I don't believe that all colour cosmetic gifts should be delegated to the stocking – not all are created equal. Yes, their miniature sizes can make them prime stocking fillers, but if you're spending more than $40 on one makeup item I think you should slap some wrapping paper on that baby and stick it under the tree. I mean, you would never stick a little blue Tiffany & Co. box or gold cuff links in a stocking, would you? (If that's how you roll, please adopt me!)
I'm a big Shu Uemura fan, maybe because I've always been drawn to Japanese things, from movies and art to food and fashion and beauty. But I think they really shine during the holiday season. Last year I was spellbound by the magical Abracadabra Fantasy collection – they collaborated with Japanese artist Aya Takano, who created the most whimsical anime characters on the packaging. Loved it.
For holiday 2011, the brand partnered with award-winning writer/director Wong Kar Wai to create the Rouge et Bleu collection. A male director creating colour cosmetics...sounds strange, no? Well it's actually a natural fit. The Chinese director is known for stylized, artistically lush and poetic films such as Happy Together, My Blueberry Nights and In the Mood for Love.
Click to watch Mask by Wong Kar Wai for Shu Uemura.
Wong directed this exclusive short film, Mask, which was inspired by the Rouge et Bleu collection. The holiday offerings include lipsticks, eyelashes, brushes, nail polishes, blushes and my favourite – palettes. One of the main reasons I love the palettes so much is because of the way cool packaging – the image on top changes before your eyes, it's a hologram. So cool. Oh yeah, and the colours are nice, too.
Drowning in Flame Palette, $85.
Burning in Water Palette, $85.
Good news, we're giving away both of these palettes. To win, answer this question: What is your favourite item to get in your stocking on Christmas morning?
CONTEST CLOSED. Have fun with these palettes Jackie!
