Review: Shiseido The Skincare Night Moisture Recharge

This product comes in three versions: light, regular and enriched.  When I bought this at the Shiseido and Nars warehouse sale, I assumed the regular Night Moisture Recharge was just right for me.  I had the thought that super hydration at night was perfect but thinking about it now, I should have gotten the light version.

The scent: It has a floral scent but doesn't smell like synthetic.  It smells more like actual flowers.

Consistency: It is a lotion that is more runny than thick.

Application:  After cleansing and toner / softener, I take two pumps of hydrating B5 serum, then apply this lotion by giving less than one pump on my palm and rubbing my palms together before patting and pressing the lotion on.

Packaging:  It has a pump dispenser.  Comes with 75 mL or 2.5 fl oz of product.

What it claims:  "A multi-action nighttime revitalizer that counteracts signs of daytime damage and delivers intensive hydrating benefits to skin while you sleep. Restores softness, smoothness, and a healthy-looking glow."

Thoughts / Results:
This product line - The Skincare - is designed for normal and combination skin which is suppose to be the right version for my skin type but I dislike the immediate greasy or sticky after-feeling.  But the sticky feeling does go away after 2 to 3 hours.  It's definitely not a lightweight lotion.  In terms of its claims, I don't feel much change in the texture of my skin.  It didn't give me a softer or smoother skin.  However after one week of using this lotion, I started noticing a slight - like very tiny - radiance in my skin the next morning.  I can't tell how it counteracts signs of daytime damage because I don't see any changes to the little sun damages on my skin.  Perhaps the change is too miniscule for me to notice.  Or maybe the daytime damage it means is your skin loses moisture during the day and this lotion is suppose to recover the dehydration damage at night. 

At first I couldn't recognize the scent of this lotion, it wasn't deterring but I just wasn't fond of it.  After maybe 3 weeks of using it, I realize it's the smell of actual flowers.  And yes, I don't like the authentic scent of flowers.

It's really easy to use up too much of this lotion, but a small amount - like half a pump - is good enough because this lotion is an intensive hydrating overnight treatment.  Too much of it will only make you feel greasy or oily and not necessary help your skin get more hydrated.

I'd say this lotion is best for normal/combination skin individuals during the winter when our skin loses the most moisture.  Well most people don't have lacking moisture problems during the summer or even you do, make sure you drink enough water to replenish your internal body moisture. 

Cost:  $55 CAD / $42.50 USD MSRP @Sephora (I bought my bottle from Shiseido and NARS warehouse sale for $30 CAD)

Product:  Shiseido The Skincare Night Moisture Recharge
Rating: 3.5 / 5

Pros:
- Maintains the moisture in your skin not necessary improves it
- One pump or even less is enough for the entire face
- Gives very little radiance in my skin the next morning
- No problems with milia or breakouts
- Have no problems with applying foundation; no cakiness

Cons:
- Price
- Sticky / greasy after-feel
- Hydrating effects are not observable the next morning
- Not fond of the scent

Sasa.com Haul

Last week, I placed my first order from Sasa.com.  *Yay*  Since last October, I've been afraid to place online orders over $80 because of Canada customs tax.  I'm relieved my Sasa order didn't get taxed.  *phew*  I spent over $90 USD on my haul, some of which I've been meaning to purchase.

1.  Suzuran Attirer puff (120 sheets) - $1.60 USD
These cotton pads are made of 100% cotton.  I've read some good reviews on them for being inexpensive and good quality, so I thought I've give them a try.  I suppose they're similar to the Shiseido 100% cotton pads but an inexpensive version.

2.  Thursday Plantation Tea Tree medicated gel for acne (25 g) - $12.80 USD
For the past 8 months or so, I've been breaking out under my cheekbones, on the chin and forehead.  My breakout period is nearly over and my skin is clearing up, returning to its appearance a year ago.  =)  Like every girl, I really want to minimize the forming of maturing pimples; so after a bit of researching and reading up reviews, I decided to purchase this in hopes of taming my random breakouts.

3.  JUJU Cosmetics AQUAMOIST Hyaluronic Acid Whitening & Moisture Milky Lotion - $14.90 USD
It's summer and as much as I love tanning once in a while, I'd love to have backup products to whiten and brighten my skin.

