Shu Uemura • Nobara cream cover stick • Stick

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*TOP REVIEWER* Menolikepolos on 2/26/2013 4:06:00 AM more reviews by Menolikepolos

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

About me: NW13 (neutral-cool toned, very fair), blue eyes, Color season is True Summer, Baumann Skin Type is OSPW.

I truely enjoy cream stick foundations. I wore Benefit's for years (Jax). However, this is a dry yellow mess (584). Difficult to blend, and poor color match. Looked heavy when I was able to wear it. : ( After lemming for so long, I had expected better.

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jacrodriguez on 9/1/2012 2:01:00 AM more reviews by jacrodriguez

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Relaxed, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I am NC25 and the shade 764 is great match. It is creamy yet it does not leave that heavy mask like feel on the skin. It is medium to full semi-matte coverage that still give such a flattering natural glow. I see that it works best when I use just my hands to spread it all over my face. Can be used as a concealer just apply more on the areas needed. Really easy to blend. Packaging is light plastic though, breaks easy.

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prettyfacades on 8/19/2012 1:55:00 AM more reviews by prettyfacades

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This is a creamy, med-full coverage foundation. I use it mainly as concealer around my eyes and nose; not so much for full on foundation unless I have a special event.

I wear 774, I'm about NC20 in MAC.

Pros:
- Amazing glide
- Doesn't crease under my eyes or settle into pores.
- Multi tasking product: sheer out with a damp sponge, or whack it on with a dense brush for fuller coverage. So really good for travel
- VERY VERY good colours for asian skintones. I have such yellow undertones that most foundations turn out peachy or orange on me. And this matches my skintone so well, I never thought that was possible.
- Doesn't have cyclops, mineral oil, alcohol in it. So won't be a problem for most people, skin wise.
- Doesn't emphasise flakes, relative to other foundations.

Cons:
- The twist up mechanism gets wobbly and doesn't twist up smoothly if it gets banged around alot.
- Clogs my pores if I use it a few days in a row all over. But I think that's because it's really creamy and I live in a very hot and humid place where you sweat the moment you leave the house.
- Oil does break through after 6 hours or so, and I don't have particularly oily skin.

Bottomline: This is a good product to have around, very versatile and multi-purpose. I use this all the time when I travel and can't be bothered to bring my bulkier concealers.

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shumster on 5/27/2012 5:27:00 PM more reviews by shumster

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Oily, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Black    

I'm reviewing this as an undereye concealer. I was on the search for a long wear under-eye concealer and had the most difficult time finding one that matched my yellow undertones. Although not marketed as long-wear, this concealer is doing a fine job for me. It's yellow enough for both my undertones and my dark circles and it's lasting power is good for such a creamy product. I get the best finish using my fingers. It's very pricey but I foresee it lasting me a long time.

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hisquiggle on 5/24/2012 5:04:00 AM more reviews by hisquiggle

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Medium, Warm   Hair: Other, Straight   Eyes: Black    

I use this as a concealer over Tarte's tinted moisturizer and the effect is amazing! #754 is a great match for my NC30-35 Asian skin, and the cream formula of the foundation dries down to a satin finish on my normal to dry skin and never causes flakiness. I dot the foundation directly over broken capillaries, blemishes, and dark under eye circles, blend with my fingers, and my face looks naturally flawless. Even without powder, the foundation wears from morning til night for me, but those with oilier skin may want to use a powder. Considering how well it works as a concealer, I'd say that Nobara offers medium to full coverage for those looking to use it as a foundation. For my needs, the price and online-only availability of the product are justified by the fact that one stick will last for several years as a concealer.

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*TOP REVIEWER* xtinahb on 5/10/2012 10:31:00 AM more reviews by xtinahb

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Flawless formula for my combo complexion (oily T and dry cheeks) light tan, asian NC30/C4 complexion. I apply this in light stripes on the side of my face, chin, and the bridge of my nose and contrast with thin stripes from my lighter shade Shiseido foundation stick (060) around my mouth and on tops of my cheeks. I blend all together using the Tom Ford Cream foundation brush. It is a really perfect satin finish medium coverage; great for the office and nice evenings out. Set with Nars loose powder and I am shine free for almost 6 hours (a record for my t-zone). It is my current HG foundation routine!

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cerieb on 3/22/2012 10:49:00 AM more reviews by cerieb

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I've been using this foundation for a few weeks now and I have to say I'm really, really pleased with it. I bought it on the basis of this review: http://bit.ly/GFHvd0

On a personal note, the colour match is absolutely perfect for me (I wear 584) - which is unusual due to my cool-toned fair skin and dark hair. Sales assistants usually seem to assume that because my hair is brown my skin must be warm and I have often ended up with foundation samples that make me look slightly jaundiced.

