More than a month back, I was taken on a lovely pampering treat day by Shiseido, to indulge my 5 senses and to introduce the Shiseido Future Solution LX range of skincare. They celebrated the the sense of taste at the exquisite lunch at Nobu, the sense of sight taking in the beautiful candlelight decoration at the Ritz-Carlton, the sense of touch at the pampering Yutaka treatment facial, the sense of hearing with the special music created specially for this facial and the sense of smell in the specially formulated fragrance in the Shiseido Future Solution LX range of skincare.
It was a day I thoroughly enjoyed, and I almost immediately put the Shiseido Future Solution LX range into use. I had a full range of products, so I decided to use it all together as I was told it would perform best this way.
The reason I was so keen to put it into immediate use was because I walked out of the brief facial with skin that looked ethereal. Pores were tiny. Skin was glowy and fresh. I was so impressed by the Shiseido Yutaka Treatment facial that I’m going to try the full session at their salon soon. It was that impressive!
But I also wanted to see if I could achieve this beautiful glow to the skin at home. So, I’ll walk you through each of the products in the Future Solution LX range and tell you what I think 🙂
The Shiseido Future Solution LX range sits at the pinnacle of Shiseido’s skincare range, and is their luxury range. Prices therefore reflect that.
While the Future Solution range isn’t new, Shiseido has recently reformulated it into the Future Solution LX range, by developing a new anti-aging ingredient they call the “skingenecellEnmei”. This is an ingredient derived from the Enmei herb, grown at the foot of Mt. Koya, and is a well known herb in Japan for its regenerative, restorative and healing properties. Combining this with skingenecell 1P and Vitamin C Ethyl II, they created skingenecellEnmei.
The Shiseido Future Solution LX range is targeted at aging skin. It is supposed to activate skin cells to be more active, which results in better regenerative powers, to repair damaged skin and to boost skin protection, so fine lines are reduced, and skin is more healthy and radiant. It all sounds very promising. So, let’s see how it fared with me.
Shiseido Future Solution LX Extra Rich Cleansing Foam – RM230 | US$60 for 125ml
First off, I balked at using this product, because I do not use cleansing foam. Cleansing foam tends to be too drying and stripping to the skin, and it just too harsh for me. For the sake of experimentation, I used this. Once.
That was all my skin could handle. It was rich and creamy, but like most cleansing foam, very stripping and drying to the skin. My skin felt tight and uncomfortable after rinsing. It also felt squeaky clean. While that is great for your plates and bowls, it is not a nice feeling on the skin. I never used it again.
My skin is one used to gentle cream cleansers or milk cleansers. I could almost feel my skin crying out in horror that I was subjecting it to the ravages of a cleansing foam. I quickly apologised and promised I’d never subject it to that sort of torture again.
Needless to say therefore, I’d tell you to skip this. While I have revised my view on cheap vs expensive cleansers, I will tell you that this one is just too harsh on the skin, and you are better off using something else.
Ingredients:
-Oshima Sakura Leaf Extract: Reveals a fresh, bright look.
-NMT: Removes impurities and attracts moisture for a smooth feel.
Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Sorbitol, Dipropylene Glycol, Lauric Acid, Peg-20 Glyceryl Isostearate, Peg-6, Peg-32, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Glycol Distearate, Polyquaternium-7, Fragrance (Parfum), Trisodium Edta, Sodium Methyltaurate, Butylene Glycol, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Sodium Metabisulfite, Prunus Speciosa Leaf Extract, Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491).
Shiseido Future Solution LX Concentrated Balancing Softener – RM410 | US$105 for 170ml
A softener is a product that may take a little getting used to. It is one commonly found in Japanese and Korean skincare, but I think mostly in the former. What it does is, as was explained to us during the presentation, to help open the pathways of your skin, to make it more receptive to the products that follow.
Think of a softener as something akin to a hydrating toner, that you apply to your skin after cleansing, to hydrate (remember how stripping their cleansing foam was? You need to repair your skin and this is the first step) and to soften your skin, like a sponge. It makes it more receptive to receive the serums that will follow.
