Suqqu Sakurakage (Spring 2009)

I am a big Suqqu fan, and try to attend the seasonal collection events where a facial (including a gankin massage) using Suqqu skincare is followed by a makeover using the new colour collection.

Spring 2009's collection is based around the Sakura (cherry blossom.) Suqqu always delights me with its fresh and modern interpretation of a theme, and this collection is no exception. There are very pretty pinks in the collection (in the lipsticks and the contour shadows) but these are juxtaposed with darker and more neutral eyeshadows to represent the Sakura tree itself. This gives a more balanced and wearable feel to the collection than if it was solely based around pink shades.

I'm afraid I did not enjoy the facial so much this time; the assistant was not my usual one and was a little too rough with the Gankin and pushy with the products. I have never been told I "should" buy a particular product at Suqqu before, and this was off-putting. Some of the original counter staff seem to have left the counter, and I do miss them.

Ohbayasi San, one of the Suqqu international artists, had flown over from Japan, and I was very happy that I was able to have her apply my makeup. She was incredibly busy and as soon as she had completed one customer the next one was wisked into the seat. She did beautiful looks on each one, and made me feel very special and pampered.

I chose the eyeshadow quad 10 Sakuragi. This is a purple/mauve toned quad, that has been reviewed and described beautifully on both autumnmasquerade and atouchofblusher blogs. Ohbayasi San paired this with the contour eyeshadow in 02 Sakurabae, applied just under my browbone, and creamy eyeliner 03 Jet Bordeaux. I asked for a more dramatic look (the picture above was taken just after my makeover) but I can also apply more softly for a pretty daytime look.

Sakuragi is the quad in the middle of the picture above. On the left is contour 02 Sakurabae. On the right is quad 02 Gokushi from the Autumn 2007 collection for comparison. Gokushi gives a more smoky look, appropriate for the cooler months (I think it is also more obviously purple, and slightly less neutral than Sakuragi.)

The blend lipstick pictured is 17 Maizakura, which is a moderately bright candy pink. This is very fresh and pretty without being too garish.

I purchased all three products after my makeover, and have been very happy with them.