HOT OR NOT: MECCA MAX REVIEWED + SWATCHES + VIDEO DEMO

For the few weeks I have been using Mecca Max products on a daily basis, giving everything a solid go because I felt comfortable enough to produce this post for you guys.

I feel that the launch of Mecca Max has been a very positive occurrence for many people, especially from a financial perspective.

If you want to know what's hot from Mecca Max's range, keep reading!

MECCA MAX TRIPLE THREAT FACE SHAPER POWDER $30

I have recently replaced my old bronzer/blush/highlighter trio with triple threat. The powders are encased in a beautiful metal packaging with a nice big mirror. The powders itself are not matte - I personally would prefer a matte bronzer, however the shimmer in the bronzer is fairly minimal and not quite noticeable on your face. I have been using the bronzer to contour, it seems to work fine on my light olive skin.

The highlighter is absolutely gorgeous, I've had people ask me which highlighter I am using when I wear it. The highlighter is buildable for a night time look. The blush is a rosy everyday staple that is also buildable. All three powders have a more warmer undertone with what appears to be gold shimmers. I personally feel that this powder is more geared towards those with a lighter complexion. However, you can still use this if you have a medium to light medium complexion, as the shades are all buildable.

MECCA MAX BANANA BAKE SKIN FILTER $24

This powder possess a yellow undertone which may not a good match for someone with a cooler complexion to use on it's own, but it will work fine as a light dust of finishing powder over foundation. Luckily it works great with my olive skin. I love using this product to set my under eye concealer and light dabs along my T-Zone, I feel that it does provide a filter over my skin making my skin look more even. I like this product, however I don't love it. It is however, a handy powder that is suitable for your purse.

 MECCA MAX A-LIPSTER LIQUID LIPSTICK in SKINNY LATTE $28

Skinny Latte is a beautiful shade, I have received so many compliments wearing this shade! The long flat oval applicator allows precision, I was able to apply the liquid lipstick on my lips with ease and no error!

The product is definitely long lasting, I had a really long day and the lipstick was still present after 12 hours (although I did eat fairly cautiously), the formula is lightweight with a very slight tackiness. I feel that the liquid lipstick is mildly drying after a couple of hours of wear - I would recommend a lip balm over the top, but do note that my lips are usually quite dry.

Skinny Latte as a shade is SPOT ON, however the formula may not be for everyone. It would be ideal if the formula was more moisturising to cater for us girls with drier lips. Nonetheless, I would continue to use this product.

MECCA MAX DOUBLE VISION EYE COLOUR in TUSCAN SUN $16

This eyeshadow did not appeal to me at all when I first saw it, especially since the shades are not something I would usually wear or reach for. The first time I used it was when I made the Mecca Max YouTube Video (at the end of the post). I didn't think I would like this eyeshadow so much!

The cream formula is lightweight, pigmented and easy to blend whilst the powder formula is smooth and also very pigmented. I like to layer the powder over the cream for a lasting effect. Wear time is approximately 6-7hrs, at the 8hr mark you will start to notice some creasing.

To be honest, this is probably one of my favourite products out of the lot.

 MECCA MAX OH MY MATTE MATTIFYING PRIMER $20

I don't often use matte primers, mainly because my skin is a combination of dry, dehydrated while being slightly oily around the T-Zone. I used this primer mainly on my nose to keep it matte, it did a fantastic job at keeping the oils at bay, however I just couldn't make it sit well underneath my concealer or foundation, it also felt too drying for my already dehydrated skin.

The consistency of the primer is quite thick, almost balm like, it spreads relatively well but I just cannot make it work. It's impossible for me to like and love every product I try, but I did give it a solid go over the past few weeks and decided this is just not a product for me.

