SHU UEMURA! SOUTH COAST PLAZA!

Welcome to Day Four of South Coast Plaza Week at megsmakeup.com! It’s Chichi, back with another fun filled shopping experience from our decadent day at the SCP. I just want to say “Thank You” once again to everyone involved in giving the ladies of megsmakeup such a fabulous day; from the SCP management office, to the heads of the companies we visited and especially our new friends working inside the stores who really rolled out the welcome mats for us. My last write up is on a company that is world renowned for their artistic and revolutionary make-up and accessories. I’m talking about the one and only Shu Uemura!

Believe it or not, I do not wear a lot of make-up on a daily basis. If however, you walked into my room and saw the piles of make-up, brushes and potions on my vanity and dresser, as well as the stacks of fashion magazines next to my bed, you would know that I am obsessed with make-up. I love it all, especially eye shadows, blushes, eyeliners and all of the fun parts of making up a face. Of course, I was already well versed with the legend of Shu Uemura and their iconic Eyelash Curler, as well as their vivid and amazing line of colors. Yet, I had never visited a Shu Uemura storefront. Let me tell you, walking into this mecca of make-up was almost a holy moment for me! As soon as we stepped into this well organized, jam-packed make up heaven, I know we were in the presence of greatness!

As we entered, we were warmly greeted by the fabulous Assistant Manager of Shu Uemura SCP, Alex as well as Make Up Artists Melina, Brittany and Levi who were our main guides into the world of Shu. The spectacular shop was designed to express the sophisticated simplicity and modernity of Shu Uemura’s minimalist packaging, (while) displaying a visually astounding color palette of individually sold makeup colors. I was almost overwhelmed by the array of choices in color and texture that were available for all customers to sample and test on themselves. However, after a run through of the boutique I quickly realized that all of the products were displayed in an easy to follow system. Eye shadows, liners, blushes, lipsticks and more were grouped together and displayed by color (lightest to darkest) and appropriately named so that you would know exactly what you were purchasing. For example, She Uemura offers their eye shadows in four separate finishes: Matte (M), Pearl (P), Iridescent (IR) and Metallic (ME). These letters (M, P, IR, ME) are listed before the shade color, so you’ll never have to guess at a colors finish. Plus, most eye colors are available in all four formulas, while blushes come in Pearl and Matte finishes. Simply genius!

Desertdoll and I had scheduled an appointment at Shu Uemura’s Legendary Lash Bar where Shu Uemura artists offer a unique Lash Styling service including the personal application of Shu Uemura’s more than 20 styles of false eyelashes from natural to dramatic. Additionally, this service includes a full face make-over using products from their huge selection of foundations, blushes, mascaras, eyebrow pencils and more. Of course, you get to walk away with your new false eyelashes as well as a wealth of application knowledge! This service does require a minimum purchase (details vary so check with your local Shu Uemura store). All six of us ladies were astounded to find that the whole team of Shu Uemura makeup artists had cleared time so that each of us could take part in the makeovers! Talk about VIP treatment!

While the lovely Melina worked her magic we discussed the latest offerings from Shu Uemura, The Rebirth Collection for Spring 2008. Unfortunately, this is the last line designed by the legendary founder, Shu Uemura, who passed away in December 2007. This pioneer of make up left us with one final and stunning collection of make up that is inspired by the purity, energy and innocence of the spring season. Mr. Uemura designed the collection ... using a combination of soft and vivid hues embellished with a unique and graceful leaf motif to communicate the revitalization of nature occurring at this time of year. All of the shades in this collection are unique, flattering and oh so pretty! The eye shadows are versatile as well. Each one can be worn alone, layered on top of cream eye shadow for added intensity, or as an eyeliner with a dampened brush.

Now onto the really fun stuff - the False Eylashes! If you just clicked that link, you will see that Shu Uemura offers an astounding selection of lashes for looks ranging from the all natural to the absolutely extravagant (see Solero in the right middle pic with her fantastically green lashes). Now, I love the look of false eyelashes but have always had difficulty applying them. I end up with crooked, gluey lashes instead of the flawless look Melina had (and she wore two lashes per eye). However, all is well as Melina imparted some wisdom to me. When you apply false eyelashes, do not look straight into your mirror, instead, place a hand mirror flat on a counter or your vanity. Then stand over it and look directly down into your mirror when applying the lashes. It’s such a simple trick, but it really works. Since that day, I’ve practiced with my Shu Uemura lashes and I am turning into a pro.

When the six of us, flawlessly made up creatures left Shu Uemura we were a sight to behold! (See bottom shot of the happy girls with the Shu staff). We not only walked out with our hand-picked new false eyelashes and beautiful faces, we received a goodie bag of Shu Uemura products as well! The products included in my bag of sunshine were:

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler What a treat to receive one of my most coveted items from all of Shu! The emblematic Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler featuring enhanced design and upgraded features for ultimate precision that delivers the perfect curl, including an upgraded silicone pad in a new "mushroom" shape provides a protective, stay-put edge for improved safety and optimum curl.

Rebirth Collection Eye Shadow in IR Earth Brown One of 5 limited edition eye colors for spring. This eye shadow gives one of the truest colors (from container to lid) I’ve ever used. The shadow is long lasting and crease-proof and the shade really makes my blue eye pop!

Rebirth Collection Eye Pencil - Aqua Flow Another limited edition product, the beauty of this eyeliner is that it contains three colors (light blue, grey and green) stacked into one pencil! The bright and fresh shades represent the calm flow of fresh spring dews.

Depsea Water Facial Mist This product really intrigued me during our visit, so I was pleased to find the relaxing Lavender scented bottle in my bag. This mist provides soft hydration for all skin types. The Depsea Water or “water from the depths of the sea” - is taken from the depth of the ocean where sunlight does not reach, at 320 meters. Pumped directly from the location, it is also bottled at the source, where the Shu Uemura manufacturing facility resides. Completely free of artificial color, natural aromatic extracts are then added to become lightly scented mists that rejuvenate and hydrate the skin, hair and body. It is also a key raw ingredient used in many of Shu Uemura makeup and skincare products.

High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Enriched A wonderful multi-tasker this wash leaves my face completely clean (without drying it out) and removes make up (even waterproof!) It’s recommended for drier skin types (or those in dry climates) but it’s worked really well for me in the middle of winter. The High Performance comes into play when you see that it contains tomato extract and vitamin E for anti-oxidant protection, avocado oil for extra moisture and nourishment and bitter orange peel extract to help brighten the skin.

Are you ready to sidle up to the Shu Uemura lash bar? Maybe you’re already curling your lashes with their must-have curler. Let’s talk Shu Uemura!

SHU UEMURA - BUY IT HERE!