PROS
* The formula contains synthetic beeswax which makes it both vegan and very softening on the skin.
* It's not oily at all.
* It blends extremely easily and the coverage is very simple to adjust. I use the Illamasqua highlighter brush in little circles to do both, but you can just as easily use your hands.
* It stays on all day - and I mean all day: I've worn it from 6:30am to 9pm. By 6pm-ish it had disappeared a little on my nose where my skin is slightly oilier, but a quick two-second blot and finger-touch-up is enough to fix that.
* It seems to help control oil a little bit.
* It makes my skin look even without looking caked or unnaturally flat-coloured.
* It's matte enough to wear without powder.
* It hasn't broken me out.
* It's small and compact so it's not a pain in the ass to carry around with you - but as I discovered early on, you won't need to anyway because it barely needs touching up.

CONS
* The twist mechanism is loose, unlike the one in the Benefit Play sticks, so if you don't hold it tightly when you apply to your face, it might twist back in with your hand movements. Oopsie!
* It's really ridiculously expensive. This bad boy cost me £31 - and yes, I did feel terrible for days.
* There are very few Shu Uemura stockists in the UK so getting a colour match will be tricky for you unless you're prepared to travel. (There are NONE in Wales!)

This is my favourite foundation ever - and trust me, I've tried a lot. I will forever repurchase.

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Satinslipper on 8/3/2011 12:08:00 AM more reviews by Satinslipper

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

So far, I have been using this product for about a year even after dropping it on my bathroom floor. Of course the flimsy plastic tube broke inside and it has remained retracted and will not extend, so I stick my Ecotools foundation brush into the tube and then I apply the foundation with a light hand and it appears sheer but seems to cover the blemishes and scars nicely and smoothly.I can hardly wait to finish it so I can buy a new one that works. I've learned to be ultra gentle with the fragile and cheap packaging.

Using the Shu Uemura UV primer mousse base with the Nobara foundation stick is an unbeatable pair for me. It feels weightless and provides excellent coverage all day with only an occasional touch up with pressed powder to keep the T-zone from looking greasy. I like the hint of fragrance so it won't clash with your signature scent. Decent product. Bad package design.

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swhandamari on 6/6/2011 3:46:00 AM more reviews by swhandamari

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

- coverage is great. not thick but my sun spots are concealed 4/5
- durability 4/5
- love the packaging, lipstick-like tube make it easier to apply and to keep 5/5
- no spf means flash light friendly
- does not accentuates pores
- love the creamy stick texture. just apply to skin straight from the tube and smother with damp alcone sponge or beauty blender

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yu3mi on 5/8/2011 12:36:00 AM more reviews by yu3mi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I really like the texture of this foundation. Very smooth and easily glides on. Very convenient and handy, great for traveling. Despite wearing for 8 hours, my face does not get oily. Its great for covering severe acne scars (mine is severe due to sensitive, acne-prone and oily skin).

The only grip I have is the color. Its a bit too yellow if put on too thickly, which I do sometimes. I think the SA purposely chosen this color due to my skin redness and scars =(. Once my skin gets better, I will get another lighter color! ^^

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miumew on 5/6/2011 11:40:00 AM more reviews by miumew

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Overall Rating: Shu Uemura is my go-to brand for base products. I have this in 784, which is also my match in Face Architect. It's worth getting matched if you can because I was told the colours are not always equal in different formulas. I bought this because I wanted something with a bit more coverage - that I could use either as a concealer, foundation or in conjunction with FA. I find it works very well in all these roles, however because of its creaminess, I don't find that the full coverage lasts well. On the other hand, when applied more sheerly, it gives a beautiful finish which lasts very well. My current favourite methods is to blend out with a damp sponge but it also works well with brushes and fingers.

Price: When I first started using it, I was concerned that I was using it way too quickly considering it's around £30 and it seemed like I would finish it within the month. Luckily, it has lasted surprisingly well - I have had it about two months and am about half way through. Liquid foundations usually last me about 8 months so it's not as good value as those for an everyday foundation but I do think it's well priced for the quality and quantity you get.

Packaging Quality: It's a plain white plastic tube, I am concerned the cap could crack but it has not happened so no problems overall.

Would you buy this product again? Yes - I like that there are a few different ways you can wear it, it's a good colour match for me and easy to use.

