The Shiseido Ibuki and how it fared for me.

Remember my previous post at the launch of Shiseido's much coveted smart Ibuki skincare line?

Well, I think it is time to tell you what I think of the products that I got to try.

First up, the Gentle Cleanser. The cleanser is creamy and takes very little to lather and I guess this is good and economical. However, at my age and skin concern, gentle cleansers don't really lather and I'd stick to just creamy and comfortable. The fact that it lathers, it makes skin a little tight and dry.

I don't think it's the fault of the product because it did say that the range is targeted to those in the age range of 25-34, and unfortunately, though I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to try this, I have to admit that I am not within the target age group. I'm long past that *sigh*

However, since it is quite creamy, I still have plenty left and have been using it as a once-a-week to twice-a-week deep cleansing treatment. When not used daily, it is quite alright.

The Softening Concentrate, as I've mentioned before is pretty costly for the 75ml bottle. That's the only size available.

The formulation is surprisingly quite thick for a toner and can be used as a hydrating lotion before your serum/moisturiser. Unfortunately, this one didn't quite make it on my vanity table... I find it oily with a strong fragrance. Don't get me wrong, I like the fragrance and I think it smells good but I find that skincare with a strong fragrance always irritates my skin.

It is also loaded with alcohol and I think that must have also been an irritant to the skin.

Though it feels oily on application, it did get absorbed really fast into skin. However, somehow it just feels a little strong. I've used the White Lucent range before and I think the lotion feels lighter than this.

The Ibuki products came to me just when I discovered that silicones in skincare might not be that good for me. And when I read its ingredients list on the box, my heart sank.

The moisturiser comes loaded with silicones.

But, since that factor was just something I had recently questioned myself at that time and not something I was very sure of, I decided to not limit myself and to just give it a try. And tried it I did. In fact, this was the only product in this range that came with me to my Europe trip and it did help me maintain healthy skin in the super cold weather.

Though I am not in the age range targeted for this line, I've always realised that my skin cannot take moisturisers that are too rich for my skin, ones that are targeted for my age group. It's so weird in all sense and frustrates me much too. The skin's dehydrated and shows signs of aging, yet fluids are too light while creams are too rich.

With this Ibuki moisturiser, it was ok. I didn't see any super duper results like super soft skin, etc, but at least I didn't break out. In fact, my skin was almost flawless with little maintenance (ie. lesser scrubbing & mask) when I was out in the cold. 

All in all, I think the range would probably work better for those in the targeted age group, those that are tougher and could withstand alcohol, fragrance and silicones. Perhaps.

Have you picked up any of the products in the range?

The Shiseido Professional Beauty Innovator Award 2013

Recently, Shiseido Professional has chosen 5 of Malaysia's most creative hairstyling talents at the Shiseido Professional Beauty Innovator Award 2013 (SPFBIA2013).

The new Shiseido Ibuki - skincare that promotes inner strength

Shiseido has launched the much coveted Ibuki range. From 2 months back when I was looking up for reviews on this particular range, I could sense the excitement of many bloggers worldwide who were eagerly awaiting the entire range to be unveiled and how it would fare.

Loving the Shiseido Maquillage True Eye Shadow compact

I kinda love this eye-shadow compact that I've been using for almost a year. When I bought it, I was attracted to its 'smart' feature.

I think this is the first time I've ever gotten such a compact. I'm a huge fan of compacts because I can never get myself to buy single pan eye shadows. I think they can be a little costly but most importantly, I can never finish a pan. The only single pans I have are those that I receive for reviews.

The Shiseido Japonica Facial Haven and the feeling of shortchanged.

Recently, when I received this mailer, I was excited.

