SUQQU

SUQQU KESHIZUMI Blend Eye Color Review, Swatches and FOTD

January 8, 2012

Hooray to my friend who brought me back the Suqqu KESHIZUMI Blend Eye Color from UK recently (purchased here). I initially passed it up from my first Suqqu order as I thought the shades appear quite grayish from the Suqqu website. But many swatches online I have seen shows that they lean more towards taupish color which is right up my alley!

The quality of Suqqu eyeshadow is very unique and quite phenomenal in my opinion, as they are the most densely packed eye shadows I have ever used. I noticed that as I have used them many times, the eye shadows still look unused (without any noticeable used marks). And best of all, there is no powder debris after each use which is great for a neat freak like me as I hate my makeup looking ‘dirty’ (with debris all over the pan). The texture feels slightly harder than most other eye shadows, so they are moderately pigmented but are buildable to your desired finish. I personally find that one or two swipes of each shade applied on top of an eyeshadow primer is good enough for a daytime wear.

I also adore the finish, some eye shadows may look great in swatches but they can look cakey and heavy on the eyes, particularly on aged eyes. Suqqu eye shadows apply like a silky veil and contains just the right amount of shimmer that reflects in the light beautifully. These eye shadow palettes might be out of your consideration if you are into bold and dramatic eye makeup, otherwise they are a staple for every girl!

As usual, all of the blend color eyeshadow palettes contain two shimmer and two matte eye shadows. The KESHIZUMI has

– shimmery silver and a matte plumy brown on the left, and

– a beautiful shimmery plummy taupe with a hint of silver and a matte white shade on the right.

Swatches of KESHIZUMI

FOTD:

– upper: applied the white shade all over the eyelid and the plummy taupe over the eye socket area. Then I applied the matte brown along the lash line up to the outer v.

– lower: applied the shimmery silver along the lash line and lined the outer third of the lash line with the matte brown.

First picture was taken with flash so the shiny face..but the shimmers always show better in flash photography.

Other products used in the FOTD:

Face: Clé De Peau Teint Naturel Fluide Cream Foundation, Bobbi Brown corrector and Cle De Peau loose powder

Cheek: Suqqu Balancing Cheek in MUKUGE

Eyes: K-Palette 24 long lasting liquid eyeliner in black and Shiseido Perfect Mascara (for the bottom lashes)

Lips: Tom Ford lipstick in Pink Dusk

I thought the taupe and the brown shades in KESHIZUMI looked quite similar to the Chanel Topkapi eye quad from the pan, so I did a comparison for you but they appear different on the skin.

{ 19 comments }

Labels: EYESHADOW • SUQQU

My Picks for the Best Base Makeup 2011

January 5, 2012

This post is inspired by some of my favorite bloggers who have done an extensive summary of the beauty products they loved the most in year 2011. I thought it was such a good idea to show you some of the amazing products that I came across last year (or years before..). As a beauty junkie I have way too many products to showcase so I will be breaking them into several posts, and today’s post is all about the best base makeup products that I have absolutely been in love with, and I am pretty sure my appreciation for them will be carried over to year 2012.

Unfortunately I haven’t had the time to review many products in this post yet, but I am sure they will appear sometime in the near future!

Best Makeup Primer: the award goes to By Terry Teint De Rose. The most luxurious primer I have ever used – the hydrating texture, the scent and the pink rosy color just blows me away every time I use it.

Best Illuminating Makeup Base: the award goes to Dior Radiant Base. It gives a “your glow but better” effect.

Best Tinted Moisturizer: the award goes to Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer. One of their signature products. I was at Barneys shopping for Sunday Riley skincare, and I noticed there were so many (gorgeous) girls dropping by just to purchase this primer over a short time! So I had to have it and it is my holy grail makeup base now on a good skin day.

Best BB Cream: the award goes to Dr Jart Blemish Base BB Cream, love the hydrating yet lightweight liquid texture.

Best Liquid Foundation: the award goes to Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Firming Foundation (reviewed here). I don’t know one single person who doesn’t love this foundation?!

Runner up: Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation. This was my first high end foundation that I got it when I was in High School, and I was hooked on to it ever since. There is always a backup in my vanity drawer.

Best Compact Foundation/Powder: the award goes to Tom Ford Translucent Finishing Powder. My new discovery and this is THE most finely milled powder I have ever used!

Runner Up: La Prairie Cellular Treatment Powder Foundation (old packaging). A little goes a long way and it gives a flawless coverage.

