Photos courtesy Shu Uemura

I was sad when Shu Uemura pulled out of the American cosmetics market, but now the brand is back online in a big way, with a 2012 holiday makeup collaboration with designer Karl Lagerfeld.

The Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura collection includes palettes, lipsticks, eyeliner, nail color, eyelashes and applicators.

Items are graced with the image of Shu Uemura's iconic Mon Shu girl, who has been sketched and brought to life with Shu eyeshadows created by the Chanel designer.

I particularly love the Prestigious Bordeaux eye and cheek palette, above, with Lagerfeld’s selection of velvety, glamorous colors in pale and deep purples, soft browns, brick gold for eyes, some with a subtle or bold touch of glitter, and deep coral rose for cheeks. You don’t even have to work hard to create drama.

Even a plain Jane like me had to say, “Wow!” looking in the mirror after I was done. The palette is $65 at www.shuuemura-usa.com.

Other products are:

The cover illustration of the Smoky Velvet eye and cheek palette, $65, is your guide to how to wear the colors.

Karl for Shu Rouge Unlimited in Mon Shu Red, $30.

Karl for Shu Painting Liner in Blackish Satin Purple, $25.

Karl for Shu eyelash curler, $24.