Ever wandered down a skincare aisle with no idea what to buy? Or, are you trapped in a skincare rut? After a one-on-one skincare session with Shiseido, I have downsized my routine for summer, and I now know what my skin needs, and how to use the products correctly, says Trudi Brewer. Read on to learn more about this high-tech, yet simple skincare range.
Melissa Kong, Shiseido’s national trainer took me through a straightforward Q&A on how to find the best routine to suit my skin and my lifestyle at Life Pharmacy 277 Newmarket. This service is available at any time, during store hours, allow around 30-40 minutes, and it’s complimentary.
Have you used the same skincare for years? The start of a new season is the perfect time to have a consultation with an expert. Here’s my customised summer routine from Shiseido designed to defend and regenerate my skin - as well as a great guide to the amount of product you should be using to get your skin glowing.
Shiseido’s guide to the amount of product you need to use each day
Defend
Both morning and night, cleansing is the cornerstone of any beauty routine. I must admit I am great at cleansing my makeup off at the end of the day, but not great at cleansing every morning. With this lightweight foam, there is no need to double cleanse, it’s so good at removing every scrap of makeup, and doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight and dry.
Shiseido Complete Cleansing Microfoam, $75.
Cleansing is your first line of defence, and this creamy foam offers a deep clean, gently, removing light makeup, while nourishing the skin. Apply two-three pumps to dry or damp skin, massage, and then rinse it off in warm water, I keep it in the shower, which suit’s my rushed morning routine.
Shiseido Complete Cleansing Microfoam, $75.
Forget everything you have ever heard about toners; a softener is not a skin toner. It won’t strip your skin of moisture, or remove the last trace of cleanser (Shiseido cleansers don’t leave a film on the skin). This softener strengthens your skin’s barrier and preps your complexion for all the other products you apply while helping them infuse faster and deeper into the skin.
Shiseido Revitalizing Treatment Softener, $109.
Shiseido Revitalizing Treatment Softener, $109.
Boosted with hydrating hyaluronic acid, and plant extracts, to calm any skin type, particularly good for my dehydrated skin. Apply a small amount to cotton, and then sweep over your face and neck, including the eye area, follow with your serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Shiseido Facial Cotton, $8 for 60 pieces, was also new to me. Soft as silk, this cotton is designed to spread the softener across the skin gently, without soaking up too much of this soothing gel-like skin softener at the same time.
Shiseido 2020 Holiday Collection Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, $188.
This is already a staple in my skincare routine, and without getting too technical, it’s a liquid-like concentrate (yes this is your serum) that nurtures the regeneration of Langerhans cells that sit in the epidermis (upper layers of the skin). These cells help boost the skin's immune system, and once applied it leaves an invisible veil on the skin's surface, to calm and hydrate your complexion. What’s in it? Ginkgo, and thyme, as well as Reishi mushroom, iris root extracts, yeast extract (b-glucan) and rose water - ingredients my skin just soaks up. You only need two for your face and neck, before moisturiser and SPF. (Pictured here the limited edition holiday Ultimune).
Shiseido 2020 Holiday Collection Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, $188.
Regenerate
Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Day Emulsion, $179.
Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Day Emulsion SPF30, $179.
A multi-benefit moisturiser for the day, you can chill, knowing it has a built-in sunscreen to give skin protection from damaging UV rays. The lightweight consistency makes it ideal under my makeup. It contains Shiseido’s clever ReNeura Technology++™ and KURENAI-TruLift Complex to boost firmness and even out a blotchy skin tone. Anyone concerned with sun damage or the look of an ageing complexion, this is the summer moisturiser for you.
Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Cream, $189.
Brighter-looking skin was on my wish-list, and this cream works as a nourishing day option as well as a night cream. This deliciously rich cream has some clever technology, ‘KURENAI-TruLift Complex™’ with Benibana flower to strengthen the skin, while ReNeura Technology++™ helps prolong the firming effects. Finally, the blend of the olive root, tea, and angelica root extracts gives skin an enviable glow.
Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Cream, $189.
Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Eye Cream, $139.
Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Eye Cream, $139.
A number one eye cream for targeting those annoying fine lines, wrinkles, bags and dryness. It’s brilliant to wear under makeup - and here’s why. It has clever ‘MATSU-ProSculpt complex’ that boosts the microcirculation in delicate skin to help reduce the look of bags and fatigue - and let’s face it, we all need that, right? That same ‘KURENAI-TruLift Complex™ with Benibana flower and ReNeura Technology++™ helps strengthen the skin to visibly lift the skin under the eye area.