left to right and starting from the top row.

The three pressed eyeshadows compliment each other and work effectively to brighten the eyes:

#1 Eyeshadow: bright matte sky blue shade with subtle shimmer. 

#2 Eyeshadow: silver sparkle eyeshadow that can be applied liberally at the lower lash line or just at the inner corner of the eye to brighten up the look. 

#3 Eyeshadow: soft matte sea foam green shade with more shimmers than #1 eyeshadow. I use this shade along the upper lashline.

These pressed eyeshadows apply on smoothly and they're not overly pigmented. Using a primer is a must, otherwise the shades will not last long. The sponge applicator which comes with this palette gives better results in terms of application rather than the brush applicator. 

#4 Cream Colour Eyeliner: deep brown cream formula which is used to define the eyes.

.

#5 Glow on Blush:  soft baby pink shade, which is quite sheer. I would not reccomend using the blush brush in this palette to apply the blush as it's just too small. This blush gives a subtle pink glow to the cheeks.

#6 Cream Highlighter: creamy yellow illuminator works best to enhance the brow bone. This can also be used on the inner corners of the eyes. 

I love the cute packaging of this Reindeer Kiss xxxx Palette and I think the soft and light shades in this palette is great for the spring season. The eyeshadows are quite sheer, so it's important to apply an eye primer to enhance the intensity of the green and blue shades.

Do you love Shu Uemura and Aya Takano's Christmas 2010 Collection Palette?

Which palette would you prefer?

Rose

Shu Uemura Haul!!

Today is officially the start of the David Jones Half Yearly Clearance! 

I walked through David Jones during my lunch break today and there were a few Shu Uemura cosmetics and skincare products that were discounted to 30% off rrp. I've never come across discounted Shu Uemura products before, so I took this chance to purchase some amazing Shu Uemura goodies!

I absolutely love and admire Shu Uemura's creative and attractive range of false eyelashes, though I've never tried them on myself as they're quite dear to own a pair! Shu Uemura is known as the 'Art of Beauty' with huge sucess in the beauty industry. Some of Shu Uemura's 'beloved beauty icons' include the unique and trendy False Eyelashes, Cleansing Oil, Glow on Blush, Eyelash Curler and Drawing Pencils.

 Here's a summary of the Shu Uemura products I purchased today:

UV Under Base Mousse in Beige 01 SPF10 PA+++, 65 g

Shu Uemura UV Under Base Mousse is used as a primer to effectively 'fill-in' pores to reduce the appearance of large pores. It can be worn alone or beneath makeup. The product is a foam/mousse which is dispensed through a pump and looks just like whipped cream...only slightly beige in colour! This UV Under Base Mousse can be purchased in either pink or beige. I love how lightweight this product feels on my skin and it absorbs quickly as well.

 This primer has SPF10 and is discontinued, because a new formula has been produced with higher SPF (SPF30). I was told both primers, new and old, contain the same ingredients, however, the newer formula contains higher levels of Zinc Oxide, hence the higher SPF of 30. I haven't used Shu Uemura's UV Under Base Mousse before and couldn't decide which one to get. I was told the new formula is slightly drying due to the additional levels of Zinc Oxide. So, I decided to try the discontinued UV Under Base Mousse with SPF10. I think this primer is perfect for winter with that little bit of SPF to keep my skin protected.

Égérie Satin Radiant Stick (Highlighter), 10 g

This gorgeous looking Satin Radiant Stick was released in early 2010 as part of the Spring 2010 collection, which was inspired by the theme of Rock 'n' Roll.

'Flashy, glimmering shine is complemented with delicate satin-sheen finishes to transport you to the spotlight of the captivating rock stage'- Égérie.

When I saw the pretty silver, pink and white design on the case of this highlighting stick, I was immediately attracted! This highlighter actually reminds me of the famous NARS multiples! Just twist the base up and down and it's ready to use.

I love the creamy satin texture of this highlighter which contains miniscule shimmers/pearl. I love how versatile this highlighter is as it can be used to highlight the brow bone, illuminate the cheeks or even add shimmer to eyeshadow. This product contains dimethicone, a non-comedogenic ingredient (i.e. does not clog pores), which is a silicone based organic polymer that enables the formula to apply on ultra smoothly to provide a soft and velvety touch to the skin. When applying this highlighter you need to blend it with a brush or your fingers (I use my fingers), so that it appears translucent and shimmery. Otherwise, you'll end up with a thick shiny opaque silver stroke on your skin.

Face Architect Remodeling Cream Foundation, 30 g, #974

Powder Foundation Natural Glow Finish SPF20 PA++/refill, 13 g, #974

I've heard of so many rave reviews on Shu Uemura's Face Architect foundation range, so I'm glad that I purchased the cream foundation and powder at a fraction of the RRP. Face Architect Remodeling Cream Foundation provides high coverage with a dewy finish and Powder Foundation Natural Glow Finish provides sheer coverage. In my opinion, these complimentary foundations are suitable for the cooler season, since my skin looks a little dry during winter and needs a little glow. I'll see how I ago after using this foundation for a few more days and will let you all about it in more detail.

At first, the Shu Uemura shading system was just totally confusing that I couldn't figure out which shade suited my skintone. Thanks to the lovely Shu Uemura representative I spoke to, I finally understand how their colour chart system works. 

So, here's a summary on Shu Uemura's colour chart system:

Each shade is assigned a three digit code and the initial number denotes the undertone.

3= cool, 5=neutral, 7=warm yellow, 9=yellow

The next two digits denotes the intensity of your skintone.

Lightest 84 > 74 > 64 > 54 > 34 > 24 > 04 Darkest 

For example, #764 and #774 are both warm yellow undertones, however, the latter is lighter by one level.

Foundation Compact Case 

Sakura Collection Powder Foundation Case

 This Shu Uemura powder foundation compact case is nice and sleek and is available in black or white. It has an inbuilt mirror and comes with a sponge applicator. The Shu Uemura Sakura Collection has already launched in Australia and there is a special edition powder foundation case (by Mika Ninagawa) ($35) that you could purchase to add some blossom to your makeup collection. 

I purchased the black case, because it looks sophisticated and stylish. I purchased this case for $25, which I think is quite pricey as it's only sold alone and not together with the powder. It would have been good if the compact was sold together with the powder like most other brands I have purchased from.

Skin Purifier Cleansing Oil, 50 mL (deluxe travel size)

Shu Uemura's High Performance balancing cleansing oil is a 3 in 1 cleansing oil which works as a cleanser, make-up remover and eye make-up remover. This cleansing oil is highly rated and definitely one of the best cleansing oils on the market. 

This cleansing oil is super easy to use. Just pour/pump a small amount into the palm of your hands, spread thoroughly on your dry face, add lukewarm water to your face to emulsify the cleansing oil until it turns milky and then rinse your face thoroughly. This cleansing oil leaves my skin feeling clean, soft, balanced and doesn't leave an oily layer on my skin. It effectively removes all traces of makeup, as what I've learnt in Chemistry class, 'like attracts like'. Hence, the ease of removing oil-based makeup (most makeup is oil based) by using a cleansing oil.

Which Shu Uemura product/s do you LOVE?

Are you heading down to David Jones to check out their amazing half yearly clearance sale?

Rose