The latest duo from Shiseido is known for its focus on hydration, and happens to be the ideal duo to slip into any routine, says editor Trudi Brewer. Who shares two newbies that promise brighter-looking skin in a week?
Shiseido Vital-Perfection White Revitalizing Softener $110, Shiseido Vital-Perfection White Revitalizing Emulsion $140, and Shiseido Facial Cotton 60’s, $9.
Shiseido is famous for fab skincare formulations, so it’s no surprise that I get excited when their new products hit the office. This latest duo, a Softener (essence) and Emulsion (lotion-like moisturiser), uses nature's power with state-of-the-art technology to help revitalise dull, ageing skin - and the brand promises you will see results in one week.
What’s in the duo?
There are two key technologies in this brightening duo. The first is VP8, a blend of potent antioxidant plant extracts that help brighten and hydrate the skin. These include angelica root, olive leaf, camellia leaf, royal jelly, vitamin E, peony root, thyme, Panax ginseng root extracts, hyaluronic acid (clever moisture magnet), and iron oxides that leave a pearly sheen on the skin. The second is 4MSK. Developed to offer a multi-targeted approach to brightening the skin and improving the look of sun damage or brown spots. The key ingredient is M-tranexamic acid, a powerhouse whitening ingredient, heaven-sent for anyone dealing with hyperpigmentation (like me), acne scarring, redness and dullness.
Shiseido Vital Perfection White Revitalizing Softener, $110.
Shiseido Vital Perfection White Revitalizing Emulsion, $140.
Why do I like it?
Shiseido’s a quiet achiever in what is a cluttered cosmetic industry. They don’t shout too loud about how good they are, but every skincare product they produce exceeds its promises. Much like Japanese values, they aspire to be ‘hataraki-mono’ or hardworking, and kind or ‘yasashii’. Well, these same values go into Shiseido skincare. Once you try Vital Perfection, you will finally get the hype. Regarding hydrating, the new Emulsion is gold class. The Softener is not just another step in your routine but a necessity if you want to keep your skin’s barrier protected and lock moisture in and nasties out. Together these newbies promise to address the eight signs of ageing, wrinkles, open pores, fine lines, dullness, dryness, loss of resilience, roughness and dark spots. Admittedly, I have six of these, and while it’s not the fine lines and wrinkles that stress me out, it’s my constant battle with brown spots. After just two days of using both, I believe these products will help. And as far as texture goes, they’re both luscious and instantly nourishing; while smelling and feeling divine on the skin, and for those reasons alone, if you haven’t tried the range, it’s worth a shot.
What’s the difference between a softener and a toner?
It has always been a key step in a Shiseido skincare routine, and many brands have followed suit. Skin softeners, also known as essences and infusions, help everything else you apply to your skin last longer because you need to use less. Not to be confused with a toner that contains astringent ingredients and is the final step of your cleansing ritual to remove residue. A softener will instantly calm and hydrate your skin and prepare it for a moisturiser – experts call them youth boosters because they’re packed with tiny, active ingredients that penetrate fast and deep, similar to those in facial serums, and are ideal for anyone with dry skin. To use: apply with a cotton pad or press into the skin with your hands.