Back then when Shiseido had their Shiseido The Salon outlet at Level 7 of KL's Sogo, I was their regular customer. I loved going for my facials there even if it meant driving out 20km away from home once a month simply because their facial service is decent, the price is reasonable, it does what it's supposed to do and their beauty therapist didn't do any hard sell, ever. I went to the same centre every month for 4 years and was sad when they closed down the outlet. Since then, I've gone on a facial salon hunt but have not gotten all the right combination in one place - all are either expensive or they'd always push for me to either sign an expensive package/buy their expensive products all the time.

So, when I found out that they have the Japonica Facial in all the Isetan outlets, I knew I had to try their facial at Isetan 1Utama where it is nearer to where I am.

Unfortunately, I was told that they didn't have any beauty therapist there but I could go over to Isetan KLCC to try. Which I did.

Well, I must say that it was a big disappointment. Though their pricing is rather good, the service was just so so, nothing like what I experienced at their The Salon years back. They didn't have a proper technique as they didn't layer any creams on my face before steaming it. And when the therapist did the extraction on my nose area, it hurt like mad as she used the metal prong instead of squeezing using her fingers and tissue. Truly a disappointment. In addition, they didn't cover the eyes with a facial cotton during steaming, neither did the therapist layer on any moisturising lip balm to keep lips moist while the steam loosen up my pores, further dehydrating the skin.

The Therapist prescribed the Bright and Beautiful session, using their White Lucent range. I did mention some of my concerns and how I think am loving a mixture of their range from the samples that I tried and the items that I am using. As an expert, she told me that just the White Lucent alone is sufficient for my skin concerns.

Treatment went on for about 90 minutes but I wasn't relaxed, neither did I fall asleep the way I always do during a facial. Everything felt wrong especially when the neck area was totally neglected. I don't ever remember going for a beauty treatment where only the face area is treated and no mask or cream was applied on the neck area. It felt really weird.

And if you're expecting hand massages, there ain't one either.

When the facial was done, the therapist pushed for me to sign up for a 4-times facial package as they had a promotion for a buy-3-get 4 facials + 4 eye treatments. I was so ready to do that before I came for the facial since I've discovered by accident how well some of their products work on me now than it did before. Somehow, after that less than satisfying 90-minute experience I felt that I should just stick to the products that work. I just felt short-changed from the whole experience.

Looks like I shall continue to find a salon with that perfect combination that I can agree with and am not sure when I'd really stick to just one salon.

Have you tried the Japonica facial? Could it have been better if I had tried the more expensive session?

Shiseido Maquillage Perfect Multi Compact

Remember this post a few months back?? Well, I am happy to finally get my hands on this little beauty...

Maquillage's Perfect Multi Compact... 

 

Can you see the three tones in this compact - one (the main larger one in the centre) is your normal compact powder, the lighter shade is to highlight your complexion while the slightly darker one is to shape or contour the facial features. Does it work??

Well, I must say that the three tones do not make that much of a difference to me... the darker shade did make my skin tone a little sallow and so I would prefer to mix all three shades together when applying the compact powder.

Coverage wise, it is probably medium to full. Hence, coverage can be quite good. But... it has been awhile since I've used a compact foundation and I think the texture is pretty thick... you'd need to properly double-cleanse your face when you remove it because it really felt thick to me and during the hot sunny weather, it almost felt like my skin didn't get enough oxygen to breathe.

Did it last on my oily skin?? I think it did. It did a good job even after a good afternoon of sweating at a wedding. And so, by late afternoon, my skin actually looked really good once the thick formulation blended in with my natural oils on my skin. Though it feels thick, it wasn't cakey at all.

And the only way for me to alleviate the thick feeling, I would usually only apply a swipe of the powder on my undereyes using the sponge applicator included in the compact. As for the rest of my face, I would use one swipe of a powder brush, making application look totally natural and not feel too heavy on my skin.

What I like most about the compact is that 'crystal' like texture on the shell of the compact case. The size is quite nice as well.