Best Contouring Powder: the award goes to Suqqu Balancing Cheek in OSHAGECHA (the shade on the right). Provides a perfect subtle contouring that just blends in with my natural skin color.

Best Concealer: the award goes to Cle De Peau Concealer (have discussed in this post)

Best Under Eye Brightening Concealer: the award goes to YSL Touche Eclat (have discussed in this post)

Best Loose Powder: the award goes to La Mer Loose Powder. The most finely milled loose powder inthe market and gives a soft focus finish. This is my second tub and my first one lasted me a few years!

Runner Up: Cle de Peau Loose Powder. It has a slight pink tinge to it rather than totally translucent. Provides a brightening effect and a flawless finish.

If you haven’t read the 2011 picks by these beautiful bloggers yet, please do check them out.

Atelier Beauty’s 2011 Picks.

Delicate Hummingbird’s best picks for the foundations/powder/concealers 2011

Rouge Deluxe 2011 Loves and Thoughts

Miss Elaine-Nio Year 2011 Favorites, I am VERY sad to hear that she will no longer be blogging…

{ 31 comments }

Labels: BB Cream • BY TERRY • CHANTECAILLE • CLE DE PEAU • DIOR • FOUNDATION • Giorgio Armani • LA MER • Makeup Base • My Favorites • POWDER • Sunday Riley • SUQQU • Tom Ford • YSL

Suqqu Cream Glow Lipsticks in SAEBANA and URUMISHU Review and Swatches

November 3, 2011

If people asked me “what was my holy grail lipsticks’ before I had my Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipsticks, I seriously wouldn’t have a clue considering I have a lot of them! I love lipsticks, and I share my love for them equally, they all have their own pros and cons. However after I have tried the Suqqu, I can confirm that they are the perfect lipsticks for me. Just like when you have met the one, at this moment my heart doesn’t have any spare space for other brands! So I got my friend to get me a few more shades from London which I haven’t received yet, but because I am going on holiday very soon I thought I will swatch the ones I have with me for you.

Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick has a soft and extremely silky texture – it reminds me of YSL Rouge Volupte which I adore for its buttery texture, but the difference is Suqqu applies smoothly, almost melts into my lips without a single streak,whereas YSL goes on streaky and can enhance lip lines. It feels moist and lightweight, completely camouflage the dryness of my lips and provides a subtle satiny glow. The coverage is medium, and what you see from the tube transforms accurately on to the lips.

I bought three shades from my first purchase, except for the red shade KARAKURENAI that I reviewed here, the rest are the best selling and most wearable shades from what I have heard prior to purchase.

Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick in 10 URUMISHU潤朱 is a persimmon coral and contains no shimmers. It’s one of those colors that is flattering on any complexion and looks appropriate for any occasion.

Overall Look:

Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick in 01 SAEBANA冴華 is a neutral angelic pink. Still looking for a soft barbie pink? This is your answer! SAEBANA is also regarded as the must-buy shade by many Suqqu fans.

Overall Look: I am also wearing the Sleek blush in Rose Gold on my cheeks, isn’t it gorgeous?!

Bottom Line: If you love lipsticks, I urge you to try out the Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipsticks, you will not be disappointed! I can’t wait for more Suqqu that I have ordered recently 🙂

{ 37 comments }

Labels: LIPSTICK • SUQQU

Suqqu Eye Shadow Brush Medium Review

October 25, 2011

I bought two Suqqu eyeshadow brushes a while ago. I have already reviewed the Suqqu Eye Shadow Large and this is my review for the Suqqu Eye Shadow Brush Medium, also called Socket Brush. As you all know Suqqu brushes are expensive- this little socket brush retails for $48 pounds on Selfridges. But I am using this brush with so much joy everyday, so really it’s worth its weight in gold.

The Suqqu eyeshadow brush medium is a round crease brush that is made of 100% premium gray squirrel hair. The size is a little unusual – larger than a pencil brush and smaller than a normal blending brush (ie MAC 217). The hair is the softest you can get and it is densely packed which just gives enough control over applications such as contouring, and gentle blending for small areas.

Compared to some of my other pencil brushes, the Suqqu is relatively larger, and the softest and fluffiest. I have also included MAC 217 in the picture to show you the size differences.

Suqqu brushes are very unique and original as the the design is always different to the mainstream brushes for the same purpose, which makes them extremely versatile and practical. I personally find that this brush is great for the following uses:

– It is great for applying the eye shadows into the crease/socket line.

