Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color VI226 Lavande

It's hardly a secret around here that I am a lover of all things makeup that also happen to be purple. One particular continual quest of mine is for a highly-pigmented, long-wearing cool-toned purple shadow.

Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color VI226 Lavande (6g, $25) is the latest eyeshadow that I've tried in this noble quest of mine.

First, a quick detour into a discussion on Shiseido. I've been using their skincare for more than half a decade, so I'm a huge fan. It's only been within the past 2 years that I've started dipping my toes into their makeup collection. It's not large, but it's extremely well edited and everything that I've personally tried has been high quality.

This is the first Shimmering Cream Eye Color that I've tried, so I didn't know what to expect when it came to the formula.

When in doubt, why not quote from the brand itself?

"A lightweight cream eye shadow with a radiant, lustrous finish that maintains a just-applied fresh look for 16 hours without smudging or creasing. Applies easily with your fingertip for a smooth, even finish. Hydrates skin with Super Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE."

Thanks, Shiseido. Now I know what I'm working with.

This is a petite little cream eyeshadow in terms of packaging. I love the streamlined look, and the top makes it easy to remove.

All of the shade info is right here on the bottom, like normal.

Let's take a look at that glorious lavender, shall we?

Just looking at it, I know Lavande is right up my alley- a shimmering, cool-toned purple. Admittedly, I'm not much for using my fingers to apply makeup (for one thing, I would want to sanitize my hands every time I went to dip them in to avoid cross-contamination).  In my shots (especially the action shots), I used a MAC 242 instead. I love it for working with cream eyeshadows.

Let's swatch this out.  First, flash, then without flash:

Ooh, pretty.

Let me tell you that it's even prettier in action. Here are my eyes on one of the recent days that I gave it a trial run:

The first day, it lasted about 8 hours before I saw the first tiny signs of creasing. It had spectacular performance, and I'm very pleased. The only downside is the extremely long dry-down time.

Bottom line: I'm in lust with the color! I think I may go explore more of this line. This is one of those purples that I've been seeking.

Snow Day Beauty

With so much of the country experiencing snow within the past few days, I thought I'd re-start the blog by bringing you my snow day beauty favorites. This is the exact combination that I wore while shoveling for hours- and why I chose each carefully curated item.  This comes from a lifetime of living in areas with snowy winters- and never having the luxury of a garage/snow blower!

Please note the yummy throw- it may show up from time to time as a background. It seems right since we're talking winter. This picture really was taken by a fireplace (which was in use recently).

1. If you're planning to spend all day digging out in the snow, it's important to pamper your face a little bit more. I upped my moisturizer to L'Occitane's Shea Butter Ultra Rich Comforting Cream ($34, 1.7oz)(sample from last holiday's L'Occitane Advent Calendar) to give just a bit more protection. It has 25% shea butter, which allowed my sensitive skin to deal with the cold elements with nary an issue.

2 + 3. UV protection is a MUST, and you'll be getting a lot more UV (reflection from the snow) than you may estimate. Even though it's winter, protecting your skin is essential. I trotted out my regular daily duo- Chanel UV Essentiale  Complete Sunscreen UV Protection Anti-Pollution Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($55, 1 oz) and Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF 34 ($35.50, 0.6oz). In the time that I've been away from blogging, I have re-dedicated myself to a SPF'd lifestyle. This combo is my HG for use with daily makeup and provides as high of a SPF content as I can find.

4. A light base- I personally love Iope's Air Cushion XP as an awesome cushion compact. It's not available directly for sale online in the US, but it's worth tracking down. I'll post a full review in the coming weeks, as well as more info on how to find the most pale-complexion-friendly cushion compact on the market (IMO).

5. Even though I went au natural for blush and the cushion compact let my freckles (and rosacea) shine through, I have a few spots that I wanted to cover, plus my naturally-occurring dark circles. I could've pulled out my NARS Creamy Concealer, but Sephora Collection Bright Future Gel Serum Concealer ($14) has been in my rotation far more often as of late. PS- my NW15ish skin likes shade 01- Bavarian Cream.

6. Right now, my hair is a few shades darker than my natural shade, so filling in my brows is a must or I look silly. I adore my Tom Ford Brow Sculptor ($45) in Chestnut for a quick one-step brow.  (In case you're curious, I love using MAC Cork with some Fix+ for additional coverage.)

7.  This was one of two totally unnecessary steps, but honestly I wanted to test this out after getting a deluxe sample during the holidays. Any totally neutral eye pencil will do, but I wore NUDESTIX Magnetic Eye Color in Angel ($24), a lovely nude shade. It's my eyes but better. It wore decently well while exerting myself, but if I was going to do this over I'd pull out Laura Mercier's Eye sticks.