The Perfect Multi Compact retails at RM40 for the shell casing and RM95 for its refill. For a brand as good as Shiseido, I think the price is quite reasonable. However, I am not sure if I'd repurchase once it finishes because my skin doesn't quite like the heavy feeling of the powder and the three-toned foundation doesn't quite do it for me. I'd say that a loose powder feels so much more comfortable and lighter... but only because I prefer lighter formulation.

I know a lot of ladies who are big fans of Shiseido. But have you tried this one out yet? Do you like it?

Shiseido The Skincare Makeup Remover and Dior Cleansing Oil - Do their part so well.

Am sharing with you my current obsession - probably some of the best cleansing duo I've came across...

 

Left: Shiseido The Skincare Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover

Right: Dior Instant Gentle Cleansing Oil

Long, fat & thick lashes with the Lash King by Shiseido's Majolica Majorca

I was at the Lower Ground Floor, Concourse Area of Mid Valley Megamall on Thursday to try out the latest Lash King Mascara by Majolica Majorca.

I have to admit that I have never tried anything from Majolica Majorca by Shiseido but I must say that I kinda love their packaging - the colourful combination of fascinating design and whimsical packaging make makeup seriously fun. One glance at their products and your eyes would want to take a second look at what they are.

a little over the top in their promo? a great way to grab your attention, don't you think?

Anyways, to cut the story short, let me show you some photos of my before and after shots with the Lash King.

see my thin short lashes sans mascara...

tadaaaa... look at one side that's volumised and thickened with Lash King vs the other side without.

Ok, a mascara is a mascara is a mascara. You would just need to try it for yourself to see if it works. For me, as I mentioned before, I am never a fan of mascaras because they would always smudge on me but especially so because I find it so tedious to have to curl my lashes and then need so much effort to remove them at the end of the day.

But, talking about Lash King, I must say that it feels light on my lashes, that I didn't feel as if I had put anything on. I still needed a little bit of effort to make my lashes curl but what I like about it is that it kinda opens up my eyes and makes my lashes look so much thicker. Well, it does promise to give you overwhelming length and extra thickness, that you do not really need to use falsies. So, I guess that part is true...

However, like most mascaras I use, it kinda smudged after 3 hours. It may be my lashes because with all other good mascaras in town, they would always smudge on me even if the rest of the human population doesn't have that problem *sigh* and so, I've learnt to live with it - either check my compact every other hour for smudges or not wear one at all.

What it says at the back of its packaging.

Anyway, Majolica Majorca is aiming at getting at least 10,000 Malaysians to try out the Lash King at their promo roadshows. You can follow them at their facebook page for updates and news.

Right now, they already have about 5,000 people who have tried out Lash King and if you head on now to their promotion booth in Mid Valley, they will also give out a voucher for you to redeem on your purchase of Lash King.

And while you're there with eyes perfectly dolled up, head on to the King's chair to pose pretty ;P

Okay, okay... this doesn't look that pretty but I didn't have a proper costume and props. heh ;P

While you're at the booth, do check out some of these items and more... L-R: Eyes Reset Gel (an eye makeup remover), the Lash King, a sweet smelling fragrance Majoromantika in Secret Joker and Blood On (a lip & cheek colour in a pot).

I am pretty much intrigued with this product, Blood On, a lip and cheek rouge. The name and colour look really strong but in reality, it works like a lip gloss and its colour will apply light yet still good enough to be noticed. Let me use it for a little while longer before I can properly tell you what I think of it, okay?

Here, I show you the overall look - Lash King on my lashes and Blood On on my lips.

Until this Sunday, there will be an ongoing promotion and a lucky draw for you to try your luck at the promotional booth. Just purchase the Lash King (retails at RM59.90), and you will be able to stand a chance to win an awesome product by Majolica Majorca.

Have you tried any of their products? What do you like most about them?

Shiseido's Maquilllage True Rouge Lipstick

I got the opportunity to try out the new True Rouge from Shiseido's Maquillage collection at the recent launch. Initially, I was truly excited to try it when I was informed of the buzz elsewhere. In fact, my excitement was also due to the existing single item I own from the Maquillage range which I so love.

