January 17, 2013

Shu Uemura Tsuya Youthful Radiance Generator Essence Review

I purchased this item.

I’ve been reading some CRAZY reviews on Shu Uemura Tsuya Youthful Radiance Generator Essence. So crazy in fact that I purchased this miracle serum for myself as I had to experience all the joys for myself!

At $85 for 1 oz of product it wasn’t cheap but I got it for 20% off during one of Shu’s sales during the Holidays so I felt a little less guilty about splurging on such a major skincare purchase.

I’ve been using it since the end of November or so and decided to give you a few thoughts!

“7 days to porcelain-fine, petal-soft, translucent glowing skin…” So says Shu’s website. That’s it? Seven days and I can ease dullness, look brighter, and reap the antiaging benefits?!

Wahoo sign me up!

“Say goodbye to dull, rough and tired-looking skin with a golden drop of Tsuya Skin Youthful Radiance Generator…!” My god it gets better and better.

Here’s a fact.

I could use this daily, everyday, and perhaps when I’m 50 people will turn and say “wow you look twenty!”

However, RIGHT now, as far as instant gratification results, well, nada…as in I didn’t see ANY difference in my skin after nearly two months of use (what happened to that seven day promise!?).

That’s not to say you won’t. Skin types vary and what works for you might not work for me and vice versa. But if you’re considering dropping your near $100 on this perhaps my experience will help to see if you do or do not need it.

You’re supposed to use this nightly. A few drops onto your face and done. They don’t really recommend following up with moisturizer….I actually tried it several weeks without using other products as I just wanted to see what would happen. I started using it as a serum later on as I simply couldn’t stand going without my PM moisturizer.

This comes with a dropper that easily dispenses product. The formula resembles a water essence with a runny consistency that has a pearlescent glow. That glow doesn’t translate to skin as it absorbs easily and leaves behind no evident of a shimmer or iridescence.

It is NOT moisturizing. I’ve read raving reviews on Philippine blogs that say it’s intensely moisturizing and hydrating…but my skin must be hecka dry because seriously this does not provide intense moisture. They must be on crack cocaine (kidding, kidding) or they tried out a different product than I did.

It has an almost tacky, sticky finish that dries down smoothly. It’s lightweight, didn’t irritate me, and has a heavy fragrance that’s quite pleasant, it’s kinda fresh floral.

Sadly, it did nothing for my skin. I can’t speak for the long term benefits because like I said I might use it daily and experience some incredible anti-aging benefits but as far as seven day results? Sadly, I didn’t experience brighter, smoother, less duller skin after seven days or even after two months.

Oh well!

Perhaps next time Shu! Still friends to the end though ok? You know who loves you baby!

Anyone try?

Do share!

I purchased this item.

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‘.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  • Libby

    Aw, I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you, Muse! I was tempted to buy it as well but I’ve been loving my serum at the moment and I don’t think I’ll mess around with my routine after all. You should give the Caudalie VInoperfect Radiance Serum a try! It’s not immediate but I must say that I’ve been using it for a few weeks and my skin is definitely looking less dull, especially considering it’s winter now 😉

  • Pedro

    Shu Uemura is owned by L’oréal. I personally hate about 90% of the serums made by L’oréal.

  • Eula

    Yes, I’ve heard nothing but good things about over here (I live in the Philippines) but nothing that would justify the price. Thanks for the honest review!

    • the Muse

      my pleasure eula! typically Philippine blogs have SUPER skincare advice and reviews but the raves this got surprised me! I just didn’t experience what many of the girl’s wrote about 🙁

  • Fuu

    Ever since I started using SANA’s Nameraka Honpo line my skin has looked AMAZING. I have never received compliments on my skin until I started using it. And I don’t even use the brightening line! I just use the face soap bar, Q10 cream and super isoflavone essence. I swear by soy milk skincare now. Even my gel/oil make-up remover(I have not tried Namaraka Honpo’s remover. I like this one. On my 3rd bottle) is soy milk based!

  • Sahily

    Muse
    Thanks! I was about to go buy one! My skin is very sensitive and red. Which moisturizer would you recommend? I really don’t care about the price.

