Showing posts with label Suqqu. Show all posts

7/25/2016

Two Extra Stitches In Time

Here are two more looks using Suqqu's EX-29 Koukiori Blend Color Eyeshadow palette.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Blend.
Suqqu Sheer Glow Liquid (applied over the Smashbox primer).
Sonia Rykiel Fresh Gel Foundation SPF25 PA++ in shade 30.
Les Merveilleuses de Laduree Mini Face Color Rose in 105.
Eyes:

B & C Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.
Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightening & Setting Powder in Revive.

MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (eyeshadow base).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-29 Koukiori:
The greyish-taupe-brown and the purplish-blue shadow (mixed together and blended all over the lid, into the crease, and along the lower lashline).
The purplish-blue shadow (along the upper lashline and one-third of the outer lower lashline).
The taupish-silver shadow (patted on the center or the lid and lower lashline).
The yellow-peach shadow (patted on the brow bone and inner corner).
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Graphite (used to tightline and on the waterline).
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Black.
Lips:
Suqqu Bright Up Lipstick in EX-02 Somezakuro (rubbed into the lips).

Look Breakdown:

B & C Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.
Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightening & Setting Powder in Revive.

MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (eyeshadow base).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-29 Koukiori:
The yellow-peach shadow(all over the inner half of the lid, the inner corner and along three-fourth of the inner lower lashline).
The greyish-taupe-brown (blended along the outer one-fourth of the lid and the lower lashline).
The purplish-blue shadow (blended along the outer corner of the lid and lower lashline).
The soft pink shadow (patted on the brow bone).
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Graphite (used to tightline and on the waterline).
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Black.
Lips:
Suqqu Bright Up Lipstick in EX-02 Somezakuro (first rubbed into the lips, then applied with a brush).

I hope on your screens the outer corner shadow looks purplish-blue shadow, because on my screen it's looking blackish-brown. I swear it's purplish-blue folks.

7/21/2016

Woven in Time...Suqqu EX-29 Koukiori Blend Color Eyeshadow and EX-02 Somezakuro Bright Up Lipstick

Hello, everyone! Apologies for the month long lapse of posts. Although I was stressing the fact that I hadn't posted in a while, I didn't realize it had been this long...how time truly does escape us?!

The past month has been a string of untimely, and unfortunate, events. First, I was really busy with work; then, Aki and I had to attend a family member's funeral in Akita (my first Japanese funeral). When we got back to Tokyo, I caught the plague (getting sick in summer is the pits!). Once I was back to somewhat good health, I had to jump back onto the hamster wheel that I call work. I'm really sorry, and I want to thank you all for your patience during my absence. Also, I want to give a special thank you to Susan K; I appreciate for the comment, and thank you for your concern. It means a lot to me knowing that you are out there :)

I was lucky enough to get Suqqu's Isetan exclusive Blend Color Eyehadow in EX-29 Koukiori and the Bright Up Lipstick in EX-02 Somezakuro, after they both sold out within 10 minutes on the Isetan online store. Since then, I know EX-29 Koukiori made a short lived cameo on selfridges.com.

As pretty as the other three shadows of EX-Koukiori are, I'm annoyed (and feeling gypped) that the two shades that drove me to buy the palette, have to share the same pan. I would have preferred a split pan of the two highlight shades, and two proper pans of color, sorry, Suqqu, but I'm calling you out on being stingy on this one.

From left to right swatches of EX-29 Koukiori.

A metallic, slightly taupish-silver, with a sheen of pink and green with pink and silver micro-shimmer.

A shimmery soft pink.

A muted, purplish-blue satin, with shimmer.

A greyish-taupe-brown satin, with shimmer.

A shimmery yellow-peach, with a pink sheen.

Moving on to the Bright Up Lipstick in EX-02 Somezakuro, I love everything about this lipstick.

Swatch of EX-02 Somezakuro.

A neutral, strawberry-red.

Between these two products, EX-02 Somezakuro is my favorite. the fact that EX-29 Koukiori's greyish-taupe-brown and muted, purplish-blue shadows were split and not given their own pans really annoys me and is keeping me from loving it, wholeheartedly.

Look Breakdown:

B & C Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.
Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightening & Setting Powder in Revive.

MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (eyeshadow base).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-29 Koukiori:
The greyish-taupe-brown shadow (all over the lid, blended into the crease, and along the lower lashline).
The purplish-blue shadow (along the upper lashline and one-third of the outer lower lashline).
The yellow-peach shadow (patted on the brow bone).
The soft pink shadow (in the inner corner).
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Graphite (used to tightline and on the waterline).
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Black.
Lips:
Suqqu Bright Up Lipstick in EX-02 Somezakuro.

Between these two products, EX-02 Somezakuro is my favorite. the fact that EX-29 Koukiori's greyish-taupe-brown and muted, purplish-blue shadows were split and not given their own pans really annoys me and is keeping me from loving it, wholeheartedly.

6/12/2016

Out Of Sheer Brilliance... Suqqu Sheer Glow Liquid

The only good thing about the rainy season is, that I'm able to stretch out the use of all my spring purchases.

I view highlighters as the proverbial "cherry" to my blush. Whatever form they come in, I can't get enough of them! I totally feel in love with the soft, illuminating effect of Suqqu's Sheer Glow Liquid.

I've used the Sheer Glow Liquid as a primer, mixed with my foundation and as a highlighter; and I love the translucent, radiant results that all three give my complexion.

The lilac-pink tint of this highlighting primer helps to correct unevenness, and counteracts dullness; this beautiful tone gives my skin a beautiful brightened, fresh, feminine, understated rosy glow. In Addition, the Sheer Glow Liquid has an SPF of 25 PA++.

Suqqu's Sheer Glow Liquid retailed for 6,480 yen and contains 25ml.

2/29/2016

From Dusk Till Aoi

I adore the pairing of Suqqu's EX-26 Yuuaoi Blend Color Eyeshadow, 12 Benihachimitsu Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist, and Ex-01 Mizudaidai Gradation Cheeks (released in Fall 2012. Kicking myself for not buying a backup).

Every single shadow of EX26 Yuuaoi is a dream. At first, I had reservations about the cream shadow, but after applying it on my lids, I was soon eating my hat. The cream base looks stunning on its own, under or over eye shadows, and even as a highlight; absolutely gorgeous, folks.

Color description from left to right:

EX26 Yuuaoi:

A soft, warm, peachy-pink with a shimmery, pearl finish.

A mid-toned, warm, bronzed-copper-rose with a shimmery, pearl finish.

A mid-toned navy blue, with multi-colored micro-shimmer and a semi-matte-satin finish.

A soft, pink-undertoned, ivory cream shadow with a gold sheen.

12 Benihachimitsu Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist: a muted, coral-peach with brown undertones.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer.
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Medium 2 (Santa Fe).
Suqqu Gradation Cheeks in Ex-01 Mizudaidai (the deeper shade on the cheeks, and the lighter shade used to highlight and under the eyes).
Eyes:

B & C Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC30.
MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (eyeshadow base).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-26 Yuuaoi:
The ivory cream shadow (used as a base).
The bronzed-copper-rose shadow (applied on the lid, blended into the crease and along the lower lashline).
The peachy-pink shadow (used to blend out the crease, up to the brow bone and the inner corner).
The navy blue shadow (blended on top of EX-02 Navy on the upper and lower lashline).
Suqqu Eyeliner Creamy in EX-02 Navy (along the upper and lower lashline and used on the lower waterline).
Dolce & Gabbana Passion Eyes Mascara in Blu Indaco 3.

Lips:
Mac Lip Pencil in Stripdown.
Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist in 12 Benihachimitsu.

I love EX26 Yuuaoi and 12 Benihachimitsu to pieces! Both products can be worn throughout the year without a hitch <3

7/28/2015

Red Sky At Night, Lizzy's Delight...Suqqu EX-01 Benikakesora Eye Color Palette

Suqqu's Summer 2015 limited edition Eye Color Palettes in EX-01 Benikakesora and EX-02 Yosaizora (my first trios from the brand), were a refreshing aesthetic (and monetary) twist from the usual quad collection releases. And, today post is all about EX-01 Benikakesora (red tinted sky in Japanese).

I love when mirrors share the same length, and width, of the palettes they're housed in.