MECCA MAX SHIMMER SHOT ILLUMINATING WAND in  PEARL $25

This is a stunning cream highlighter dispensed via a clickable pen with a brush on end, I was amazed by the glow it was able to create. The first time I used it I accidentally applied the cream on top of powder, which is a big no-no and created a whole lot of mess. I ensure to always use this cream highlighter on bare skin, on top of foundation or other cream products. I have been using this product directly from the tube and utilizing the brush to spread the highlighter onto my cheekbones, however for general day time work wear, I prefer to rub it onto the back of my hand, warm it up with my fingers and tap it onto my cheekbones. 

This cream formula is lightweight and non-tacky. It's buildable and great for both day and night. My tip is to be cautious when dispensing the highlighter, I often double click and more products came out than expected. To intensify the highlighter further, I recommend going over with the highlighter from triple threat, you will be GLOWING.

 MECCA MAX WINK INK LIQUID EYELINER $20

I absolutely love this dual ended eyeliner. I like to use the flat end to line most of my eyes and the fine tip to define the wings (as seen in my video). I wore this liner for a good 12 hours and it did not smudge or flake, there was a small amount of fading but the liner stayed put and in tack. The formula is quite pigmented and fast drying. Very impressed for a $20 liquid liner, definitely a hot product! 

 MECCA MAX EYE MAX POWER COUPLE MASCARA $38

This is my most anticipated product from Mecca Max's collection. I have never seen a wand so small, allowing love for all the smaller and impossible to coat or reach lashes. I have been using the larger wand for my upper lashes and the smaller wand for my lower lashes. The formula is not waterproof, if you have watery eyes, you may notice some smudges. Unfortunately this also means that the formula is unable to maintain curls - my lashes are ridiculously straight so it's not a big surprise for non-waterproof formulas. 

The smaller wand is really a life saver, I was able to create never before seen lengthy lower lashes, the degree of lash separation was jaw dropping.

I personally feel that the smaller wand makes this mascara, it's so good for those with smaller lashes or those who want to accentuate lower lashes without smearing mascara all over the place. 

It would be fantastic if Mecca is able to create a couple mascara with tubular formula, as I find those formulas to hold curls, washes off easily and unable to be smudged. 

12 HOURS LATER

VIDEO DEMO

The products featured were provided for editorial purposes

Shu Uemura Play Date Full Face Look and Review

I had a big day of shopping and high tea with my lovely mother on Saturday - I don't know how people can spend the entire day in the shopping centre without getting a headache! The lights are so sharp. A couple of weekends ago, my partner and I were lucky enough to have been chauffeured to Richmond and Katoomba for a foodie filming session, I of course, wore Shu ;)

SHU UEMURA PLAY DATE - WATER SLIDE BLUE

A very simple limited edition palette with childhood-inspired shades in metallic and pearl texture. The case is reusable and can fit 3 other pressed eye shadow refill shades and 1 glow on cheek blush.

The pressed shadow shades are Dark Purple, Aqua and Soft Purple. The blush is Pink Shimmer.

The eyeshadow shades are quite pearlescent - especially the lighter shades. The texture is creamy and easy to blend. Pigmentation wise, the shades are true to the colour you see. As for wear time, it would last for about 4-5 hours, I find lighter shades to have shorter wear time. It's a pricey little palette, but if you are a shu lover and enjoy pastel shades, this may be something for you to consider.

SHU UEMURA DRAWING PENCIL - PINK

This pencil is perfect to draw on your face or as an eyeliner, it's very creamy, very pigmented, does not transfer, true to it's colour and best of all... WATERPROOF!

The pink remained on my lids for a whooping 14 hours, a lot of blinking, watery-eyes business and eye rubbing after naps. It's damn sturdy, however it was relatively difficult to remove and required makeup remover.

SHU UEMURA ROUGE UNLIMITED SHEER SHINE - GUILTY CHERRY

A very pigmented and smooth lipstick. When applied generously, it will give you a beautiful deep maroon look. I have been using lipstick as a tint (see video), giving me a true "just bitten" look. The tint is very long lasting, non-drying on application and survived my first meal. I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome, this is definitely a keeper!

Although it is non-drying on application, I would still recommend for users to top it off with a lip balm. It's "non-drying" but it's not the most moisturising either.

