Skincare Routine (Night) Part 1: Shu Uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil

The most popular question I've been getting lately on my mail, comments, and cbox is is about my skin routine.

I've decided to do a series of product reviews that are part of my current skincare routine. My skincare routine has changed within the year as I have experimented with different products that I think will suit me. The items that will be featured are products that are currently in my bathroom or vanity being used for at least the past two months.

I will be doing one or two products a week until I've gone through all of them. For each posts, I will have a recap of previous skincare items listed at the end of every review with links.

Sounds good?

Skin Tidbit
I've previously battled acne for almost a two years in and I can vouch that it was probably one of the saddest point of my life. It took a toll on my self-esteem because of what I saw every morning when I woke up, another pimple some where on my face to join the rest of the gang. No matter how much cover you put on your face, it was never be enough just because mentally you still knew that the pimple was there, and people still saw it.

I knew whatever my current approach on taking care of my skin had to change because obviously nothing was working. I started reading the ingredients on every product and became a bit more mindful with what I slathered on my face. And over time, my skin had improved... immensely.

My skin type can be categorized under the oily or combination type depending on the season. I do tend to get really oily during warmer days, and dry in the winter in certain areas. I am still acne-prone, yet my breakouts are much milder now in comparison to previous experience. If and when I do breakout it's probably because of hormonal changes during that time of the month, or I'm paying the price of not washing my face from the night before (yes, I'm still guilty of this). Although the products I use change overtime, I still try to stick to the tips I've mentioned before to maintain a good and healthy skin.

Night time Routine

1. I start by removing my eye makeup with Mandom Cleansing Express Cleansing Lotion Sebum (click for the review). Not only this makeup remover is inexpensive, but it's gentle enough for my eyes and does not leave an oily residue. It does a great job on removing my eye makeup, including my mascara.

2. And then, I was my face with shu uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil 15.2 ozto remove any traces of makeup or dirt on my face


Product Blurb: shu uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil 15.2 ozis a "is a one-step, mild cleansing oil that removes makeup while gently cleansing, moisturizing, and calming the skin. It's ideal for those with dull and spotted skin or those seeking protection from UV rays. This gentle cleansing oil leaves the skin appearing more even toned, translucent, and smoothed for a radiant finish every time (Source)."

Price: $35 (5 oz) or $75 (15.2 oz)

This is my cleanser of choice at night. At first, I was a bit hesitant whether or not I should use cleansing oil for my already oily skin and with the product containing mineral oil, but I took the plunge and decided to try it.

The oil cleansing method is actually a great way to rid of any impurities trapped in your pores. Using the shu uemura uses a tad bit different approach in cleansing your skin. Before anything, I make sure my hands are clean (so wash your hands!) since I'll be applying the cleanser on my face first WITHOUT water. So you're just massaging the oil on your face to break down any dirt and makeup debris left over with your dry hands. It is oily, but it's not thick that it feels gross on your skin.

The smell of the oil is actually quite pleasant and a bit relaxing in my opinion. It is lightly scented, but nothing strong or vomit inducing. It smells fresh in my opinion. Once the oil has been fully massaged on to your face, dampen your hands and massage your face again. This will emulsify the oil and will start to foam. This step gets rid of the oily feeling before rinsing your whole face with water to rid of the foam.

You'll notice that face will feel clean but not dry nor oily. Although you are putting oil on your face, this cleanser will not leave any oily residue.

I also notice that my face look a bit brighter after repeated use. And any recent acne marks that I might have gradually lighten. And the week I stop using the cleanser (I have chosen not to bring it with me to my trip to the Philippines), my face became looking dull and drabby.

Because of the packaging of the cleanser, it is quite a challenge to bring this on board long trips because there is a chance of spilling it all over your suitcase (although you can turn the knob to 'lock it', but I didn't want to risk it), and this small bottle does not come cheap. So in order to save me the agony and grief, I left it at home, but my skin ended up paying for the price. My pores are more clogged (with the cleanser I ended up bringing) that new breakouts end up being huge in size. Since then, I am pretty convinced that this cleanser did make some impact on the clarity of my skin.

Overall, despite of it's steep price mark, this cleanser is worth every penny for me. It does a great job of really cleansing my face with out drying it out especially during winter time, and it brightens up my face after repeated use. It's very gentle leaves my skin feeling refreshed and ready for bed everytime.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the series.

Related links:

Product Review: Mandom Cleansing Express Cleansing Lotion Sebum

Old Skin Routine

"OMG, You looked like that?" -- Skin time line Dilemma