This one pumps out as a rich lotion, that feels rather heavy. In a way, it has to be, after stripping your skin with their cleansing foam. You are recommended to use a cotton pad to apply to your skin. I thought I was being clever by using my hands, because it was so thick and I did not want to waste it. That was a mistake however. Using my hands resulted in too much product sitting on my skin and it was uncomfortable, and made me break out a little. It was too rich, especially because you are layering as you go.
When I wised up after a week, I used a cotton pad to apply just a thin layer to the skin, and lo and behold! My skin felt so much better! It quite literally softened, soft, and when I applied serum on thereafter, it seemed to soak right in. When I used my hands, it sat on top of my skin. So, please follow instructions! I did however find it very fragranced, which as you will see below, eventually did not work out for me.
Ingredients:
-SkingenecellEnmei: Reduces the visible signs of aging.
-4MSK: Gives skin a luminous look.
-Uji Green Tea Extract: Provides antioxidant benefits.
-Trimethylglycine: Refines skin texture and reduces the look of pores.
Dipropylene Glycol, Betaine, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Sd Alcohol 40-B (Alcohol Denat.), Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Peg-20, Potassium Methoxysalicylate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Isohexadecane, Carbomer, Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate, Isostearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 80, Erythritol, Peg/Ppg-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Piperidinepropionic Acid, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Lauryl Betaine, Fragrance (Parfum), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sorbitan Oleate, Trisodium Edta, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Metaphosphate, Alcohol, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Sodium Metabisulfite, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Prunus Speciosa Leaf Extract, Citronellol, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol.
Shiseido Future Solution LX Intensive Firming Contour Serum – RM1,200 | US$300 for 50ml
Hello! Are we still here? Did the price floor you? LOL 😀
This is the serum, and is targeted at those who have sagging skin and loss of elasticity in the skin. It promises to tighten your skin and lift and firm.
Texturally, it was rich but comfortable. I initially thought it was heavy, but that was because I had layered it on the Softener, without using the cotton pad. When I used the Softener with a cotton pad, this serum sank right in, with a little massage. It is however rather creamy, and definitely works best for someone with drier skin.
Let’s be honest, I couldn’t quite tell if it was firming my skin any more than my skin already is. As I have often explained, I do take care of my skin as best I can, and I am realistic about my age. Results for firm skin therefore are hard to gauge. But it was comfortable to use, albeit too fragranced for my liking.
The packaging is lovely. I love the heavy glass bottle with its sparkly black exterior. However, the cap and pump was a little bit of a let down for something that cost this much. While it was sturdy, I’d have expected it to look a little more luxe.
This one’s more for someone with deep pockets, who is already using a luxury brand serum, who might want to try a new lifting and firming serum. The regular woman will find it a little harder to splurge, especially in these rather trying times.
Ingredients:
-Licorice Extract and Okura Extract: Give skin a youthful, tightened look.
-SkingenecellEnmei: Reduces visible signs of aging.
-Rubus Leaf Extract: Improves the look of sagging.
-Uji Green Tea Extract: Provides antioxidant benefits.
Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Peg-75, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Piperidinepropionic Acid, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polysilicone-11, Polysorbate 20, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Peg-60 Glyceryl Isostearate, Butylene Glycol, Isostearic Acid, Isohexadecane, Sodium Citrate, Succinoglycan, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Fragrance (Parfum), Polysorbate 80, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauryl Betaine, Bht, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Metabisulfite, Disodium Edta, Sorbitan Oleate, Sodium Metaphosphate, Alcohol, Linalool, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Prunus Speciosa Leaf Extract, Citronellol, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Rubus Suavissimus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract, Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate.
Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Protective Emulsion – RM1,100 | US$260 for 75ml
For the day, Shiseido recommends an emulsion, as it feels lighter. To make things even easier, they’ve formulated the Total Protective Emulsion with SPF20 PA++++ sun protection. The bottle is lovely, with a heavy glass and an iridescent white exterior, to denote day use. Perhaps, if you lived in Japan, where the sun may not be as strong as it is near the Equator, you could get away with using just this, and no sunscreen. I however, top off with a separate sunscreen (It’s by Shiseido as well, so that’s fine LOL!)
