In terms of eyeshadow colors, SUQQU excels at neutrals. Apart from neutrals, the brand occasionally releases low-key and sophisticated blues and greens. As a lover of purples, I usually have to look elsewhere, as it is not a shade explored by the brand very often. (One of the few purple shades from SUQQU is in Blend Color Eyeshadow in 06 Ginbudou.) This is why I was pleasantly surprised to see Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-14 Ruridama from the brand’s summer 2013 makeup collection.
Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-14 Ruridama (limited edition, ¥7140 in Japan, £45 in the UK) is the only makeup item for the eyes in the brand’s summer 2013 makeup collection. The four shades in this palette are (clockwise from top-left):
– off-white yellow, moderately pigmented, shimmery with fine sparkles
– light-to-medium blue-toned lilac, moderately pigmented, with soft pearly shimmer
– pale pink, softly pigmented, gently pearly
– dark navy blue, well-pigmented, velvety with a hint of shimmer
All the shades have multi-colored light-reflective particles. They are smooth and easy to blend, and they also have a very good staying power.
The pale pink works well as a base and gives the eye areas a fresh look, while the deep blue is very easy to apply and lines the eyes effortlessly.
With a combination of lilac and deep blue, Ruridama reminds me of Aube Couture’s Designing Impression Eyes in 561 Purple from fall 2012. The lilac in Ruridama is darker and less sparkly. However, I personally feel that it would work slightly better for me as a shadowing color if it were a little bit darker.
Also, the shade has a blue undertone that is slightly too cool-toned for my warm-toned complexion (despite the subtle pink-toned iridescence in the shade). While it goes well with the dark blue, it would suit me better if it were warmer.
According to SUQQU, the off-white yellow is used as a highlighter for the browbone areas. However, it can look a little too shimmery on the browbones for daytime wear. For me, I use it as a finishing shade on the eyelids. Just like using a finishing powder on the face, I very lightly dust a thin layer of this shade all over the eyelids with a large fluffy eyeshadow brush after all the other three shades are applied. It creates a beautiful veil of rippling pearly shimmer (which has an almost-wet look) and extra dimension for the eyes, and the look is far from over-the-top. When applied in this way, this is my favorite shade of the palette.
As SUQQU continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the case of the palette is the same as those of the ones from spring 2012. (See my post on Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-12 Hisuidama.)
Overall, Ruridama creates a soft and feminine look. There is just enough color to add a touch of vibrancy to the eye makeup, but the look still has a sophisticated feel typical of SUQQU. Even though the lilac might not have the optimal tone for my liking, it is very refreshing to see the combination of lilac and blue from SUQQU. I am certainly hoping that SUQQU will bring out more purple shades in the future!
(The product featured in this article is provided by SUQQU.)
Related posts:
SUQQU Holiday 2012 Makeup Collection
Review: SUQQU Fall 2012 Makeup Collection
(Blend Color Eyeshadow in 14 Kosumosuiro & Gradation Cheeks in EX-01 Mizudaidai)
Review: SUQQU Summer 2012 Makeup Collection
(Blend Color Eyeshadow in 12 Konruri)
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