August 26, 2008

Shu Uemura White Recovery Ex Cleansing Oil Review

Remember how excited I was when I originally introduced you to Shu Uemura White Recovery Ex Cleansing Oil?

White….pale….milky skin..yes very Muse-like I’d say!

Strangely enough Summer brought about some dull skin for me this year. Normally I get dullness in the Winter, I imagine we all do. Stuffy, stale air, cold weather, plus a combination of both is definately hell on the skin. However, this year Summer somehow took it’s toll on my skin. Although perfectly clear and blemish free my skin was feeling kinda blue. I’ve had some dull spots, some darker spots (which I HATE), some dry spots, some oily spots, and generally some nasty shadowing that just made my skin go from bright and dewy to dull and uneven. Foundation saves the day but what about the days I just want to moisturize and go?

First of all I think Shu Uemura Cleaning Oils in general are pretty awesome to have in your beauty arsenal. What’s not to love about one step cleaning? These remove pretty much your entire face plus everything in between! That goes for waterproof mascara too my dears! I’m quite partial to the “green” version as it’s known to it’s lovers. It’s pretty strange how everyone has taken to calling Shu oils by little nick names…the pink one, the green one, and so on and so fourth. I guess we can start calling Shu Uemura White Recovery Ex, the whitening one or the lavender one. Whatta ya think?

So you might wonder why I’m so hyped about cleansing oils. Fact of the matter is Shu Uemura is one of the very few select companies that does a cleansing oil within the US. Cleansing Oil in Asia is fair game and can be found in pretty much all drugstores and if you desire a higher end oil you can hop over to a counter to nab one. However, here in the US we do not have as many options in the drugstore category and maybe two high end companies, one of which is Shu, sells cleansing oils. Sad little country aren’t we?

I’ve tried hundreds of cleansing oils from all over Asia. Japanese ones, Korean ones, Etc…but honestly the hassle of getting them, shipping them over, etc..is a pain in the neck. So we have Shu Uemura to provide us with great cleansing oils until the rest of the cosmetic world catches up! Plus it’s local! Yay Shu! Thanks for bringing us all the good things about Asian makeup removal and sticking it into a cool bottle with a pump!

About that Shu Uemura White Recovery Ex Cleansing…I got sidetracked didn’t I?

Does it work?

Yes. It does.

It’s a weird little formula that does whiten up your complextion and takes dull skin back to dewy and fresh. I didn’t feel it was fair reviewing this as soon as I got it so I’ve been using it over the course of a few weeks actually it’s been nearly a month now I think. I wanted to see for myself if I was imaging the change or if it was really there.

The change is there. My skin is not so light you’d take notice but it’s more the fact that the oil gave back a freshness to my skin and removed the dull areas and unevenness of my skin tone do to the heat, hours in the sun, etc…

It could be me but the formula appears to have a certain illuminating factor to it that you can almost clearly see results right away upon your first washing. It’s rather interesting how good a job it does bringing your skin back to some normal level. Over time you may experience some signs of lightening however I don’t believe it’ll bring your skin down a shade or two. I feel like it’s more of a treatment for erasing damage and removing any dull areas, brightening them up and creating more of a fresher appearance.

Although price wise Shu Uemura White Recovery Ex Cleansing Oil and any of the other oils are an indulgence however when you add it up the fact is that using two pumps a day of the oil, twice a day and you’ll notice that a large bottle will last you a year. In my humblest definately worth it.

I like this one. It gave me back my skin again.

I’m slapping a Muse Approval on it. If you’re a Shu cleansing oil user already this will be a nice item to replenish your dwindling bottle that you already use and if you’re new to Shu cleansing oils you’ll be happy to try out a remover that makes makeup removal simple again. One step cleaning is always in fashion plus the benefits of taking your skin from 🙁 to :)!

Tried this?

Which Shu oil are you using now?

Tell the Muse!

Because Shu Wants Your Lashes To Be Pretty……….

Viktor & Rolf for Shu Uemura

Summer Collection 2008: Shu Uemura Fleur de Source Eyeshadow Palette Review

12 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Karrie

    Thanks for this review.
    I am currently back to using the olive cleansing oil from DHC.
    Prior to DHC i was using the pink shu uemura.
    After my DHC is up, I might try a new shu uemura.

  • Beauty Addict

    Hey Izzy, just like u point out, I guess the only good thing(beauty wise) about living in S’pore is the easy access to Japanese and Korean brands.

    I used to use Shu’s cleansing oil often but I’ve switched to Fancl’s cleansing oil as it’s slightly cheaper and works great as well! Another plus is Fancl products do not contain preservatives. It’s one of the top selling cleansing oil in Taiwan and here as well! It also removes thick layers of waterproof mascara! 🙂 My HG oil makeup remover other than Shu.

