Makeup palettes are not everyones cup of tea. They can contain the odd colour you don’t need, don’t know how to use or just simply don’t like. Some people buy these palettes anyway, then attack them with an array of tools in an attempt to get the pan (the little silver dish makeup is packed into) out so they can put it in their own empty palette. Great idea, but what a pain in the behind!

Shu Uemura have recognised that their customers, and every other brands customers, have been doing this. They thought it would probably just be easier for us all if they sold their items in pans ready to assemble in their own palette. Last Monday they finally launched what we have all been waiting for. And what geniuses they are!

I personally never went to the hassle of ripping out the pans to assemble in my own palette. Instead, I would just lug around multiple palettes so I have the right mix of colours I want. This option has lightened my handbag a tonne and there are so many reasons why this is an item you should look into.

I got the Quad palette in white. Isn’t she pretty!

The inner tray is held in securely, and slides out with ease.

What I Say ….

• The palette case (the outside part) is available in mono (fits 1 eyeshadow), duo (fits 2 eyeshadows or 1 blush) and quad (fits 4 eyeshadows or 2 blushes, or 1 blush and 2 eyeshadows). The mono and duo have clear lids, while the quad has a solid lid that hides a useful panoramic mirror.
• The palette case is available in Black or White. The cases are dirt cheap so even if you want to still have everything in individual cases you are still paying less per eyeshadow then the other luxury brands.
• Shu Uemura have re-released all their eyeshadows and blushes into friendly individual pans, so how you store it is completely up to you. I love that freedom!
• The palette is so easy to use but amazingly sturdy. It is made from super strong sustainable plastic and has a solid opening and closing mechanism.
• The internal tray, that holds the pans, unlocks on the left side and simply slides out. There is no trick to inserting the pans, you just take put them straight down and slide into the position you want them. Easy!
• You do have to watch how you are handling the pans of product when slotting them into the palette. I do not recommend putting your whole finger in one of the pans, and then doing it again to the next one. Maybe just hold the outside. If you aren’t as retarded as me than that will be obvious.
• The range of colours, finishes and textures available from Shu Uemura are huge. You can get every colour imaginable.
• Even better then the colour range is how easy it is to pick the colours. If you are a makeup novice like me, all the colours are actually split into categories so picking what goes with what is a no brainer.
• The categories for eyes are Highlight (light), Base Color (soft), Define (medium), Accent (vivid/glitter) and Eye Line (Dark). Of course you can wear the colours how you want but because I need a helping hand with my eye makeup, I can assemble my palette in the order of use and churn out stunning eyes day after day.
• The categories for cheeks are Highlight (light), Blusher (soft) and Shadow And Accent (medium/vivid).
• These palettes don’t come with little brushes or applicators, and they shouldn’t. Those little brushes that come in palettes are no good for applying eye makeup. You need to use a long handled applicator because you just don’t get enough control with those little ones. Plus, what is the point of paying for those added little brushes when they are of no use.

The eyes and cheek pans are packaged individually ….

…. you can keep the plastic case to store your pans in if you decide to collect more than your palette holds.

I know this is a bit of information to take in but I am just so impressed with the initiative Shu Uemura have taken by releasing such a product. I know there are other palettes on the market that allow you to create your own, but none of them are this easy to use as well as being sturdy and secure at the same time. I think those other types are more suited to make-up professionals who have to lug dozens of colours around, not a select few. This Shu Uemura design is far more consumer friendly.

My two eyeshadows and a blush ready for paletteing (yes, that is a word?!?)

I just realised I didn’t remove the plastic covering off the mirror. Doh!

Pop them in the tray …

…. and slide the tray back into the palette.

What Shu Uemura Say ….

one palette, infinite looks.

be the stylist of your own palette. mix, match, and customize your colors for infinite make-up repertoire.

so smart, so sleek, so easy. no glue, no magnet, no tape. one innovative mechanism unlocks infinite looks. this refillable, re-usable, sustainable palette will dramatically expand your make-up repertoire.

pressed eye shadow
glide smoothly on to eyes for a beautiful finish. the eye shadow blends effortlessly to control coverage for any eye shadow color with clear, intense color pay-off. contains mineral ingredients.
full color spectrum range, 5 different textures

glow on
adds an ever-natural “glow” to your complexion, creating your desired expression easily, instantly. fresh color lasts long.
2 textures: matte, pearl

custom case
refillable palette available in 3 sizes to enjoy customization.

freedom of color choice
customize your eye make-up palette to meet your every desire, for thousands of palette combinations.
experience infinite choice for your ever-changing style.

The custom palettes are available in Black or White

Details

The Color Atelier collection by Shu Uemura is available now. Visit the dedicated Color Atelier website for the introduction, color lineup, an awesome video showing its versatility and a free iPhone app!

Prices

Mono palette – AU $12 / US $8
Duo palette –  AU $15 / US $9
Quad palette – AU $24 / US $14

Pressed Eye Shadow refill – AU $28 / US $15
Glow On refill - AU $35 / US $18

AU – Available from selected David Jones stores. Visit the Store Locator to find your nearest store.

US – Available from Shu Uemura USA

UK – The Color Atelier system is not yet available but you can buy their products in the standard packaging online

All images are the property of The Plastic Diaries, excluding press release images. Use of these images without written consent is prohibited. If you wish to use them please contact me to request permission. Images are taken in natural light and remain unedited, unless otherwise stated.

Some of these products were provided for consideration, in accordance with our Disclosure Policy. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are my own and remain 100% uninfluenced.

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