Now you already know how I felt about the signature packaging of the Maquillage range which I thought looked weird. The True Rouge, though, is kinda unique. Yes, it still has that octagonal basic structure but what I liked about this tube is that it gives out a 'pop' sound akin to when you open up a champagne bottle. You know... when you let air out from an air-tight container. Am I making any sense??

Secondly, the tube comes in a nice metal casing that feels luxurious - not those cheap thin flimsy material. It's thick, luxuriously black and pretty sturdy to the grip.

Then, the lipstick is shaped in a unique form where the double slant-end gives you that perfect fit to colour your lips in just one swipe. Apparently, the angled shape is cut to fit the angle and curve of most lips... and it may be true.

Well, those are the plus points of the True Rouge. However, formulation wise, though it claims to be moisturising, long-lasting and gives your lips a plump-like appearance, I don't think all those points worked in my favour. Yes, the lipstick is easy to apply but when my lips are dry to begin with, I feel that the True Rouge is not moisturising enough unless I first apply lip balm. I don't think it lasted that long compared to other lipsticks I am used to wearing that do not have a similar promise and it doesn't make my lips look any fuller. I am not sure why... could it be due to a colour that does not complement me or could it be that it is more suited for normal lips without any problems?

The truth is, I keep comparing this to the Shimmering Rouge and I feel that that lipstick is far more superior than True Rouge in terms of hydration, long hold and plumped up feeling. With Shimmering Rouge, I can just apply it direct on my patchy rough dry lips (I have naturally dry lips) and it could just smoothen and moisten my lips for hours. The colour would stay vibrant and I don't need to touch up after a meal and drinks. Therefore, I do not think the True Rouge works as well.

the ingredients to True Rouge.

another product, the Maquillage Moisture Base UV to be reviewed.

Have you checked out the True Rouge? Do you like it?

Wearable Colours with Shiseido's MaQuillage Spring/Summer 2012 Makeup

Shiseido recently launched their Maquillage Spring/Summer 2012 collection. The pastel-inspired collection includes their brand new lippie, the True Rouge, their limited edition Styling Eyes and Perfect Multi Compact foundation.

I am pretty new to Maquillage. The only Maquillage product that I have is their Glamorous Rouge Essence, a product I chanced by accident but totally love it for its moisturising benefit, silicone-induced plump effect and staying power. I have never really checked out the entire makeup range because I just think they are shaped in a weird form and I never believed in forking out extra $$ just to pay for complex packaging.

But when I discovered this range of makeup items, I guess price wise, they're not far off from their competitors. And if the product works, I guess I can learn to love their weird shapes...

this was displayed during the launch for some industry experts to try on their models.

This is True Rouge (Retails at RM90), a new line of lipstick that has apparently gotten rave reviews elsewhere. Notice the octagonal shape and the crystal like finishing on the top part of the packaging? This is what I meant by the weird shape that is synonymous with the Maquillage range.

The Maquillage True Rouge is available in 12 shades. It promises to deliver a soft and feminine look for up to 8 hours, meaning that the lipstick is supposed to last. However, different than other long-lasting formula, the lipstick is moisturising and appear soft like a lip gloss so that you will get that plumpy and lustrous effect on your lips.

It can be applied direct from the tube to give you that soft and natural look but if you want a shinier and glossy finish, you are advised to use a lip brush to apply the colour to your lips. And if you apply it direct, you would probably appreciate the strange angled shape of the lipstick because it is cut specifically to fit the angle and curve of most women's lips.

I was given the chance to try the lipstick and will share with you what I think in another post :)

These limited edition Maquillage Styling Eyes retail at RM135 each. It is formulated with a special pearl powder to make the colours last and have the right intensity when applied on the skin. It is smudge-proof and also promises to last up to 8 hours.