4.  OMI Salanoveil SPF 50 PA+++ White UV Cut Lotion (40 mL) - $7.10 USD
This should be an interesting product to use as it has a high SPF, whitening ingredients, moisturize and re-hydrates the skin.

5.  Hada Labo Shirojyun Arbutin Whitening Essence (30 g) - $21.10 USD


Again, a whitening product I've been meaning to purchase for its whitening effects.  Some say it works, other way it doesn't but I've have to see for myself.

6.  Sana Hadanomy Collagen Mist (250 mL) - $12.70 USD
I've purchased a lot of toner lately but I've read a lot of good reviews for its effects - allowing better foundation application.  **update: this is NOT a toner.  Supposedly, this product gives skin super hydration so again, I'm looking forward to try this out.

7.  Sana Super Quick Liquid Eyeliner Ex - $11.20 USD
This last time I purchased a felt-tip liquid eyeliner, it was the MAC penultimate eyeliner and honestly, it sucked.  So I was a little iffy about purchasing another felt-tip liquid eyeliner.  I've been fine with gel and pencil eyeliners but I thought I'd give another liquid eyeliner another try since I prefer the precise and sharp line it gives.

8.  AB Mezical Double Eyelid Eyelift Fibers (60 pieces) - $12.60 USD
Looking at my past photos on here, you would see that I have double eyelids.  So why did I buy these? Well I'm starting to notice I have hooded eyes.  Apparently they can develop with age and many Asians have this issue.  So after a bit of researching online, I found out double eyelid tapes can solve that problem.  I'll probably need plenty of practise.  =\

9.  Biore Facial Foaming Whitening (100 mL) - $3.90 USD
A facial cleanser for less than $4 USD? How can I pass up on this?

10.  Nail Clipper - free gift
The only practical gift I found useful beside the lipstick pen and bookmark.

This is my first time ordering from Sasa.com.  I know there are a lot of people who have made online purchases from Sasa.com but I'm sure there are a few other people out there who aren't sure or feel iffy about ordering from them.  Well here's my experience and opinion of them:
1.  It took me a LONG time deciding to place an order.  Call me frugal but $18 USD for shipping is a bit too much.  I mean for that amount I could've purchase another product.  It was either spend $18 on shipping or spend over $100 for free shipping.  I did select standard shipping that would usually cost me $18 USD but during the time I placed my order, Sasa.com had a "buy SPF products and receive free shipping worldwide".  So I had no excuse but to take up this offer.  If you were to make a purchase from Sasa.com, I'd recommend gathering a list of things you want to purchase and just make one big order.  Otherwise, it's not worth it.

2.  I was lucky that Canadian customs didn't tax me.  I've heard people were taxed before which was another reason I hesitated on placing my order.  With my previous experiences, customs make their own estimate of the value of your package and put a 18% tax on it which makes it a hefty cost.

3.  The ETA of my package was supposedly 7 - 14 days.  I placed my order on May 14 and received it today, May 23.  Compared to Adambeauty.com, Sasa ships a little faster.

4.  They provide a tracking number and signature confirmation.  It ensure delivery confirmation.  I can use the tracking number to track the shipping progress of my parcel.  Again, a shipping option I prefer.

5.  I enjoy purchasing from Sasa since they offer lower prices and some products are not available in Canada.

6.  I love how their website has so much variety to choose from.  There are always new products.  But if you're looking or waiting for them to replenish their stock, it's a long wait.  For example, I was looking to purchase the Borghese face mask but they didn't have any in stock last week.  I visit it again today and they're still not available.

7.  In terms of packaging, they don't individually bubble wrap everything like Cosme-de.com and their box isn't a sturdy one.  There are a lot of styrofoam packaging inside.  Although nothing inside was damaged, the box itself had a rough ride across the world to my house.

8.  Website description of each product can be found in different languages based on what country and language you select.  However on the packaging, it is mostly Chinese or Japanese.  A disadvantage for those who can't read either language.

Review: Shiseido The Skincare Hydro-balancing softener

Does your skin need hydration? Even with a good moisturizer, it is just not hydrating enough without a hydrating softener / toner / lotion.  This is something I learned recently.  The technique to apply your toner / softener / lotion and moisturizer is just as important.  My first impression of this Shiseido Hydro-balancing softener was not good.  The scent was not the best and I didn't see a change in my skin after using it.  But after some time of using it with a different approach, my thoughts have changed.

