[Joyce: TiC welcomes on board Connie de Alwis - who will be writing a weekly column on make-up, beauty and body products!]
Shu Uemura may be a world renown make-up brand but quite oddly, its very first product was not an eyeshadow or a brush, but a cleansing oil called Unmask created in 1960. Over the years, Shu Uemura has formulated six versions of cleansing oils to suit various skin conditions: Classic, Fresh, Enriched, Premium A/O, Premium A/I, and Brightening. Mr. Uemura believed that “make-up begins and ends with cleansing” and with a bottle sold every 20 seconds in the world, we shall nod in agreement.
The method of cleansing with oil dates back to the glorious days of Elizabeth Taylor and Lucille Ball in the 1950s to remove stage make-up aka super greasy waterproof make-up. Inspired by this practice, Mr. Uemura created a cleansing oil that is washable and can be emulsified with water for quick removal.
The concept of Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils is using mineral oil as its main ingredient to not only gently dissolve stubborn debris effectively, but also maintain the skin’s protective lipid. However, the idea of using oil as a facial cleanser is still rather atypical to many beauty enthusiasts even in the current era – probably due to the immense fear of feeling oily.
This is where I reassure you! I have taken the liberty to test out ALL of the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils. I’ve found the one that’s best for me and hopefully by the end of this post, you’ll find the one that works for you too.
The cleansing oils can be used to remove waterproof eye make-up but I personally prefer to use a separate eye make-up remover. Even though mascara and eyeliner can be dissolved, it does require a little more effort to get it off. All the cleansing oils emulsify, meaning that the oil turns into a milky texture when water is added so that it rinses away easily. The pump bottles are practical with a pump lock and look quite elegant. Each formula is differentiated by colours for easy remembrance when repurchasing.
High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Classic
Key Ingredient: Olive fruit extract
For all skin conditions
“Evolved from the original formulation of Unmask to even out oily and dry areas of the skin leaving it feeling soft, lightly moisturized and perfectly balanced”
The texture of the oil is smacked right in the middle without feeling too heavy or too light. The initial scent resembled cooking oil but as the oil is massaged onto the skin, a very faint minty aroma is released. After rinsing, the skin feels comfortable and soft to touch. More importantly, skin feels thoroughly cleaned. There was barely any residue of debris left on the skin even though I did not double cleanse with a second cleanser.
High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Fresh
Key Ingredient: Sakura and Cherry Extract
For oily skin conditions
“Achieve radiant skin with refined pores and a smoother skin texture. Skin feels refreshed with a slightly mattified feeling”
This was the first formula that I tested and I was aware that it wasn’t meant for my skin condition. Having such lightweight texture, the oil rinses off effortlessly. The exfoliation benefits, which is what lured me, did help to give slight brightness to the skin. However, my skin felt taut after cleansing so, this definitely wasn’t for me but it would be great for oily skins. The cherry scent, although bearable, may be nauseatingly sweet for some.
High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Enriched
Key Ingredient: Bitter Orange Peel
For dry and mature skin conditions
“Promotes blood circulation and moisturizes, leaving dry and mature skin feeling hydrated and conditioned”
Since it was meant to be for mature skin, I was expecting the oil to have the consistency of honey. To my surprise, the texture was only slightly heavier than the Classic formula and wonderful for facial massaging. The bitter orange scent is rather accurate and I find myself taking in the scent as I massage the oil around my nose area longer than usual. The oil rinses off well and leaves my skin feeling very soft and supple with that extra bounce.
Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O
Key Ingredient: Green Tea Extract
For fatigued and aging skin conditions
“Fight aging and soften fine lines with anti-oxidant to give skin a lightly moisturized feeling with a mild cooling sensation”
Being the bestselling version out of all six formulas, it was quite a shocker that this one did not even make it into my top three choices. I was first put off by the fishy scent, which is weird because I don’t remember green tea smelling like that. The texture of the oil felt the heaviest amongst the rest and also the most difficult to rinse off. It could also be a psychological impression that my skin still felt oily even after rinsing several times. I was told that it was the moisturizing effect of the oil *shrugs* Nevertheless, I still felt uncomfortable and found the need to double cleanse with another separate cleanser.
Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/I
Key Ingredient: Chamomile Extract
For sensitive and damaged skin conditions
“Sensitive and damaged skin is calmed and protected. Skin feels as if wrapped with cashmere – smooth and moisturized”
First of all, the scent is incredible. The oil smells like aromatherapy essential oils – soothing and calming. The texture is similar to the Enriched formula and it made the sensitive dry patches on my skin a lot less angry. I could literally see my base make-up dissolve and it rinses easily to reveal perfectly clean and smooth skin. A slight tingling sensation was also experienced. This is by far my favourite version of the Shu Uemura cleansing oil because it suits my skin condition, I feel most comfortable using this formula and it smells so good!
Brightening Cleansing Oil
Key Ingredient: Prune Extract
For dull skin conditions
“Revitalizes dull skin for a more even-toned complexion. Skin feels light and fresh”
I like this formula the least. In fact, I don’t like it at all. The texture is as light as the Fresh formula but unlike the Fresh, this one doesn’t clean effectively. My foundation could not be properly removed with still a lot of residue left. After cleansing, my skin felt dry though not as much as compared to using the Fresh formula. Brightness wise, I did not notice anything significant. It’s a real shame that this didn’t work for me since I do need something to even out my dull complexion. Oh well.
My way of using Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil:
1. Two to three pumps into a dry palm and spread the oil to the other palm by rubbing them together
2. Massage the oil onto dry skin wiht your fingerpads in gentle circular motions
3. Be careful not to get it into your eyes
4. Cup hands over nose to savor the aroma
5. Run hands through water and bring them back to the face
6. Continue massaging as oil emulsifies into a light-textured milk
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 if necessary
8. Rinse thoroughly with a lot of water
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils are available at all Shu Uemura counters and outlets. Find for the retail locations [here]
Classic: RM100/150ml, RM260/450ml
Fresh: RM99/150ml, RM260/450ml
Enriched: RM99/150ml, RM260/450ml
Premium A/O: RM109/150ml, RM280/450ml
Premium A/I: RM109/150ml, RM280/450ml
Brightening: RM110/150ml, RM280/450ml
Picture Credits: Shu Uemura
Tags:
Beauty On Tuesdays, skin care, shu uemura
