The Beauty Bug sports dark nails all year round – even on Her wedding day (much to Her Grandmother’s chagrin.) The latest polish to coat Her tips is shu uemura’s égérie nail enamel in PA010. Part of their glam-rock Spring 2010 collection, this chic, intense black infused with sparkles dazzles on Her nails.  The glitter is subtle and smooth and not thick in the least. The photos above (the first in artificial light, the second in natural light) show Her nails after two coats of polish. A bit punky, a  lot stylish, and very sharp, the polish appears charcoal gray in some lights, and a solid black in others.

shu uemura nail enamel is available on shuuemura.com and in shu uemura boutiques and counters for $18.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.

From left to right…

1) Lancome’s Ô My Rose Collection – A collection marked by coral-peach and teal hues, the Pop’n Cheeks Gentle and Lasting Blush promises to be the star product and the centerpiece of the collection.

2) Chanel’s Les Impressions Collection – This spring season Chanel goes neutral and classic  with a stunning collection filled with pinks, beiges, warm browns and khakis designed to enhance a woman’s natural beauty. Choice products include the  Radiant Glow Highlighting Powder pictured above, Rouge Allure Lipstick in Insouciante and Le Vernis Nail Colour in Particulière.

3) NARS – When asked to describe the collection, François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics said, “It’s very sophisticated and bourgeois in a Parisian ‘16th Arrondissement’ way.”  It features soft, sexy shades and pops of colors. Try Ophelia Gloss (strawberry nectar) for that perfect spring pout, and Cruising Lipstick (a nude pink)

4) Stila Dust to Diamonds Collection – Add sparkle to lids, lashes and lips with Stila’s latest. Eyes glisten and reflect with jewel shadows, lips twinkle being slicked with Stila’s Exclusive Gem Complex (which contains diamond, emerald, jade, ruby, moonstone, rose quartz, sapphire, topaz, amethyst, amber, garnet, mother of pearl, and opal) and lashes gleam with mascara swirled with genuine diamond powder.

5) Bobbi Brown’s Cabana Corals Collection – This Spring collection comes with a hint of summer, inspired by cabanas and beachy corals.  Sport fresh new pinks on lips and cheeks with bright, cheerful glosses and a new Shimmer Brick in Nectar Shimmer.

6) shu uemura’s egerie’s collection -  shu goes beyond the borders of seasonal makeup with their 130th collection where audacious meets elegant. Kakuyasu Uchiide, shu’s artistic director, says “I want every woman to created their own spin on my glam-rock image; they can play with this collection like enjoying their favorite music,  like they are about to jump on stage and shine in the spotlight. ” With the collection comes several new products including the limited edition Eye Shimmer Duos and Satin Radiant Sticks.

7) Smashbox Heartbreaker Collection Pop-art inspired boxes and flirty colors make up this collection which features Smashbox’s first ever fragrance.  The Beauty Bug’s picks include the pinwheel-inspired Heartbreaker Fusion Soft Lights and the Heartbreaker Lip Shine.

8) Dior’s Boudoir Collection – Lace up in Dior’s newest collection, inspired by fancy femme’s from the 1920′s. Dainty and subtle, yet sensual and alluring, the intricate, detailed compacts that house the illuminating lace-effect powder will be hard for any beauty junkie to resist. The Beauty Bug loves the Dior Addict Gloss Reflect in Beige Veil, and of course, the sleek, ultra-feminine lace finishing powder.

Holiday parties, New Year’s Eve parties, or just a night out….check out this twist on a smokey eye created by Boston’s Best, Dani Wagener.  It’s easy to recreate, and gets across the effect of the smoky eye and dark lash line, without being too dark and black.

Begin with the eyes. When using darker shadows, it’s best to begin your look focusing on the eye, clean up and move onto the skin…

Get the look using these products:

Eyes

Begin with a cream shadow base like shu uemura’s Cream Shadow in P Brown. Apply it all over the lid, lightly blending up to the brow.

With a natural hair brush, smooth first shadow all over the lid, up to brow. Try shu uemura m beige 821 using the natural brush 10.

Next, use the same brush but slightly dampen it a bit to increase the color payoff and create a silky shadow effect.  Dani used shu uemura PES P brown 820 and packed it into lid up to crease.

For the final shadow step, use shu uemura m blue 695 shadow and apply it thick at the lash line with a wet  kolinsky brush 10f.

