Shu Uemura Hard Formula Hard 9 Eyebrow Pencil in Stone Gray 05

The inimitable Shu Uemura easily makes some of the highest quality makeup, not to mention the packaging to match. It is perhaps the first Japanese brand to carry a truly international image while remaining distinctively Asian. 

Eyebrows, positioned high atop the human face, make strong markers in finishing one's total look. This eyebrow pencil is a Hard Formula (Hard 9) in 05 Stone Gray. The pencil is famous for delivering a natural finish due to its ability to release pigment only when it interacts with skin's natural oils in the brow area. 

There are two sides to the pencil. It was manufactured in such shape. This is the side with more pigment. 

The other is the "woody" side of it. 

I'm not quite sure why they call the hard formula "hard 9," but it must be the indicator of the pencil's hardness. 

Some description. 

More. 

Easy identification when stored straight up. 

It is not easy to overdo brow application with this pencil, since the pigment is slowly released. The shade it produces is very natural and would suit people with black hair. My pencil hasn't any dent on it even if I've used it for some time. It looks like it will last me for eternity. Sharpening can be done in Shu Uemura counters. Overall, a good, basic eyebrow pencil for producing the most natural effects. 

Ingredients list. 

Ipsa Protector Sensitive Sun Block SPF23 PA++

Ipsa is a brand under the Shiseido umbrella, its name upon which is derived from the Latin word ipse meaning the "self." The brand's mission is "to enhance the skin's vital force to become beautiful on its own...and create skin that is fundamentally beautiful." Founded in 1987, Ipsa gained acclaim when it introduced Metabolizer, a toner-and moisturizer-in-one. Ipsa's Cleansing Clear Foam EX was my go-to cleanser for years until it was discontinued and replaced by Cleansing Smooth Foam, which is still one of the best cleansers, if not the best I've tried. My skin has generally fared well with Ipsa products, and now that it cannot take alcohol, it was time to venture into its Protector Sensitive Sun Block, created for sensitive-skin types. 

Ipsa's boxes have always been very special. Whereas most brands' are made of paper, Ipsa's are made of white and beige plastic.  

The top has a product description. 

Even the font is in blue!

The dropper reminds of a baby's milk bottle. This sunblock is a shaker type with tiny silver balls inside to help mix the fluid properly. 

It is a runny physical sunblock with a texture similar to most Japanese sunscreens. The greatest difference is it is alcohol-free. Only very few Japanese sunscreens are free of alcohol, except those made for babies. 

This 30ml bottle lasted about three months. 

As hoped, this did not sting upon application and did not make my face red. There was no unpleasant reaction and the finish was not oily either. It kept my face matte but not too dry. No breakouts or irritation; no white after-cast. I almost want to pat this on the cap every day for being such a good boy. Aside from the rather low SPF and heavier price tag (but that is usually a condition for most quality products), I have no qualms with this sunblock. A definite recommendation for all skin types looking for a daily sunscreen, provided it is for indoor use and not for running around under the sun. 

Ingredients list in Japanese.