The Shu Uemura makeup artist who did my face used this combination of an almost nude blush and pearly highlighter to sculpt my face with a Shu Uemura #14 synthetic brush (I realize I have yet to show and review it-- I've had it for ages). The result was very pretty and natural, but I quickly realized the Radiant Pearl Cream highlighter should be used mindfully due to its very visible shimmer particles. The somewhat waxy texture is also best when mixed with another face product prior to application, and I'm hesitant on recommending it for those of you with oily skin.
The cream blush, Gentle Amber, is a warm tan than can be applied very sheer or built up. On my olive skin it's more of a flush or bronzer alternative rather than a contouring color (the shaded parts of my face lean gray), so it belongs on the higher parts of my skin and can be blended with the Pearl Cream highlighter if going for an evening look. It's a pretty and easy to wear color, and despite being released in the fall, will make a delicate transition-into-summer look.
There's just one problem, and it's a big one. I have many cream blushes and have quite a bit of experience applying them. I've never come across a cream blush that fades and disappears so quickly as this one from Shu Uemura (the highlighter isn't long-lasting, either). I know how to make my makeup last all day long even under the worst environmental conditions, but getting even six hours from this blush is a stretch. I tried many combinations of primer, foundation and setting powder, but nothing worked. My cheeks end up as pale as they are without blush before the day (or evening) is over. Come makeup removal time, everything else is firmly in place, but there's no trace of the blush or highlighter on the cotton pads.
Bottom Line: pass.
Shu Uemura Gentle Amber Cream Blush & Radiant Pearl Cream Highlighter ($21 each, $15 for the case) are available at counters outside of the USA and from shuuemura-usa.com.
I tried these and the new spring 2012 cream blushers and I have to say I was very disappointed. The new ones in particular have an odd texture that didn't feel very pleasant on. I love Shu Uemura as a brand and most of my blushers are Shu, but their cream blushers are always a disappointment.
ReplyDeleteI'll stick to their powder blusher products, though I haven't tried the new formulations on and it is unlikely that I will be buying more at the minute. I don't know what possessed them to change the code names along with the formulation, but I can't tell which ones I have and which ones I don't and I would hate it if I bought one that I already have.