The emulsion is rather creamy and will sit best on drier skin types. While I’m used to using a cream in the day time, I did find the emulsion quite hydrating enough for me. It was nice. But was it RM1,100 nice? I can’t quite say so, sorry. I found it too fragranced for me, as well.
Ingredients:
-SkingenecellEnmei: Reduces visible signs of aging.
-Sansho Extract: Supports skin’s natural self-protective daytime defense for vibrant-looking beauty.
-Hybrid Anti-Pollution Powder: Resists the effects of pollutants.
-Uji Green Tea Extract: Provides antioxidant benefits.
-Avobenzone 1.5%, Octinoxate 7.4%, Octocrylene 2%, and Oxybenzone 1%: Provide sunscreen protection.
Dipropylene Glycol, Sd Alcohol 40-B, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Xylitol, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Peg-5 Glyceryl Stearate, Isostearic Acid, Silica, Phenyl Trimethicone, Triethanolamine, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Peg/Ppg-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Piperidinepropionic Acid, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Prunus Speciosa Leaf Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Peel Extract, Ppg-17, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Behenyl Alcohol, Behenic Acid, Stearic Acid, Batyl Alcohol, Peg-30 Phytosterol, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Disodium Edta, Alcohol, Bht, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Metaphosphate, Talc, Dextrin Palmitate, Tocopherol, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Iron Oxides.
Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Regenerating Cream – RM1,200 | US$280 for 50ml
Ok you know what? This cream I liked. It is a night cream, and the jar packaging is beautifully luxe as befits the brand and its price tag! The tub is a heavy glass with its deep purple-black iridescent packaging. The cream housed within is thick and creamy. It was a little runny, but still thick, and you literally only need a tiny amount each time.
A spatula is included in the box, which is a beautiful origami creation. The cream sits nestled within an origami creation of the Shiseido camellia flower, and as you open, the paper unfolds, blooming and revealing the treasure within. It’s truly a treat for the senses!
The cream feels silky on skin and is very comfortable if you use just a little bit, warmed up between your palms and pressed into your skin. Again, due to its thick texture, it is best enjoyed by those with drier skin. While it is very fragranced, I do enjoy using it, and it does seem to make my skin feel and look better overnight (when used on its own – not with the rest of the Future Solution line, as I’ll explain below) This is expensive, but it is the second product I found impressed me in the line, aside from the next one below which impressed me most of all.
Ingredients:
-SkingenecellEnmei: Visibly restores and reduces the appearance the signs of aging.
-Burnet Extract: Promotes skin’s innate power at night for a beautiful look in the morning.
-Hokkaido Angelica Root Extract: Reveals a youthful appearance.
-Uji Green Tea Extract: Provides antioxidant benefits.
Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Xylitol, Piperidinepropionic Acid, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil(Paraffinum Liquidum/Huile Minerale), Diisostearyl Malate, Myristyl Myristate, Pentaerythrityl Tetrabehenate/Benzoate/Ethylhexanoate, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Stearyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Batyl Alcohol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Beheneth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, Fragrance, Sorbitan Tristearate, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Peg/Ppg-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Citrate, Bht, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Edta, Sodium Metabisulfite, Linalool, Citric Acid, Sodium Metaphosphate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Alcohol, Limonene, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Prunus Speciosa Leaf Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol.
Shiseido Future Solution LX Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream – RM590 | US$150 for 17ml
This is my favourite product in the whole Future Solution LX line, and the one that I actually saw the best results with. The reason is this. I do not regularly use an eye cream. I am abysmal at sticking to using eye cream, which is a personal quirk.
And I started noticing the effects a while back. As I age, my lids were starting to droop. I attributed it to genes. My family does have a history of droopy lids. I used an eye serum I found effective a while back, but was not diligent enough to be consistent. However, as I was trying out the products in this range, I forced myself to stick to a day and night eye cream regimen as well.