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*TOP REVIEWER* daintydancer on 4/9/2011 6:54:00 AM more reviews by daintydancer

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

NOTHING AS GOOD AS THE ORIGINAL NOBARA IN A COMPACT, She uemura were forced to bring back the compact when make up artists and customer throughout the land complained after it was discontinued.the original were sheer perfection and this stick is not a patch on the original

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*TOP REVIEWER* izzybella on 11/12/2010 3:41:00 PM more reviews by izzybella

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I have been on a Shu Uemura kick recently and was lucky enough to swap for a few things including Nobara stick foundation. I love the portability and the blendability of this - I use this as a light foundation but it can also be used as a concealer if you have near-perfect skin (which I don't). Coverage is medium and the finish is very natural. I used shade 754 which was a good match post-summer, but I'm not sure if it will be too dark for me come the winter months.


For reference, I wear: MAC NC30, NARS Punjab/Fiji/Budapest, BE1.2/2.0 light, Shiseido O20.

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*TOP REVIEWER* bebe_girl on 11/2/2010 9:10:00 AM more reviews by bebe_girl

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

amazing blendability as one should expect from a shu uemura foundation. practical, adjustable medium coverage, matte finish, long-lasting and great color range. i'll buy it again in a heartbeat. it's a keeper.

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yenichii on 9/18/2010 3:07:00 PM more reviews by yenichii

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Warm   Hair: Black, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I was always complaining that although the colour is perfect and it being super natural that the face artitecht fluid never stays on till I noticed that my sister uses a creme stick foundation and remembered that Shu Uemura does a stick foundation too. Since then, I love this as my everyday foundation. (£30 for an everyday foundation. I know, I wake up crying about it at night too) since it's so quick and easy to apply. The coverage is also thick enough to hide my blemishes without concealer which is a huge plus. (The fluid is now kept for special occasions only)

It does like extremely unnatural if you apply too much though. I normally just draw a triangle outline on each cheek, the forehead and chin then just blend with fingers and finish with MAC Mineralize compact. I look really natural and is quite hardwearing. Certainly more than the fluid foundation anyway.

It is a bit oily than it's fluid counterpart so if you're oily like me blotting papers is a must but ultimately the amount of time it saves in the morning compared to the fluid makes it great for everyday use! Totally worth the money if you take into account how great it looks on the skin and how long lasting the tube it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* TheReviewLady on 9/17/2010 1:10:00 PM more reviews by TheReviewLady

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Black    

The container is not the only change in the Nobara revamp. This product has been reformulated. In case you want to know the difference, here are two ingredient lists to compare.


The original Nobara came in a refillable compact and contained these ingredients: nylon-12, cetyl ethylhexanoate, tricaprylin, ethylhexyl stearate, paraffinum liquidum/mineral oil, barium sulfate, sorbitan sesquioleate, ceresin, cera alba/beeswax, calcium carbonate, carnauba/carnauba wax, pheyl trimethicone, hydrogenated castor oil, zea mays/corn germ oil, bht, dimethicone, hexyl cinnamal, alpha-isomethyl ionone, linalool, (may contain: CI77891/titanium dioxide, mica, CI 77491, CI 77492/iron oxides).


The new Nobara comes in a stick, which is not refillable, it contains: dimethicone, neopentyl glycol dicaprate, isotridecyl isononanoate, synthetic wax, ceresin, talc, diisostearyl malate, sorbitan sesquioleate, phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, alumina, aluminum hydroxide, tocopherol, canola oil, (may contain: i 77891 / titanium dioxide, ci 77491, ci 77499, ci 77492 / iron oxides, mica).


Unfortunately the new Nobara contains more dimethicone than the old formulation and the waxes are mostly synthetic. Although the new container seems like a better idea, it isn't refillable and I liked the formulation of the old Nobara cream compact. I am sorry that I did not buy a back-up before I finished mine.

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lazeny on 9/1/2010 12:00:00 PM more reviews by lazeny

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Black    

For reference, I switch between 764/754 and use 734 for contour. I would love to use 964 as this is the best match overall because I find the 7 ranges too beige on me, but unfortunately, that shade is not available in my country, except in powder foundation.

I have oily/combination skin and I wanted to try this because I've read excellent reviews about Nobara foundation (the one on the pan that was discontinued), and I'm not disappointed.

Even if this is not recommended on oily/combination skin, I still often use this especially during the colder days, where there are dry and oily patches on my skin. The finish is semi-matte, the coverage is build-able and the product long lasting. I make sure that the setting powder I use is sheer, as to not make my face look flat w/ a matte finish setting powder.

The packaging is very clever. This comes in a tube and you just swivel the bottom part for the stick to come out, just like lipstick.

