Awake to shimmering beauty

If it’s Japanese, you can expect the unexpected— even when it comes to makeup.

I’ve been fascinated by Awake products because it’s never just an eyeshadow or a powder, there’s always this sleek, exciting packaging and an element of surprise.

Awake is a fashion forward cosmetic brand from Kosé, the third largest skincare brand in Japan, which has existed since 1946.

It is carried by such stores in the United States as Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

In the Philippines, it is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La.

This Fall, Awake offers shimmery goodness for the face, lips and eyes through its Stardom makeup line.

We begin with Awake Aqua Trans Powder (P2,150) which comes in seven transluscent colors.

Because it’s 77 percent water-based, putting it on feels like a splash of water on your face.

It comes in a beautiful packaging of a clear tub and bright red glossy screw lid.

Inside a plastic divider separates the puff from the powder. Even the puff comes with its own waterproof pocket.

I recommend this for those hot days or nights you just want to cool down. Upon application, the fine powder feels cold, liquefies and evaporates, leaving a sparkly aqua-frosty finish.

Next I tried Awake’s Eye Tint Stardom (Php 1,200) which is a unique eye shadow in liquid form.

I’ve never seen anything like it. It comes in a tube with a screw top brush applicator, similar to the packaging of nail polish.

Just shake the bottle gently, brush a little bit of tint to eyelids, and blend with fingers.

I’m very much interested in trying more shades of this product because my favorite makeup artist applies eye shadow by using a water-moistened brush. It just makes the colors pop out, versus applying dry eye shadow.

This is most convenient because the eye shadow is always moistened. No need to wet a separate brush and wash afterwards.

Comes in seven pearlescent colors.

If you’re O.C. about your lashes, you might want to try Awake’s All-Direction Mascara Stardom (Php 1,350).

Its formula delivers full volume and full length, while the wand features two types of fibers to extend lashes from the inner corner of the eyes to the outer corner.

Active ingredients of watercress and gingko extracts moisturize, while natural Vitamin E and almond extract serve as emollients.

Available in ultra black and ultra brown.

Finish this off with Awake Lip Lacquer Stardom (Php 1,150). Comes in a sleek clear tube and sponge-wand applicator.

Its rich lacquer formula applies thinly, but gives lips a plumped-up look.

Contains watercress extract and biohyaluronic acid to hydrate and moisturize.  A botanical UV-ray blocking agent protects lips from the sun. And natural Vitamin E softens the lips.

Comes in eight luscious colors.