Shiseido: Ibuki Softener

Shiseido: Ibuki Softening Concentrate

Time flies so fast that I didn't notice that it was just a year ago around September 2013 that I attended my very first Shiseido workshop regarding the product launch of the Ibuki Skin Care. Link to the product launch here: Ibuki Product Launch.

Ibuki skin care tag line is "Ready For Anything Skin" by increasing the skin's resistance to everyday elements that gives skin problems. This skin care regimen is recommended for people who are always stressed, spends most of their time outdoors, majority of time spent on air conditioned or a very warm environment, people frequently travelling on airplanes, less than 8 hours of sleep everyday and going to bed without removing your makeup.

Everyday elements that gives skin problems includes stress, hormonal fluctuations, unhealthy habits, pollution, UV rays and dryness caused by your environment. How does everyday elements affects us and how Ibuki skin care helps?

1. Stress and unhealthy habits slows metabolism and circulation in our body which causes breakouts, skin roughness and dryness. Ibuki fortifies skin's resistance on cellular level and their aromatic fragrance helps an individual relax.

2. Pollution and UV rays damages skin cells developing into dryness, flaky skin, dark spots, fine lines and premature aging. Ibuki keeps skin purified and protected from pollen, dirt, soot and dust.

It is recommended to use their cleanser and remove your makeup before going to sleep because of the exposure to pollution. The Ibuki's cleanser removes the dirt you gained from pollution without causing dryness to skin.

3. Environment - being exposed on a air-conditioned area or too warm rooms makes skin lose its natural moisture leading to dry and dull skin. The long exposure to air cabins like on airplanes also causes the dryness of skin. With the help of Ibuki your skin stays hydrated for long hours. Remember, dryness of skin gives an exhausted look. The Ibuki also keeps cells plump and hydrated with a healthy glow.

I got myself a new stock of Shiseido's Ibuki Softener after the Golden Balancing Makeup Workshop taking the advantage of 20% discount at the event. I wasn't able to post a review about it before but I am very happy with it. I really love their products but my earnings as a nurse working in a hospital here in the Philippines gives a little budget to maintain the complete set of skin care regimen of Ibuki after excluding all the necessities. That is why I always buy their products when I have an extra cash. Their products can be quite expensive but you know what they say that you always get what you pay for.

This is now my review of the Ibuki Softening Concentrate:

Brand: Shiseido

Line: Ibuki

Target Age Of Ibuki line: Early 20's to 30's. The Ibuki skin care regimen is their offer for younger generations because of the milder contents of the products compared to their other skin care lines offered for fighting skin aging.

Weight: 75ml

Formulation: Bottle with pump

Consistency: Creamy Liquid

Target: Enhances benefits of skin care that follows the softener

Usage amount: Apply small amount on a cotton pad (Approximately 1 ml or less)

Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat, PEG-8, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Butylene Glycol, Trehalose, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Isostearyl Alcohol, Isostearic Acid, Carbomer, Erythritol, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Betaine, Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Polyglyceryl-2 Disostearate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Metaphosphate, Potassium Hydroxide, Stearyl Alcohol, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool, Lamium Album Flower Extract, Citrus Junos Seed Extract, Tocopherol

Product Description:

> Correct imperfections

> Resist future problems

> Formulated with PhytoResist Complex which boosts skin's strength to resist problems

> Gentle yet effective formula for all skin types including sensitive

> Non-comedogenic

> Dermatologist tested

Pros:

> Prepares the skin to fully absorb the next product you use whether a serum or moisturizer

> One bottle can last for more than two months if used at least once a day

> Freshens and removes oil

> Causes skin to be tight without the dryness

> Pleasant fragrance with relaxing effect when smelled

> No irritation and break outs noted

> You know that the product was never been opened or tested because of the seal (picture above)

Cons:

> Expensive (But really worth it)

Tips:

Softener is the version of toner of Shiseido with a difference. A toner closes pores while a Shiseido softener opens it. But some toners in Japan are called softeners or lotions.

In applying softener, please use a cotton pad instead of your fingers because if you use your fingers, most of the product will be absorbed by your fingers instead of your face. Also, do not spray it directly on your face because the product's application will be uneven.

SWATCHES:

Used Cotton Pad With Softener - See how it still removed remaining dirt after cleansing the face. The softener is absorbed on the skin, look how dry the cotton pad looks after use.