I am obsessed with so many things that Shu Uemura makes from their makeup to their iconic cleansing oils, and also their stupendous haircare products. They offer superbly luxurious products that are such a joy to use, and in my experience they create one masterpiece after another. My latest Shu obsession, however, isn't a fancy unusual product in an elegantly or whimsically ornamented packaging, but instead a must-have workhorse eyebrow pencil that you need to sharpen every now and then.
Shu Uemura Hard Formula Brow Pencil, which comes in seven shades, is a very long-lasting hard eyebrow pencil that is made of a mixture of powder, wax and solid oil. The hard tip makes it ideal for laying down the perfect amount of pigment in small hair-like strokes of the wrist to emulate the appearance of individual hairs. Rather than smearing or migrating, this formula boasts such impressive efficacy that it stays put all day long. I selected Oak Brown 09 because it is a very suitable shade for my very dark brown eyebrows, and since I started using it I haven't reached for any of my other brow products.
According to Shu Uemura,
This unique eyebrow pencil has been beloved for over 25 years. This eyebrow pencil has an oil activated formula: color only shows with natural oil that is on the eyebrow. This unique formula consists of a mix of powder, wax, and small amounts of semi-solid oil, a winning combination that delivers the perfect hardness for ultimate precision with a powdery texture that works well with foundation upon application. The result is a natural and defined brow look. Smudge-proof and long-lasting. Please note: hard formula does not come sharpened in the shape of a naginata samurai sword. What is naginata? enabling precision, the unique "naginata" samurai sword shape is part of shu uemura's heritage, creating natural, defined brows, for both fine lines and wider areas. the angled tip boasts versatility, craftsmanship, and a timeless functionality that navigates ever-changing brow trends through time. the edge is used to draw precise lines as thin as hair, the side surfaces are for shading naturally or boldly, and the point is for filling in the fine gaps in the brows for a beautiful finish. each pencil is carefully manufactured and is the epitome of Japanese craftsmanship.
There is something inherently satisfying about being able to find high quality drugstore makeup brands that boast the performance, color saturation, longevity and high quality that is associated with department store brands, but at a fraction of the price. One of my very very longtime favorite drugstore brands is Rimmel London– to the extent that I routinely stalk their displays, and often pick up new finds.
Here are a few of my current favorite gems from Rimmel London that are perfect for the season:
This is my current favorite drugstore foundation because it offers medium coverage with a very natural finish. My skin looks and feels hydrated, smooth and glowing. Rimmel claims that it is "party-proof, transfer-proof and leaves you with flawless looking skin around the clock" and lasts up to 25 hours, and I agree with all of these claims, except that I can't verify the 25 hour wear-time because of my unwillingness to sleep in my makeup.
Lasting Finish 25 Hour Full Coverage, our first long wear foundation with comfort serum for feel good, flawless skin that stays put morning to night. Stay-true makeup applies smoothly and evenly, concealing dark circles and imperfections. Leaves skin looking flawless all day long. Transfer resistant for up to 25 hours. New skin-friendly comfort serum for instant hydration, lightweight and extra comfortable wear all day. Vitamin E helps provide additional skin barrier from free radicals.
Available Shades: Light Ivory (Shown), Classic Ivory, Soft Beige, Classic Beige, True Beige and Sand.
This lightweight and natural looking bronzing powder, with a waterproof formula, that gives you the perfect sun-kissed glow anywhere you desire a touch of color.
According to Rimmel London,
Year-round radiance. Fall doesn’t have to mean giving up the glow—you can maintain a sun-kissed complexion all year with help from Rimmel London. Whether you want a natural hint of healthy color or stunning shimmer, Rimmel London has the bronzer you need for non-stop glow. This natural-looking bronzing powder gives skin a warm glow the healthy way—without the sun’s damaging rays. The advanced formula combines the antioxidant properties of vitamin E with the moisturizing and soothing benefits of Aloe Vera for a weightless feel and flawless finish. Light reflective particles help to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin looking gorgeous in any light. Available in three shades with a slight hint of shimmer, Rimmel London’s Natural Bronzer mimics the subtle yet sexy glow of sun-kissed skin—even after summer is long gone.
This is such a great eyebrow pencil and an absolutely unbelievable price. The texture is more creamy than waxy, and therefore doesn't tug at the skin, and it is very richly pigmented. It is perfect for shaping and filling in brows, and once it sets it stays put all day. Furthermore, it includes a very useful brow brush for taming and shaping, and it does require sharpening.
According to Rimmel London,
Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil is used to enhance and refine the shape of the eyebrows. It can be used to fill gaps or lengthen the arc of the brow to create the desired look.
Available Shades: Dark Brown, Hazel and Black Brown (shown).
