Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener Review

Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener Review

Hi Beauties,

Cleansing, toning and moisturizing (CTM) is a major part of skin care routine which everyone must follow, irrespective of their age or skin type or time of the day. Toners are products which help to remove excess product from the skin which is left after cleansing. It also helps in tightening the skin, reducing the pore size, reducing blackheads, etc. The only problem which most people face (and that is why they omitted toner from their daily regime) is that toners contain alcohol which dries out the skin. Alcohol free toners have also come up in the market to combat these problems.  Softeners are newer variants of toners. These do help in cleansing excess products, reducing pore size and help in better absorption of moisturiser on skin. However, in one aspect, they are the exact opposite of toners. While toners dry out skin and tighten them, softeners hydrate the skin. As we grow older, the collagen under our skin becomes lesser and skin tends to get dehydrated and form wrinkles. While toners are good for young women below their 30s, softeners are mainly for older women after their thirties to keep the hydration level optimum. Softeners also contain various other nutrients which are very good for the skin as we grow older, and get absorbed into the skin very easily.

Product Description:

An enriched brightening softener that replenishes skin moisture for a luminous look. Newly formulated with M-Tranexamic acid to prevent dark spots. Super Hydro-Synergy Complex, composed of Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE plus Bio-Hyaluronic Acid, intensely hydrates to give skin a dewy, radiant and even-toned look. Erythritol, apricot extracts and Super Hydro-Synergy Complex normalize cell turnover to retexture skin.

How To Use:

Saturate a cotton pad and wipe gently over face after cleanser and before moisturizer.

Price:

Rs. 3700/- for 150 ml. The product comes in two variants – Refining and Enriched.

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Alcohol, Xylitol, Tranexamic Acid, Peg-6, Peg-32, Phenoxyethanol, Methyl Gluceth-10, Ppg-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Peg/Ppg-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Erythritol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Citrate, 2- O -Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Trisodium Edta, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Juice, Fragrance (Parfum), Isostearic Acid, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lauryl Betaine, Yellow 6 (Ci 15985), Glucosyl Hesperidin, Tocopherol, Red 4 (Ci 14700), Sodium Benzoate.

My Experience with Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener:

I have normal to dry skin.  I follow the CTM regime daily without fail. When I heard about this product, I got really curious. A product which works like a toner but hydrates the skin was new to me. I immediately went to the Shiseido counter and had a look at this product. It had alcohol in it. I got really alarmed, but the SA said that since this is a softener, despite the presence of alcohol, it will not dry out my skin. She then very generously provided me with a sample. I really liked the sample and bought the full product at this astounding price. Since I have dry skin, the SA recommended the Enriched variant to me. This product has various other nutrients as well, which are good for the skin.

The product comes in a mauve colored box packaging. Inside is an opaque, luxurious, glass bottle which is white in color. The bottle is very heavy. It is covered by a screw in type of lid. The inner packaging is very good. The mouth is covered with a plastic stopper with a small hole in it. Very little, controlled amount of product comes out on tilting the bottle.

The inner fluid is transparent, very light like water, and extremely non sticky. The fragrance is nice, floral kind, but does have an underlying alcohol smell in it. Very little amount is needed for covering the entire face. You may splash it directly on your face. I, however take a little amount on a cotton pad and then dab it on my face. It removes any remnant impurities very well. Despite containing alcohol, it does not sting or dry out my face. It quickly absorbs into my skin and does not feel sticky at all. My face feels very soft and smooth. After using it since last December, I can say that it has definitely hydrated my skin.

Besides, my pores have reduced in size and the dry flakes which my skin always had in winter months were totally absent this winter. I now have a healthy glow on my skin (though not whitening). Also, it helps in better absorption of the serum and moisturiser which I apply after this softener. It has really balanced out my skin, working on both my dry (dry patches on cheeks in winter) and oily parts (Oily T-zone) of face, and bringing them to normal.

Pros of Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener:

• Softens my skin.
• Hydrates my skin.
• Contains various good nutrients.
• Removes remnant impurities.
• Gives a bright glow to skin.
• Non sticky.
• Dries quickly.
• Does not sting my face.
• Does not dry out my face at all (even though it has alcohol).
• Very light texture.
• Very little amount needed.
• Floral fragrance.
• Helps in better absorption of serum and moisturizer.

Cons of Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener:

• Expensive.
• Limited availability.
• Presence of alcohol.
• Glass bottle, hence heavy.
• Opaque bottle, so cannot see the amount left.
• Not very convenient to carry.

IMBB Rating:

• For Ingredients and Price : 4/5 (-1 for alcohol, and price).
• For Performance: 6/5

Do I Recommend Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener?

Yes, of course. As we age, it’s better that we switch from toners to softeners. Oily skin types may try out the Refining variant, but I think they may like the Enriched variant too (at least in winters.). However, do not expect it to whiten your skin or make you fairer. I am already on my second purchased bottle of this softener. I use toner twice a day; for afternoons I use Neutrogena alcohol free toner, and at nights, I use this one.  The only disadvantage I find is the price. Other than that, this is an excellent product for women with mature skin soon crossing their thirties.

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