The scent: A floral scent but not a refreshing one

Consistency: Clear watery solution

Application: Soaking the cotton pad with around 4 - 5 pumps of softener, I lightly and swiftly tap / pat it upwards on my skin.  You know your cotton pad is soaked enough if you hear a sound when you tap / pat it on your skin.  The sound that you hear when you tap the water surface of a pool or bucket of water.  However, the nose area requires a slower pat and lightly press motion

Packaging:  It comes in a pump dispenser which I prefer over a twisting-cap bottle.  You get 150 mL or 5 fl oz of product.

What it claims: "A gentle, alcohol-free lotion that instantly softens and rehydrates the skin for enhanced suppleness."

Thoughts / Results:
Like I said before, my first impressions of this product was not the best.  I thought it did nothing for me but I learned that patting the solution on your skin does make a difference.  I used to simply rub it all over my skin with a cotton pad then thinking this product did nothing for me.  Now that I've used a different approach to apply this softener, I saw a difference.  My skin does feel and look more hydrated as claimed on Shiseido's website.  Although I agree this softener helped my skin, I don't agree with their claim of 'instantly' softening the skin.  My skin is most noticeably soft overnight but definitely not instantly.  My nose skin doesn't flake and my foundation applies on better than before. Therefore, I can really see the difference of how this softener helped my moisturizer get absorbed into my skin.  I've been breaking out lately and I get these huge pimples where once they pop, it shrivels up and that area of my skin dries out and flakes.  But after pressing and patting the softener on, allowing my skin receive more hydration, my skin has gotten a lot better.  Even without makeup, my skin has a dewy, radiant glow.

Another good thing about this product is alcohol-free.  Well for the product to be hydrating, it must not have alcohol; otherwise your skin will dry out.

So, this softener is a great product but not with proper technique. 

Cost: $44 CAD / $36 USD MSRP @Sephora (I bought it for $25 CAD at Shiseido & NARS warehouse sale)

Product: Shiseido The Skincare Hydro-Balancing Softener Alcohol-free
Rating: 4.5 / 5

Pros:
- Hydrating
- Softens your skin overnight
- Allows better moisturizer absorption

Cons:
- Price -- in order to saturate your cotton pad like what the directions say, you use up a lot of product

Review: Shiseido Pureness Matifying Moisturizer Oil-free

The Shiseido Pureness Matifying Moisturizer Oil-free was the very first non-drug store moisturizer I have ever used back in grade 9.  Last year, I bought my 2nd bottle of Matifying Moisturizer at the Shiseido & NARS warehouse sale and finished it recently.  Age really does change your skin.  I can feel the moisturizer wasn't as effective on my skin compared to 10 years ago.

The scent:  A light floral scent that smells and feels refreshing.

Consistency:  Texture of a lotion.  Not too thick, not really runny.

Application:  Cleanse the skin, use a toner and finally moisturize. 

Packaging:  Moisturizer dispenses via a pump.

What it claims:  "A lightweight moisturizer, with oil-absorbing powder, that helps reduce surface shine as it provides exceptional hydration to skin. Feels refreshing and ultra-sheer.
Protects the skin's natural moisture balance with Shiseido-exclusive ingredient Hydro-Balancing Complex*, containing botanical extract Palo Azul."

Thoughts / Results:
This lotion is for combination or normal skin individuals.  This means it's best to help people with oily T-zone.  This product claims to provide great hydration to the skin while matifying it on oily areas, but it is not hydrating enough for me.  It does have oil-absorbing ingredient(s) that effectively matifies my skin.  However, on other areas - i.e. the cheek - it's not hydrating enough.  This is prominent when my skin looks cakey with foundation and setting powder on.  Yet I find that even without a hydrating moisturizer, a toner / softener can do help hydrate the skin.  Therefore without a good toner, Shiseido's Matifying Moisturizer is not hydrating enough for makeup to glide on without caking up.  Although it applies on feeling sheer, my foundation doesn't glide on flawlessly even with foundation primer on.  And because of these qualities, I'd recommend using this moisturizer during the day rather than at night and apply it under your foundation.  At night, I'd find a more hydrating moisturizer.

