Shiseido Body Creator Aromatic Sculpting Gel

This is another Shiseido product that I have used in the past.  I bought it in 2004.  The lady who sold this to me said it would help tighten, firm, and smooth the appearance of cellulite.  At 23, did I really need it?

This isn't a review.  I'm just continuing on with the list of Shiseido products I've used before, while wondering to myself why Shiseido doesn't rank as high on my list of favorite brands.

As I was saying.  I bought this in the winter of 2004 for help with cellulite.  ~_@  What I remember liking about this gel is that it smelled like grapefruit and it smelled soooooo good!  I don't think it is meant to provide moisture because it's a gel and very light.  I also don't think it was meant to be used in the winter because it contains menthol in it which makes it very cold when you apply it to the skin...in winter.

I really liked the packaging.  Even though the sculpting gel was expensive, I think it lasted me a good 6 months.  I can't honestly tell if it did anything to my cellulite.  I looked the same, I felt the same, I was trying to lose weight through exercise and diet, and I wasn't paying that much attention.  The only thought I had was basically, "Every little bit helps."

Anyways, it's not a bad product to try and I wouldn't mind getting it again.  ^_^


--


Kus

"Smile on!"

Shiseido The Skincare

I'm continuing with the Shiseido products and product lines that I've used.  I really am quite surprised, given the amount of products I've used from this company, that the brand isn't something that I consider a Holy Grail.

I think I should not use the term Holy Grail anymore.  Medieval history is so violent with death over the meaning and symbolism of THE Holy Grail that it seems diminutive to use "Holy Grail" to talk about a beloved beauty/cosmetic item.  ... ...  Maybe this is my Medieval Studies kicking in, refusing to be forgot through the passing of Time?  ...  ...

Okay, random thought aside, Shiseido's products and product lines are really good.  They are geared toward different "ages" of skin.  The Skincare - I'm basing this off of information I've gleaned over the years - is targeted for working women who would be in the prime of their lives.

This is a quick overview of some of the products from The Skincare product line.  I may add my thoughts, but keep in mind please that this is not a review.

Cleanser

Purifying Cleansing Foam, 125 ml

A refreshing deep cleansing foam, with purifying granules, that effectively removes makeup and dulling impurities while retaining essential moisture.

･Contains purifying granules with a gentle exfoliating effect.

I probably used this before my skin's age was mature enough to use this product (before 24 years old), but I always appreciate a cleanser that says "purifying" on it.  At the time, I was still going through acne breakouts so anything that "purified" my skin was great.  

The Skincare line also has a Cleansing Massage Brush that is really soft and comfortable and everything nice, but I was too cheap to buy that.  That decision was to my detriment.  I still dream about it!

Softener

Hydro-Balancing Softener, 150 ml

A gentle, alcohol-free lotion that instantly softens and rehydrates the skin for enhanced suppleness.

Moisturizer

Multi-Energizing Cream, 50ml

A luxurious restorative beauty treatment cream formulated with a complex of vitamins to intensively nourish, energize, and fortify skin in its fight against environmental stress and the visible signs of aging.

Excellent for all skin types, especially skin suffering from dehydration, dullness, or fatigue.

･Contains xylitol-enriched Phyto-Vitalizing Factor, a high-performance moisturizing and retexturizing agent that effectively softens fine lines and brings a noticeably younger look to skin.

I think the reason why The Skincare line didn't make a great impression with me was that I didn't realize that I had chosen the wrong type of moisturizer for myself.  I bought this because it said it would energize and nourish my skin...BUT it was way too rich for me to use every day and night.  When I think back on it, I probably should have just used it at night, but I was 22 back then and what did I know of skincare?  The Internet and YouTube was fairly new and not as informative as it is now.


Treatment 

Purifying Mask, 75 ml


A creamy, rinse-off facial mask formulated with Marine Mineral Clay to absorb dulling surface sebum and impurities and leave skin visibly refined and refreshed. Reveals radiant new skin for a more youthful look.

･Contains a unique combination of highly-porous Marine Mineral Clay, kaolin, and powder ingredients to absorb surface sebum and impurities and minimize the appearance of pores.


I don't remember much how the mask made my skin look and feel after using it but I remember I really LOVED this mask and I was VERY SAD when I ran out of it.  I think this is the one item from this line that I would go out and buy just to do a review of it.  Hahaha!

Protective Lip Conditioner SPF 10, 4g


A daily-care treatment that helps preserve the youthful appearance of lips through concentrated moisturizing and smoothing benefits and effective protection against UVA/UVB rays.

･Developed with exclusive Shiseido powder technology to give immediate visible improvement to lip radiance and tone.


I really liked the packaging.  It was metal, sturdy, and felt luxurious - the packaging, I mean.  With regards to the lip conditioner itself, I thought it was over priced, even if it did have SPF.  I think I paid $16 + tax.  If I had thought of it before, I would have saved the tube and inserted regular chap stick.  Ah, well, in my older age, I'm allergic to chap stick, so I have no idea what I'd use now.