Having already successfully experienced Rimmel London ScandalEyes Eyeshadow Sticks, I was looking forward to trying more shades, and Gold Digger and Paranoid Purple definitely spoke to me.
Rimmel London ScandalEyes Eyeshadow Sticks are waterproof and budge-proof eyeshadow sticks that are gorgeous, long-wearing, and come in a beautiful array of richly saturated hues.
Gold Digger is a beautiful and infinitely wearable warm shimmering gold that can be worn as a simple wash of color, or incorporated into a more ornate look. It also works beautifully as an eyeshadow base.
According to Rimmel London, the jumbo applicator, "creates a dramatic look in just one stroke." It can be used as both an eye shadow or an eyeliner, and the creamy application effortlessly glides across the skin depositing color evenly. The ultra creamy formula blends effortlessly and boasts a gorgeous long wearing and fade-proof luminous finish. I get all day wear without smudging, creasing or fading, but I do not have oily eyelids. I wear it without a primer, but if you have particularly oily eyelids you will definitely increase your wear time with a primer. I did not test their 24HR wear claims because I never sleep with makeup on, but I definitely found that the formula was waterproof and smudge-proof. This formula can be used an eyeshadow or eyeliner.
Rimmel's ScandalEyes XX-Treme Mascara is formulated for lashes with extreme volume and length without clumping. The dual impact brush captures lashes, and removes excess mascara to prevent the formation of clumps. I tend to avoid extreme lashes, but I definitely love the length and volume that I am able to achieve in a couple of passes without getting spider lashes.
According to Rimmel London,
Create your boldest eye look ever with revolutionary offerings from Rimmel London. First, go for 360-degree eye-opening drama with ScandalEyes XX-Treme Volume and Length Mascara. With an innovative dual-sided wand and a high-performance formula, the mascara delivers elongated lashes that demand to be noticed. Experience infinite lashes with extreme high-impact volume and dramatic length with this mascara that does it all. Rimmel’s ingenious two-sided dual-action brush visibly thickens, lengthens, and separates lashes for an eye-opening lash look. The arched side of the applicator contains tiny, two-pronged bristles to deliver maximum, quick-load volume, while the flat side has longer teeth to eliminate clumps and define lashes. From root to tip, even your smallest lashes will look curvaceous and bold.
Benefits:
Arched side: Volumizes and loads up lashes for xx-treme look
Flat side: Defines and lengthens lashes from root to tip
Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipsticks are enriched with Vitamins A. C and E to moisturize lips while providing rich pigmentation. The formula is ultra lightweight and glides across the lips effortlessly, and it deposits color evenly without feathering or settling into fine lines. It has the perfect amount of cushion, and the finish has a nice sheen.
Red Alert is an absolutely gorgeous blue-based red that is Valentine's Day perfect! I get a hours and hours of wear-time, and it fades evenly. It has a fragrance that lasts for a few minutes before fading away, but it doesn't bother me in the least. If, however, you are very sensitive to any scented lip products, you may want to smell it before buying it. That said, it fades quickly enough that it won't likely pose an issue for most people.
According to Rimmel London,
New and improved vitamin-enriched lipsticks leave your lips feeling drenched in moisture with intense colour. Never settle for dry, flaky lips or a timid pout with new and dramatically improved Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick. The revolutionary new lipstick hits lips with punch of highly-pigmented colour and a downpour of hydration. With highly improved colour pay-off and a serious increase in moisturizing power, new Moisture Renew Lipstick glides on in 24 luscious shades that last.
Features:
Vitamin A,C,E enriched formula that drenches lips in intense colour and moisture.
Ultra lightweight, comfortable to wear all day.
A burst of brilliance in a rainbow of shades.
Reduces lip dryness without compromising color
Dermatologically tested.
Available Shades: To Nude or Not to Nude?, Pink Chic, Oxford Street Fuchsia, Piccadilly Pink, Ringa Ringa Roses, Rose Blush , Latino, Dusty Rose, Tower of Mauve , Berry Rose, Crystal Mauve, Back to Fuchsia, As You Want Victoria, Diva Red , Red Alert (SHOWN), Mayfair Red Lady, Coral Garden, Coral Britannia, Summer Angel, Saved by the Bell, In Love with Ginger, Nude Delight, Let’s Get Naked, Notting Hill Nude, Amethyst Shimmer.
Rimmel's Moisture Renew Lipstick gives a brilliant burst of rich, pure color infused with a monsoon of creamy moisture. Ready to pamper your lips with luxuriously moisturized rich colour for a soft, cared-for and hydrated feel day after day?
Overall Assessment: Rimmel London remains one of my very favorite drugstore brands because they make so many truly wonderful products that are so affordable. I highly suggest checking out their products next time you pass their display!
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