I had pre-ordered both trios sight unseen...risky, I know, but I like to live on the wilder side of beauty.

After the usual, googly-eyed, response of seeing both palettes in the flesh, those initial affections turned into a severe crush as I swatched them.

A deep, red-based, purple-plum with a satin finish.

A medium-peach, with a coppery-golden sheen and satin finish.

A semi-sheer white loaded with micro-shimmer.

I accompanied Aki to an informal work-related event yesterday, and this is the look I wore:

Don't worry, my hair is still golden olive. It's just this reddish hue.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer.
Suqqu Lighting Liquid (mixed with foundation, and also applied on the forehead, center of the bridge of the nose, cupid's bow, chin and cheekbones).
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Medium 3 (Stromboli).
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Mixed Pressed Cheek Color in 103.

Eyes:
Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil in Walnut Brown 07.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC30.
By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.

MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (eyeshadow base).
Suqqu Eye Color Palette in EX-01 Benikakesora:
The plum shade (all over the lid, and into upward into the inner crease then downward towards the outer corner, and on the lower lashline).
The peach shade (used to diffuse the plum shadow in the crease, in the inner corner, center lid and lower lash line.
The white shimmer shade (on the brow bone).
Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Onyx (used to tightline).
Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Amethyst (on the waterline).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Mystic Blacks Mascara in 01 Mysterious Black.
Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil in Stripdown.
Visee Creamy Lipstick in PK804 (patted on the lips then blended out with a lip brush).

I've never understood the popularity of the garishly-juvenile, "turn the beat around" disco ball, no-holds-barred glitter shadows in Japan; basically, the main reason I rarely purchase Japanese drugstore eye shadows. However, higher-end brands, like Suqqu, execute glittery-based shadows beautifully; hence giving them a sophisticated texture as with the shimmery white in EX-01 Benikakesora.

I love the pairing of various shades of purple and oranges; and EX-01 Benikakesora's plum and peach shades are stellar! both of these eyeshadows have an "I can't believe it's not butter", buttery-smooth texture that is absolutely AH-MAZ-ING! I wonder how they would taste on some toast?

So, whether wearing you're two of the eyeshadows from the palette, or layering all three, the shades in EX-01 Benikakesora, create a gorgeous, harmonious union.

I checked suqqu.com and both limited editions are still available. The Suqqu Eye Color Palettes retail for 5,184 yen.

5/05/2015

Snow Falling On Strawberries...Suqqu EX-22 Yukiichigo

Last year, as I was fiddling with the holiday sets, I felt they were more inspiring for Spring; and since the weather has been grey and rainy, even more fitting.

Keeping with the sparkling, galactic-glitter packaging of the 2013 holiday palettes, 2014's cases were white with flashes of iridescent candy pink, hot pink, lilac, and gold glitter.

The bags included with these sets are usually a waste of material, but, this time around, they are not that bad; I'll probably use them to store single eyeshadows or blushers.

The set came with a compact of the EX-13 Beniaka lipstick (released with Suqqu Fall 2013). I already own the tube form of EX-13 Beniaka, and, as much as I love it, I was disappointed that a new shade wasn't offered in the set. Also included were Suqqu's Reset Cleansing Cream (makeup remover) and Refining Foam (cleanser). I do like both of these products, but since they were included in the 2013 sets, I wish the brand would have offered two other forms of skincare...maybe a make and moisturizer?

Suqqu's EX-22 Yukiichigo palette is positively a jaw-dropping beaut!

EX-22 Yukiichigo swatches.

A pale lavender satin with pink, blue, and lilac microshimmer.

A soft, warm pink satin with peachy-gold microshimmer.

A brown based-plummy-burgundy cream with golden-olive-bronze glitter.

A pale, white-pink satin.

Swatches of other products used in the looks below: Balancing Cheeks N 02 Usuzakura, Creamy Glow Moist Lipstick EX-13 Beniaka, Bright Up Lipstick 03 Barairo.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.
Suqqu Frame fix Moist Pact Foundation N in 102.
Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N in 02 Usuzakura.
Suqqu Bright Veil Face Color in EX-01.

Eyes:
Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil in 02 Seal Brown.

