SKINCARE | Shiseido Ibuki Smart Filtering Smoother VoxBox

Ever since getting a VIP facial at Shiseido (here) two years ago, I have always known that when it comes to cutting edge skincare technology, Shiseido is always a couple of steps ahead of the game. You may think their products are just like everyone else's, but once you start trying them out or better yet, getting a massive dose of product knowledge from one of sales associates (the ones in Vancouver always know their stuff!) you realize how much thought has gone into each one of their products.

Shiseido may be viewed as a more mature brand because if their focus on anti-aging, but the IBUKI (Japanese for "inner strength") line is a collection intended for skin stabilization meaning correcting imperfections, dryness and working towards homeostasis (for those biology nerds!) which is for everyone. In today's world of selfies and perfect skin, it was fun to see that Shiseido partnering up with Influenster for a campaign launching their new IBUKI Smart Filtering Smoother* ($29.00 CDN)!  

The main focus of the IBUKI Survival Kit Voxbox was obviously the Smart Filtering Smoother, but also came with some other complementary products that might help me get through the day looking flawless including samples sizes of the: much touted about Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, IBUKI Beauty Sleeping Mask and IBUKI Quick Fix Mist.

Let's just jump right into the star of this box! It FEELS like a primer with that sort of silicone-smooth finish, but right here you would already be wrong. Firstly, this is not a primer. This goes on AFTER your foundation or as the final step in your skincare routine! It does not disturb your carefully blended foundation and just seems to erase areas of shine or with larger pores. It can be used all over or as a spot treatment for around the nose, cheeks and forehead. A little goes a long way as the fluid is indeed like a serum so the "spreadability factor" is awesome. The formula is incredibly lightweight and the container is so small that you can put it in your purse for touch-ups. It's almost like having liquid blotting papers!

Secondly, there are no silicones in this product. Crazy, right? That smooth feeling comes from using an oil-targeting micro powder that absorbs oil the moment it touches skin. While I could not find a single ingredient that I could decipher as "micro powder", there are a number of ingredients in this product that control viscosity so I suspect it is a "group effort". I hesitate to mention this because I'm still on the fence about methyparaben and ethylparaben, but there is methyparaben right in the middle of the ingredients list, so there is actually a higher concentration of preservative than the plant extracts it contains. Correlation does not equal causality when it comes to cancer and parabens, but for anyone who prefers a cleaner ingredients list, just FYI.

Ingredients: Water, Triethylhexanoin, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Synthetic Wax, Dipropylene Glycol, Dipeptide-15, Trehalose, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Methylparaben, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Ethylparaben, Fragrance, Polysorbate 60, Bht, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Metaphosphate, Serine, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool, Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Bergenia Ciliata Root Extract, Peg-30 Phytosterol, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Trisodium Edta, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract.

As for the other survival products, my favourite of the group would have to be the IBUKI Quick Fix Mist because unlike a lot of other setting sprays, this is a gel! I was looking at the bottle and thinking to myself, "How is THAT going to come out?!" Well, it does, but obviously not in a fine continuous mist, but in more of a spurt. It does seem to "set" everything and make me feel more refreshed, but the only thing I don't like is the initial fragrance. Maybe I have become more sensitive to artificial fragrance since turning more towards green beauty, but I know some of you will love this perfume-like floral scent and others will not. Thankfully, it disappears within seconds of being spritzed on my face.

The Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is your essence step so right in between your toner and serum. The scent reminds me so much of lychee and is intended to be a booster to enhance whatever serums and moisturizers you apply afterwards. The texture is slightly tacky, but not annoyingly so. What is making me hesitate with this is the dimethicone in the formulation so while I am more than happy to apply this in the mornings, I just cannot bring myself to use it an night.

Finally, the IBUKI Beauty Sleeping Mask is for all skin types that need a pick-me-up. This premise is very classically Asian and works similarly to sleeping "packs" and masks of yore. The formula seals moisture in so that in the morning, you wake up seriously looking more plump. So, yes it works, but again dimethicones. I think if you are in a bind, like "Hi, I'm getting married tomorrow" then sure, but I can't bring myself to use this on a regular basis.

Thank you Influenster and Shiseido for providing for free all products in this Voxbox!