VIDEO DEMO

*Products featured were provided for editorial purposes.

Shu Uemura Chinese New Year Rouge Limited Edition Neon Balms

Shu Uemura Chinese New Year Rouge Unlimited Neon Balm

• The packaging features Plum Blossom, a symbol of longevity, prosperity and romance. A sign to a posperous new year.
• Chinese New Year Edition lip balm
• Neon colours in a smooth veil
• Moistures lips while providing a coloured glow
• Available in 2 shades: Melt in Orange and Glow in Pink

Price: $46 AUD

TOP: Melt in Orange BOTTOM: Glow in Pink

My Verdict

• Shu Uemura continues to blow me away with their incredible, delicate  and elegant packaging. This is why I can never part from high end beauty products... the beautiful plum blossoms on the packaging makes me weak at the knees.
• When I first saw the colours, the following dialogue ran through my mind "No.. no... No.. Noooo... How will I wear this colour?!". It wasn't until I applied the balm onto my lips, I realised it was sheer. Ah silly me. The swatch photo above is unfiltered, untouched and taken in natural lighting.
• The balms provides a slight tint of colour while enhancing the natural colour of my lips. The texture is smooth, non-waxy and extremely moisturising. I find the pink neon balm exceptionally flattering for my lip colour.
• I was required to re-apply the balm after approximately 40 minutes, exceeding 60 minutes, my lips did feel slightly dry so make sure to keep a balm in your bag!
• This is perfect for natural everyday wear or work wear!

You can find and purchase Shu Uemura products from Sephora Australia here.

*The products featured in this post was provided for editorial purpose, all opinions are my own

Shu Styling by Shu Uemura at QVB, Sydney

Christmas is creeping up on me and I am feeling the festivity.

I was lucky to have recently been invited to attend a make-over at Shu Uemura's Boutique in the QVB. Lovely Liz asked me what kind of look I wanted to create... boy, I umm-ed and uhh-ed for a good minute. I wear a LOT of neutrals and initially wanted to opt for a neutral work-appropriate look.

It wasn't long for me to throw that idea out the door and agreed to do an orange look with a dewy base.

My makeover started off by removing the small amount of foundation I had on for the day with Shu Uemura's Cleansing Oil, and proceed with a full skincare routine using Shu Uemura's Tsuya Skincare range. The products were beautiful and smelt incredible.



Shu Umeura's Cosmic Blossom Eye and Cheek Palette was selected for me. I was quite hesitant when I saw the bright orange eye shadow and it's earthy red neighbour. However once my applied I was stunned by how much I liked it, it was really quite natural and work-appropriate!!! I was so glad that this palette was selected for me because I would never consider trying this palette if I didn't get a little bit of encouragement.

I am in love with Shu Uemura x Murakami range, apparently so is my boyfriend... he is a big fan of Murakami's art, so much that he forced me to give him the little Murakami signature flower attached on my Shu lash curler!!

Below I have a couple of unedited and unfiltered full faced look, please excuse the cheesy smile.

If you would like to get your beauty on this festive season, head over to Shu at David Jones or QVB! I've included their service menu above for your reference. This is especially good if you have a night out and wanted to get some shopping done at the same time! A MASSIVE thanks to Shu Uemura and SHAPR team for having me!!

Dont forget to join Fabulous and Fun Life's link up here

*Lily not Louise attended this makeup session as a guest of Shu Uemura.

Shu Uemura Tokyo Doll Eye and Cheek Palette Swatches and FOTD

Today is our first proper warm day in a few months now. I am buzzing.
I have a work meeting I need to attend next Tuesday and the requirement of entrance is no make up, no nail polish and no false nails.

I had my gorgeous mani done by Vaniday last weekend and it's still in pristine condition (so sad!) and no makeup... eeeep!! I am so use to putting on makeup before I go out on most days, especially if it's a working day, I honestly cannot even imagine not being able to wear makeup to work.

