Category: Tools / Accessories

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers

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Eyelash curlers are your friends. These Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers are your best friends. Not only does it “open” your eyes, it makes you “see” things more clearly.

One time, I was working on a male model who had lashes that were growing downward. I had a feeling, he couldn’t see clearly so I asked him if it was okay for me to curl his lashes. A debate actually ensued because he thought it would be a complete blow to his masculinity. I told him, “I am not questioning your masculinity, I am doing my best to make sure that you’ll see the runway.” After a bit of hesitation he said “Yes”.

After I curled his lashes he said, “Oh I can see.”

My point exactly. There is more to eyelash curling than just aesthetics.

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Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers

These are the only two eyelash curlers I own. One full-sized curler and one mini. They come in a box with a replacement silicone pad inside.

Replacement Silicone Pads
Replacement Silicone Pads

Here’s some piece of advice: Do not throw the box your eyelash curlers came in after purchasing them. The extra pad comes in a small plastic bag. What you’ll do is, you’d staple this plastic bag unto the box of the eyelash curler. You will store this box in a safe place inside your vanity cabinet or drawer. In doing so, you will not loose an essential element of your eyelash curler that you paid for.  Once the current silicone pad on your eyelash curler has lived out it’s cycle, you can quickly replace it with the extra piece that you stapled on the box upon initial purchase.

I never use eyelash curlers, but based on a discussion I had with a few friends. The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is the best. It’s in the design. I asked a few friends of mine to curl one of their lashes with the ones from Shu Uemura, and the other lash with another popular brand. We have come to the conclusion that unlike the popular brand, you only need to exert a minimum amount of pressure on Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler to get a curl.

The shape of the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is rounder than that of the popular brand. The metal band sits perfectly on your eyeballs. The popular brand has a more oval shape; a fraction flatter. According to my other friend who tried it, it’s more comfortable for her to use the popular brand because her eyeballs don’t protrude as much; her only complaint was it took her a while longer to achieve the curl that she wanted.

The silicone pads of the eyelash curlers from Shu Uemura are different. After checking their website, I have read that their silicone pads have been upgraded. It now has a “mushroom” shape that helps in creating the right curl for you lashes.

The silicone pads of the eyelash curlers from Shu Uemura are different. After checking their website, I have read that their silicone pads have been upgraded. It now has a “mushroom” shape that helps in creating the right curl for you lashes. This also creates a more stable “hold” on to the metal base of the eyelash curler. I have also noticed that the silicone pad is slightly longer (by a micrometer, using the term loosely here) ) than that of the other popular brand. Rest assured you get your entire lash on your lash line curled in one go, unless you have big eyes.

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I use the full-sized eyelash curler all the time. The mini eyelash curlers come in handy when the full-sized eyelash curler can’t curl those stubborn lashes at the outer corners of the eyes. I use this to curl those oddly angled lashes that the full-sized curler miss out on. I also use this to curl lashes on eyes that are smaller than usual. I curl one portion of the lash line after the other. It does curl effectively.

Unfortunately the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers Mini are now discontinued. There is a New Generation Eyelash S Curler out that I have not tried. Click here to know more about it.

The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler have been at the top of the eyelash curler leader board leader board since it’s launch in 1991. Though there are many cheaper eyelash curlers in the market, you will feel the difference after you’ve switched to Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler. It’s all in the details.

Do be careful when you are curling your lashes. Get as close to the base of your lashes as possible. Make sure to have a steady hand in applying various degrees of pressure. Apply slow and steady pressure multiple number of times along your lashes as you move outward and upward. Avoid curling your lashes by exerting a huge amount of pressure in one go, this might dislodge your lashes from its roots.

For very stubborn lashes, you can heat the metal band by passing a blow dryer over it or my rubbing the metal band a number of times. Always be careful when heating the metal band to avoid burning the eyelids.

Never re-curl your lashes after putting on mascara. Most of the time, when you do this, your lashes will stick to the metal band of the eyelash curler. This can lead to problems such as clumping and breakage. Find a mascara that will hold the curl made by the eyelash curler.

Finally, always clean your eyelash curler after every use.

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I bought my full-sized Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler in Duty Free Philippines years ago for $21.They currently retail for php 1400. You can get the eyelash curlers at Shu Uemura botiques in SM North EDSA,  Shangri-La Plaza, SM Makati, Rustan’s Makati, Powerplant Mall and in Alabang Town Center.

The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler Mini was a gift.

 

 

 

 

 

Parian Spirit

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Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner

The other brush cleaner I use is Parian Spirit.

