BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: Shu Uemura Fiber Xtension Lengthening Mascara

BellaSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:01:59 -0700

I really like fiber mascaras, because they don't smudge and come off so nicely, so I was interested to see what people would have to say about Shu Uemura Fiber Xtension Lengthening Mascara ($23). Reader Georgia S, though, isn't so much, and she has some observations about the product's hypoallergenic claims, too, saying:

This might be a great product if you don't have sensitive eyes, or if you don't wear contact lenses like I do. I have another Shu mascara that I adore, but this is just a mess on me. It stings my eyes and is too clumpy for my taste. Keep in mind, though, that I'm not a fan of fiber mascaras because I end up with spidery eyelashes. If you are a fan, give it a try.

Not loving your latest buy? Want to know what products other people are having trouble with? Head on over to our Product Reviews pages, then, where you can read up on reviews of over 50,000 products, and even write one of your own.

Black Lips Have Another Moment, Thanks to Twilight

BellaSugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:00:06 -0700

Last year, beauty brands hoped that black lips would be big. Unless I missed out on a convention of Bauhaus fans, the sooty-kiss look wasn't an enormous success - going dark just didn't work for most women. Will this season be different? From a sales standpoint, probably so, because Twilight Beauty has a black lip gloss. (The Cullen connection alone will mean they'll sell.) The Volturi Twilight Enrapture gloss ($12) in Arsenic is a licorice-scented sheer gloss with light gold shimmer - so your lips can sparkle like a vamp.

Of course, that's not the only place black is popping up. MAC is about to release an all-noir collection that includes three black lip glosses and two black lipsticks. Already on the market: Lipstick Queen in Black Tie Optional, Shu Uemura in Black 099, and NYX lipstick in Black Onyx. Want to take a baby step into this trend? Go for sheer washes over opaque colors, and consider using these sooty shades to darken your existing lip color.

Tsumori Chisato Designs a Princely Collection For Shu Uemura

BellaSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:44 -0700

Back in high school, Mademoiselle Wood made it a requirement that we all read Le Petit Prince in French - a daunting task at the time. But I soon I became wrapped up in the dreamlike, surprisingly profound, world of this little prince and his similarly unpredictable companions.

Fast-forward to the present day, and I'm captivated by The Little Prince once again, as Japanese designer Tsumori Chisato is set to launch her own adaptation of the classic novella in collaboration with Shu Uemura.

See more pictures, and get additional information about the collection after the jump.

The Look For Less: Fun Feathered Lashes

BellaSugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:00:59 -0700

False eyelashes are a lot of fun, especially when you have the opportunity to play around with unusual and wild styles. Sometimes, wacky lashes are bold and brash, but other times, they're artistic and fantastic. Shu Uemura's Fleur-Ever lashes fit firmly into the latter category. Designed by Gina Brooke, Madonna's personal makeup artist, the $79 lashes provide beautiful plumage for a dramatic look. Then again, not everyone has an extra $79 to spend on something so fanciful. But if you want to try the look for less than $10, check out what I found

Reader Review of the Day: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

BellaSugar — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:00:22 -0800

When it comes to eyelash curlers, the Shu Uemura brand is considered the crème de la crème of eyelash curlers. Recently, reader Littlemzfit gave the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler ($19) a try. Perhaps you've thought about purchasing one of these coveted beauty tools, but wondered if it's worth it. Find out what she had to say about her "lesson learned" below.

"I bought the old Revlon one years ago and ended up throwing it away. I thought eyelash curlers were a joke. I read about this one and was skeptical. I purchased it one day on a splurge and have not regretted it. It's night and day different than the Revlon one. Mine came with extra pads and instructions for care and use. I am totally sold on this product! It is essential."

If you'd like the opportunity to be featured on this daily post, it's easy. Just head over to our Product Reviews website and review away. Perhaps you'll see your opinion here, too - just like Littlemzfit.

Even Fish-Face Is Mildly Alluring With This Gloss

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:03:12 -0800

This lip gloss has me questioning my commitment to Sparkle Motion. Shu Uemura Vinyl Unlimited ($20) is a rare breed of shimmer- and glitter-free lip gloss. Put simply, Vinyl Unlimited is to lip gloss as lucite heels are to footwear: Unashamedly, unavoidably sexy.

While you won't see me don stripper heels anytime soon, I've become a huge fan of this gloss. True to its name, it provides slick, wet-look opaque color. It makes me feel like a total badass rocker girl, and I like to wear the gloss with minimal makeup to show off a bright pow! of color. And while I'm not looking like a sex kitten here, you have to admit, that gloss is intense. Try that hot pink shade if you want to go full tilt, or opt for a more peach for a still-sexy but more demure look.