Complete the look with shu uemura Painting Gel Black Liner in ME black applied on the lashline with natural brush 6ob and again in waterline with M Black.

shu Uemura Precise Volume Mascara in black.

shu uemura Flare Lashes for some added drama.

Face

Over lightly moisturized skin, apply shu uemura UV Under Base applied all over the face with a sponge.

Using the same damp sponge, blend shu uemura Nobara Cream Cover Stick in 584 for a creamy, flawless complexion.

Still using the same sponge, highlight skin with Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer in 0 Porcelain on the cheekbones and brow for a subtle glow.

To finish the face, add MAC Blushcreme in Posey on the apples of cheeks.

Add sparkle to lips with shu uemura rouge unlimited supreme shine in 957.

Whether you’ll just admire them, or use them everyday, make room for these powders in your makeup bag.

1) Shu Uemura’s Tsumori Chisato Limited Edition Duo Color Highlighter Golden Snow – From the Shu holiday collection, a partnership with Japanese artist Tsumori Chisato, this celestial “lucky cat” compact is The Beauty Bug’s favorite product from the collection.  Sweep this sheer warm silver powder over blush, or use it as a highlighter on the brow bone and reveal an ethereal glow. Dazzle like an ice queen, or delicately twinkle like a fairy with this powder.  $40*

2) Lancome’s Sparkling Cherub Sheer Warm Illuminating Powder – The Beauty Bug wore this powder today, and as soon as She got to work one of Her co-workers immediately said, “There’s something different with your makeup today, you’re glowing!” Coated with a thin layer of adult glitter (not too flashy, juvenile or over done, and very flattering) that will dissipate after the first few applications, the powder is a gorgeous, radiant shade that adds life to your face.  She uses this Coastal Scents Italian Badger Buffer Brush to apply and buffs, buffs and then buffs some more.  Definitely the stand out in Lancome’s Holiday Collection. Besides, who can resist a chubby cherub holding a heart? $40*

3) Prescriptives Limited Edition Lustre Cheek Color – Housed in a festive Holiday compact adorned with snowflakes, this powder is probably one of the most subtle and understated of the bunch, but shouldn’t be overlooked. Apply to the apples of cheeks for that fresh-out-of-the-cold look. $24*

4) Estée Lauder 5-Tone Shimmer Powder – This versatile, multi-tone powder is a winner because of it’s silky-fine finish and the natural, radiant flush it creates on the skin.  The colors are beautifully sheer, and iridescent.  Available in two shades, pink shimmer and bronze shimmer, it can be used all over the face, and on eyes.  Fair skinned ladies, opt for the pink shimmer; ladies with deeper, olive skin opt for the bronze shimmer.  Add a layer over your blush to brighten, and finish. Insta-glow.  Plus – it’s one of two products  mentioned that’s not limited edition. Score. $36*

5) Trish McEvoy Instant Pick-Me-Up All Over Face Color Quad – The Beauty Bug hearts this quad that allows you to bronze, blush, luminize and highlight. It’s a do-it-all-and-then-some product; one stop shopping! The only let down? It doesn’t come with the compact.  The Color Quad only will set you back $42, while the compact is an additional $17.50.**

6) Benefit’s One Hot Minute – This loose rose-gold powder perks up any skin tone without any glitter, or too much shimmer. It gives skin a beautiful, subtle, sun-kissed sheen that’s nearly colorless on cheeks. Fair complected girls may be able to get away with using this in place of a bronzer, where darker complected girls use this as an enhancer.  Toss the brush that it comes with, and use one in your stash.  Dash a bit on your shoulders and collar bone for some more flare. $30*

*Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.

**Disclosure: The Beauty Bug tested this product during Her lunch break at Neiman’s.

The Beauty Bug received a sample of this, but knew She needed a hands-on lesson. She headed to the Shu Uemura boutique on Newbury Street to visit Boston’s Best, and Shu Atelier Artist, Dani Wagener.

The math is really quite simple – one foundation stick = 2 ways to apply, 2 coverage options.

For sheer-medium buildable coverage with a hint of dewy-ness that’s great for everyday, Dani instructs:

• Using a sponge, prep skin with a moisturizer and primer.
• Apply the Nobara stick directly to the same sponge, and then repeatedly pat on face and blend, adding more foundation as needed.

Prepping the skin properly and using the slightly moist sponge to apply the foundation allows it to slip on to skin. The damp sponge also better holds on to the pigment in the foundation.

