Flicks, Licks & Chicks: Shu Uemura

I've been using Shu Uemura eyelash curlers for the last couple of years and they are amazing; I certainly agree with the fabulous reviews that the top beauty & fashion magazines give them! The last few times I've been past their counter, I've noticed that their extended line of cosmetics is ever increasing, and so today, up for trial are their Ultimate Expression Mascara, Liquid Eyeliner, UV Under Base and Red: Juvenus Vitalizing Line Reducing Eye Essence....Phew!

Ultimate Expression Mascara

Now you probably know if you read this blog that I LOVE mascaras and am always on the lookout for a better one! This one promises extreme volume, dramatic length and a beautiful curl. Does it do this? In short, YES. I would like the formula to make my eyelashes a bit thicker (in the way that Diorshow does) BUT it does lengthen, curl and volumise (to an extent) so what more do I want?! Upon feeling my lashes (I am wearing two coats) they feel a touch dry, but no more than the average mascara makes them. They aren't crumbly, flakey and they are very jet black and they still look great at the end of my working day! Id give this mascara a 7 out of 10.

Liquid Eyeliner

All I can say about this is WOW! I discovered liquid eyeliner pens a couple of years ago as I was desperate for the cat's eye effect, but was having no luck with the standard liquid eyeliner pots (think Rimmel, Mac) I invested in the Shiseido one after reading in a magazine that it was the preferred one used by make-up artists on the gorgeous Angelina Jolie....and well, if it's good enough for Ange... If I am to compare this to the Shu Uemura one, the latter wins. I cant put my finger on why, but the pen glides on so smoothly and the effect is amazing...for me, it's Shiseido 8 out of 10, Shu Uemura, a 9!

UV Under Base

I've never been one for using bases, as I just see it a another expense, and there are already enough aren't there?! A good friend and fellow make-up addict of mine is really into using bases/primers and she swears by the difference they can make to your look.

So, here we have the UV Under Base by Shu Uemura. Now I have dabbled in primers/bases over the years (make-up artists would give me small samples of them sometimes when I purchased foundations) so I do understand how they work, important elements being covering/minimising pores, evening out skintone and simply creating a flawless bass upon which to apply foundation. This base, is fabulous! It is in the format of a foam and only one pump is needed. It absorbs and dries quickly and smells pretty good too. My foundation definitely lasts longer when I wear it and I don't get the flakiness towards the end of the day like I often do when I haven't used a base. Need another plus? It contains SPF 10.....Winner! This gets a HUGE 10 out of 10!

Red: Juvenus Vitalizing Line Reducing Eye Essence

There are many eye creams available and a variety of price ranges span across them. It's always important that it doesnt sting or give the delicate eye area any pain! I say this because a while back I purchased one from YSL, specific to dark circles, and it really really hurt!...of course I binned it!....looking back, I probably should have taken it back instore as it was pretty pricey...but anyway... This one is meant to target fine lines and dark circles and make skin feel more supple. I've been using this for about six weeks now and my dark circles are certainly reduced; their appearance is better, less noticeable. Are the fine lines any finer?!...not really. Maybe this is because I don't have any really noticeable lines around my eyes (well not yet!) and I am using another line-filler at the moment too (to be blogged about in the coming weeks) We must remember that we shouldnt expect miracles from these creams, beauty companies don't create miracles (yet!) BUT my dark circles are reduced and the area around my eyes does feel more supple and moisturised. I'll give this cream a good 6.5 out of 10.