Created by contemporary artist Takashi Murakami for Shu Uemura, the upcoming 6 Heart Princess collection is the beauty brand’s 17th artist collaboration.
(c)Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Adorned with artwork from 6HP (6 Heart Princess), an animated series illustrated and directed by Murakami himself, the packaging is arresting and adorable. I love how the rainbow of colours stands out beautifully against the backdrop of soft gold – so festive and season-apt!
6HP was first previewed at the ‘Murakami Versailles’ exhibition in France in 2010. It follows the adventures of mischievous magical ‘majokko’ (witch girls), a popular animation genre in Japan for more than a half century; in this world, normal girls magically transform into super women, and explore new facets of beauty and femininity.
The new animation work is Takashi Murakami’s modern re-interpretation of this genre, drawing on aspects of Tokyo’s ‘otaku’ sub-culture and the worlds of cosplay and manga.
6HP reflects the timeless and universal theme of transformation of feminine desire to reflect another, inner self, the parallel universe between real and surreal, the dark and light sides that exist in every woman.
Here are some photos and swatches of this striking Holiday 2013 collection.
Undoubtedly the highlight of the collection, the Eye and Cheek Palettes are visually-captivating with their bold graphics emblazoned across the lacquered lids of the compacts.
Two colour selections are available: one with soft, neutral/feminine hues and the other with deeper, smokier tones. Each comprises a combination of Shu Uemura Pressed Eye Shadows and Silk Smooth Eye Shadows, as well as a Glow On blush in a complementary shade.
Enchanted Black Parallel Eye and Cheek Palette (S$98) – I love the combination of colours in this palette and how smooth they feel. The black and green shadows, in particular, have a lovely glide. The mauve tone of the blush is a draw for me, as well – I like how its subdued nature works perfectly with the smokey shades in the compact.
Heart-full Pink Parallel Eye and Cheek Palette (S$98) – This is the safer palette of the two but no less interesting. While there’s a range of neutrals for easy everyday eyes, the deeper and brighter shades like the chocolate and copper, can be amped up for a more intense look.
Anti/Oxi Skin Refining Anti-Dullness Cleansing Oil (S$125/450 ml) – A collector’s item, if you love the brand’s cleansing oil in this formula.
TSUYA Skin UV Under Base Youthful Radiance Mousse (S$65) – I’ve yet to try this product but its skincare+primer formula promises to offer moisture, even as it light up your skin.
Fun-Tasy Lip & Cheek Tints in Dream Pink, Fuchsia Fun-tasy, Magical Red, Heroine Rose, Princess Coral (S$33) – When I first learnt of this product, I’d prematurely judged the packaging and expected a jelly-like texture, as most lip/cheek products in tubes like these tend to be somewhat sheer. Thus I was thrilled when I saw how creamy and pigmented they actually are.
They’re long-lasting too – the shadows of these swatches remained on my skin for a while after I’d cleaned them off. They’re extremely affordable, when you consider how little you need at a time. Definitely something to look out for~!
Pink Princess Fun-tasy Mini Nail Duo and Golden Gem Fun-tasy Mini Nail Duo (S$38) – I didn’t swatch these but they look like typical festive Shu nail polish offerings with crèmes and sparkles.
Lasting Soft Gel Pencils in Miraculous Purple and Black Star (S$36) – I didn’t swatch these either but I have tried the black in the permanent range. Unlike the Shu Uemura Drawing Pencils, this new formula is smooth and intense. It doesn’t last for hours but wears reasonably well. The shades in this collection are greenish black and dark purple.
Black Jewel on Wing Premium Edition False Eyelash (S$125) – These crazily-priced falsies are decorated with natural feathers, gold sequins and purple rings.
Princess Love in Wink Natural False Eyelash (S$41) – This pair is more wearable, if you’re not averse to the brown and pink colour combination. I like the subtle accent of the little pink hearts!
Heart and Flower by Murakami S Curler (S$30) – The brand’s latest pinch-free eyelash curler for precise curling, the one in this collection comes with a cute little 6HP Magic Mascot charm/dangly.
Shu’s Princess Fun-tasy Mini Brush Set (S$125) – A cheery-looking zippered pouch that comes with 4 travel-sized Shu Uemura brushes. In the brush purse are a face brush, a cheek brush, an eyeshadow brush and a mascara/eyebrow brush.
Six Heart Princess Make-up Box (S$500) – The one thing I really wanted to see when I first learnt of the collection, this makeup traincase is clearly designed to be a collectible…and most likely a display item versus a functional one. I’m surprised they kept the exterior white – too easy to dirty, no?
When opened, it reveals the collection’s signature artwork that is a delight to behold. I suppose they went for artistic projection by hiding the graphics within the ‘discreet look’ of the box to enhance the contrast and the visual joy upon opening the case.
As much as I love the whimsical graphics, I doubt I’d purchase it even if I had $500 to spare. The cardboard seems sturdy but for the exorbitant price tag, surely they could’ve lacquered it or made it waterproof? I simply can’t imagine putting makeup in this case for fear of staining the charming print. Then again, we are talking about an artist who collaborates with Louis Vuitton – maybe these boxes will fly off the shelves, who knows? #brandnamepower
ETA: Made of steel, aluminum, synthetic leather and recycled paper, I was told that the fibre pulp material withstands force and pressure well. I’d initially assumed that the interior was purely paper-lined but I’ve since discovered that it’s coated with watertight paint.
Made in Japan, it is well-crafted and properly finished.
I love the Magic Mascot plushies that were dotted around the preview event venue; the happy colours and wide smile of the character brightened my mood immediately! Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to bring it home with us, though it was a press gift in Japan.
In Singapore, this limited edition collection will be available across the island from November 2013.
Those lashes look so fun Mag. The eye palettes are also great and I love the visuals of the two models. They look gorgeous.
Hi Jac,
I know, right? :) Shu lashes are always outrageous! Then there are the wearable ones. :) The palettes are really worth their price, considering you’re getting 8 shades. Have fun exploring the collection when it arrives!
Totally lemming them now..
Hi Christine,
Start making your list. They don’t come till November, so you still have time! ;)
Can’t wait for this collection – love it!
Hi Sam,
Happy beauty-gazing/shopping when they arrive! :D