For full coverage, Dani instructs:

• Prep skin with moisturizer and primer.
• Using Shu brush #18, apply the Nobara stick to the brush and then tap/slightly swirl on skin.
• Set with Depsea Water Facial Mist

The brush application method reveals a smooth, matte finish that’s not cakey. Opt for this method if you’re going to an event, or will be taking photos.

The Shu Uemura Nobara Cream Foundation Stick is available at ShuUemura.com, and at Shu Uemura boutiques for $42.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.

Dani prepping one of the models.

Shu artist, Tavi, putting the final touches on a model.

Wonder stylist, Derek Yuen, from the James Joseph Salon.

Shu artist, Soul Lee, applying Shu UV Underbase to a model.  A Beauty Bug favorite.

More photos after the jump…

Gold Glam Leaf Lashes

Marine Tide Lashes

Fleur-Ever Lashes

Snow Twist Lashes

Dani applying lashes on The Beauty Bug.

]]> http://www.bitbythebeautybug.com/2009/06/18/shu-uemuras-lashion-show/feed/ 0 http://www.bitbythebeautybug.com/2009/06/10/shu-uemuras-painting-gel-eyeliner/ http://www.bitbythebeautybug.com/2009/06/10/shu-uemuras-painting-gel-eyeliner/#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:27:13 +0000 The Beauty Bug http://www.bitbythebeautybug.com/?p=1429 Move over Bobbi Brown Gel Liners. Time to relinquish your post. There’s a new creamier, smoother, liner on shelves from Shu Uemura that’s just as long-lasting and smudge-proof, yet buildable,  blendable, and highly pigmented. True to its name, Shu’s Painting Gel Eyeliners apply like paint on a canvas and glide over lids effortlessly and evenly. The ultra-smooth, waterproof fluid liners come in nine brilliant colors ranging from metallic shades (green and purple), to enhancing shades (gold and silver). The velvet texture allows for time to adjust or fix any mistakes, and doesn’t flake or cake.  Their fluidity, vividness and luster remind The Beauty Bug of metallic paint pens or Sharpies. Yes. Odd, but true.  And no, removing them doesn’t require any heavy scrubbing and you won’t be left with red eyes. Just put a little extra vigor into your face-washing, and you’ll quickly be liner-less!  They are a permanent addition to the Shu Uemura line and are available now – just in time for summer.

The Beauty Bug’s picks include the black liner for everyday, and the silver and/or gold liners, as accents. Line the inner corner and lower lid  with silver to add drama to any look. This technique also makes eyes look bigger and more open.

Shu Uemura’s Painting Gel Eyeliners are available on shuuemura.com and at She Uemura boutiques and counters for $28.

1) Sonia Kashuk Hidden Treasure Brush Set – If you’re in the market for a set of makeup brushes, typically The Beauty Bug advises waiting until the holidays when brands such as MAC release limited edition brush sets, but not this year. Known for quality, yet affordable, cosmetics and beauty tools, Sonia Kashuk is celebrating her 10th  anniversary with Target. To mark the ccassion, Sonia has releasd her Spring Treasures Collection; limited edition pieces all inspired by the treasures of the ocean. The highlight of the collection is the six-piece travel-sized brush set. Each brush has a unique faux-siler coral-shaped handle and all are housed in a bright, fun coral-print case with a silver lining.  A steal for $19.99. Only at Target.

2) Shu Uemura’s pk310n Gloss – A high-shine gloss brightens any face. From the new gloss unlimited pink collection, this gloss is sheer with the slightest pop of color and shimmer for maximum shine. For the most wearable, pure pinks this spring, check out the entire collection made from an innovative pink hybrid pigment.

3. Smashbox’s Hybrid 2 in 1 Luminizing Primer – Get this product while you still can, but don’t use it as a primer. A combination of their can’t-live-without Photo Finish Foundation Primer and Artifical Light Luminizing Lotion, it’s versatile, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and provides a natural (not too bronze-y) glow and radiance. Squeeze the tube and each product is dispensed separately. The Beauty Bug mixes the two together on Her hand and applies it (lightly) all over Her face with a sponge, focusing on her cheeks and cheek bones. The result is a a beaming complexion, and makeup that lasts throughout the day. Keep this product in your makeup bag throughout the summer, and wear it alone (on top of sunscreen) for a hint of shimmer that will catch the sum beautifully.  Available at smashbox.com for $34.