– My favorite use of this brush is for adding color to the outer edge of the eyes (as seen in many Lisa Eldridge makeup tutorial videos as that’s how she uses this brush). I normally like to apply a darker color on the outer v, and this brush picks the perfect amount of color as well as giving a full control on defining the edge on my small eyelid space.

– Gentle blending for small areas

– Adding a light wash of color along the lower line which is great for creating soft smoky eyes.

Bottom Line: My life (in the world of makeup) wasn’t complete before I had this brush. If you are on a constant lookout for brushes, Suqqu is the ultimate brush to go for.

FYI, Suqqu brushes are made in Japan by Chikuhodo, and the hairs are sourced from China.

Just a little information on Chikuhodo if you are interested. They are one of the best makeup brush makers in Japan – not only do they have the biggest cosmetics companies such as Suqqu, Shiseido and Kanebo as their clients, but their own series of brushes are even more amazing. For example, the Z-series is their second best series – all brushes in the Z-series are made of 100% gray squirrel hair and have a similar design to Suqqu. Some people say you only need to invest in either one. I personally find that the bristles of Z-series brushes are too silky and densely packed (been playing with them for the last couple of days), it lacks the fluffiness of Suqqu and picks up less color.

Now I want to talk about the P-series which is their best premium range. These brushes are the creme de la creme… can you believe the powder brush retails for 157,500円, that is equivalent to USD2000??!!!

{ 31 comments }

Labels: BRUSHES • SUQQU

SUQQU Balancing Cheeks in MOMOZOE, MUKUGE and OSHAGECHA Review and Swatches

October 17, 2011

Suqqu was born based on the Japanese cultural tradition of inner composure and serenity, and the brand concept is echoed by all of its products. I bought the BALANCING CHEEKS in MOMOZOE 桃添, MUKUGE 木槿 and OSHAGECHA. I don’t understand the definition of these shades, but I am pretty sure they have no sexual innuendo like the Nars brand! Suqqu is all about enhancing the natural complexion of a woman and keeping your image looking composed and poised.

The texture of these is extremely finely milled and softly pigmented – one to two swipes adds a of touch of color.

SUQQU OSHAGECHA

On the left is a lovely peachy shade with a hint of brown undertone and contains very fine shimmers. When applied on the skin it provides a soft touch of color with a lovely glow. The contour shade by far is the best one I have used. Unlike other usual bronzers, it is a true matte brown shade without any redness and orangeness in it. It provides a soft contour for me – I can see the subtle effect without looking too heavy, as it doesn’t cast a strong contrast against my fair complexion (NC15) when applied softly.

OSHAGECHA Swatch:

On me: Applied the contour shade along the jawline to the chin and added the blush color to the cheeks.

SUQQU MUKUGE 木槿

It contains one blush color and one highlighter. The blush color is coral with a stronger pink undertone and less shimmery. Suqqu used to make individual blushes and highlighters and I have heard a lot of good things about them, but unfortunately they have been discontinued. I am glad that Suqqu has included a highlighting shade in the duo form because this is the kind of easy-to-wear highlighter I would go for on a daily basis. It contains the finest milled shimmers, when applied on the face it provides a brightening effect without the shimmers being noticeable.

MUKUGE 木槿 Swatch:

On me:

SUQQU MOMOZOE 桃添

It contains a neutral pink blush that would look good on any complexion, and a beigey pink highlighter that complements the blush color. Both shades have small particles of shimmers and on the face they impart a lovely subtle glow.

MOMOZOE 桃添 Swatch:

Bottom Line: Suqqu is a very high end brand, but at 38 pound per palette (available here) I think they are reasonably priced for 2 shades of cheek color of superior quality. You also get the beautiful packaging and the enclosed brush that is just as soft as the regular sized suqqu brushes.

{ 19 comments }

Labels: BLUSH • SUQQU

Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick KARAKURENAI – The Perfect Red

October 11, 2011

Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick KARAKURENAI 唐紅花 is THE red lipstick that I have been searching for my whole life . I could write a lengthy post praising how beautiful this red is..not berry, not plummy, not orangey, just a perfect flaming scarlet red on me that took my breath away…but I believe pictures speak a thousand words.

Texture is the most luxurious you can get – opaque, creamy, lightweight and moisturizing. My bare lips have been looking quite dry lately, but with the Suqqu creamy glow lipstick on, there is no signs of dryness as you can see in these close up shots.