The Maquillage Perfect Multi Compact is available in 3 shades. I think for a compact, the packaging does look really pretty... doll-like pretty, don't you think? It doubles up as a foundation and finishing powder. Now, this is one product I'd really like to try. Notice the 3 different tones on the compact? They are supposed to help you highlight or create contours to your face, apart from its function as a foundation. Am not too sure if its any good for us regular women who'd just swipe our makeup sponges and apply powder foundation evenly on our faces... but it would be a nice way to practice some contouring technique since it is already available in that one compact. Colour wise, since there are only 3 shades available, am not too sure if you'd easily get a perfect fit but if it has that 3 tones in one compact, you may be able to at least achieve the nearest fit... maybe.

Overall, I think the collection is pretty safe... you don't need any excuse to wear the colours because the shades are all wearable in any environment. That said, when they look like any ordinary colours, one might have plenty of choices to pick from the many similar collections of every other cosmetic brands in the market but I guess when it comes to Maquillage, they would probably depend on their loyal fans or those who believe that Asian cosmetics understand us Asians better. Or like me, when I accidentally chanced upon their lip gloss, while walking around trying out stuff in a departmental store.

Are you a fan of Maquillage? What do you think of their latest collection?

Shiseido Spring/Summer 2012 Makeup Collection

With the so many brands out there in the market highlighting their Spring/Summer 2012 makeup collection, a lot of people may have missed out this one Japanese brand, that may be more popular for their skincare. And I am telling you that if you missed it because we are all more inclined to fancy packaging & gimmicks from the French competitors, you may be missing out on something really valuable. I myself was caught by surprise and it was a really pleasant one.

First up, I shall introduce the product that is probably the least popular on my list, the mascara (I don't think I've ever reviewed any mascaras on this blog). I hardly ever wear mascara because of many reasons... for one, since the past 4 years or so, the formula never worked on my short lashes - they smudge after 5-6 hours (even with waterproof ones) and if I do not use an additional tool like the lash curler, my lashes will never look pretty. Hence, I figured that it took too much effort and time for me and I shall just forgo it.

So, when I was presented with their new Perfect Mascara New Definition (Retails at RM89), I was game to try it on. It claims to give more volume to your lashes, separate and define them. It is also supposedly smudge-proof, lasts all day and easily washed off using warm water.

list of ingredients, if you'd like to know...

The result from the use of the mascara will be updated later on in this post.

Next, would be this super gorgeous shade that I got from the Shimmering Rouge range (Retails at RM95). There are 7 new shades and I absolutely love the colour, Sugarplum on my lips. In the tube it looks a little pale and I was initially worried that it would either not turn up on my lips or it would make me look like a malnourished tired old woman. But oooh.... I must seriously thank the person who helped pick out this colour because it came out oh-sommm.

L-R: PK214 Opal | PK415 Sorbet | OR316 Mango | BR317 Butterscotch | RD718 Sugarplum | RS619 Venus | RD320 Temptress

what the pack says...

and... the ingredients list.

The lip colours are supposed to come out sheer and moisturising, with an almost plumped up effect. I think a lot of brands are seen to have expanded their sheer lip colours. Even those brands who do not give much emphasis to sheer lip colours for their Spring/Summer collections, they would still tell you to layer lip gloss on top of your lip colour for that natural look and moist lips. I am so glad that my prayers have been answered and the range of lippie brands that I am able to use now has also expanded as my lip sensitivity towards those drier formula is given a new life ;)

Last but not least, the eye colours from the Shimmering Cream Eye Color collection (Retails at RM75). This is something that I've never tried because I never thought cream eye shadows are suitable for my oily skin. I think I have always understood that cream shadows are more for the mature market for its moisturising benefits.

However, I was told that these Shimmering Cream Eye Colors are supposed to last even on my oily lids and you'd remain looking fresh all day, similar to how you first applied them in the morning. They still have that same moisturising benefits making your eyelids moisturised and comfortable.

these were the colours on my wrist but they go really different when applied directly to the eyelids (L-R: PK214 Pale Shell and OR313 Sunshower).

this is how they look on my lids, with flash.