Cost:  $22 CAD @Shiseido and NARS Warehouse Sale (MSRP $40 CAD / $33 USD)

Product:  Shiseido Pureness Matifying Moisturizer Oil-free
Rating: 3 / 5

Pros:
- Matifies skin
- Feels refreshing and sheer

Cons:
- Not hydrating enough

Review: Cle De Peau Essence Contre Sebum - Oil Balancing Gel

Back in 2008, my mom and I traveled to Hong Kong to visit some relatives.  The weather in Asia is very different from here in Canada.  My skin was constantly oily and because the air in Hong Kong is humid and polluted, I could take a tissue and wipe off black dirt from a day's worth of being outdoors.  So when we made a side trip to Japan, we went to a department store where they sold different high end brands.  I had no idea what Cle De Peau was back then.  I walked up to a Shiseido counter (a brand I recognized) and the sales lady introduced me to this product.  I later did some research on Cle De Peau and realized it's a higher end brand distributed by Shiseido.  In terms of effects, I find it works really well.

The scent: A light minty smell

Consistency:  Gel form

Application: After using cleanser and toner, I only dab this product on pimples and rub a bit of it on the nose and chin.  Then I follow up with some moisturizer.

Packaging:  Comes in a pump.  Very hygienic.  Comes in 30 g.

What it claims: "A gel that suppresses excess T-zone oils and helps reduce the appearance of enlarged pores."

Thoughts / Results:
The scent is so light that once applied, you can't smell it.  It's in the form of gel so its effects are long-lasting.  I find it's more effective after exfoliating and cleansing the skin so that the pores are unclogged.  That way it can shrink up the pores, leaving little space for formation of blackheads.  Effects are also immediate.  I can see my skin instantly matifies after application without flaking the skin.  It's best used at night because underneath primer and foundation, it may form clumps if you don't let it dry completely.

Each application doesn't require much and the pump packaging gives me enough product.

Cost:  Around ¥5000 (equivalent to ~$60 CAD)

Product: Cle De Peau Essence Contre Sebum
Rating: 4.5 / 5

Pros:
- Effectively matifies skin
- Shrinks the appearance of pores
- Can feel and see nose and chin aren't as oily throughout the day
- Leaving product on a pimple overnight can really shrink it up

Cons:
- Very pricey

Review: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Skincare 1-2-3 Set

My first review of this year is on this Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Skincare 1-2-3 set.  This set is very much like Clinique 3 Step skincare.  Well, I've been using this set for over 3 months and I still have about 1/4 left in each bottle/tube. 

First step of the skincare: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Cleansing Foam.  I find that it cleanses my face pretty well.  It forms quite a bit of foam and after rinsing my face, it leaves my face feeling clean.  Now Shiseido claims that this foam "removes dirt, pollution and impurities without drying out skin".  I've tried using this foam with the other 2 products and I've also tried using it alone, followed by Vitamin A cream and sometimes Vitamin E cream.  Either way, it dries out my skin.  It's most noticeable on my nose, which is odd since Vitamin E or A cream are really hydrating.  Ultimately, I'd recommend using a moisturizing cream that really hydrates your skin more than Vitamin A and/or E cream.

Second step of the skincare: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Refining Softener Enriched N.  The purpose of this product is to soften your skin.  It claims to "instantly infuse moisture and perfectly prepares skin for next skincare step".  Using a cotton pad to apply this, I find it does soften my skin a little bit, but not very noticeable.

Third step of the skincare: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Protective Moisturizer N SPF 16.  This product claims that it "locks in moisture and nutrients while protecting skin from external aggressors".  Initially after I apply this moisturizer, I notice my skin brightens.  This is a day cream but I find the formula dries out my skin.  The skin on my nose dries out so much that it gets flaky and I can peel off my dead skin cells.  =\  It's winter and the weather is dry; this 3 step skincare set doesn't work well in these conditions.  However, I believe it would be a great summer moisturizer as the consistency is runny, not sticky, and feels light-weight.

Overall, after using the 3 products, Shiseido claims that this skincare set softens your skin within 1 month.  And I do agree with this statement to a certain extent.  There are areas of my face that do feel soft but my nose feels and looks dried out so definitely not soft.

Product: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Skincare 1-2-3 set

Rating: 4 / 5

Pros:

- Brightens my skin

- Cleansing foam cleans my face really well

- Softener does soften my skin

- Day moisturizer has a light consistency

Cons:

- Dries out my nose, requires a hydrating moisturizer to compensate