Get Britney's Lipstick Look From Madonna's Tour

BellaSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:00:14 -0800

Britney Jean Spears is less than a month away from her birthday, and it looks like 27 might be her year. She has a new album, a new perfume, and judging by her appearance with Madonna last night, she's looking so much healthier and happier.

Brit showed off her smile by wearing a highly flattering lipstick shade. Looks like she took a cosmetic cue from Madonna, whose tour makeup is by Shu Uemura. But you don't need to be a pop superstar to get Britney's look - she's wearing Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited lipstick ($23) in BG 940. Gorgeous!

Source

The Look For Less: Madonna's "Diamond" False Lashes

BellaSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:00:40 -0700

Remember Madonna's famous mink-and-diamond lashes from a few years ago? Her makeup artist, Gina Brooke, made them by hand; they proved to be so popular that she developed a Madonna-inspired set ($25) for Shu Uemura. For Halloween or just a glam night on the town, they're super-slick.

But what if you don't have $25 to spend on fantasy lashes? I've found a pair that gives you the look for the fraction of the price. To check them out, read more.

Halloween makeup company Fright Night Cosmetics makes these "Chaos" lashes ($4.95) for cheap, costumey fun. These lashes aren't available online, but they're stocked at stores such as Long's Drugs, Wal-Mart, and Walgreens during this time of year. You'll have to buy adhesive separately, as you do with the Shu Uemura lashes - but for such a low price, why not give it a whirl? (You can even get inspiration from PartySugar's Madonna costume if need be.)

Exclusive! Get Madonna's Sticky and Sweet Tour Makeup Look

BellaSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:00:57 -0700

Love her or hate her - and if you're like me, it's "love her" all the way - Madonna remains at the top of her game. And after dozens of distinctive looks throughout the years, she continues to set trends on her Sticky and Sweet tour. The North American leg kicks off this weekend, so as a little preview of what's to come, I've scored the makeup details from her longtime makeup artist, Shu Uemura Artistic Director Gina Brooke.

Before each show starts, Madonna spends about 45 minutes in hair and makeup. Of course, she gets touched up in between the show's four segments. "We actually have less than one and a half minutes to not only dress Madonna into the next costume, but touch up her makeup and hair simultaneously," Brooke says. "It's such an adrenaline rush!"

View 5 Photos ›

For a thorough explanation of how to re-create M's look at home, read more.

Face: As Brooke has said before, preparing the skin is key. She starts with Depsea Moisture Replenishing Eye Mask to hydrate skin and reduce any puffiness. Next, she moisturizes skin with Phyto Black Lift Firming Anti-Wrinkle Cream before applying Face Architect Remodeling Cream foundation. Here’s one of her tricks: Apply the foundation from the arch of your brow down to the middle of the eye, going directly to the middle of the cheekbone. The foundation reflects light, which will brighten the entire eye area.

Eye shadow: “This look has a heavy focus on the eyes,” Brooke says. Begin by applying eye shadow in M Beige 800 above the eyelids. Then, apply eye shadow in ME Black 990 to the outer corners of the eye and the crease; be sure to blend. Next, use a concealer (such as Cover Crayon in 9YR LIGHT) in the inner corner and water line of the eyes to make them appear larger.

Eyeliner: Brooke uses liquid eyeliner at the top and bottom of Madonna’s eyes as well as on the lid. She draws small lines (“Almost like scratches,” she says) to create an optical illusion when blended into the black eye shadow. “Applying liquid liner takes a steady hand, and just like anything else, practice makes perfect,” she explains. “For first-time liquid liner users, I suggest applying the liner beginning at the inner corners of the eye (as close to the lash line as possible) extending the line out to the outer corners of the eye, turning the liner up.”

Eyelashes: Brooke curls lashes with - what else? -Shu Uemura’s famous eyelash curler before applying mascara. After that, she uses two pairs of false eyelashes s217. Cut one set of lashes in the middle section, then glue the base of those trimmed lashes on top of the other set. Affix the lashes as close to your own lash line as possible, and cover the base with liquid liner.

Lips: After spending so much time on the eye makeup, you can breathe easy with this. On-stage, Madonna wears Rouge Unlimited BG 949 lipstick, with Gloss Unlimited in BG 930N.

Source

Shu Uemura Gets Instinctive For Fall

BellaSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:00:25 -0700

While I was getting my lashes on at Shu Uemura, another Sugar girl was experiencing a new look of her own. Makeup artist Nicky Posley worked his magic, and presented us with the 2008 Fall Mode Collection called Instinct. "This collection is all about femininity, sensuality, and deep rich color," he said. Read on to see how to get the look.

View Slideshow ›