Many have complained that this foundation emphasized dry patches, but I found it best to use this with a wet sponge as opposed to a damp foundation brush. I tend to layer on a lot of product using a damp brush, resulting to a very matte finish, and it does settle on dry patches. But if I use a wet sponge, I can sheer it out, lightly press (never sweep) the damp sponge on dry patches and the finish is very smooth and polished.

I will definitely buy this product again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ibrusat on 8/22/2010 12:58:00 PM more reviews by ibrusat

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Fellow MU reviewer Dodobat provided the best review for this product: texture, finish, application (I agree the wet sponge method is amazing - check you tube video by Gossmakeupartist for reference). I put the product on my face - not on the sponge - and then use a wet sponge to give a uniform finish. I subsequently dip the sponge into the stick and lightly use more product where required with very light strokes (under the eyes, the odd spot, discoloration). I finish with the Shu Uemura or Laura Mercier transucent powder (puff - press and roll and take the excess off with a clean fluffy brush). The result is spectacular! The Nobara stick is a great product if you travel a lot as it saves space on concealer and it does not count towards the 100ml liquid limit. A fantastic selection of colours (I am NC15/20 and I use 784). Really impressive foundation. 4 lippies because of the price, £30 and the poor packaging. The stick tends to get stuck and does not go back in the tube. But overall this product is well worth it.

** EDIT: the weather is now much colder and this foundation is not delivering. My skin is getting drier and this product cannot keep up and looks cakey and too dry. I am not even thinking about using a powder with this now! I much prefer Burberry in trench 1 (NC15) and Chanel Vitalumiere + Mac white face and body. If you have dry skin this foundation may be an option for summer but NOT for the rest of they year. Pretty much a waste of money.

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*TOP REVIEWER* dodobat on 8/6/2010 7:00:00 AM more reviews by dodobat

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight   Eyes: Brown    

This is my 2nd stick foundation (the first stick foundation I purchased was Benefit play sticks) and I love it alot. Although it is a stick foundation, it is not drying but feels rather creamy to the touch. According to the description on the website, this foundation gives the instant high coverage of a concealer with the smooth glide of a foundation. It also contains three types of oils, gliding, light and emollient combine to enhance the foundation spreadability, creaminess and comfort felt when applied to the skin. This foundation is true to its description. It feels exceptionally comfortable when applied to the skin and leaves a semi matte finish. You have the option of powdering over it or you can wear it alone. Personally I like to finish off with a light dusting of loose powder and it looks perfect. The coverage of this foundation is adjustable (sheer to medium to full) depending on how you apply it. If you desire a sheer natural finish then you can apply the foundation stick to a damp sponge and then spread it on the face. For a medium coverage, draw 3 stripes of the foundation to your cheeks (war paint style) and blend away with your fingers or a dry sponge. If you desire a full coverage finish also draw 3 stripes to your cheeks but blend it away with a foundation brush instead. Personally I prefer to just blend this foundation with my fingers. It just melts to a natural skin-like finish when I blend it away with my fingers. I never look like I am wearing a mask and just look like I have fantastic skin. Also, this foundation is very pigmented but lightweight so you it will never feel heavy on your face. My only gripe is how little product there is for the $$$ you pay; it only contains 11gm. I have used it for about 5 times now and I can see that the stick has shortened by a few mm! I don't use very much because my skin is generally clear except for the occasional breakout here and there. This foundation covers blemishes and scars nicely and you really don't need to use a separate concealer. I also have very sensitive skin and this foundation doesn't irritate it the slightest bit. I can wear this foundation for long hours and my skin still feels very comfortable (not usually the case with other foundations). For reference I am MUFE HD 117, Chanel Teint Innocence #10 Albatre and I use this in #774.

UPDATE 13/8/2010: I find that the best way to apply this foundation is wet a sponge, squeeze away excess water then rub a sufficient amount of the stick foundation against the sponge. The apply it on your face with light strokes and dabbing it slowly as you go. I promise you that the effect you get it just like your own skin but better! I can't stop looking at my face!

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ladyjaie7 on 8/5/2010 3:22:00 PM more reviews by ladyjaie7

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Other    

I love this foundation, this is the first foundation that I have ever used that I don't have to pair with concealer. It has unbelievable coverage and does not make me oily but then again I pair this with vichy oil control lotion and then smashbox primer. But this foundation really matches my skin and it looks amazing. Its a shame this brand is being pulled from the States but you can still order it online. But with foundation you really need to try the colors or it will be completely off.
The SA at Barneys matched my face color - thank goodness because I wouldve bought a totally different color from the website.
i highly recommend and also doesn't break me out.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No