OVERALL LOOK:

Bottom Line: Everyone woman should have at least one or two red lipsticks, as it is an instant accessory that makes you feel sexier, put-together and more glamorous. If you are still hunting, get your hands on this one!

{ 33 comments }

Labels: LIPSTICK • SUQQU

Suqqu KAKITSUBATA Eye Color Palette FOTD

October 9, 2011

I have an important mission to complete today, which is to convince many of you that Suqqu KAKITSUBATA 杜若 (reviewed here) applies just as beautifully as it looks in the palette. I had the same concern as many of you with the blue shade as it is out of my comfortable zone. But I am very confident with Suqqu – just like Visionary Beauty said, it is such a sophisticated brand that is just wearable across the entire range. (her blog also has many wonderful reviews on Suqqu products, check it out!)

EOTD (I have decided to include brushes in this post as this is one of my most frequently asked questions)

Upper Lid:

Applied the matte cream beige color as a base from lash line to brow bone.

Using the Suqqu eyeshadow brush large (reviewed here), applied the shimmery peachy shade all over the eye socket area.

Apply the blue shade along the lash line and the outer v.

Using the Suqqu eyeshadow brush medium (not yet reviewed), layer the shimmery mocha shade on top and blend slightly outward past the crease of the eye.

Lower Lid:

Using the Chanel precision eye brush 24 , intensify the outer corner with the blue shade.

Using the Laura Mercier smoky eye liner brush, smudge the mocha shade into the lower lash line.

Applied the peachy shade on to the inner corner for highlight.

FACE:

Since the Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation is about 1 and a half shades darker on me, I mixed it with the Shiseido UV White Protect Base in Green to match my current skin color.

Dior Radiant Base is applied along the cheekbone for extra radiance.

Shiseido natural finish cream concealer is applied under the eye areas.

CHEEKS:

Applied the peach side of Suqqu Balancing Cheek OSHAGECHA from the centre of the cheeks towards the temples.

Contour using the darker side (which is THE perfect contouring shade for fair complexions) along the jawlines, and along the sides of the nose bridge.

Highlight the cheekbones with the purple side of the MAC Hang Loose Mineral blush.

LIPS:

Prepped my lips with the Chanel Hydramax Lipbalm first, then add color with Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Salmon.

OVERALL LOOK:

Are you convinced yet that Suqqu KAKITSUBATA is wearable?

{ 24 comments }

Labels: BOBBI BROWN • EYESHADOW • FOTD • SUQQU

Suqqu KAKITSUBATA and MATSUKASA Review and Swatches

October 4, 2011

I have been using the Suqqu 01 KAKITSUBATA 杜若 and the Suqqu 03 MATSUKASA 松球 interchangeably in the past few weeks, the weather has been looking sad and gloomy so I haven’t had a chance to take FOTDs for you… so I might as well share my thoughts and some swatches with you today.

Suqqu Blend Eye Color Palettes are one of the most expensive palettes I own. I bought them in UK currency and I believe they retail more than Chanel quads and Dior quints but less than Tom Fords. So are they worth the high price tag? That’s a YES in my opinion. The high quality of Suqqu eye shadows is reflected in every aspect – from the ultra sleek, expensive looking but understated packaging, to the enclosed brushes that are made of 70% squirrel hair.

Unlike MAC that has a large customer base from students to the makeup pros, Suqqu is a brand that is targeting at a specific group of customers – women who are confident and love to wear makeup to enhance what they have, rather than having fun and being playful with makeup. Their color selections are very neutral hence office appropriate.

First Quad is the Suqqu 01 KAKITSUBATA 杜若 – this is one of their best sellers and is featured in Suqqu advertising campaigns.

All Suqqu Blend Eye Color Palettes contain two shimmery shades (top row) and two matte shades (bottom row). The shimmer shades last about 8 hours on me without creasing, and the matte shade last about the same time but starts to fade after about 4-5 hours of wear. They impart a silky veil of colors to the eyes – nothing dramatic but elegant and poised. Applying them using my Suqqu eye brushes is enigmatically pleasant.

A closer look at the eye shadows:

Suqqu 01 KAKITSUBATA 杜若 Swatches

Suqqu’s shimmery shades are second to none, because the finish is the finest sheen you can get from the market and they stay intact for the whole day. All my swatches are taken very close up therefore you can see the lines. In actual fact they give younger looking eyes in real life as the eye shadows are extremely finely milled so they smooth out the imperfections.