many of us ladies that are on the go are looking for a palette that contains everything that can easily take us from day to night. the shu uemura travel palette comes with four very wearable pressed eyeshadows and two cream liners that can also be used as cream eyeshadows – a base to intensify the eyeshadows. it also comes with one peachy-pink glow on blusher. for those who aren’t familiar with the popular shu uemura glow on blushers, they are different from regular blush; the texture is much smoother and it blends very smoothly into the skin (rather than sitting on the skin) to create a natural glow.

this compact palette is perfect for creating very natural daytime looks that can easily be transformed into a dramatic smoky look. with such wearable colours, the possibilities are endless; you can use whichever colour combination that suits your personality or your mood. this palette is a must-have!

colours from light to right (for above photos): pressed eyeshadows: shimmery beige, primrose, brown, black with flecks of gold || cream shadow/liner: pearly gold and black || glow on blush: peachy pink

for a limited time, with a purchase of $125 or more on www.shuuemura-usa.com you’ll receive this palette for FREE! you can’t even purchase this palette normally, so trust me, you’ll want to take advantage of this. the promotion begins soon, check the website beginning february 15th.

it’s obvious you can use all the colours to create a very subtle daytime look, but be adventurous on a night out and try out a smoky eye. follow the steps below to achieve the look. you can adjust the intensity of the eyeshadows to suit your taste.

step by step dramatic smoky look:

STEP 1: use brush 10 and apply black cream eyeshadow to lid; start from lash line and blend upwards creating the desired shape that fits your eye shape. tip: be sure to open your eye to make sure that the gradation goes passed your eye crease so that it shows when your eyes are opened.

STEP 2: use brush 10 and press black shimmery eyeshadow on top of the cream eyeshadow applied in step 1. start from centre of lid and create a gradation going outwards.

STEP 3: use brush 8HR and the brown eyeshadow to blend out harsh edges from the black eyeshadow.

STEP 4: use brush 10 and the beige eyeshadow on the brow bone.

STEP 5: use brush 2R and line the upper and lower lash line with shu uemura painting liner. use brush 4F to smoke it out using the black eyeshadow.

STEP 6: curl lashes, put on some shu uemura natural black mascara (which really helps to keep the curl) and finish off with a pair of falsies. i’m using the shu uemura slant black lashes for this look.

STEP 7: add some glow on blush to the apples of your cheeks. tip: if you have a rounder face, be sure to sweep the blush in an upward diagonal motion to create a slimmer face shape.

STEP 8: use shu uemura rouge unlimited in soft muted beige. because the eyes are bold, you want to keep the lips subtle.

a softer smoky look:

photography by mark darren mui. model: amanda z

to recreate this look:

STEP 1: use finger tips to apply the pearly gold cream eyeshadow to the lid as a base. use brush 10 and apply the primrose eyeshadow to lid; start from the centre of lid and blend creating a gradation. tip: be sure to open your eye to make sure that the gradation goes passed your eye crease so that it shows when your eyes are opened.

STEP 2: use brush 10 and the black eyeshadow and create a “v” shape at the outer corner of the eyes. extend the colour to the bottom lash line also

STEP 3: use brush 8HR and the brown eyeshadow to blend out harsh edges from the black eyeshadow.

STEP 4: use brush 10 and the beige eyeshadow on the brow bone.

STEP 5: use brush 2R and line the upper and lower lash line with shu uemura painting liner. use brush 4F to smoke it out using the black eyeshadow.

STEP 6: curl lashes, put on some shu uemura natural black mascara  and finish off with a pair of shu uemura luxe black false lashes for this look.

STEP 7: add some glow on blush to the apples of your cheeks.

STEP 8: use shu uemura supreme shine lipstick in fresh pink. the finish of this lipstick is extremely creamy. it’s perfect for those who prefer gloss but want something with stronger pigment.