You know what? I actually saw results. My lids are significantly less droopy now, which is noticeable for me, when I do my eye makeup. They are less hooded. At my age (40+) everything starts to droop, and because I don’t care enough for my eye area, I actually saw results while using this cream, and while being diligent about it. This leads me to believe therefore, that someone who is similarly not diligent with their skincare may notice a difference when using the serum in this range.
The other thing I noticed was that the skin around my eyes was more firm. Again, I notice this most when I do my eye makeup. I get less drag when I apply under eye concealer, and my eye bags are a little less pronounced. Less of LV trunks, more of LV mini bags LOL! 😀 I am lucky to not have noticeable crows feet for my age, so that has nothing to do with this cream. But the skin was firmer and for that, I love this cream!
It is very thick in the pot (It won’t spill even if you turn it over) so you only need very very little. I just run my finger over the surface, warm it up and then pat and massage it around my eyes. I’m actually starting to make a dent in the cream, which makes me feel torn. On the one hand, I don’t know if I can afford to repurchase (as much as I’d love to) and on the other hand, if I don’t use it, what’s the use of saving it? So, I’m using it, and will use it up, and I absolutely enjoy every moment of it. It does not mess with my eye makeup in case you’re wondering. It does not make my eye area oily at all. It’s absolutely wonderful!
I did only just notice while writing this, that it is only a 17ml pot. That is TINY! MY GOODNESS! But you do only use very little, and I’m into Month 2 of using this, with just a tiny dent in the cream, so it can last a while yet.
Ingredients:
-SkingenecellEnmei: Reduces the visible signs of aging.
-Houttuynia Cordata Extract: Gives skin a firm look and reduces appearance of puffiness.
-Aura Radiance Power: Reduces appearance of dark circles.
-Uji Green Tea Extract: Provides antioxidant benefits.
Glycerin, Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Trehalose, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil(Paraffinum Liquidum/Huile Minerale), Diisostearyl Malate, Myristyl Myristate, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Silica, Stearyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetrabehenate/Benzoate/Ethylhexanoate, Piperidinepropionic Acid, Batyl Alcohol, Isododecane, Phenoxyethanol, Peg-40 Stearate, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, Polyisobutene, Fragrance (Parfum), Sorbitan Tristearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Sodium Citrate, Mica, Bht, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Peg-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Barium Sulfate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Trisodium Edta, Aluminum Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide, Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Sodium Metaphosphate, Citric Acid, Linalool, Alcohol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Prunus Speciosa Leaf Extract, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract, Alumina, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Tocopherol.
The fly in the ointment…
I did run into a fly in the ointment with this range of skincare. Because I was using just this range, I noticed that my skin was becoming very sensitized over time. It was red and blotchy, and quite unusual for me. I later attributed it to the fragrance. I have talked about it in this post, and explained how it affected my skin. If I use the products individually i.e. mixed with other products, my skin does not turn blotchy. But when layered, I found the fragrance was too much for my skin. That said, to me there are 3 products I’d consider – the Intensive Firming Serum, the Regenerating Night Cream and the Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream. I feel the others can be passed on. Especially the cleansing foam. Please pass on that one! 😛
While doing my research for this post, I also noticed that the products contain mineral oil (I did not have the ingredient list prior to this) and that does not make me happy. It makes me particularly upset because I love the eye cream and it has mineral oil in there. While I am not particularly sensitive to mineral oil, I prefer if my skincare products do not contain it (it is a known comodegenic ingredient) and it is not pleasant to see it in a product as expensive as this one (mineral oil is a cheap ingredient). The other point to note is that the products contain alcohol. That is not surprising, as most Japanese skincare does. Again, I am not particularly sensitive to alcohol in skincare, but I do try to reduce it on my skin. I often wish the Japanese brands would move with the times and formulate with better ingredients. They tend not to, being quite comfortable where they are, and for this reason, I’m often left a little more wanting, whether it be their more affordable brands or their luxury ranges.
