fotd: suqqu 04 ayanadeshiko and 05 aoshizuku

This post took me a little longer than usual because I wanted to do a more detailed follow-up review of these quads once I’d worn them a few times each. You can find my swatches and first impressions of the eyeshadows here, and of the blush and lipsticks here.

In my first review of SUQQU’s Designing Colour Eyes quads, I mentioned their pigmentation was stronger than the average Blend Colour Eye Shadow quad. This is evident in swatches, but not quite so on the eyes – I’ve found that the shadows actually sheer out quite a bit in practical application (ie when picked and applied with brushes rather than a fingertip in a firm downward swipe).

So although they swatch quite differently than previous SUQQU eyeshadows, they actually go on very delicately as a default, in an opacity more reminiscent of the older shadows than you’d expect. Here’s a soft, springtime look with Designing Colour Eyes in 04 Ayanadeshiko. You can easily build intensity with this quad, but I chose to just let it do its own thing and this is the result I got:

I wouldn’t consider the shadows in this quad to be complex, but they are still texturally superior to most shimmers in terms of silkiness and slip. Like the older shadows, these seem to be designed for foolproof application, though I feel the de facto final effect is less “foolproof-subtle” and more “foolproof-contemporary”. These new shadows strike me as being particularly well-suited to people who can appreciate the artistry and aesthetic of bolder makeup looks but are more comfortable wearing a toned-down, more elegant version themselves.

Again, save for the lack of shimmer complexity, this quad makes me very happy. Bear in mind that this has a lot to do with personal style and application techniques, and that I much prefer eyeshadow looks that are visible rather than barely-there veils of shimmer that only the wearer really appreciates.

PS I’m wearing SUQQU Pure Colour Blush in 07 Tsyuatsatsuki and Extra Glow Lipstick in 102 Sumibara here. If you plan on picking up quad 04 Ayanadeshiko, I highly recommend getting this lipstick to match as the pink tones are very similar. I often struggle with lip pairings for pink eyeshadow looks, but Sumibara has really taken the guesswork out of Ayanadeshiko for me, which I’ve noticed makes me reach for it more.

Next up, I tested out #05 Aoshizuku. I’m wearing it with SUQQU Pure Colour Blush in 07 Tsyuatsatsuki again, and Extra Glow Lipstick in 11 Hanautsugi which is described as a nude but is actually quite warm and peachy on me.

I used a heavier hand with this quad, and made another discovery – though these new shadows make it easier to go darker, you can’t actually go all THAT much darker than you could with the old shadows. Essentially, they are buildable but not to the panda-eyed point that say, MAC or Urban Decay of NARS shadows would be.

Interestingly enough, the wearably-smokey potential of 05 Aoshizuku is also what I’d consider “foolproof-contemporary”. I feel like SUQQU has expanded the parameters of what you can accomplish with their shadows, while helping one safely explore the middle ground between “why even bother” and “let’s go clubbing”.

What you’re seeing here is as dark as I could go without using damp brushes or a black cream base, and as you can tell the results are not so out-there that they would alienate existing fans of the brand. To sum it all up, these new quads are indeed different, but not to the degree that we all feared after seeing everyone’s super-bold swatches. In my opinion, they are still excellent shadows and worth trying out if there is a quad that appeals to you.

Pricing & Availability: SUQQU Designing Colour Eyes (£46) eyeshadow quads are available in-store and online at Selfridges. I’ve been notified that they’re sold out of their Spring 2017 collection right now, but that they’ll be restocking soon.
 
 
 
This post features products that were provided as press samples, however all opinions and observations are my own and not influenced by the brand or its PR team. This post contains affiliate links.