Sekkisei Skincare Review – Herbal Gel & White Washing Foam

While vacationing in Asia I saw Sekkisei stores all over Thailand, Singapore and China which reminded me that I had a few of their products tucked away in my office. I’m not sure how to pronounce the brand’s name correctly (it sounds different each time I try to say it) but I do know that the first Chinese character on the packaging means snow – inspired by beauty, luminosity and purity.

Most of the reviews I’ve read or watched were on Asian skin tones which makes sense since the products are marketed to enhance fair complexions but they also help correct discoloration, heal sun damage and provide anti-aging benefits.

The branding is a bit confusing; some product descriptions say “brightening” while others say “whitening.” Let me clarify that I do not promote skin lightening nor do I believe that people should feel pressured to tan or change their natural skin color in any way. Like everything else, it is a personal preference (one I do not condemn if that’s what you choose) but we should all feel proud of the skin we’re in, embrace it and take care of it.

I use these products for brightening which refers to enhancing the clarity of your natural complexion, evenness of tone and a beautiful glow. The formulas are infused with Japanese herbs that boost the skin’s youthful vitality. They do not contain harsh ingredients or chemicals but they can help minimize sun spots, dullness, blemishes, acne scars and hyperpigmentation with healing extracts, acids and botanicals.

The Sekkisei White Washing Foam ($30.00) is branded differently here in Canada and referred to as Facial Cream Wash (the “white washing” term has been removed from the tube for obvious reasons). I really enjoy this cleanser! The foam is rich and velvety (even when used sparingly) and it coats thoroughly to purify pores and remove dull surface cells. It also works well with my Clarisonic or Foreo brushes to effectively remove dirt, impurities, sebum, makeup and pollutants – leaving my face squeaky clean but not excessively dry. It smells good, lathers well and rinses clean with no residue.

UPDATE: A few months after publishing this review I used the cleanser after a hair removal session and it stripped pigment from my skin. The brightening agents caused white patches to appear around my mouth and chin which I am now trying to fade. Do not to use this product when skin is compromised or irritated and be mindful of how it reacts with other skincare. 

The Herbal Gel ($47.00) is a wonderful emollient that illuminates, nourishes, firms and alleviates parched skin on contact. The cool, soothing formula refreshes and deeply hydrates so you can use it as a daily moisturizer, serum or replenishing night mask. I love how the rich texture transforms from gel to cream and seeps in deeply to lock-in nutrients, plus I don't need to layer on other products. My skin feels incredibly supple, silky and plump with more radiance and resiliency. The description for this product on Sekkisei’s website refers to “snow-like skin” but don’t let that deter you, this gel is fabulous and unlike the cleanser it does not alter my skin tone. 

Sekkisei is available at beautyboutique.ca.

Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Oil Review

Spring has officially begun but as I write this, snow is fluttering down outside my window. Winter weather and harsh climates can cause skin to become dehydrated, tight and uncomfortable so I’ve been using the Shu Uemura Beauty Oils instead of face wash. These luxurious Japanese cleansers have been around for 50 years and they were initially created to remove heavy Hollywood stage makeup without damaging an actor’s skin. Since then the brand has gained overwhelming popularity worldwide, spreading the message that “beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin.”

It takes about 3-4 pumps for a thorough coating and the oil works best if your hands and face are dry to begin with. Rubbing the liquid between your palms can waste product because it does not lather or foam. Simply massage the cleanser onto the skin and then add water to emulsify into a milky solution. It does feel like you are washing your face with a glossy oil, but it rinses clean with a supple, hydrating finish and no greasiness. My face feels soft, clean and refreshed with no uncomfortable dryness and it effectively removes makeup and impurities. 

I haven’t really tested the oils on heavy makeup yet but they are formulated to work on waterproof formulas. When dealing with sensitivity and irritation, the lightweight cleansers gently unclog pores to prevent blemishes while antioxidants and plant extracts sooth, purify, balance and nourish. 

In the green bottle you have the Anti-Oxi + Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Oil ($46.00). This enhanced blend removes micro-impurities deep within the skin to help battle city smog and environmental aggressors. It isn’t my favorite scent but the Green Tea and Moringa extracts help restore dull, yellow skin while gently exfoliating and boosting radiance.

The Nutri Nectar Gentle Oil ($46.00) comforts, heals, strengthens and conditions delicate skin with Acai, Magnoila and Reishi Mushroom which gives the cleanser an earthy fragrance.  

The Ultime8 ($46.00) replenishes and hydrates for a soft, silky complexion and improved makeup application. The botanicals are derived from Chinese medicinal ingredients that detoxify and prevent blemishes.

The Porefinist2 Sakura Refreshing Oil ($46.00) is ideal for oily and acne prone skin. The formula washes away excess sebum and blackheads to refine and smooth.

Shu Uemura is available at Sephora, Hudson’s Bay and online at shuuemura.ca