Shu Uemura Vinyl Unlimited Lip Gloss in RD165

 

Shu Uemura Vinyl Unlimited RD -165 is a lip gloss take on their so-called "universally flattering" lipstick with the same shade number.The shimmer-free, rose scented blue based red comes with a silver-lidded, slanted applicator and a soft squeegee tube (that's unfortunately, somewhat prone to scratching). While I dislike makeup with imperfect packaging, I am more than willing to ignore it when the product itself performs so well.

Great pigmentation aside (which now seems to be a prerequisite for any "great gloss"), what really won my heart was the texture: It's smooth, jelly and incredibly malleable that not only it's feels comfortable and moisturizing, it also creates different looks base on the amount you use,  from a balmy strawberry tint to bold red with a plush-shine.I am able to get at least 2 hours of shine/color and the gloss fades into a very even stain (with a slight sheen) afterward.

RD165 has an obvious blue undertone when compared to Paul and Joe Lip Lacquer Orient and Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Gloss Salsa Sun. The three glosses all have that cream-gel consistency,  high pigmentation and similar unit price (That's why I don't mind splurging a bit for high end squeegee) but the Shu is the creamiest, most pigmented and longest lasting one of the bunch.

A sheer layer of Shu Uemura Vinyl Unlimited Lip Gloss in RD165 - Not sure how universally flattering but I love this shade, it's bold without looking harsh/giving enough color while still look "natural".

Overall: Probably one of my favorite lip products of 2011(and possibly my favorite if they made the tube more scratch-resistant), I think I need another one in coral...Anyway, since the brand is pulled out in US, you can find it at Shu Uemura's US website (I should have put this review up before Thanksgiving/their 20% off sale,oops...Oh well, RD165 is no longer available anyway), which ships from Canada.