Before I have to face the world without anything on my face, it's time to indulge!

ABOUT TOKYO DOLL PALETTE

Shu Ueumra recently introduced a brand spanking new limited edition Tokyo Doll Eye and Cheek Palette. This palette comes with 10 GORGEOUS shades (including 2 matte cheek colours) that will create two Tokyo inspired looks. Perfect for travel and on the go.

DAY: Inspired by Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms, the day look will provide you with a healthy glow using casual nude tones.

NIGHT: When you are ready to transform, allow the mysterious Tokyo Streets to whisk you away with a feminine smoky look using cool smoky tones and a pink blush. The ultimate look for a night out.

Don't stop there, this beautiful palette is enclosed in an equally stunning limited edition pouch designed by Tokyo artist, Feebee.

RRP $128

MY IMPRESSION

Since I have only used this palette a couple of times, this won't be a full review, rather I will give you my impression. The shadows are really finely milled, smooth and velvety! I've worn it for 8 hours and it passed the test, the colours did fade slightly, however no creasing in sight, zilch. In fact, the shades still looked beautiful on my lids. I was beyond impressed!

I'd say that the pigmentation is good in my books, it's not overly pigmented and provides a decent pay off (this may not appear to be the case with the swatches below, but I do one touch swipe and swatch). I have a fair share of Japanese cosmetics, and I find that Japanese eyeshadow are usually not as pigmented as say...Hourglass. Japanese brands seem to cater for natural and wearable looks (which fits into my FOTDs perfectly). I absolutely LOVE that this is a two-toned palette, because I will be taking this onto the cruise with me :)

The only con I experienced so far is that I did find some bits of eyeshadow falling onto other eyeshadows or blushes after use (which I suppose is typical of palettes), so I like to take a deep breath and blow off any loose/excess bits of shadow/glitter from the surface to avoid cross contamination.

Overall, the colours appeared very flattering on my lids. The two lightest shades can be used as a highlighter (as shown in my video below). And don't even get me started on the sparkles, urgh so pretty.

I decided to go with the day look (gold sparkle and peach blush) to match my mani.

SWATCHES (one touch swipe and swatch)

MAKEUP VIDEO
All products used in this video were from Shu Uemura Tokyo Girl Eye and Cheek Palette with exception of the following:
- Brow pencil
- Lip Balm
- Mascara

*This product was provided for editorial purpose. All opinions are my own.

EVENT: Shu Uemura Grand Opening at Queen Victoria Building

Shu Uemura recently opened their first Boutique in Sydney, this is such an exciting milestone for the brand. I was lucky to be able to celebrate the grand opening at their spanking new boutique. I am a sucker for Japanese beauty products, when I went to Japan I purchased more than I can chew. During University I could never afford Shu Uemura, luckily, my close friend returned from her travels and gifted me the infamous Shu Uemura eye lash curler. That's where my relationship began with this amazing brand.

Shu Uemura's Boutique is located on the Lower Ground of Queen Victoria Building. It's a bit further down from Doughnut Time's stall, you can't miss it.

Let's take a moment to admire the gorgeous colourful lashes on shu bear in the photo above. They are so fluffy!!!!!

If you are not aware already, Wengie (Youtuber) is more or less the face of Shu Uemura Australia. I started watching Wengie's channel earlier this year and she is adorable! It's not a grand opening if there's no ribbon cutting, right?

Following the ribbon cut, we headed into the store to have a look at their wide range of skincare and makeup, you can see more photos of the beauty products below!

 

To fuel my undying passion for food. Above I have included some photos of the catering from the event. Healthy and delicious sushi alongside some pretty naughty doughnuts from Doughnut Time!!!

 

Closing off this post with a photo of myself with the beautiful Wengie! This is the second time I have met her and she actually remembered me from Benefit's Launch! Tickled pink ^_^

Find out more about Shu Uemura here.

You can also purchase Shu Uemura from Sephora Australia here.

*Lily not Louise attended this event as a guest of Shu Uemura.