The Anna Sui cosmetic range launched in 1999 as a cute, first of its kind, whimsical collection. Beauty lovers who have grown up with this brand are die-hard fans, so the relaunch, which will be available to the UK on 1st August, is a more grown up version of the same attention to detail and whimsy that acknowledges the consumer base is no longer in its teens. Ann Sui cosmetics are huge in Asia – absolutely huge – and yet the brand has never translated in quite the same way in Europe. It’s anyone’s guess why not but I have followed this brand for a long time – some of my most precious beauty ‘keepers’ are Anna Sui.
The shadow textures are split into Frost Stone (not shown above, non pearl, translucent wash), Angel Feather (sheer colour with lustre), Satin Pearl (pearl), Star Dust (Shimmer), Velvet Corsage (the floral ones, deep pigment with a low sheen finish, some sparkle). In terms for formula, the Anna Sui range uses oils with powder to ensure longevity and depth of colour.
The above palette is a limited edition.
The main thing to know about the palettes is that they’re self-build, so you choose what goes in them – they use a highly magnetic system (do not rest your credit card or Oyster on top of these for that reason) which means the shades just pop in and don’t fall out even if you hold them upside down.
I’ve swatched up the shades from the first palette I put together: shades are numbers only so I’ll indicate formulas from bottom to top: Angel Feather in A601, Satin Pearl in P001, Velvet Corsage in V400, Star Dust in S801 and Velvet Corsage in V001.
There’s also a single palette – for one little pot of product. I put a lipgloss in mine, but you could just as easily put a blush. Anna Sui shades are called ‘face colours’, which you may have heard used by Paul & Joe (they’re part of the same company, Albion) which means in theory you can use any of the colours on any part of the face – green blush, anyone?! Frost Stone or Angel Feather are probably the most appropriate in texture and finish for cheeks.
I also need to explain that the palettes, including the single one, come with a little hook onto which you can attach brushes – whether a blush, eye or lip brush (or all 3). This is reflective of Anna’s love of vintage and antiques because it’s a reference to Victorian chataleins, usually decorative belts on which you can hang keys, thimbles, scissors – anything you want really.
There are also some nail art items for the Anna Sui Relaunch – and a total revamp for the nail colours. If you only buy one thing from the new range, make it the Peel Off Base Coat for glitter polish. Use it before you apply glitter nail varnish and to remove (we all know the hell of removal of glitters!), soak for a few moments in warm water and just peel away. Life. Made. Easier!
Along with eye, lip and cheek colours, there are brow and lash products to come. In the main picture, with the nail polish is the limited edition Beauty Mirror.
In terms of pricing, the palette cases are £12 (the tiny one is £5) and Face Colour inserts are £9 each. So, your palette will start to add up – nails are £11 and the mirror is £20. Brushes start at £18 for the lip brush, and nail art and body stickers are £8. I’m completely smitten with this new look – but admitedly, an easy convert! Who is to say that being grown up doesn’t mean you can’t be lured by fairy tale beauty? I’ll flag up the Anna Sui Relaunch when it happens.
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