And now, for the verdict.

Like seriously, I have not done up a natural look in years! I have always loved the natural no-make up/warm look but as Mr Oosband had always preferred a bolder look, I have kinda put sheer pinks or nudes aside. Once I have gotten used to wearing reds and burgundy on my lips and put on darker shade of eye shadows so that my 'blue' eyes won't make me look tired, I never went out of the house without having noticeable colours on me.

But I guess, the colours from the 2012 S/S Shiseido collection gave me a breath of fresh air to my usual look.

picture without flash, taken in the early morning getting ready for 'work'.

The colours look amazing! I don't look overly pink and girly, nor do I look pale and tired.

My eye lashes couldn't be helped much. Therefore, I don't want to give unnecessary comments on the Perfect Mascara New Definition. I think no mascaras can help curl my lashes and I would need to use a curler if I really want that effect. But I do like the mascara because it didn't smudge, my lashes were coated separately and well defined, and didn't stick together... and my eyes didn't come out sensitive to its formula. They definitely look thicker too. So yeayy...

But in terms of how good it is compared to the rest of the mascaras in the market, I may not be able to give you an honest opinion. I've tried on a few but I've always remembered a few brands like Lancome and Estee Lauder for having really good formulation as well. However, plus points for Shiseido for a mascara that works and I love its packaging.

As for the Shimmering Rouge lippie, I think I have found a new love. Like, really. I can't find the right words to describe enough of how much I love it - it is not only moisturising, but the sheer colour actually lasts. The colour was still there even after 3 drinks during a breakfast meet with a fellow mommy at an non-air condition venue, and remained til mid afternoon, although a little faded. But yeah, the nude-y colour is still noticeable on my lips and I didn't look tired at all.

The best part is, it looks nudey-ish when applied and when seen in a different light, it may look a little pinkish whilst at some angle, the colour looked a nice orange-ish tone that perks up any tired look. I also love its packaging, making it look uber luxurious and sturdy. I love it so much that I instantly put it inside my handbag in case I need any touch ups along with my favourite Maquillage lip gloss, a must have in my handbag.

And the Shimmering Cream Eye Colors? I am so looking forward to check out other colours from their collection. The eye creams performed as well as they claim and totally took me by surprise. I didn't even have any concealer on yet the colours stood through the hours and my usual oiliness. Best part was - my eyelids didn't go any oilier than usual. After a hot and humid day out picking up my kids from school all at different hours apart from that long breakfast session, the colours remain til night time. I am truly blown away.

And because I am so vain (and love the natural look), I shall put up another picture of me, taken under the natural light while waiting for my son at school... ;D

Happy weekend, everyone!

Have you checked their latest Spring/Summer collection? What do you think of them?

Shiseido's Maquillage Essence Glamorous Rouge - gorgeous in any lighting.

Recently when I was trying out the Perfect Refining Foundation, the beauty consultant at the Shiseido counter asked me if I would like to try the lip product seen in the picture above.

At first, I wasn't interested at all because I really didn't like the packaging but the girl patiently explained to me that the lip product is actually a lipstick packaged in a form of lip gloss and has silicone in it to help lips appear plumped and feel moisturised.

She helped me pick out this colour which is naturally soft on me. As my Dior silicone-based lip treatment is finished I thought I might as well give the Essence Glamorous Rouge a try... and it is simply gorgeous!

details & ingredients.

Walah... I like that the colour blends well onto my lips and make it look naturally pink. I like that my lips appear smoother and feel so moist. But I think the thing that I like most is the light feeling I get on my lips and the colour lasts. I like it so much that it has become a permanent lippie in my handbag and I carry it everywhere I go. Even if I have any other lipsticks on my lips, when the colour fades or if my lips feel dry, I would touch up using the Maquillage Essence Glamorous Rouge.

Have you tried this product before?