  • Sev

    Bummer…so glad I don’t have a lemming to drop a hundred bucks, though…

    I’ve been using Sephora’s (house brand) Ultimate Moisture Serum for a month now and I looooove it! It’s really cleared up my skin and made it smooth. I use it am and pm after washing my face and I saw an improvement in about a week. Definitely is a HG product for me now.

    • the Muse

      hey sev will def have to check that out I hate getting too attached to sephora skincare as they end up dicing it within a year leaving me without a beloved fav 🙁

  • LINDARRAGNAR

    ohh the 7 day miracle promise sounded nice, but wow to not see ANY result and its not moisturizing?! What a kick to the groin 😉

  • Stacy

    Awww muse sorry it didn’t work for you! You are so damn cute…..love the “crack” comment!! Love your reviews!!

  • Jean

    I would assume the climate differences between the Philippines and New York would make the difference in opinion of skin care products. But did you notice the silicone in this product bothering you at all? I’m always a sucker for sparkly skin care until I break out in a rash…

    • the Muse

      not sure climate would control how brightening/whitening this would be jean!? but perhaps moisture wise the climate would def be a factor. I didn’t have a prob but I’m not terribly sensitive…it does have a heavy scent which could also prove irritating if you’re sensitive 🙁

  • shusheshe

    The SA’s in Taiwan were marketing this as sort of a pre-serum serum, something to make other serums you use after this to work better. I think it’s some sort of new trend that’s starting, since Kose also has a similar serum out.

    • tsuyaskinme

      I work in shu and it doesn’t say it can use alone too. It should be use after moisturizing lotion (toner) and before serum. so it’s a extra step to help absorbs the serum better. So maybe it is just the way she is using it alone without moisturize after to repair and nourish the skin properly?? cuz it does the job for me and it’s my fav product of the line beside cleaning oil!! One step cleansing <3 < 3 3 absolutely amazing ! love it

  • Liz

    I have been trying this serum out for quite some time. For the benefit of the doubt, I tried 2 full bottles (ouch!!!) and I can safely say that this serum does not work on my oily skin either. I also did not notice any reduction in pore size and my skin is not much more porcelain like that before >-< The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum works much better on my skin.

    • the Muse

      liz same thing here although only on my first one (almost done actually) and sadly didn’t do much at all ;(

  • Denise

    The first time I saw this in your blog, I was tempted to get one. But with the price?!?!?! NO WAY!!!!

    I live in the Philippines. It is possible that climate here vs there has a contributing factor. We might think it’s moisturizing due to the humidity here, but with the dry season over there, you may need more back up. (That’s why I steer clear on products you say is moisturizing). Either that or those raves were sponsored posts or they think it has an effect due to the price of the product (lifted by expectations and hole in the pocket?).

    • the Muse

      not so much the hydrating aspect but also the fact that they claimed brightening/whitening such a sore disappointment..no moisture and no brightening booooo! 🙁 oh well!

  • Dana

    I just read this as I was looking into getting it. I also noticed that all of the reviews for it on shu’s site are in groups. As in there are a ton of reviews on one specific day and then another ton on another day with no random days in between. Maybe it was paid reviews? Meh :/

    • Isabella Muse

      not sure Dana…I purchased this myself and didn’t get paid to review it but even if I was given a sample I’d still give you my honest thoughts! 😀

  • Nayomin Weerasooriya

    Stumbled upon your blog and was glad to find a fellow skincare addict. I bought this on a shopping trip (frequent – can’t resist the lure of shopping) to Singapore along with the Tsuya eye. Must say, Tsuya eye worked super but this hasn’t done much yet. I also bought Envie de Neuf , a Japanese brand and their Fullerene cream, very watery and hydrating, is wonderful, it has transformed my skin. Just thought I’ll let you know, I also bought SKII but haven’t used it much – yet. Will have to see how that will come along.

    • Isabella Muse

      hi nayomin! thanks for sharing! I use SKII already but hadn’t tried the Envie de Neuf, will have to check that out thanks for the rec!

  • Huiting

    I have seriously oily n greasy face throughout the day. tis serum definately works for me. it is not hydrating but it really control oil n contract my large pore in on the very 1st application. better den my estee lauder night repair serum

  • Jellybelly

    I was this close _ to buying this product but then i read your blog. Tha ks for the review! Very helpful