Shiseido’s new skincare line IBUKI, targets at women in the 25- 34s age group and promises to help women build inner resistance for their hectic lifestyles. This is the first time Shiseido has launched a skincare range targetting specifically at this demographics.
“This line is designed as a jumping-off point for serious skincare,” says Heidi Manheimer, chief executive officer of Shiseido Cosmetics America.
The IBUKI range, which include seven products and a starter kit, promises to alleviate the effects of a typical 20-something lifestyle. This means, lack of sleep, oiliness and visible pores no thanks to work and then an evening of socialising, as well as bad skin texture from poor diet.
Daily Vanity contributors, Shn and Jessie, both belong to the targeted age group. The two twenty-somethings have noticed changes in their skin condition as they transit from a teenager to adult – from a student to a working professional. The duo tried the products for two weeks and put together this report.
Shn & Jessie say
Ibuki, which means to “inner strength” in Japanese, boasts of building up skin’s resistance with a breakthrough technology — the Shape Memorising Cell Technology — by returning cells to their ideal condition and memorizing their ideal moisturized state at its optimal condition.
I was excited to learn about the major ingredients in the Ibuki range that fulfill three key functions:
1. Lamium album Extract + Trehalose: Inhibits cell shrinkage by allowing cells to remain plump with moisture
2. TMG (trimethyglycine): Removes excess surface cells
3. Yuzu Seed Extract: Encourages healthy cell production
I am a huge fan of yuzu. Did you know that this Japanese grapefruit has 3 times more Vitamin C than that of lemon? The collagen and antioxidants in it also help slow skin aging, plus activate cell and fat burning effect. I always make it a point to order desserts that contain yuzu whenever possible – how’s that for overcoming guilt?
Does the Shiseido Ibuki range work?
There are seven products in the Ibuki collection — a Gentle Cleanser, Purifying Cleanser, Softening Concentrate, Protective Moisturizer SPF 18, Refining Moisturizer, Refining Moisturizer Enriched, and Eye Correcting Cream.
Gentle Cleanser (125ml)
This cleanser is suitable for sensitive and dry skin types, it feels gentle on the skin and a small amount is sufficient to lather onto my face. It foams well to remove all traces of sebum. After cleansing, my skin feels clean and soft.
Softening Concentrate (75ml)
The clear texture reminds me of Shiseido’s White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener, but slightly richer. A single pump is all I need to dispense on the cotton pad for my day and night routine. The softener absorbs easily when I pat it all over my face, and my skin feels perfectly conditioned for the moisturiser. This is definitely a keeper!
Protective Moisturizer SPF 15 (75ml)
This is a multi- functional daytime moisturizer that contains hydrating skincare benefits with UV protection. It feels lightweight and upon application, it blended into my skin seamlessly to give a slight luminous look. It does not ball up when I layer on with makeup base and liquid foundation, which impresses me a lot.
Although it feels comfortable on the skin for 10-hours or more, I tend to get a shiny T-zone by mid-day with this moisturizer, so I find myself having to use a facial mist, blot and touch up after lunch time. Try applying just the Protective Moisturizer without makeup! I did that and my skin was supple for the entire day, even after an afternoon of baking!
Refining Moisturizer (75ml)
This is a night time moisturizer which caters to oily-combination, suitable for me. After cleansing and softening, one pump of this is enough for the entire face. I like how the finish is matte, and my skin feels hydrated and smoother after one week of use. (Note: The Refining Moisturizer Enriched (50ml) in the range is designed for dehydrated skin types.)
Eye Correcting Cream (15ml)
A few dots of this pale pink- tinted eye cream instantly brightens up my undereye area. I like how the texture of this eye cream goes on smoothly and does not feel too rich. This is my favourite of the range, I loved the cooling sensation and non-sticky texture when applied on my undereye area. My eyes felt relaxed and less puffy as I layered on my eye primer and makeup thereafter.
All the products contain a pleasant floral scent which I find relaxing and enjoyed during application. While the daytime moisturizer feels a tad too rich for me, the Softening Concentrate and Refining Moisturizer have nailed it for me – just two weeks into using these products, my skin feels “more plumped” with hydration and refined with less visible pores. I also like how the softener and moisturizers come in a hygienic and convenient pump design, making it easy for me to dispense and control the amount of products I am using.
The entire range will be available at Shiseido counters from September 2013, and at a more affordable price compared to other Shiseido products:
Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser- SGD43
Shiseido Ibuki Purifying Cleanser- SGD43
Shiseido Ibuki Softening Concentrate- SGD50
Shiseido Ibuki Protective Moisturizer- SGD66
Shiseido Ibuki Refining Moisturizer- SGD66
Shiseido Ibuki Refining Moisturizer Enriched- SGD66
Shiseido Ibuki Eye Correcting Serum- SGD60
Shiseido Ibuki Starter Kit- SGD40
