In a world of fleeting trends, I find solace in timeless classics. Rooted in admiration for traditional beauty, my fascination with Japanese culture extends to their skincare customs. The foundation of Japanese skincare revolves around nutrient-rich ingredients, prioritizing hydration through skin moisturizers and lightweight, milky formulas. And among the big beauty names, Shiseido stands tall. Drawn to this brand's allure, I found myself diving into a quest for the best Shiseido products to enrich my regimen.

Shiseido's got this irresistible mojo, diving into nature's treasure trove for exotic goodies — think Panax ginseng root extract, rice bran, yuzu, and shikuwasa lime. With these, the brand whips up magic potions, such as lotions, serums, cleansing milks, essences, etc. that are all about drenching your skin in hydration. And let me tell you, as a skincare aficionado, that vibes with my philosophy: happy skin — equals — hydrated skin. They're the cool cats blending heritage with innovation, and that's a vibe I can get behind!

Our contributor Salena Loasby, a Professional Makeup Expert, says, “Shiseido is a classic and trusted brand that originated around 150 years ago. Its standout features include patented technologies which give amazing results that have stood the test of time!”

For those acquainted with the beauty of the landscape, Shiseido stands as a familiar beacon of excellence. Delving deep into Shiseido's diverse collections, I've discovered a selection that truly shines. Extensively tried and tested, these gems offer solutions for various skincare needs. I've curated this exclusive list, eager to share it discreetly. Swipe to uncover these remarkable finds — subtle yet transformative, they hold the potential to elevate your skincare routine discreetly. 

Explore the best-kept secrets within Shiseido's range and experience a subtle yet impactful upgrade to your skincare regimen.

• 1
  Editor’s Choice

  Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate

  Buy on Amazon

So elegant, it's a stunner at first glance — the Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate. This powerhouse, adorned with potent botanicals like Reishi mushroom and Bulgarian rose water, reigns supreme on my list. Its dream-like texture embraces the skin, leaving a radiant glow. Besides, I find its knack for fortifying my skin against daily stressors quite impressive. Among Shiseido's collection, this concentrate epitomizes their dedication to effective skincare. A recent gem, suited for all skin types, this launch transforms routines, delivering visible, lasting results. In essence, it's a sophisticated ritual that exudes unparalleled beauty benefits.

Suitable Skin Types: All skin types

Key Ingredients: Reishi mushroom and Bulgarian rose water

2

Best Moisturizing Formulation

Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream

Buy on Amazon

A marvel of skincare engineering, Shiseido's revitalizing cream reigns supreme. Infused with potent ingredients like Bio-Hyaluronic Acid, it delivers intense hydration, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Its formula deeply nourishes, revealing supple and youthful skin. Suitable for various skin types, especially dry or mature skin, it offers visible results. Personally, I adore its long-lasting hydration and its ability to soften and rejuvenate skin. I highly recommend this cream for anyone seeking a reliable anti-aging moisturizer that not only diminishes signs of aging but also replenishes and revitalizes the skin for a radiant, youthful glow.

Suitable Skin Types: Dry and mature skin

Key Ingredients: Bio-Hyaluronic acid

3

Best Face Cleanser

Shiseido Clarifying Cleansing Foam

Buy on Amazon

In Japanese skincare rituals, the art of cleansing is revered, making the Clarifying Cleansing Foam a pivotal player. This foaming marvel swiftly whisks away makeup, impurities, and the dulling debris that linger on your skin, waiting to trigger an inflammatory mess! Enriched with white clay and mystical yomogi extract, the cleanser is a magnet for excess sebum and impurities, unveiling a healthy glow. The product is a magician that balances, purifies, and restores vitality without robbing your skin of its precious moisture. 

Suitable Skin Types: All skin types

Key Ingredients: White clay and yomogi extract

4

Best Sunscreen

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion

Buy on Amazon

Sunscreen is practically worshipped in Japanese beauty regimes, for which, Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion takes the crown. This latest innovation blends WetForce with HeatForce, birthing SynchroShield: an invisible, heat- and water-strengthened shield for your precious skin. This SPF 50+ sensation is your ticket to clear, lightweight armor against the sun's antics. Picture this: a silky, rub-in-quick formula that vanishes without a trace. It's the ultimate face and body armor against UV foes. What I like about this sunscreen is that beach days become superhero adventures.