    Hmm..if u have concerns on dull lack lustre skin, might suggest u to try some whitening/brightening products?

    Don’t whether if u’ve heard/try this before. U can try eating Bird Nest, apply and eat pearl powder.

    These are used since ancient chinese times during the different dynasties. Back than, chinese emperor and his wives/concubines used to take these in to nourish the body. It’s also famous for being good for the skin as well.

    I guess almost all chinese decendents have at least heard or used them before.

    My mum and granny used to simmer bird nest in the slow cooker for a day and feed it to us at night.

    Pearl powder is often mix into drink and consumed. Another popular way is to mix pearl powder into your night moisturiser and apply. Pearl Powder regenerates the skin, heal scars, esp acne scars, whitens skin and smooth out wrinkles.

    I take in pearl powder as well esp when one is suffering from cough and flu. It helps! 🙂

    One can get pearl powder and bird nest easily in any Chinese Herbal/drugstore. Maybe can try a chinatown in your area.

    I know both are a little pricy but at least they work. One can save thse money spent on expensive serums and cream to invest in this.

    One thing to note: there are various grades for these 2 products. The higher the grade, the more expensive the products.

    Do try it out! 🙂

    gracie

  • Helena

    o_o must.buy. I’ve been on the hunt for whitening cleansers lately, after my kose sekkisei washing powder was finishing (it’s not bad but it’s a pain to lather up, you have to rub it in between your palms and if you don’t do it properly the foam isn’t..foamy. Doesn’t moisturize like it says it does)

    Then when i was considering either diorsnow,chanel or lancome whitening cleanser, you answer my needs by giving your awesome review =D Have you tried these three? It’d be great to compare.

  • the Muse

    hello karrie.
    You’re most welcome, my pleasure 🙂

    I never tried the DHC version yet and almost completely forgot it’s about the only discount oil we have around here 🙂 Thanks for reminding me!

    I’d love to hear your thoughts when you do try it 😉

    Thanks for the comment, hope to hear from you again!

  • the Muse

    morning gracie!

    There are tons of reasons it’s great living in ‘pore gracie 🙂 not only access to Japanese and Korean brands hehe 🙂

    Singapore seems gorgeous 🙂

    I haven’t tried Fancl anything but I’ve been meaning to pick up a powder compact so may indulge in an oil as well when I’m ready!

    Oh thanks for all the tips! bird nest soup yum 🙂

    It’s costly but worth it if it helps my skin!

    I’ve had heard of bird nest being very good for skin however I never knew you can consume pearl powder! How interesting!
    I can definately get my hands on pearl powder. I used to use it in my day cream about 8 years ago and I don’t know why I stopped b/c I recall my skin being super bright back in those days but it could have been youth lol!

    Bird Nest is actually really easy to get around here however it’s a bit expensive especially when already prepared in soup.

    Gee gracie thanks for all the awesome tips 😉

    You’re a star!

  • the Muse

    hello helena 🙂

    LOL! I know how you feel. Whitening cleansings, creams, etc..I’m all over it.

    Honestly, as much as I love Dior, Chanel and Lancome I really think they are clueless when it comes to whitening agents. I’d stick to an Asian brand for these things.

    Lancome makes decent whitening agents. I’m currently testing the new Diorsnow protective base but I’m honestly not impressed as of yet.

    I’ll try to do some sort of comparison post for you 🙂

  • nilla cookie

    I just got turned on to their cleansing oils about 3 months ago – LOVE IT! I’ve been using the orange one – the enriched cleansing oil but I’ve got some of this brightening oil that I can’t wait to try now!

  • the Muse

    hello mizz cookie!

    Oh my gosh! You’re deprived..wait..are you sure you’re asian?

    hehe!

    Asian girls typically adore cleansing oils and it’s there preferred method of removing makeup!

    You’re going to get kicked out of the club and I’ll be declared the newest member..be careful..hehe!

    It’s pretty darn nice considering my skin has been lackluster as all hells!

  • nilla cookie

    I know, it’s like I’m not Asian!! I swear, cleansing oils are the shizz and I don’t know why I had my head stuck in a hole for so long!

    And Muse, the world is big enough for one more Asian – I declare you an honorary!! 🙂

  • the Muse

    LOL!!!!!! thanks 😉 I’m happy to be a honorary member. I’d like to thank my parents, all the people who supported, LOL!

    They are truly fab! You need to try more 😉

  • Ryan

    Old post, but Ima comment anyway. This looks like it’s exactly what I need and what with my absolutely love of anything Shu, I’m totally on board.

    • the Muse

      hey ryan!

      It’s fab 😀 I’m sure you’ll love it. You can hit up a counter (while they are STILL AROUND eep!) and get a small sample!