8. Pick out your favorite waterproof mascara. This is the one that I have open right now, Chanel Le Volume Waterproof Mascara ($32).

9. Your lips will need some pampering. Do it up right with the Rolls Royce of lip balms, By Terry Baume de Rose. I pulled out the special edition from Holiday 2015- the Gold Baume de Rose Parure Lip Balm ($31). It's Baume de Rose with shimmer. It's the best of both worlds- the luxurious lip balm and a glittery gloss.

10. Let's be honest, friends. Shoveling is an awesome cardio workout. Continue smelling awesome with a little bit of perfume oil. I pulled out one of my favorites, Elizabeth and James Nirvana White Perfume Oil ($35).

11. If you're heading out to shovel, or if you're simply taking a halftime break, a great dry shampoo is essential. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo ($28) is my HG and beats the pants off of any other dry shampoo I've tried.

If you want to simplify, simply edit out the mascara and eye pencil. I didn't wear them on the first day that I was shoveling.

What are your snow day beauty must-haves?

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Creamy Cleanser

I don't do many skincare reviews on this blog, mostly because I find it reprehensible for bloggers to evaluate a product after a few uses. So when you see a skincare product featured in this space, you can be certain that I've really put it through its paces.

Today I'd like to share my HG cleanser with you, the lovely Shiseido Benefiance Extra Creamy Cleansing Foam. It's made it difficult to enjoy any other.  It's also important to know that this is the cleanser that I use as a comparison for all others.

First, the stats.  This cleaner retails for $35 for 4.4oz of cleanser.  This is a creamy cleanser rather than a foaming cleanser. Shiseido's Benefiance line is known for anti-aging properties, but this cleanser is appropriate for anyone with sensitive skin, or who enjoys a gentle cleansing.

I've experimented with this cleanser for more than a year, and it's a staple in my skincare routine. I find many other cleansers to be drying.  Benefiance Creamy Cleanser is moisturizing enough to leave my face soft, clean, but not stripped of its natural oils.  I can't say the same, for example, about Philosophy Purity.

This cleanser excels in being effective without overdrying.  This cleanser, however, has no exfoliating properties. I supplement with Clinique 7-Day Scrub Cream about twice per week to keep my skin exfoliated.

Although it's not the recommended manner, I actually enjoy using this in the shower (no direct spray, thanks).  I find that the steam really allows this cleanser to to work its magic.

I'm at the age where I am thinking of preventing aging (my early 30s), so I can't say much about the anti-aging properties of this cleanser. However, don't let that dissuade you from this product. It's great.

Overall, I recommend this for anyone looking for a gentle cleanser that's effective yet non-drying.

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Cream

I don't often do skincare reviews on this blog, mainly because I tend to stick with what works for me, and because I truly find it disingenuous to review skincare that I haven't tested for an extended time (at least a month).

Around the beginning of December, I noted that my skin was a bit dry during the day. I'd previously been using Shiseido's Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Emulsion, a bit lighter formula, paired with the Benefiance Night Cream for moisture. Not realizing just how brutal the winter would end up being, I upgraded to Shiseido's Benefiance WrinkleResist 24 Day cream.

Here's a good look at the ingredients for those of you who are into that:

Like the Night Cream, the Day Cream is in a short tub, compared to the tall pump of the Emulsion.  That makes for far easier identification.  The Day Cream also has an iridescence to the jar, unlike the frosted jar of the Night Cream.

This shot will show you just how rich this is- and how little you really need.

I don't know where my skin would be without this.  I think it'll be too rich once the uber-awful winter breaks, but my skin was crying for the added moisture.  It sinks in quickly and doesn't leave a greasy wake.  I'm able to continue on with my routine after a minute or so- which is key for a day cream.  This has SPF18, which is a nice amount for the winter- especially since I rarely see the sun!

Bottom Line: If Shiseido's skincare is compatible with your skin, this will likely work for you. If you're in need of a very rich day cream, I highly recommend this.

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Cream retails for $53 and includes 1.8oz of cream. It's available via Shiseido, Sephora, and Shiseido counters.

Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Eye Cream

This post could be subtitled "Or- the product that made me a Shiseido believer and the only thing to battle my genetic dark circles with any success."

This is the best suggestion I've ever received from a sales associate, bar none. This single item changed my skincare life forever, and it's a product that I cannot bear to be without.  If I'm near the bottom of a jar, I rush out and buy a backup.  I'm finishing up my second jar in under a year's time.

