December 9, 2011

Lavshuca Sweet Up Cheeks Set Review, Swatches, Photos

Lavshuca is one of several brands under Kanebo. The brand is set apart by its princess-y packaging. I’ve always been a rather big fan of the brand but some of the product releases became repetitive so I hadn’t purchased anything from the brand in a while. I try not to miss their LE, special releases for the Holidays although they have changed considerably in recent years from really pretty palettes to coffrets that focus on eyes or lips, etc….

This year, their “coffret” spotlights cheeks with a cute set that includes a blusher and kabuki.

Let’s have a look!

Honestly, this little set gives me Valentine’s vibes rather than Christmas-y ones. Each set includes a Sweet Up Cheeks Blush and a tiny kabuki for application. The set is very sweet and cute particularly the powder blush which features an imprint of several intertwining hearts. The cute heart imprint lasts through quite a good deal of swipes and hasn’t yet faded on me.

The compacts are more along the lines of the older Lavshuca packaging as the brand has revised packaging several times in the past few years and gave their newer products more of a mature edge. In the case of the Sweet Up Cheeks they head back to the packaging they embraced when I originally started collecting the brand. Each compact features a mirror, a white face plate with Lavshuca’s brand label on the cover and a pinkish purple base. The compact is a bit immature if you really think about it since it looks like a child’s play makeup but for those who enjoy cuter, sweeter packaging you’ll find the joy in these (raises hand, guilty, I love cute packaging).

These come in two color variations which are orange with yellow accents and delicate bubblegum pink with whitish and pink accents. The formula is a sore disappointment as it’s very chalky and kicks up a fair bit of dust when a brush is swatched over it. I think a more traditional Asian, oily skin will appreciate this formula and these colors as they are most flattering for such a skin type and tone however they might not be as fitting for the Western market considering the paler, almost pastel-like colors aren’t flattering on everyone. These are a bit sheerer but the kabuki brush that comes along with the set builds color nicely. They do blend well enough and for the formula isn’t a complete bust but the overall color and finish isn’t really flattering.

I was pretty pleased with the kabuki. It applies color quite nicely and will work well with other brushes. The bristles are soft and had no issues with shedding either.

I wasn’t shocked or disappointed with this formula as I suspected these would be chalky considering blushes I own from the brand already prove rather rubbish formula wise. Lavshuva creates some very nice products however in my opinion they have never really excelled at creating great blushes.

Overall, these are a cute and welcome addition to my Lavshuca Collection but I doubt I’ll reach for them or even use them all that much due to the formula which doesn’t win any favors from me.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Sheepy

    In Japan, you’re supposed to spend Christmas with your lover 😀 maybe that’s why it’s so pink!

  • Eve

    Too cute! I like it, I’m white but I like the drier blushes due to my skin, especially pastel ones! I can’t hardly find any westerns pastel blushes.

    • the Muse

      not sure felicia. I had a friend purchase for me who lives in Japan. Haven’t seen a good store that is carrying them at retail prices.

  • lilacrose

    If you ask me, it looks like a dupe for the Physicians Formula makeup—only different packaging. I agree with your statement about the immature packaging. 😉

  • catazure

    A very good, helpful review. Truly, this is why I read your blog – to get a real-world, practical review of the things that catch my eye on line or IRL and you’ve never let me down.
    Thanks, Muse!

  • Anna

    Hi Muse, where do you usually buy your asian make up? Would you advise any online shop that ships to uk? Thank you I really appreciate your help!

    • the Muse

      hi anna I normally have friends who purchase for me. Sasa ships to the US but doesn’t have too many color cosmetics. Also I like Alphabeautyuk on E-bay. and adambeauty.com

    • the Muse

      I didn’t nana sadly sasa doesn’t carry much lavshuca, a friend in Japan hauled these for me hun!

  • christine

    send them to me if you don’t like them!!! haha..that’s the cutest blush i’ve ever seen, i’ve been looking for a matte chalky blush for a really long time since everything they sell in the Philippines is shimmery.