First Impressions: Japonesque Makeup

Beauty tool experts Japonesque have just launched a full makeup range. I'm guessing this move has been in the works for years, as they've been a household name in the beauty world, especially in the US, for a long time.

I got the chance to take a sneak peek at some of the products this week and wanted to share my thoughts with you all.

First of all, it's impossible to ignore the beautiful packaging. I'm so happy that they put some effort and artistic flare in to the design of the packaging and not opted for the go-to 'professional' plain black look (boring!)

The quality of the packaging seems really nice too. Although the outer cardboard is very thin and cheap-looking. This doesn't bother me. It's what's inside that counts!

As for the formulation, I was really blown away by the lip products in particular. 

The Pro Performance Lip Lacquer (Shown in Shade 7, £15) is heavily pigmented, smooth, creamy and totally non-sticky, with a pleasant fruity scent. Although the shade I tried out wouldn't be one I would EVER wear, I'll definitely be checking out the other shades when I get the chance to see the whole collection on-counter. 

The Pro Performance Lipstick (Shade 10, Also £15) is a similar story: nicely pigmented, smooth, with a pretty, satin finish. It feels really light on the lips, moisturising but not too 'slippy' (it doesn't feel like it's going to smudge on to your face!)

The Velvet Touch Blush (£18, Shade 3) is really beautiful, smooth and I personally love this peachy, pink shade with subtle gold shimmer. I love that the packaging is compact compared to the amount of product inside, with no useless mini-brushes, you can tell the line has been designed with professionals and makeup obsessives in mind rather than your average woman.

As for the Velvet Touch eyeshadows (Shown in Shade 5, Duos £18, Quads £24) the formula, especially of the matte shade, was buttery soft and nicely pigmented. I thought the dark blue could have been slightly better in terms of pigmentation, but they both blend nicely.

Overall, I'm really impressed by my first look at these products. I think Japonesque have totally met my high expectations for their first makeup line. I'd definitely recommend checking out the full range, which is online and in John Lewis Kingston & Oxford Street stores now.

These products were PR samples sent for consideration.