Shiseido Expert Sun Aging Protection SPF30

I thought I'd keep the reviews of the SPF's as user-friendly as possible - i.e. not let the brands overwhelm with the science and marketing blurb and just give the details (I think) you need.

First up is Shiseido's Expert Sun Aging Protection Cream. 

Available in two strengths:

SPF30

SPF50

Two sizes:

50ml

100ml

'UVA' symbol on pack:

Yes!

Water resistant?:

'Very'

Perspiration resistant?:

Yes

Rub resistant?:

Not stated.

Texture:

Lovely - absorbs easily leaving no 'white'residue

Fragrance:

Subtle SPF smell, smells like a hybrid of a Shiseido moisturiser and SPF - pleasant

Suitability for darker skins:

I tested the SPF30 - I think it would be fine for dark skins. 

What else?:

Sand proof. (!?)

Has patented SuperVeil UV-360 technology that ensures the coverage over every area of the skin - basically claims to reach the parts other sun creams don't reach! :)

ProfenseCEL defends against UV exposure by limiting enzyme activity.

Verdict:

A lovely cream that absorbs very quickly, leaves no 'white' residue and is EU approved ensuring at least 30% of the protection is towards UVA damage. (See SPF Cheat Sheet)

Shiseido Expert Sun Aging Protection starts from £27.50 and is available next week from House of Fraser.

Shiseido celebrates 140 years

Shiseido have their 140th anniversary this year and to celebrate they are bringing out a host of new releases....

Radiant Lifting Foundation

Camellia Compact

Lacquer Rouge

...Limited Editions and previously unavailable in the UK - their very first cosmetic product - Eudermine.

Originally created in 1897, Eudermine - known as the 'red water', is loaded with a bio-hyaluronic hyper complex and amino acids, allowing it to penetrate deeply into the skin and keep it soft and hydrated. It is derived from Greek meaning literally 'good' and 'derma' and was originally developed to protect the skin of Japanese women from lead poisoning - as they used makeup based on white lead. (!)

Used at the toner stage, it thrills me that this is now in the UK - I've long been shouting that toners have moved far past the stage of just being an extra step in cleansing. They are the first step post-cleansing - and I have a wardrobe of about 30 that I use on a rotating basis.
If the above bottle design looks familiar its because it was designed by Serge Lutens - image creator for Shiseido since 1980.

To celebrate their 140 years, Eudermine is also being released as a Limited Edition in a ruby red bottle inspired by its original packaging.

The Serge Lutens bottle is exclusive to Harrods.

The Limited Edition is available at Shiseido stockists nationwide - both are priced £49.00.

Last minute Christmas loveliness (and a totally gratuitous picture of bloggers)

Let's cut to the chase: time is certainly now of the essence.

If you need help with your Christmas makeup get thee to John Lewis in Oxford St, Brent Cross, Kingston, Peter Jones or Stratford. Shiseido are doing free (FREE) 20 minute one-to-one classes on how to do either a pared-down Christmas look - or full on glamour using looks created by Artistic Director Dick Page.

If you're a fan of Donna Karan's gorgeous Cashmere Mist you'll love this.  A Limited Edition adorned with Swarovski crystals - it's priced £84.50 and is available from Harrods (obviously). 

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Swarovski

Fans of Michael Kors' original fragrance will find this hard to resist. To celebrate 30 years of his fashion line he has released a sheer version of Gold - his beautiful tubereuse based fragrance now updated with lighter notes of freesia and magnolia. Nom.

Being Michael Kors, he roped in Mario Testino to photograph Karmen Pedaru - MK's muse, to showcase 'the Michael Kors woman, the epitome of effortless beauty and relaxed sophistication'. No need really - he could have just used this lovely visual of your favourite bloggers showcasing their love for Michael Kors watches.

I'd have done him a deal.

If you ARE a fan of the fragrance - get it from Harrods and they'll throw in this beeyoudifull Weekender bag for free.

And if my husband is reading this - I need that watch.