The products in this collection are from the permanent range but packaged in a limited-edition design and cover. The collection consists of the brand's bestsellers, which are Hard Formula, Petal 55 Foundation Brush, and Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil. The collection truly depicts the essence of Japanese craftsmanship in modernity and tradition.

Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil

Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil is the original hard formula in limited edition Crafted in Japan packaging. This is one of the bestsellers from the brand for the last 25 years. This is the first time I have tried this cult-favourite product. As I opened and tried it on my arm, it felt hard, and I didn't see many colours. But once I applied it to my brows, it totally transformed into the easiest and natural pigment. That means the formula is intelligent to work on the right area. Technically, the formula is oil activated and color only shows once applied on the brows. This means once the formula mixes with natural oils of brows. There is a mix of powder, wax, and small amounts of semi-solid oil in this unique formula. The result is the perfect hardness to deliver a precise application as well as to fill in.

I like how natural it looks and once you get hold of it, it is super easy to apply. It is that kind of product you use and stick it to for the rest of your life. I know the pictures and promotional images show the unique samurai sword shape that is part of Shu Uemura's heritage. I have tried but I think I will need some time to master how to transform Hard Formula into its well-known naginata shape. Otherwise, the pencil has a nice size and is long enough to last long. I do not have to sharpen it every time before use, so, less wastage and more use.

The longevity is nice, stays put all day, except if I intentionally smudge or remove it. Overall, it is a keeper. The shade seal brown is a beautiful neutral shade that I can use to fill in. There is also a choice for shades of brown, gray, or black in the original packaging.

Petal 55 Foundation Brush

Petal 55 Foundation Brush is packaged in limited edition Crafted in Japan collection packaging. It is a very soft and dense brush with a unique hexagon shape. The design makes it easy to grip with fingers. Thus, making the application of foundation easy. It is easy to reach the hard areas like the sides of the nose. The dense fibers give a smooth stroke from all angles to give a smooth, even, and flawless coverage. This, in turn, reduces the application time and effort.

I am totally enjoying this handy tool for a nice and natural coverage and finish. It works well with liquid as well as cream foundations. I have noticed there is negligible wastage and I need less foundation than usual with this brush. The size makes it easy to travel with. Petal 55 brush is handcrafted with ‘Made in Japan' quality and features 189,000 bristles.

Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil is packed in limited edition Crafted in Japan Collection packaging. Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils have been in my routine for a few years now. I love how they remove the makeup without stripping the skin, even the most full-coverage and waterproof makeups. I use two pumps or three of this cleansing oil and massage my skin nicely.

The consistency is a smooth liquid, not watery, and not heavy. After massaging for around 30 seconds, I wet my face and that emulsifies the cleansing oil. Then, I rinse my face thoroughly. I use lukewarm water to rinse my face. My skin is clean, comfortable, and nourished. I have a combination skin for your reference.

The cleansing oil formula has 8 exquisite botanical origin oils. The oils are sought from Chinese medicines and beauty oils from all over the world. Then, they are merged. Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil effortlessly removes all makeup and impurities. I have not experienced any congestion or breakouts from using this cleansing oil. It works nicely in summer as well as winter too. In other words, it is perfect all year round. Please note that I use it as my first cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen. Then, I follow with my second cleanse that is usually a gel cleanser or a cream cleanser. Also, the cleansing oil smells really nice, it uplifts the mood.

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. In addition, check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

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I have medium wavy hair with a sometimes dry, flaky scalp. After including this oil in my hair care routine, I do not remember when I last saw flyaways or frizz. While buying their Cleansing Oil, I tried this oil as a deluxe sample from the Shu Uemura Canada website. Shu Uemura is a Japanese luxury brand for Skincare and Hair care products.

My Thoughts

I have to say that this is one of the best oil serums in the market for overall nourishment, tame frizz and fly-aways and enhanced shine. It can be used on wet hair before blow drying, on dry hair before heat styling, or as a pre-shampoo treatment. It works great, no matter how I use it. Above all, it leaves my hair very smooth and shiny. I feel like my hair has been healthier since I started using it. It's more nourishing and moisturizing than other typical silicone-based serums, yet very light, not greasy or heavy. I like the smell of this oil, a very subtle sweet floral scent that doesn't linger.

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil is so light, so it's not the best heat protectant. If I am blow drying or styling my hair using heat, I mix this oil with another serum with a higher silicone content or otherwise use an additional layer of a heat protectant product.

How Much Do I Use?

It doesn't sit heavily on my hair. I use it most on my mid-hair to the ends, although I work it throughout my head. Another important thing I have noticed is that if I use more than 2-3 pumps of this oil, it behaves differently, making my hair oily sooner. So, I think it will take 1-2 times for anyone to adjust and set the amount of this oil that works for them. Depending on the hair type and length, I am sure this will work for everyone.

Overall, this oil feels luxurious. I like the packaging, and the 150ml bottle lasts me over six months. This oil has increased my love and hunt for more Japanese hair care and skincare for my hair type and skin type. I will be repurchasing it once I finish this bottle.

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. In addition, check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

The post Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil Review appeared first on The Velvet Life.