IN A NUTSHELL
The Shiseido Future Solution LX range is a premium, luxury range in the Shiseido skincare stable. The range targets aging, sagging and loss of elasticity in skin. The products do tend to be quite rich in texture, so will suit drier skin types better. I do find their products highly fragranced, which when used all together, did not agree with my skin, and sensitized it. When I broke them apart and used them separately with other less fragranced products, my skin was fine. My picks from the range would be the Regenerating Night Cream and the Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream. The latter is my favourite item because I saw significant results with prolonged use. They are however for those who have more luxurious tastes in skincare as the prices are high.
PROS: Luxurious packaging, Nice fragrance, Comfortable on skin in thin layers, Eye cream is very effective and moisturising, Only very little product is needed with each application as they can feel heavy
CONS: Expensive, Highly fragranced, For the softener you should follow instructions and use a cotton pad
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who is able to afford the prices, Anyone who has sagging and aging skin and haven’t been doing much about it
PRICE: As listed above
WHERE TO BUY: Shiseido counters, Sephora (USA)
If the prices are off-putting, consider instead the Yutaka Treatment Facial for the occasional treat, which uses this Shiseido Future Solution LX range of products. My skin did look pretty amazing after the short 1 hour facial I was treated to, and I found out that they do it at Isetan The Gardens. So I’m going to book myself a facial to try the full 90 minutes. I think it is just under RM300 for 90 minutes. I can’t quite remember as it was a little while since I asked at the counter there.
Have you come across this luxury range before?
The Future Solution range isn’t new in Shiseido, but it is one that is less talked about, because it sits on such a premium price point. This is a reformulation, and I am very thankful to Shiseido for the chance to try it. I have found a wonderful eye cream that works, and that is great for my skin, and I should be glad, but my wallet isn’t! LOL 😀
Paris B
My skin can’t stand mineral oil. I had a bad experience with it. Breakouts. I’m interested in the eye cream though. It seems reasonably priced and works.
Ah, you may want to note that the eye cream does have mineral oil in it too. It is a known comodegenic ingredient. I’m actually surprised they included it in this range. But I do still like the eye cream a lot. Darn!
Splurged on a Shiseido premium product when I was in Japan a while ago and honestly couldn’t tell much difference as compared to Shiseido’s drug-store brands. Since then, I’ve been less trusting of premium skincare product and thought they rely mostly on marketing and branding. But I may be wrong. Back to this review, I think it’s just too pricey for normal consumers. Maybe Tai Tai is their target audience? =P
Hahaha yes, I do think the regular woman on the street will find it hard to splurge on this range. But Shiseido does have their die-hard fans so maybe they are targeting those, or tai-tai’s as you say 😉 That said, when it comes to premium vs drugstore in the same brand, I have found that sometimes there are differences, and sometimes there aren’t. But I often think that they do this so customers remain loyal to a brand, even if their economic circumstances change, so they have something to offer for everyone. And also, I’ve found often that innovation happens in the higher end range, which eventually trickles down to the lower end products. This is true, I find, in Western brands. Unsure about Japanese brands because brands like Shiseido and Kanebo are GIANTS!
The Future Solution products you reviewed are the renewed versions. I have used the Night cream and found it very good.
But my absolute favorite product in the Future Solution line is the foundation. The foundation has also been renewed. It is worth every penny. I have been using the older version for a couple of years. It gives you the most beautiful coverage – medium to full – without any heaviness at all.
I agree that Japanese mainstream brands are a bit behind the times in terms of ingredients in their skin care. They still use a lot of alcohol and fragrance in their products, but that is changing. The foundations and powders are still the best in the world, in my opinion.
There is a Japanese organic brand called DO Organic which has an amazing facial treatment oil and moisturizer (in a tube, so it doesn’t get contaminated). I don’t know if you can get it in Malaysia. I bought it in Kyoto. They have an online site.
