According to Shu Uemura, there are 5 things that every woman should have on their dressing room closet. They would be none other than their Iconic 5 – which represents the brand as cutting edge and high performing skin care and make up brand. Shu Uemura named after the legendary Mr Shu Uemura, Japanese make up artist and beauty pioneer, who has always exemplified the spirit of a pioneer by breaking all boundaries in beauty creation.

Yes, recently all the rage has been those amazingly outrageous eye lashes but it is not part of the Iconic 5 (thank God!) but rather the Iconic 5 are items that have withstand the test of time as they are tried and tested items which  serves to enhance every woman’s look.  They are the Cleansing Oil, Depsea Water, UV Under Base, Hard Formula Eye Brow pencil and Eyelash Curler.

Frederick Ng

Frederick Ng, Accredited Artist and Chief Make Up artist of Shu Uemura took us through the journey of using the products as a testament to ourselves their justifiaction as an icon for Shu Uemura.

1) Cleansing Oil- The right way to use is two liberal pumps on the pump and rub it all over face over make up and even mascara. Then put a little water in hand and massage onto face and create  a foam, next rinse off face. This product needs the emulsification process which happens when water and oil is mixed toegther in order for it to work. So don;t wipe off oil with cotton pad!

Face should be clean and have no trace of oil (in fact a blotter test) can attest to its claim of no oily residue. Shu  Uemura believes that make up begins and  ends with cleansing. With no double cleansing necesssary , moisture is retained and pH balance is maintained.

2) Depsea Water- a fine mist of a spray from water found offthe coast of Cape Muroto in Southern Japan. The water found in depth over 200meter is  water taht has a high mineral content and the fine mist spray ensures that moisture is absorbed by skin. Ideally spray from about a 8to 10 inches away from face. The mist is so fine it almost feels non existent.

3) Shu Uemura Under Base - This is the secret to perfect foundation. A light slightly pigmented foam, it glides on perfectly on skin and blends well with skin. It also helps to tighten pores as it has Hammamelis extract. It creates a perfect base to set the foundation. Make up looks flawless fresh all day.

How to- make sure you shake well and the trick to ensure the foam doesn’t turn runny is to position the nozzle at a    90degree  angle from your palm. Use  a foam to apply the base according to the zones on face.

Verdict- make up looked fresh after 6 hours still.

Advice-always sunblock first before applying base!

My only contention is that there is absolutely onlyJapanese language on packaging so one must exercise blind faith on this product, and faith well served Iguess.

4) Hard Formula  Eyebrow Pencil- the eyebrows as we all know  is very important it is the window to our eyes which is the widow to our soul and many a fortuneteller have made studies on types of eyebrows and the personalityy associated with the eyebrows. Enough said that the wrong  shape of eyebrows can mean a world of difference to one’s face and to some even fortune! Well styled eyebrows can add strength or gentleness and definitely makes one looks more groomed.

Now shaping the eyebrow pencil itself is an art atShu Uemura- the perfect shape, ”naginata’ sword shape, to draw thin lines of natural fine eyebrows. This unique eyebrow pencilonly releases colour pigment when it interacts with the oils in brow hairs.

How to- draw like filling in the blanks in your eyebrow with soft gentle strokes. You will also learn how to shave your own eyebrow pencil (pretend if you will , you are a Ninja Turtle shaping eyebrow pencil).

Verdict- Soft natural   eyebrows and a deft hand with the blade!

Advise- Don’t shave eyebrows, pluck !

5) Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curler- this is an “internationally acclaimed” iconic too adored bymake up artists and celebrities around the world, well pardon me, I did not know that.  Since I  have always  had short thin lashes,  I figured Idon’t have much to curl. I have also heard of horror stories of overly “curled” lashes falling off and breaking , figured I can’t afford to lose anymore.

But the horror myth dispelled, Shu Uemura curler is not only not harmful but using it correctlycan enhance one’s eyes with naturally curly lashes.   ”The Shu Uemura one is manufactured with precision for with Japanese standards and it has been measured and balanced . Their patented hinge is engineered to apply the right amount of pressure on eyelashes . Its silicone pad right in the mushroom shape provides   a protective, stay put edge for improved safety and optimum curl.”

It has  a curved angle that just fits in with angle of lashes and suits all eyes shapes.

How-find perfect angle of eye shape, place the curler on lash at the roots, and press and release  gently,three times. Next, move curler up to middle length of lashes and again press and release gently , three times. Finally to the tip of lashes nad repeat. Continuous use will ensure natural curl stays longer.

Advise -Curl lash first and then apply mascara! Comes with oen spare silicon pad which is to replaced when fisrt silicone pad is worn and hardened. When both pads are worn out, throw away curler, time to buy new one!

Verdict- Yes, eyelash looks curlier, and upon application of mascara looks natural!

Possible related posts...

• Beauty Product Review: Shu Uemura UV Under Base
• Review: Shu Uemura Skin Purifier