Suitable Skin Types: All skin types

5

Best for Mature Skin

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream

Buy on Amazon

Though we can’t time-travel to the time we looked young, I have just the trick up my sleeve for that ever-youthful glow — Shishedo’s Wrinkle Smoothing Cream. Packed with an innovative ReNeura Technology+ and the formidable KOMBU-Bounce Complex, it's a powerhouse against wrinkles, offering swift results. Imagine a creamy fortress cocooning your skin, armed with niacinamide, red algae, and turmeric extract — a squad dedicated to wrinkle resistance and hydration that lasts an age-defying 24 hours. Adding on, with daily use, this multi-tasking cream also brightens your complexion for a healthy glow.

Suitable Skin Types: Mature skin

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, red algae, and turmeric extract

6

Best for the Décolletage Care

Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Neck Contour Treatment

Buy on Amazon

Shiseido's neck contour treatment is a superhero for your neck and décolletage. Enriched with powerful ingredients like witch hazel leaf extract and panax ginseng root extract, it's a shield against future wrinkles. With its Anti-Photowrinkle System and Firm Support Formula, Having tested it, I feel that perhaps a slightly lighter texture for quicker absorption could make this cream better. But overall, this treatment is a serious contender in the anti-aging game.

Suitable Skin Types: Mature skin

Key Ingredients: Witch hazel leaf extract and Panax ginseng root extract

7

Best for Wrinkles

Shiseido Benefiance NutriPerfect Eye Serum

Buy on Amazon

When my eyes scream "Fatigue alert!”, Shiseido's Benefiance NutriPerfect Eye Serum comes in as a rescue remedy. Tailored for mature skin battling time's fingerprints, this serum transforms with no pressure. It works to firm up the skin, make the dark circles vanish, and make the wrinkles retreat. Armed with Carnosine DP, the serum fights environmental foes while bolstered by Multi-Vitamin BCE&P — a powerhouse brigade fortifying skin. The serum’s fresh, cozy fragrance delights your senses during the skincare ritual. All in all, it's a dark circle wizard and a vitality potion, wrapped in one delightful serum.

Suitable Skin Types: Dry and mature skin

8

Best to Plumpen Skin

Shiseido Treatment Softener Enriched

Buy on Amazon

Shiseido's Treatment Softener boasts a smart blend, but a tweak could elevate it further. InternalPowerResist tech with ImuCalm Compound™ strengthens the skin barrier, backed by Hamamelis Extract's stellar antioxidant boost. Embracing signature Japanese elements like Kirishima mineral spring water not only enriches skin minerals but also harnesses the power of lempuyang, serine, and Japanese yuzu seed extract. Together, they combat uneven skin tone and amplify moisture, revealing a radiant complexion. I’d rate it a solid 4 out of 5 as its potent blend is impressive. Yet, I feel a refining texture or better absorption could enhance its efficacy.

Suitable Skin Types: Normal, dry, and extremely dry skin

Key Ingredients: Kirishima mineral spring water lempuyang, serine, evening primrose oil, and Japanese yuzu seed extract

9

Best for Sensitive Skin

Shiseido Extra Rich Cleansing Milk

Buy on Amazon

Shiseido's Extra Rich Cleansing Milk feels like a treat for dry, sensitive skin. It's like a “hydration hug” for my skin. The mix of Kirishima mineral spring water and rice germ oil brings in those crucial minerals, cocooning my skin in a comforting moisture blanket that feels just divine. Japanese yuzu seed extract adds a fresh twist, enhancing moisture. InternalPowerResist tech with ImuCalm Compound and hamamelis extract is a powerhouse duo, fortifying the skin against environmental stressors. While the cleansing milk does soften and pamper my skin, its texture is too rich for those seeking a feather-light feel. Overall, it's a luxe addition to my Japanese skincare lineup.

