Despite our best intentions, holidays have a way of making us feel like we're being pulled in five million directions, do you agree?
There are the holiday parties and family gatherings, the house decorating, the traveling, more parties and gatherings – along with the regular, day-to-day life – all of which can quickly take a toll on our health and our skin if we're not intentional in taking care of ourselves. In light of this demanding season, I'd like to introduce you to the Shiseido IBUKI Multi Solution Gel, a product that can help ease some of that stress that likes to manifest itself on our faces at the most inopportune times (as if there's ever a good time for a breakout!).
IBUKI literally means "inner strength" in Japanese – so fitting for this product, as it helps correct imperfections, dryness and roughness while providing optimal hydration. The Japanese influence is evident from the time you're opening the Shiseido box. Although a small package, the design of the container is so well thought out, allowing you to get a good grip on the product despite its small and sleek design.
You may ask why that matters.
One of my biggest pet peeves with skincare and cosmetics products is a poorly designed package or container, which increases the chances of it slipping out of my hands during use and falling to the floor.
The gel itself has a faint blue tint, as well as a light smell that quickly fades after application. The most surprising factor of my unboxing experience was feeling the gooey texture with my fingertips. The concept of applying a gel-like substance to my face is a bit foreign to me. When combined with the slight smell, the gel texture reminded me of some sort of cleaning product. But considering that its sole purpose is to do just that – to clean and brighten and restore – the texture and smell combination wasn't a deal breaker for me.
I had initially read that side effects include dry skin and was a bit hesitant to experiment with it, which is not unusual, given my sensitive skin. The first few times I applied the Shiseido IBUKI Multi Solution Gel, I was amazed with nearly instant results: brighter skin, matte effect and a silky smooth texture.
Then came the dryness. Maybe I had increased the dosage too much too soon, or maybe it was my sensitive skin acting up – whatever it was, I had to pause the product application for several days to allow my skin to bounce back to its normal state. Then I had the bright idea to layer a heavier moisturizer before applying the Shiseido IBUKI Multi Solution Gel, and that seemed to do the trick.
Overall, I would recommend the Shiseido IBUKI Multi Solution Gel if you're looking for a multi-purpose product that treats several skincare issues at once and can help bring balance to your demanding life. The Shiseido IBUKI Multi Solution Gel is available at Bloomingdale's and Overstock for under $40 for a one-ounce container.
What miraculous skincare products do you swear by to help you get through the demanding holiday season? Have you come across a favorite? Please leave your recommendations in the comment section, and if there's any sort of skincare or cosmetic product you'd like me to review in the future, please send your idea to radionova.oksana@gmail.com.