Shiseido Pureness for Combination Skin

If you have shine and oil in your T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and dryness on your cheeks, you have combination skin.  It’s not easy to take care of skin that suffers from both oiliness and dryness, so I was excited to discover the Shiseido Pureness line that was designed to deal with this specific skin condition.  Oh and can I also mention that it’s pronounced shee-SAY-doe and not shi-SHEE-doe, which is what I hear most people saying…it’s Japanese!

I see combination skin as a condition that occurs after the sensitive acne-prone skin of puberty and before the seriously moisture-hungry skin of older age.  Many women in their 20s who aren’t interested in committing to a complete anti-aging skin care regimen could definitely be candidates for the Shiseido Pureness line.  That’s why I’ve used it!  You might still get breakouts once in awhile, but generally have just a little bit of shine to deal with…

The Shiseido Pureness products feel great and are easy-to-use in a three step process:

• Cleanse. As the first step I use the Refreshing Cleansing Water, which is oil- and alcohol-free.  It is a perfect light cleanser that I spritz on a cotton pad and use to remove makeup, dirt, and oil that has accumulated throughout the day.  Even if I am using another harsher cleanser, I oftentimes start with the Cleansing Water because it is such a light makeup remover.  Another option is the Deep Cleansing Foam, which cleanses a little more deeply.  This is a lathering cleanser, which drys out the skin a little more than the Cleansing Water, so you could choose which works best for your skin.

• Tone.  Shiseido uses an alcohol-free softener in place of a toner.  The Balancing Softener is a great preparatory step that balances pH and softens skin before applying moisturizer.  I am not a fan of traditional toners because they tend to dry out my skin (and sting!) so I like the idea of using this softener instead.  It uses a botanical extract called Palo Azul, which enhances the skin’s ability to moisturize itself and protect against dryness.

• Moisturize.  I first became interested in the Shiseido Pureness line because of the Matifying Moisturizer.  It’s so hard to find a light moisturizer that doesn’t make my skin feel greasy!  The Matifying Moisturizer is fabulous for day and night because it contains oil-absorbing powder that protects against shine and also moisturizes.  It is so lightweight…I love it!

The added extra step is the Oil-Control Blotting Paper that you can use throughout the day to pat on your face if you are feeling a little shiny.  It’s a great and easy way to just touch up anytime.  You can buy the Shiseido Pureness line in the skin care section at most Sephoras and online at Sephora.com.  There is a great starter kit that includes all three steps for only $32.50!

Image: Sephora