Shu Uemura Faves
6/11/13

For many years, Shu Uemura was a somewhat obscure beauty brand with a single must-have product that was splashed in magazines from Vogue to US Weekly: the eyelash curler. Pretty much every fashion editor and starlet raved about the curler, which has since gained global cult status. 

Shu Uemura was raised in Japan and began his journey into the world of beauty through Japanese film and TV. After leaving Japan for the U.S., he contributed his talent and passion in films such as Geisha, starring Shirley MacLaine. Stars and filmmakers took notice, and he started his brand with a single product (cleansing oil) in the 60's. I imagine Hollywood stars loved and trusted Mr. Uemura to create a product that thoroughly removed heavy-duty film makeup, and left the skin moisturized. After researching him and the company's history for this post, I'm drawn to his philosophy, which was classic and timeless: "Beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin." 

(click photo to enlarge)

After purchasing my first Shu Uemura eyelash curler, I immediately knew it wasn't just hype. My puny, seemingly nonexistent blonde lashes (curse of the redheads) were instantly transformed and primed for mascara application. Where the heck did these lashes comes from?! And the perfect curl?? I was hooked. A limited-edition gold version was all the rage, and of course I had to have it. Sadly, eyelash curlers should be replaced about every six months. They naturally get bent, and no longer provide the same perfect results. Fortunately, the curlers are $20. We're talking $3 + change a month for gorgeous lashes. Each box contains a shiny new curler and a replacement silicone pad, as they wear out faster than the curlers (replace the pad after three months). 

I once popped into Barneys while living in Manhattan to purchase a replacement curler. The sales associate remarked on my unique eye color <blush> and how the Eye Lights pencil would really "open them up." The pencil is double-sided, with matte and pearl whites. She began in the corner of my eyes with the white side, and gradually smoothed the pencil up to the innermost corner of my eyelid. She then flipped the pencil around and used the pearl side on the lower corner underneath my eyes, just to the beginning of my lashes. I looked in the mirror and was blown away. This doesn't happen often. It literally changed how I do my eye makeup to this very day. My face lit up (no pun intended), and I get compliments about this liner/eye highlighter frequently. It takes just a few moment to make your eyes look gorgeous with the curler, the Eye Lights highlighter and some mascara. See bottom right photo (above) in which I used both the curler and pencil with Diorshow Black Out mascara. 

Intrigued yet? Well there's good news and bad news for those of us in the U.S. The good news is the products rock and you can order them...online. The bad news is L'Oréal (the evil empire who repeatedly acquires brands I love and makes poor decisions), pulled the brand out of all but seventeen countries- leaving U.S. residents without tangible products to check out in person. While the ability to purchase online is a relief to brand devotees, they've handicapped themselves to new consumers who don't have access to samples or the retail experience. What girly girl doesn't love a makeup counter?! Oh well. You can purchase my favorites on their website. And check out the rest of the brand. I'm placing the cleansing oil and some lip gloss into my online cart as we speak! Both are supposed to rock hard. They're also known for their false lashes, but I've yet to venture down that beauty path. For those of you who know me well, imagine for a moment me working with glue around my eyes. Yeah, no. 

My verdict? I've tried pretty much every dept. store brand's eyelash curlers from MAC to Chanel, and nothing even comes close. If you buy one product, this should be it. If you like the effect of the Eye Lights Pencil, I highly recommend it as well, and it lasts me nearly a full year with daily use. 

- Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is $20 and includes an extra silicone pad
- Shu Uemura Eye Light Pencil (White) is $19

Both available through Shu Uemura.