MAC Mineralize Concealer in NC30 (placed under the eyes).

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer in 02 Cream (placed on top of the MAC Mineralize Concealer).
MAC Paint Pot in painterly (eyeshadow base).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-22 Yukiichigo:
The warm pink satin shadow (on three-fourth of the lid blended into the crease and up to the inner crease).
The pale lavender satin shadow (on the outer v and blended up to the outer brow bone).
The pale white-pink satin shadow (on the inner corner and brow bone).
The plummy-burgundy cream (used as a liner on the upper and lower lash line).
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Burgundy (used to tightline and on the lower waterline).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Sexy Black Mascara in 01 Scandalous Black.
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Blacks in 01 Black Black.
Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil in Stripdown.
Suqqu Creamy Glow Moist Lipstick in EX-13 Beniaka.

Although my complexion is off the photo, the makeup shades are accurate.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Medium 2.
Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N in 02 Usuzakura.
Suqqu Bright Veil Face Color in EX-01.

Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil in 02 Seal Brown.
MAC Mineralize Concealer in NC30 (placed under the eyes).

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer in 02 Cream (placed on top of the MAC Mineralize Concealer).
MAC Paint Pot in painterly (eyeshadow base).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-22 Yukiichigo:
The warm pink satin shadow (all over the lid and blended into the crease almost up to the brows).
The plummy-burgundy cream (on top of the warm pink shadow, blended into the crease and lower lashline).
The pale white-pink satin shadow (on the brow bone).
The pale lavender satin shadow (in the inner corner and brow bone).
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Burgundy (used to tightline, line the upper lash line and the lower waterline).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Sexy Black Mascara in 01 Scandalous Black.
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Blacks in 01 Black Black.
Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil in Plum.
Suqqu Bright Up Lipstick in 03 Barairo.

Without a doubt, the little rock star of this palette is that gorgeous cream shadow, and when paired with the other lovely shadows, EX-22 Yukiichigo is an absolute eyeful.

2/11/2015

The Reflector Will Capture The Beams Of The Purple Crystal...Suqqu EX-21 Murasakisuishou Blend Color Eyeshadow

Yes, I've had this palette for several months now, and I'm just getting to posting on it now...but, I buy a LOT of makeup, and use things when I feel inspired to use them. Now, on with the wordy show!

I was besides myself, with excitement, when I saw the promo images for Suqqu's EX-21 Murasakisuishou Blend Color Eyeshadow Palette. I had set a reminder on my cellphone to ensure I wouldn't miss the pre-order date. I didn't have time to visit the counter, so I had to do a send-sale. When I received my parcel, I tore into the exterior packaging like a savage. The Palette was wrapped in this beautiful white paper, which I carefully took my time to unwrap. With pent-up anticipation, I opened the palette, and my first reaction was, "oh."

I had high hopes for the pink and gold in the palette, and I was a little disappointed because they were not as deep or rich in person as they were in the promotional postcard. Yes, colors tend to vary in photos than in person, but I was still a little let down.

Suqqu EX-21 Murasakisuishou Blend Color Eyeshadow Palette.

EX-21 Murasakisuishou translates to purple crystal in Japanese, and that theme is captures beautifully with the colors, and finish, of the eyeshadows.

Each pan, in the quad, is divided in half, so there are eight eye shadows in EX-21 Murasakisuishou, (twelve, if you mix both shadows in the pan together, and so on, and so on). Basically, this palette offers countless mixing, blending, and layering possibilities.

As with all Suqqu's Blend Color Eyeshadow palettes, the quality and performance of EX-21 Murasakisuishou is superb. Six of the eight shadows are an orgy of shimmer and sparkles, whereas the other two have a satin finish.

EX-21 Murasakisuishou swatches.

Color description from left to right:

A white-based, purply-pink with multi-colored shimmer.

A pale, warm, golden-yellow with multi-colored shimmer.

A warm, bronzed, fawn-taupe-brown shimmer.

A cool, plummy, taupe-brown with silver shimmer.

EX-21 Murasakisuishou swatches.

Color description from left to right:

A dark, khaki-brown shimmer.

A dark, plummy-grey shimmer.

An extremely pale, ballet-pink satin.

A pale, golden-cream satin.