Okay, this concludes this mini overview of The Skincare.  Looking through the website to get these blurbs and info, I really want to re-try some of these products and also pick up a few new items along the way.  Haha.  But I can't.  I need to get to 100 miles ran.

^_^

Shiseido UV White

After finishing up my product review for the Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream, I'm actually quite surprised that I do not have any Shiseido products on my HG list.  Actually, I'm quite surprised that I don't feel a great sense of loyalty to the brand given how many product lines and products I've owned and used.  And now that I recall, in 2004 and 2005 the only skin care products I used were Shiseido products.

In 2004 I bought the Shiseido UV White product line.  I believe that product has been discontinued for a while now and it is now called White Lucent.  I'm sure you can still buy UV White from Amazon.com and other retailers for a markdown.  The overview I'm providing below will probably not be as detailed as the Pureness line I overviewed in my previous post because the line has been disconnected and I can't tell exactly which size of the moisturizer I used.  But the one thing I will say, is that the UV White packaging was sensationally fantastic!

UV White had a system of telling what type of skin you have.  You were either a I or II.  I fell into the category for oily skin, which I believe was II.

Cleansers

Purify Cleansing Foam I, 130 g / 4.5 oz

This was okay, it cleansed well but I don't think it had exfoliating beads in it.

Softeners

Whitening Softener II, 150 ml / 5 oz

This worked well.  I remember it had a nice scent.  I don't really like to waste softeners and toners on cotton pads, but the packaging of this toner really forced you to be inventive or to cave in and use cotton balls.  Basically, it's a glass bottle with a screw cap.  I don't think it has a stopper or a control mechanism in place.  

Moisturizer

Whitening Protective Moisturizer II, 75 ml / 2.5 oz

The one I had back in the day was 150 ml / 5 oz.  A great deal, huh?  I really liked this moisturizer because it was very liquidy and milky, and moisturized my skin nicely.  I'm not so sure about if it helped with the whiteness of my skin, though.  

Masks

The bad thing about products that have been discontinued is that they're completely discontinued.  No more, kaput, zilch, nada.

I had bought this set of compressed dry masks.  If I recall correctly, it was a set of 12 compressed masks that already had a dry ingredient in them.  What you did with the masks was to rehydrate them using the softener and apply it to your face for 20-30 minutes.  I can't remember very well how the masks worked, but they were really fun to use for a lazy Sunday.

That's it for Shiseido's UV White line.

Shiseido Pureness

After finishing up my product review for the Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream, I'm actually quite surprised that I do not have any Shiseido products on my HG list.  Actually, I'm quite surprised that I don't feel a great sense of loyalty to the brand given how many product lines and products I've owned and used.  And now that I recall, in 2004 and 2005 the only skin care products I used were Shiseido products.  

In 2004 I bought the Shiseido Pureness product line under the recommendation of an acquaintance who was suffering from oily and acne-prone skin, although he seemed to have his acne under control at the time.  I can't really recall exactly how much everything cost, but for a set of cleanser, toner, moisturizer, spot treatment, and blotting sheets, I don't think I went over $200.00 (I can't remember and don't take my word on this).  The Pureness line is targeted toward adolescents and young adults, so I think their pricing is targeted toward those who haven't embarked on their career path yet.  

I'm not about to go out and repurchase everything that I have used for the sake of doing a product review, but I will do a brief overview of the products I have used from the Pureness line and include any comments about the product, if I remember.

Cleansers

  

Foaming Cleansing Fluid, 150 ml

For oily, combination and normal skin types

Liquid cleanser transforms into airy lather, gently removing pore-clogging impurities, makeup and oil that can lead to imperfections. Leaves skin silky smooth and comfortable.

This is actually a very gentle and refreshing cleanser.  But after I got 1/2 way through the bottle, I felt a little dissatisfied because it doesn't have any exfoliants in it.  My skin felt as though it needed a top layer to be sloughed off.  So I went and purchased:

  

Deep Cleansing Foam, 100 ml

For oily and blemish-prone skin types

An ultra-fresh foam with blue purifying granules, this rich lathering foam lifts away the pore-clogging impurities, makeup and oil that can lead to imperfections. Feels gentle and cool.

This felt much better for my skin, even on an everyday morning and night routine.  I ended up going through 2 of these.

Softeners (Shiseido does not call these "toners")

Balancing Softener Alcohol-Free, 150 ml

A refreshing alcohol-free lotion that brings new radiance, softness, and balance to blemish-prone skin. Lightly rehydrates and leaves skin smooth and comfortable.

･Formulated with a botanical extract, Palo Azul.

･NON-COMEDOGENIC.

I never used this with a cotton pad because I always felt that for the price I paid I shouldn't be wasting most of the softener on a piece of cotton.

Moisturizers

Mattifying Moisturizer Oil-Free, 50 ml

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.

･NON-COMEDOGENIC.

