Can you improve on perfection? Editor Trudi Brewer begs the question of a pre-serum with a cult following - Shiseido's Ultimune.
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I love a luxe-y skin treat. Especially one that fits into my skincare routine regardless of the other products I use. A serum that promises to address all my ageing concerns in one go. Here are my thoughts on the third reinterpretation of Shiseido's number one beauty buy.
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, 30mls $139.
“Treating my face to the ritual of skincare each day always puts me in a good mood - I feel like I’m actually investing in some self-care.”
What's in It?
First up, this is a cult skin concentrate (pre-serum) and one of Shiseido's bestsellers. Fact, one bottle is sold every 15-seconds somewhere in the world; and has featured in the beauty routines of all ethnicities, ages, and skin types since 2014. So to the new tweaked version, Ultimune, 3.0. There's one word you should remember when you think about Ultimune, and that is immunity. Ultimune supports that protective layer or (skin barrier) against the free radical effects of pollution, UV damage and stress place on our skin day after day. How? On top of the original proprietary Ultimune Complex™, there's ImuGeneration Technology™, which features a combination of natural antioxidants, including the Reishi mushroom and Iris root extracts. The mushroom has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years and is famous for its immune-strengthening, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory health benefits. Iris root, also a potent antioxidant, protects the skin from free radicals and boosts moisture levels in the skin. Finally, the fragrance known as ImuCalm Compound™ is a delicate floral blend of rose and lotus, designed to relieve stress and induce calm while you massage it onto the skin.
How to use it?
Day and night, this serum fits into any skincare routine. Two pumps are enough for both the face and neck; while the formula still has a luxurious velvety texture that leaves that dewy sheen, it feels less sticky and absorbs quickly.
Why do I like it?
This is technically a pre-serum. If you haven't used one before, its purpose is to boost the efficacy of all the other skincare products that you apply after it. Treating my face to the ritual of skincare each day always puts me in a good mood - I feel like I'm actually investing in some self-care. I have used Ultimune on and off for many years, and now that I'm three weeks into this newbie, I can't quite pinpoint why my skin feels so firm and looks so fresh, but I do know I'm not going to stop this step in my routine for the risk of any change. So I vote it's worth a try.
Ideal for Christmas gifting.