Go East

Shu Uemura’s latest collaboration is with internationally renowned Chinese movie director Wong Kar Wai who is responsible for critically acclaimed titles such as ‘In the Mood for Love’,  ‘Chungking Express’ and ‘My Blueberry Nights’. Wong’s colourful directing career manifests itself in a shimmering rainbow of palettes [£39 each], false lashes [£18 and £26] and a mini brush set [£35] (to name just a few of our favourites). As well as designing the collection, Wong directed a special short film for the brand called “Mask” about his perspective of femininity and stars Taiwanese actress Sandrine Pinna - scenes from the ‘short’ (as it is known in the industry) can be found in holographic prints on the packaging in the collection – the scenes move and flicker as the eye catches them.

shuuemura.co.uk

Francois Nars’ new Holiday 2011 collection, Modern Kabuki, was inspired by his travels through Japan and his obsession with kabuki make-up (the elaborate make-up worn by traditional Japanese dancers). The new collection includes Hanamichi Kabuki-Inspired Eyeshadow Palette [£45], Mie Kabuki Mini Soft Touch Shadow Pencil Conffret [£39] and Karoko Kabuki Mini Nail Polish Conffret [£25]. But our favourite has to be his new take on the Bento Box -Kudoki Kabuki Mini Lip Conffret [£90] – three intense, limited edition pigments poured in to ceramic pots. The kabuki lip brush allows you to mix your own lip shade and the sleek wooden box will be a welcome edition to your dressing table. 

narscosmetics.co.uk

The bathing ritual is an important component in Japanese culture – there is more to it than simply cleansing the body though, it cleanses the soul and is known as misogi, which means purification with water. Sai-Sei (a new range available in the UK) means ‘re-birth’ and draws its own bathing ritual from Japan’s ancient volcanic hot springs (known as Onsen) which have been visited for centuries for their healing properties. All of Sai-Sei’s products include essential minerals from the Onsen, including sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Our favourites are Mineral Deep Moisture Body Cream [£32] and Mineral Relax Bath Milk [£25].

spacenk.co.uk

Derived from the Japanese word ‘Sukku-to’ meaning ‘walking tall’, SUQQU has embodied the Japanese cultural hallmark of composure since 2003. The brand’s now infamous facial ‘Gankin massage’ is a hit, not only in Japan, but the world over with fans including Alexa Chung and Thandie Newton. In just 15 minutes at the mercy of a therapist’s finger-tips the contours of the face are lifted and the skin is plumped. The brand’s mission statement of doing things properly extends to its carefully crafted artisan make-up brushes whose sleek and glossy curves are truly worthy of its Japanese heritage and allows you to lift and sculpt your face. We love Eyebrow Brush S [£19] which despite its name we use to blend eye shadow in the crease of our eyelids, and Cheek Brush [£85], which is velvety soft and applies colour flawlessly.   

selfridges.com Enq: (0800) 123 400.

The heart of SK-II’s skin resurfacing technology was discovered over 30 years ago in a saké brewery in Japan. A scientist noticed that the workers had remarkably smooth and youthful hands. After much testing they identified a yeast which has become the vital ingredient in all of the brand’s products. Pitera, a blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids that work to speed up cell turnover, brings fresh, youthful skin to the surface. SK-II’s hero product Facial Treatment Essence has over 90% Pitera and is the foundation of all the brand’s treatments. LXP Ultimate Perfecting Cream [£265] launching this month; is the latest from SK-II. Together with the hailed Pitera it uses Rose Absolute to really nourish the skin.

harrods.com Enq: 020 7730 1234

Cleanliness and hygiene are a serious business in Japan and of the up-most importance. You will never find a toilet in the same room as the ofuro (bath tub) and there is almost always a drain in the tiled floor by the bath and a flexible shower hose on the wall. It’s essential to wash the grime from the body before getting in the bath and this is where Life NK Japanese Wash Cloth [£18] comes in. The textured cloth washes and exfoliates skin before it is bathed. It works just as well in a western shower and turns the smallest amount of shower gel into a rich and luxurious lather. 

spacenk.co.uk