I use this when I do not have time to give my brushes a thorough cleaning in between jobs. This brush cleaner effectively removes the heaviest of cream and powdered products from the bristles; even eyeliner residue and lipstick stains. It leaves a fresh lemon-y scent that is often mistaken to be perfume by anyone who is in the room when I start cleaning my brushes. Its main active ingredient is citrus.

Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner is a quick drying and non-toxic brush cleaner that effectively disinfect brushes with out ruining them. My brushes always look shiny and feels very soft after every cleaning.  I was worried that this might be toxic, but it is certified environmentally safe. As a precaution, clean your brushes by maintaining a safe distance between you and the product. When you want to submerge your brushes entirely, use a glass receptacle when decanting the liquid.  Try not to let the liquid  touch your hands because it leaves a white residue. It can be drying; be kind to your cuticles.

Parian Spirit 2oz spray
The 2oz Spray Bottle from Parian Spirit

Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner come in a small spray bottles as well.  Try to avoid inhaling  the droplets when using this, even if it is made from food grade solvents (as stated on their webpage www.parianspirit.com) , it is still a cleaner at the end of the day. It pays to be cautious always.

Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner has many other uses. I use this to remove makeup stains in my makeup kit caused by spillage. I use this to spot clean lipstick stains on my shirts as well.

I also use this to clean the front laces of my expensive wigs. I lay the lace in between some tissue before spraying it. I then use a soft bristle toothbrush to aid in removing any remnants of latex, wax  and adhesives.

I also use this when I want to reuse some false eyelashes. I lay them on some tissue paper and spritz some Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner on it. This breaks down mascara (even waterproof) on lashes and the glue that has remained on the band. Once cleaned, I spray it with some alcohol to remove any oil and then I gently blot it with the tissue. It’s good as new.

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I have the 16 oz Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner and the 2 oz Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner. What I do is that I decant the liquid into the 2oz spray bottle that I bring with me all the time. This lightens my load and saves me space on my makeup kit. Prior to purchasing the 2 oz Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner, I have tried decanting the liquid into a small Muji spray bottle. After a few days, the spray stopped working. I think the plastic material that is used to make Muji spray bottles are not compatible to be used with the solvent of Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner.

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I  purchase this in a hair and makeup supply store called Suesh (pronounced as Sue-shh). To check for their product listing of Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner , click here. They do deliver as well, do visit their website at www.suesh.com for more details.

The Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner 2oz retails for Php 380.

The Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner 80z retails for Php 670.

The Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner 16 oz retails for Php 1200.

Click here for the listing of other international suppliers for Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner.

 

VMV Hypoallergenics Instant, No Rinse Hypoallergenic Brush Cleaner

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I have two bursh cleaners in my kit and one of them is VMV Hypoallergenics Instant, No Rinse Hypoallergenic Brush Cleaner.

This is best to use on brushes owned by  people who are highly allergic to certain scents and chemicals that are present in some brush cleaners.

Being a gentle cleanser, I usually double cleanse brushes that I used for colored powders and creams (foundations + lipsticks). It takes a while for VMV’s brush cleaner to breakdown certain ingredients of the makeup used. I have noticed that this works best on brushes that I use for powdered products.

This brush cleaner is alcohol based. I spray the bristles with enough product to dampen them. Then, I swirl the bristles on a piece of of tissue paper to remove the  the makeup. After cleaning, if I am at home, I air dry them on my drying rack. When I’m working, I place the brushes on a table with the bristles laying at the edge of it.

Once dried, my brushes feel soft and looks shiny.

Aside from cleaning brushes, I use this to disinfect makeup products that I use. I spritz a light mist on eye shadows, on eyelash curlers, on tweezers, on scissors, on compact powders, or on lipstick bullets. I spritz this brush cleaner on eye pencils and lip pencils before I sharpen them and after I use them.

I use this to sanitize my brush belt and my makeup kit as well. You store your tools and products in these particular sites, so frequent cleaning and sanitizing in the norm. Remember that you are working with an array of people all the time. It’s important to keep these two clean and bacteria free always. Let me tell you, people will notice if you keep your tools keep and tidy; it can affect your reputation.

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VMV Hypoallergenics Instant, No Rinse Hypoallergenic Brush Cleaner has Gylceryl Laurate which is known for its antibacterial properties and Camellia Sinensis Extract (Green Tea Extract) for its antiviral properties. This product was made keeping in mind that your skin needs to be protected as well.

Panthenol is what makes the brushes soft and shiny.

This 250 ml spray bottle retails for Php 900 ($18).

This is available to purchase at all VMV boutiques. Do take note this runs out of stock quite fast.

This is also available online through www.vmvhypoallergenics.ph (Philippine market). For the rest of the world you can purchase through www.vmvhypoallergenics.com.