Thanks for the input Evie 🙂 Yes, these are the new, reformulated versions of Future Solution, which has just been released. The night cream is very nice, I will agree. The eye cream too is stellar in my books. I don’t think we get the foundation here but you have me intrigued! That said, I do place a lot of faith in Japanese brand foundations so I have no doubt that it is an impressive product. Japanese do foundations so well! I haven’t been paying a lot of attention to Japanese or Asian brands, as they tend to be quite insular I find. Japanese brands in particular, seem to be so comfortable selling in Japan, they don’t promote it outside of the country! But it’s good to know that they may be finally catching up with the times and including better ingredients in their skincare ranges. The world today demands a formulation which is quite different from what they’re used to and to remain competitive they too have to evolve 🙂 I’ll keep a look out for DO Organic – treatment oil sounds interesting!
Their products look so luxurious! ?
They are! 🙂
Waiting for your review about the Yutaka Treatment Facial. Curious to know the differences between the facial by famous cosmetics brands and the normal brick and mortar facial stores that were sprouting like mushroom in shopping complexes and shoplots. My friend whom is a loyal Lancome customer whereby she got her free facial for her purchases told me Lancome therapist never perform extraction and never use any machine for her facial so I assume it was only pure facial massage.
I for one enjoyed facial when accumulated enough blackheads for the therapist to extract them and toying with the gadgets they have to offer although some of them can be gimmicky. I did googled about the Yukata facial but no comprehensive information can be found.
I haven’t booked my Yutaka facial Margaret haha! But when I do, I’ll share. I personally only go to “branded” facial salons because I know for a fact they use that brand’s products and can be trusted, in that sense. I used to only go to Kanebo salons before this for years, until they shut down their facial salons. The difference therefore is in the products used, and the quality. The facial itself might be similar 🙂
I can’t speak for Lancome, but when I tried it many years back, they did do extractions. The only ones that don’t do, in my experience, are Clarins and La Mer, both of which focus on facial massage, especially the latter. That one I feel is worth it. Clarins I don’t enjoy as much because of their technique that I find disruptive. But I’m told that Shiseido does offer extractions 🙂 I think it’s a very new treatment so there isn’t a lot out there about it. Will update when I’ve booked my slot and tried it out 🙂 I’m overdue to go for one soon anyway.
When I finish my eye cream, I may look into the Shiseido one. Other than that, everything else just seems overpriced, over perfumed and overrated. I’m curious about that facial too. Please post a follow up if you can. I’d love to read about your experience.
I’ll share once I’ve booked a facial – kept meaning to and keep forgetting 😛 The eye cream, I really like. It’s the only thing I’m still using! 😀
Paris B. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I scrolled down…up and down again at the part about the price tag and laughed a little too loudly for my own good. Would love to give the eye cream a go.
Have you tried Guerlain creme de beaute pure radiance cleansing cream? Its a 200ml jar priced rm300+. Lasts a long time and i no longer double cleanse. I love how soft my skin is after using it. Would love to see a review about this.
Xoxo
Thanks Arfah 🙂 And the price tags are a little shock to the system aren’t they? I haven’t tried the Guerlain product you mentioned, nor come across it, but I will stop by one day and have a look next time I’m near a counter. I’m guessing it takes off makeup as well as cleanses?
I have avoided Japanese skin care because of their use of petroleum products and fragrance. And, like you, I run from foaming cleansers. I double cleanse with a balm followed with a cream cleanser. But, I have to admit Japanese powders and makeup in general are amount the best. Thank you for a wonderful review. I absolutely adore your posts.
Thank you so much Jan 🙂 Like you, I rate very highly Japanese powders and make up in general. But their skincare has left me wanting for a long time. I’m not sure why they just haven’t caught up with the rest of the world?
Eye creams or gel usually come in 15ml size, the biggest size eye product I know is Clarins at 20ml.
Have tried this range few years back. Too fragranced and too rich for my skin then, but I wont be trying this range or brand anymore as there is nothing exciting to explore and I’ve found other brands that work better on my skin.
Ooh I did not notice that Bugs, so 17ml is a pretty decent size for an eye cream! (Tells you just how much eye cream I use if I didn’t notice that!) This is supposed to be a reformulated range, but not haven’t tried the old one I can’t tell how different they are. I do tend to agree that with all the options available to us today, it’s so hard to actually stick to one brand, especially if you haven’t had a good experience with it before!