This really did mattify my skin for the mornings, but by the afternoon my skin had started to look dewey-bordering-on-shiny.  One of the things I didn't like about this product was that if I didn't wash my hands after applying this to my face, I would get a grimey sensation on my hands similar to when you move a lot of things around and your hands get dirty.  I think that sensation was caused by the mattifying powder in the moisturizer collecting themselves in the groove of my fingerprint.

Moisturizing Gel-Cream, 40 ml

A lightweight creamy gel that moisturizes, soften, and refines skin as it promotes a healthy-looking radiance. Leaves skin feeling dewy fresh.

･Protects the skin's natural moisture balance with Shiseido-exclusive ingredients Hydro-Balancing Complex, containing botanical Extract Palo Azul.

･NON-COMEDOGENIC.

I really liked this moisturizer a lot.  I just wished then as I do now that this came in a squeeze tube or pump bottle.

Targeted Treatments

Oil Control Blotting Paper, 100 sheets

Handy sheets freshen skin and erase shine on contact. A powerful oil-absorbing ingredient, Hydroxyapatite, provides the power to absorb sebum, as well as lipid peroxide.

Knowing what I know now about oil blotting papers (see this post), I would say I overpaid for these.  Granted, Shiseido's oil blotting papers are bigger than your average blotters.  However, I distinctly remember not liking these because they had powder on the sheets to help blot and mattify your skin.  But the powder would get clogged up in the grooves of my finger prints, which would leave me with a grimey feeling.

Blemish Clearing Gel, 15 ml

A clear quick-absorbing gel that minimizes the appearance of blemishes as it purifies and refreshes skin.

･Formulated with salicylic acid to calm and soothe skin.

･Helps prevent the appearance of blemishes.

･NON-COMEDOGENIC.

I actually liked this a great deal.  This worked great on soothing those hot, painful, under-the-skin cystic acne.  I don't know if it really helped them come up to the surface or go away, but for those hot and painful acne, this gel really worked to cool them down and soothe that area.  The only thing I didn't like about this gel was the cap and the type of bottle it was.  It should have been in a squeeze tube or a pump, or even a jar, but not this type of semi-hard plastic bottle where squeezing the gel out would be difficult.  

LOL, walking down memory lane really has me itching to retry some of these products.  ^_^

Product Review: Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream

For more pictures, please see my previous posting here.

Please visit Shiseido's website for more information about their products and product lines.

Since my disappointment with the Avalon Organics eye gel (read about it here), I have been wanting an eye cream to treat the very fine lines that have started appearing around my eyes.  My brother was such a sweetie that he got me this for my birthday.  I'm not supposed to know how much it costs, but I can tell you from rudimentary research done on Amazon.com, this can set you back anywhere between $40-$60 USD.

The .51 oz of product claims to protect skin from a harsh, dehydrating environment* and dramatically minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and lines to promote a youthfully smooth, radiant look.  Please note the following:

* Clinically tested under conditions of extremely low humidity (20%).

The skeptic in me naturally says, "But I live in Texas and humidity here averages 75%."  Luckily, I have my handy dandy smart phone and it tells me that the humidity in California (blessed Los Angeles) is 18%, but I digress.

The product comes in a very substantial gold glass jar that will fit nicely in your palm.  The lid is gold, as well.  It comes with a little (plastic) spatula - a surprise to me given how luxurious everything else is.  I'm not really fond of expensive products coming in jars like this because I don't think it's very sanitary to keep opening up the jar and dipping your fingers or the spatula into the product and risk contaminating the whole bunch.  I prefer if these types of products come in squeeze tubes, but we can't get everything that we ask for, right?  I've done the best I could under the circumstance and have transferred a small portion of the eye cream to a sample jar I got from La Mer.

The product is a very thick cream with a nice, lightly perfumed scent.  A little goes a long way.  I don't even used a 1/4 of a pea size.  I basically dip the tip of my ring finger in once, rub it with my other ring finger and apply to my eye lids and under my eyes.  Because the product is so thick, it doesn't absorb very easily and I feel that most of the product sits on top of my skin.  For that reason alone, I use it only at night.  When I wake up in the mornings, my face is so greasy that I have to blot my face before washing.  *grimaces*  Since using the Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream, I've noticed a profuse amount of grease on my eyelids and under my eyes in the morning.  It's not a big deal because I wash my face in the mornings.

So now, the question is, does this product do what it claims?

The answer, in my experience, is YES.  When I look at the skin under my eyes in the morning, the fine lines have been filled in and are not as deep as when I don't use the product.  I at first thought that my lines would come back during the day because I can't use such a rich product during the day, or that the skin around my eyes would feel dry and tight without the product, but that is not the case.  The skin under my eyes still look nice and soft, and I don't feel that uncomfortable tightness from lack of moisture that I used to get with Avalon Organics or with no product.  I must assume that the benefits of the product have penetrated my skin to provide that boost of moisture even without a morning application.

Would I purchase this again?

I suppose that if there was nothing else on the market, I would purchase this product.  I like what it does and it really feels so luxurious.  I just wish it came in a squeeze tube.