Suitable Skin Types: Dry, very dry, and sensitive skin

Key Ingredients: Kirishima mineral spring water, rice germ oil, Japanese yuzu seed extract and Hamamelis extract

10

Best Facial Toner

Shiseido Eudermine Activating Essence

Buy on Amazon

This is something I use daily — the Shiseido Eudermine Activating Essence. What's not to love about this historical gem? Dating back to 1897 and cherished in Japanese beauty rituals, it was a secret of geishas, shielding their skin under layers of makeup. A double punch of hyaluronic acid grants a moisture overdose, while vitamin C brightens and balances skin tone. Its 24-hour moisture boost and radiant touch leave my skin as soft as a cloud, hence, I rate it a solid 5 out of 5. What seals the deal? The convenience of refillable pouches ensures this elixir never leaves my skincare arsenal empty-handed.

Suitable Skin Types: All skin types

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, fermented kefir extract and yuzu extract

11

Shiseido Future Solution LX Concentrated Balancing Softener

Buy on Amazon

Last but not least, Shiseido's Concentrated Balancing Softener — a balancing act in skincare sophistication. It primes and preps skin for the day with a lightweight touch. This softener excels in refining skin texture and enhancing its overall radiance. Enriched with enmei herb, Oshima sakura leaf, and uji green tea extracts, it combats aging, boosts elasticity, and shields the skin with antioxidants. The softener preps well but lacks a standout impact, despite its promising ingredients. However, its effectiveness in balancing the skin makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a refined complexion without any extravagance.

Suitable Skin Types: All skin types

Key Ingredients: Enmei herb extract, Oshima sakura leaf extract, and uji green tea extract 

After discussing these great products, I've also curated a guide to help you select the best for your skin. Explore the world of Shiseido beauty products, renowned for their excellence in Asian skincare. Specifically curated for normal skin, these offerings seamlessly blend the benefits of Asian skincare practices with Shiseido's innovation. Experience the luxury of medium coverage that not only enhances your natural beauty but also elevates your skincare routine to new heights.

Choosing the right Shiseido products involves understanding your skin type, concerns, and preferences. Here's a guide to help:

1. Know Your Skin Type: Determine if your skin is oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or normal. Shiseido offers products tailored to different skin needs.

2. Identify Your Concerns: Are you targeting fine lines, acne, dullness, or uneven texture? Shiseido has specific lines addressing various concerns.

3. Research Product Lines: Explore Shiseido's range, like Benefiance for anti-aging, Ultimune for strengthening, or Waso for natural ingredients. Match these lines to your concerns.

4. Read Ingredients: Look and check ingredients to ensure they align with your skin's needs and sensitivities.

5. Consider Your Routine: Incorporate products that complement your existing routine. For example, if you need a moisturizer, explore Shiseido's range of moisturizers.

6. Consult Experts: Visit a Shiseido counter or consult with skincare experts who can guide you based on your skin's specific needs and recommend products.

7. Trial And Patience: Start with sample sizes or travel kits if available. Allow a few weeks for products to show results. Patience is key in skincare.

8. Adapt And Adjust: Monitor how your skin reacts to products. If something doesn't work, adapt and switch to alternatives within Shiseido's range.

9. Identifying Your Needs:

10. Anti-Aging: Shiseido's Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream or the Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate. Both target fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing skin's resilience.

11. Hydration: Shiseido's "Essential Energy" Moisturizing Gel Cream delivers intense hydration, revitalizing tired skin.

12. Brightening/Dark Spots: Try Shiseido's White Lucent line, such as the MicroTargeting Spot Corrector, to diminish dark spots and uneven skin tone.

13. Acne Control: Shiseido's Clear Stick UV Protector SPF 50+ helps control oil while protecting against UV damage, ideal for acne-prone skin.

14. Pore Refinement: The Shiseido Pore Smoothing Corrector minimizes the appearance of pores, creating a smoother canvas.

15. Sun Protection: Don't forget the sunscreen! Shiseido has excellent sun care products that are vital for daily use to protect your skin.

16. Consistency is Key: Once you find products that suit you, stick to a consistent routine to see long-term benefits.

Whether you're combating signs of aging, seeking hydration, targeting dark spots, managing acne, or refining pores, Shiseido offers an array of specialized lines and products designed to address these concerns effectively. With Shiseido's diverse range, there's a perfect fit for everyone seeking radiant, healthy-looking skin.

Contributor: Salena Loasby, Professional Makeup Expert - Salena Makeup and Hair