I featured this Shiseido Lacquer Rouge Lip Gloss in RD 501 Drama in my "Japan Travel: What's in My Makeup Bag" a couple of months ago here in my blog. My cousin gave this to me and I initially thought that this was a mascara because of how it looks like.

There are nine shades available for this line, mostly red, purple, pink and brown shades. The design of its packaging is very simple and minimalist. I like that the tube is very small and sleek. It's so easy to tote around in your bag too such as when you're travelling. 

The shade RD 501 Drama is a true red color that has a blue undertone to it.

This isn't your normal kind of lip gloss though. I was actually expecting it to be runny or liquidy but it isn't. The formula of this lip gloss is actually very rich. It isn't really that viscous but feels very creamy and goes on so smoothly on the lips. I'm actually impressed that it is also very moisturizing. It is comfortable to wear, as if it sinks deep into your lips and isn't just sitting on top of it. I don't even know how to explain it but it feels like it's hugging your lips!

I love how it feels on my lips even though I don't wear too much red lip products. The formula and the intensity of its color makes me like this product so much! I can even use this in creating a gradient lip look either on its own, with my MAC Studio Finish concealer or on top of my Colourpop Liquid Lipstick in Echo Park.

It has a smooth, satin finish to it that eventually goes matte throughout the day. This is very pigmented and a little goes a long way. You can just see in the pictures below how beautiful and intense the color payoff is in just one swipe! 

The doe foot applicator is pretty good too and makes the application much easier since the end is very slanted and its edge is slightly pointy. It doesn't have a particular scent to it which is good if you're not into scented makeup products. 

However, don't expect this to last the whole day on your lips. It is not transfer-proof but I haven't observed any bleeding outside of my lip line whenever I use this. This can last for about 3 hours on me and leaves a stain on my lips as it fades. At the second hour, it still looks good but reapplication is necessary especially on the inner portion of the lips. It fades during eating or drinking, which is somehow expected, specifically starting on the inner and center parts of the lips.

I'm not sure how much this costs here in Manila or if this line is even available here. But I checked Nordstrom and this retails for $25. I'm really interested in trying other shades from this range too. I would highly recommend this if you're on the lookout for a new lip gloss or if you happen to see it here in the local Shiseido stores. 😊

I've wanted to try Canmake products ever since I've heard about this brand. So when I saw the mini Canmake stall at the Narita International Airport Terminal 2 during our trip last April in Japan, I didn't hesitate to pick up this cute blush. I also featured this product in my haul which you can find here. There were only three shades available: a very light pink shade, a coral and this red blush. I picked this one up because I thought it was the most wearable for my skin tone. But I then regretted not buying the other two shades. 😭

First off, the packaging of this blush is very cute and sleek. It's not the most sturdy but it doesn't feel that cheap at all and it protects the product pretty well. It even has a cute ribbon design on its lock. 

This is perfect for when you're on the go or when you're travelling since it's very lightweight. Since the case is transparent, you can immediately see the color so that makes it much easier and convenient when choosing a particular shade to use (and even when choosing a shade in stores).

The actual product doesn't smell particularly of anything. The cream is so smooth and soft to the touch. The product is also very easy to blend into your cheeks. It goes on light at first and then you can build it up as you go. 

I tested this on my bare face and this lasted for about 5 hours. My cheeks can get a bit oily so that's really pretty good! I've already used this blush a couple of times so there are already some finger marks on it hehe.

This particular shade (CL08) gives you a very natural, reddish flush on your cheeks. I usually just dab a little on my cheeks using my fingers and then I build it up as I go so that it wouldn't look streaky or too much.

This is a really good product and I'd love to try the other shades. I'm drawn to the coral and pink ones so I might try those when I get the chance. You should go ahead and give this a try if you're into Japanese makeup brands or if you're on the lookout for inexpensive cream blushes that are of good quality. I also think that makeup beginners would enjoy this and won't find it intimidating at all.

If you're new to Japanese makeup, I think Canmake is a really good brand to start exploring with. I really think you wouldn't go wrong with it since it is known as one of the really good Japanese makeup brands, specifically for their great, affordable and kawaii products.

I've always felt intimidated by bold red lipsticks because, whenever I wear one, I always feel like it's too much and very over the top. I'm also into natural makeup looks lately so unless it's a red tint I'd usually pass up. However, I found that this Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in Spiky Rose is the perfect product to help me overcome my fear of red lipsticks haha! 

It is my go-to red lipstick these days whenever I want to wear something red that isn't too bold or striking. It is actually more like a tinted balm than it is an actual lipstick, which is why I think it's easier to wear. I purchased this at the Shu Uemura store in Trinoma for P1250.

I've swatched this lipstick below and, as you can see, it is a very gorgeous red pink shade that is suitable for everyday wear. At first, I was very hesitant to get this shade because it looks very red from tube. But I find this easier to pull off because it's not your typical full-on, bold red lipstick that is very intimidating. There is a hint of pink tint to it which is another reason why I find this much more wearable. 

This lipstick is very sheer and it actually feels like you're just applying lip balm on your lips. It gives a very juicy, luscious look to the lips because of its balmy formula. Because of that, it's perfect for creating a natural or "no makeup" makeup look. This is also a good option for those still trying to get comfortable and used to red shades of lipstick. 

I didn't really expect this to last the entire day due to its balmy texture and formula. This lasts for about 1-2 hours only before I feel the need to reapply. It also leaves a slight red stain on your lips as it wears off. 

Those who want to venture into bold red lipsticks but are still too scared to do so may find this kind of red shade perfect to start with. It will still give you that hint of red that is much easier and more comfortable to wear until you're ready to transition to bolder and brighter ones.

If you're looking for an affordable dupe, I think the Etude House Apricot Stick in 08 Cherry is a good one. It's not exactly a color dupe but is very similar to the Shu Uemura one in terms of texture and formula. 

Here's a sneak peak of the side by side swatches of these two lip products. I'm also planning to do a review of this Etude House Apricot Stick in one of my next entries so stay tuned for that! 😊

Shu Uemura Spiky Rose (Left) and Etude House 

Apricot Stick in 08 Cherry (Right).