I love being able to share discount codes with you readers! Today's code is for Shu Uemura. Enter NEWSITEBLOG to save 20% at Shu Uemura. This would be the perfect time to pick up some lipsticks from the Pink collection or some false lashes, which Shu is renowned for. So get shopping now through May 7th.
Sister Princess, this post is for you, lover of pink.
Shu Uemura is a Japanese brand known more for their eyelash curler and falsh lashes than anything else. Well, that may all change with the release of their new lipsticks, The Pink Collection. Pink is a pretty common lipstick color, but I admit that most pinks are pretty similar. You have your pale pink, your dustry rose pink, and then a bright pink. As you can see from this chart, Shu Uemura has developed 4 different color ranges of pinks.
The Pink Hybrid Pigment, which was discovered by Shu Uemura laboratories, is made up of a fusion between a mineral core and an organic shell, which produces particles that are perfectly round and regular in shape. This consistency is what makes the hues of the lipstick so bright and pure. This is what creates the new and unique hues of pink seen in the collection with shades that range from never before seen light, yellowish, dark and bluish pinks.
I was trying to do some research as to what exactly makes these pinks different and I think it has something to do with using a mineral core and organic shell. For all you scientists out there, how does one make lipstick?
Rouge Unlimited ($23 each)
Soft Peachy Pink 
Warm Rosy Pink
Soft Pale Pink 
Sheer Pink Beige
Sheer Petal Pink 
Opaque Baby Pink
Soft Lavendar Pink 
Sheer Electric Pink
Opaque Hot Pink
Gloss Unlimited ($22 each)
Hot Pink Sparkle
Pale Pink Sparkle
Sheer Rosy Pink
Sheer Melon Pink
Clear Baby Pink
The Pink Collection is available now at Shu Uemura counters and online.
Now that you have an introduction to brushes, I can share with you what I personally use. Knowing that I was going to have to photograph them made me take the time to wash them - they needed it!
Nearly all of my face brushes. I thought I had them all, but 2 are missing - I found them after I had teken the photos.
Eye brushes.
Okay, so I didn't realize I had that many brushes. As you can tell, they vary quite a bit in size; pricing also varies. I've got brushes from as low as $1, up to about $40. In the grand scheme of brush prices, my brushes are not expensive. This Shu Uemura Eyeshadow brush is $200! I think I can safely say that none of my brushes are Kolinsky.
A great way to accumulate brushes is to buy brush sets. In my personal collection, the red handled brushes are from a Smashbox collection (except one eyeliner one); the light yellow handles are Eco-tools; and I have a couple of sets from Sonia Kashuk. Unfortunately, many brush sets often feature brushes of lower quality than the main line. As much as I love MAC, they are especially guilty of lowering the quality of brushes in supposed 'value' sets. If you are only going to invest in a few brushes, do spend the money for a good quality brush that will last a long time. A poorly made brush will shed bristles, won't feel as soft, may lose its shape, and may not apply cover evenly.
This is just my opinion - feel free to disagree - but I have more brushes so that I rotate using them, and ultimately don't wear them out as quickly. However, I spent the money on a foundation brush, since I knew that would get used every day. If I was really organized, I'd label my brushes for specific colors.
There's the overview of my brushes: next up: foundation!
Shu Uemura's Spring 2009 collection is entitled Mirage Spring Mode Makeup.
According to the Shu Uemura website,
In this 2009 Spring Mode Makeup Collection, shu uemura creates and unforgettable make-up image.
This Mirage Collection utilizes the technique of light and shadow. This soft range brings out pure and natural beauty in every woman. Come discover Mirage’s whimsical colors and dreamy creations.
The promo image is lovely and definitely a typical 'Spring' look. The releases include eyeshadows, cheek palettes, eye liners, mini nail glosses, lipstick and false lashes. See the images below. The collection is now available online.
Eye shadow palette in Fantasia ($40)
Eyeshadow palette in Utopia ($40)
Defining Cheek Palette in Orange Phase ($38)
Defining Cheek Palette in Misty Glow
Eye Drawing Pencils
Light-Blue, Lilac, Pink ($19 each)
Lip Duo Tint and Gloss in Translucent - Pale Pink ($32)
The nail polish and lashes don't appear on the Shu Uemura website, I saw them on Beauty Anonymous. The lashes look like fun!