4. Laura Mercier Gilded Garden Mosaic Shimmer Bloc – One look at this compact and any beauty junkie is sucked in, immediately. This limited edition bloc provides wearable shimmer and adds a fresh, spring-y glow to cheeks. The light-reflecting particles brighten and highlight – use it on eyes or brush it on your collar bone for a healthy luster. Available at www.lauramercier.com for $38.

Recently, The Beauty Bug visited Boston’s Best Makeup Artist, Dani Wagener, at the Shu Uemura boutique to learn more about the collection. At the crux of it are three eye shadow palettes, each of which contain 7 shadows and a cream eye shadow-liner. Each palette is beautifully decorated with a floral scene (midnight winter sakura, adorned marguerite, and secret lusious rose) shot by Mika.

Using the Secret Luscious Rose palette (middle palette pictured on the right) Dani created a soft shimmery, golden holiday eye on The Beauty Bug that caught the light beautifully.

To create this festive look, Dani applied the white/gold color (second from the left) all over the lid, and then applied wide strokes of the golden brown color (far left color) in the crease. She then applied a thin line of the bronze cream liner on the top of The Beauty Bug’s lid. The combination blended perfectly yet still showed the gradations of color, and despite the photos, was beautifully smooth, shimmery and made The Beauty Bug’s eyes sparkle.

Other items in the collection include limited edition Rouge Unlimited lipsticks in Petal Beige, Petal Orange Beige, and Petal Pink Beige, Tanzanite Aquarium nail enamel, Sparkling Garnet Aquarium Nail Enamel, and several special holiday sets and eyelashes.

All Shu Uemura products are available at select Barney’s, Shu Uemura boutiques, and ShuUemura.com.

Shu Uemura’s Limited Edition Luring Powder – From the fall 2008 Instinct Collection, Luring Powder is a light, naturally rosy powder that provides a light, sheen mist to skin. The Beauty Bug was first introduced to this product by Boston’s Best, Dani Wagener and it has completely changed the way The Beauty Bug applies brush. Thanks to a great tip from Dani, The Beauty Bug is now sporting rosy cheeks with an extra little pop. Dani instructed Her to use wider strokes when applying the Luring Powder. Using a big fluffy brush, The Beauty Bug applies the Luring Powder generously, covering most of Her cheek. To accentuate the apples of Her cheeks, Dani advised taking a brighter, slightly darker blush and applying just a little to the apple with a smaller more concentrated brush. This creates definition and pop.

Why are limited edition products always the best?

Anthony Logistics Blue Chamomile Body Gel and Shampoo – The Beauty Bug Fiance has finally stopped using all of The Beauty Bug’s shower gels thanks to the new manly super-sized bottle of Anthony Logistics Blue Chamomile Body Gel in our shower.  Containing chamomile, aloe vera, glycerin, sea kelp and wheat protein, the gel and shampoo has that instantly recognizable classically clean, i-just-stepped-out-of-the-shower-smell, and leaves skin and hair conditioned and soft. This limited edition giant was launched last month to support the fight again prostate cancer. Known for their charitable work, Anthony Logistics will donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this item to prostate cancer research. While it’s now October, this limited edition size is still available.

Clinique’s Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer - In The Beauty Bug’s experience, She hasn’t come across very many moisturizers with a high SPF content that also wear well under makeup. Clinque’s new Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer was just added to Her short list. To date, it’s Clinique’s most advanced age prevention daily moisturizer. The lanundry list of key benefits/ingredients include protection again both UVB and UVA rays, red microalage that works to counteract the negative visible effects of stress, padina pavonica extract which helps skin better absorb calcium, resulting in a stronger barrier to help prevent the first signs of aging, Vitamins C and E, soothing agents caffeine, sucrose and sea whip extract, and a patented “skin signaling technology” that encourages and activatess skin’s natural repair process to “clean up” damage. The lightweight, scentless moisturizers feels great on skin, and offers a refreshing and comfortable feel. Available in three skin-typed formulas, Superdefense is The Beauty Bug’s new favorite daily moisturizer.

Shu Uemura’s Luring Powder is available at Shu Uemura boutiques and at shuuemra.com for $38.

Anthony Logistics Blue Chamomile Body Gel is available at anthony.com for $32.

Clinique’s Superdefense APF 25 is available at Clinique counters everywhere and on clinique.com for $42.50.