There was a brief moment in the early 2000s that Anna Sui makeup made an appearance at Sephora. It might have been only in NYC, and I think the emphasis was on the range of nail polish, but it was fun while it lasted. The packaging was adorable, and the products, even the polish, had a sweet rose scent. Within months Sephora phased it out ( I bought everything I could find on eBay). Ever since the only place in the US you could find these products was at the Anna Sui boutique.
Last year I discovered that Beauty.com now carries Anna Sui makeup. It's not the full range or the seasonal item (you can find those on ichibankao.com, though they charge a heavy markup), but it's the core collection including classics such as the #400 Anna Red lipstick you see here.
The color, a vivid true red, is an irresistible Valentine's Day kind of shade. Since the coverage is semi-opaque the true color of my lips does show through. If I want a fully red lip I need to apply a second coat with a brush, which also gives an excellent longevity. Anna Sui lipstick feels very... lipsticky. The fragrance is as very feminine, as I remembered, and goes well with the packaging. The formula is sleek (it contains both dimethicone and candelilla wax) and feels very comfortable and kind to the lips without beeing too slippery or goopy. The finish is smooth and satiny, no shimmer but not completely matte.
Bottom Line: a real treat.
Anna Sui Lipstick #400 Anna Red ($30) is available from beauty.com.
I remember Anna Sui at Sephora (in NYC). I recall the display being really charming. For some reason, in my memory everything from her line was purple. (Doubt that's accurate!) I never purchased anything yet was sorry when it disappeared from the store.
ReplyDeleteUrban Outfitters has carried Anna Sui makeup online for some time. I remember it years ago at Sephora, I really liked one of the mascaras.
ReplyDeleteOh, I haven't checked UO in ages. I think I had the mascara at some point and liked it. It also had the rosy fragrance.
DeleteJust ordered this, as well as the Brilliant Red and a tin of the lip balm (loved the tin, so even if the balm itself is not heaven, I'm happy). Needed just this sort of consolation as I stare out at more snow falling on top of all the snow and ice we already have out there. DH is playing Winter Wonderland for me on the piano. Hmph! Frankly, the way this winter is going, I may need a couple of extra drawers just devoted to consolation red lipsticks.
ReplyDeleteAnna
Anna, yesterday was HORRID. And then we got a couple more inches overnight with more expected tomorrow. At this point I'm ready to order the entire beauty department from Bergdorf with overnight shipping. Maybe that can distract me from this cabin fever and general homicidiness.
DeleteI may be dumb for not knowing how this works...but how do you buy so much makeup? I'm so envious. Do you have a sponsor or something? I can't buy even all the sale stuff I want. I'm dying to know!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I fully understand what you meant, but in any case: my blog is not sponsored and I do not publish sponsored posts or get paid to write them. Some of the products I review are sent for my consideration (no guarantees), and some-- like this lipstick-- are stuff I buy. You weren't asking for my household income and tax information, right?
DeleteBeautylish has the line too, not sure if they ship outside of the US or not. I'm completely obsessed with the rose cheek color. It's seriously amazing stuff, the #400 is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteMy heart literally skipped a beat when I saw this. I've been meaning to post on your Facebook page for ages to ask about Anna Sui's makeup line.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was about 13-14 years old, the Sephora in downtown San Francisco first opened and my aunt took me there (the aunt who taught me to love makeup and perfume from the moment I could crawl and grab from her purse) instead of Saks, which is where she usually bought her makeup. This was when Sephora employees still wore the black glove on one hand. It was beyond thrilling to go there, literally like heaven on earth for me to be surrounded by luxurious perfumes and makeup. And the first things I bought there were an Anna Sui blush and powder foundation. That blush was the most adorable thing--a perfect bright, matte, non-shimmery pink in that classic, gorgeous little black rose case with a mirror in the lid and a purple puff, smelling ever so faintly of roses.
You can tell how much I loved it and how much I wish I could buy it again (probably at least half for nostalgia's sake!). Thanks for reviewing this, it made my day :)