The thickness of this eye cream should be apparent from this photo- just dabbed on the back of my hand.

Many find it too heavy to wear both morning and night, but it's a 3-season day cream and a year-round night cream for me.  Over time, my undereye circles have diminished and my eye area appears brighter (to me).  A good deal of that comes from having vastly improved the hydration in that area.  I always recommend this eye cream when people are looking for a basic eye cream that is friendly to sensitive skin.

Price: $55/0.5 oz

Availability: At Shieseido counters and Sephora.

Late Summer Skincare Routine (PM)

Like my morning routine, this will be changing with the seasons- although not as much as I originally thought.  I've been swapping out my Shiseido Softener for the First Aid Beauty pads in an effort to get my skin at its best

• Caudalie Makeup Removing Water: This is my first experience using a "Makeup Removing Water," although similar products (like the NARS version) have piqued my interest in the past.  I'm nearly through my second bottle of this- and will keep it on-hand. It's very gentle yet effective.
• Shiseido Facial Cotton: Once you try these, you'll never go back to regular cotton again.  These are a pampering treat for my skin. This is the third full pack I've used this year.
• Laura Mercier Oil-Free Makeup Remover: This stuff is amazing- it will take off even the most stubborn makeup.  Just a little bit for the remaining waterproof mascara is all you need.
• Neutrogena Hydrating Makeup Removing Wipes: One of the places where I save money is by using drugstore-brand makeup removing wipes. I've bounced around, but usually alternate these with Boots No.7 wipes. I haven't seen a difference between high-end wipes and these, and I'd rather save money where it's possible.
• Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Creamy Cleanser: See the morning post for mini-review.
• First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads:  See the morning post for a mini-review.
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum: Review pending.
• Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Eye Cream: This is the eye cream that re-invigorated my interest in skincare. Full review pending because it was a game-changer for me personally.
• Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Night Cream/Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Night Emulsion: It will be clear at the end of the month why I've got 2 night creams in rotation.  For those who aren't clear on Shiseido's vocabulary, the Emulsions (Day/Night) are significantly lighter than the Creams.  These are part of my HG skincare routine which I've been using faithfully for the past year.
• Shiseido Benefiance Lip Treatment: See morning post for mini-review.

Late Summer Skincare routine (AM)

It's safe to say that my 9-5 is anything but. It's more like a 6:30-5, and involves getting up before civility sets in each morning.  Still, it's important to set the right tone for the day in terms of skincare and beauty.  Of course, it needs to be something easily comprehensible around 5AM.

My routine varies significantly with the seasons.  Here's my current morning skincare, late summer 2013

• Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Creamy Cleanser: While the shower heats up (and my pores open up), this is the first product to hit my skin in the morning.
• Clinique 7-Day Scrub Cream:  I wasn't one for exfoliating my sensitive skin with any regularity until I received a deluxe sample of this product in a GWP.  Like many other ladies, I find it a perfect product to use in the shower.
• First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads:  I like these pads- they're exfoliating cotton pads soaked in the product.  They're gentle, and supposed to be opening up pores.  I haven't noticed a significant reduction in the number of blemishes/blackheads/clogged pores that I have, but I've had multiple MUAs comment on my skin lately- and I only changed two products (this and the serum).  It's gentle enough that I can use it twice a day on sensitive skin.
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum: Full review coming in the next couple of days.
• Shiseido Sunscreen: This is the item that varies the most per season. I'm ghostly white by nature, and use sunscreen accordingly. If I'm headed out into the actual sun, I use both the facial version and the body sunscreen. I also tuck the SPF35 lip balm under my lipstick.  During the winter, I often go days without seeing the sun (into work before sunrise, out following sunset), so I rely on the SPF built into my various products.
•  Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Eye Cream:  Confession time.  I'm not a fan of this product, but I was able to get it with a Sephora VIB code earlier this year and was looking for a lighter eye cream for the hot and humid summers. My beloved Shiseido eye cream is a bit rich for hot, humid, and in the 90s.  I had this perfectly good eye cream already in my stash.  I haven't seen any major improvements from this product, and won't be repurchasing it. Still, it does what I ask during the day.
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid, SPF 15:  See review here.
  
• Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment:  I purchased this initially in March 2013 to qualifty for a GWP at Shiseido during the Nordstorm Beauty Trend Event. It's bay far the most expensive lip treatment I've tried, but is the only thing I own that soothes my inflamed lips after using a sugar scrub.  Due to the price, it's a pre-lipstick and pre-bed treat for my lips.

The key to all of these products is that they're all lightweight and absorb almost immediately. There's little to no downtime between products, which is key before the crack of dawn.