From left to right: Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist 07 Sangoseki, 09 Zakuroseki.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.

Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzing Duo (applied as a barely-there bronzer).

Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N 02 Usuzakura (both shades mixed together).

Eyes:

Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

MAC Mineralize Concealer in NW25.
By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer in 02 Cream (placed under the eyes, and used to highlight).
MAC Paint Pot in Layin' Low (eyeshadow base).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-21 Murasakisuishou:
The golden-yellow shadow (placed in the inner one-third of the lid and inner corner).
The purply-pink shadow (patted on the center lid and blended into the center crease).
The bronzed, fawn-taupe-brown shadow (blended into the outer corner, crease and lower lashline).
The ballet-pink satin shadow (on the brow bone).
L'Oreal Le Grande Kohl Line & Define Pencil in Le Plum (used to tightline, on the waterline and upper and lower lashline).
Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara in 5 Violet Etonnant.
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Extravaganza Mascara in 01 Black Black.
Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil in Stripdown.
Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist in 09 Zakuroseki.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.
Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzing Duo (applied as a barely-there bronzer).
Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N 01 Momoshuiro (both shades mixed together).

Eyes:

Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

MAC Mineralize Concealer in NW25.
By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer in 02 Cream (placed under the eyes, and used to highlight).
MAC Paint Pot in Layin' Low (eyeshadow base).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-21 Murasakisuishou:
The plummy, taupe-brown (all over the lid).
The khaki-brown shadow (the outer V and blended into the crease).
The plummy-grey shadow (on the upper and lower lashline).
The golden-cream shadow (on the brow bone).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Extravaganza Mascara in 01 Black Black.
Lips:
Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist in 07 Sangoseki.

EX-21 Murasakisuishou offers a well-executed, refined form of jewel-toned shimmer and sparkle. And, although I love this palette, and wouldn't be without it in my collection, if the pink and gold shadows were a little deeper, it would have taken my feelings for EX-21 Murasakisuishou from love to LOVE.

Please checkout my beloved Belly's stellar post on Suqqu's EX-21 Murasakisuishou here.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

11/17/2014

All The Holiday Cheer...Japanese Cosmetic Holiday Sets

Hey darlings, here is a sneak peek of the Japanese cosmetic brands Holiday sets I've picked up:

Suqqu Christmas Makeup Kit A (8,640 yen).
Suqqu Christmas Makeup Kit B (8,640 yen).
THREE Shimmering Color Veil Bijoux Box 01 (5,940 yen).
THREE Shimmering Color Veil Bijoux Box 02 (5,940 yen).
Addiction Tokyo Jazz Holiday Set (7,776 yen).
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Makeup Coffret 2014 (8,100 yen).

Review, swatches and looks coming soon!

What Holiday Sets have you picked up?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

11/15/2014

My Little Peony...Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow EX-20 Natsubotan

When Suqqu released the Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-20 Natsubotan (Summer Peony in Japanese) last Summer, I put it aside because the color arrangement didn't inspire me during the sweltering weather.

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow EX-20 Natsubotan.

I finally cracked Natsubotan open a few weeks ago, and what a gorgeous palette it is!

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow EX-20 Natsubotan swatches.

I totally adore the plummy-brown shadow in Natsubotan.

Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N 02 Usuzakura.

From left to right: Balancing Cheeks N 02 Usuzakura, Bright Up Lipstick 02 Hanabeni.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (medium 2).

Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N 02 Usuzakura (the darker shade on the apples of the cheeks and the lighter shade to highlight).
Eyes:

Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW20.
Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (used to prime the lids).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-20 Natsubotan:
The plummy-brown shade (all over the lid, blended into the inner crease and three-fourths of the lower lashline).
The peony-pink shade (used to lightly blend out the edges of the plummy-brown shadow, and in the outer V).
The barely-there ballet pink shade (in the inner corner)
The frosty pale pink shade (lightly patted on the arch of the brows).
The ivory shade (in the inner corner and lightly dusted on the brow bone).
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Rockstar (used on the upper and lower lashline, to tightline, and on the waterline).
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout.
Lips:

Mac Lip Pencil in Dervish.
Suqqu Bright Up Lipstick in 02 Hanabeni.