This product is worth investing in. I have used three bottles of this already and I plan to continue using it. The formula is not as harsh as the other cleansing oils I've tried and it leaves the skin absolutely pampered after washing. I effectively but gently removes even the most stubborn waterproof makeup I have on and no way does it leave the skin dry. With regards to the "brightening" effect, that I cannot exactly attest whether such whitening occurs after more prolonged use, so you'll have to find out from other reviews if that aspect is your primary concern.

I've gone through three bottles of this cleansing oil. Let me tell you first, THIS IS A MAKEUP REMOVER, NOT A CLEANSER!!! This should be used as your first step in cleansing, to be followed by an actual cleanser. This contains mineral oil so if you leave this on, there's a big chance you'll get your pores clogged and it won't look pretty. That being said, it removes makeup amazingly. Even the thickest, waterproof makeup goes away at the end of the day with this one.

I have been a long time fan of the Shu Balancing Cleansing Oil-Fresh. I recently tried a sample i had received from a recent order of this version of their cleansing oil and I love it. I immediately ordered the full size bottle. It has all the lovely qualities of the pink/fresh version, but it is slightly more hydrating (better for winter, especially living & working in drier environments), and it illuminates/brightens the skin immediately. It left such a beautiful look to my skin.

It removed all of my makeup effortlessly and cleanly. I did not have to wash my face with another cleanser after, as there was no residue left behind. I was not left feeling tight at all. My combination, sensitive, break-out prone skin was left balanced, clean and lovely. Also, the scent is so nice, I love it! continued >>

For once in my life am I able to find a skincare product that I have re-purchased in the larger size, knowing that this works perfectly for me and will stick to it (for now at least!).

Cleanser:
Bye Bye dirt: All Shu Uemura cleansing oils does wonders in removing makeup and dirt. My face feels squeaky clean after using just one pump of their oils. Even after putting on layers of foundation & powder for fancy nights out. This is a product that you rarely even need to use a toner to "remove excess makeup & dirt" that sometimes lingers after you wash your face. I've only found leftover makeup on my cotton pad with a toner on my face where I clearly did not reach because of my poor attention (usually close to the hairline).

I also love this the most during winter because I can actually wash my face while I wait for the water to warm up for the emulsifying & rinse step. With other cleansers, generally, you would have to wet your face first before applying the cleanser. Sometimes the water is not warm enough yet during the winter and it is just too cold for me.

Important Steps: Make sure you follow the steps to using the oil cleansers though, it's vital. Massage oil all over face > add water to palms of hand & rub together little bit > splash a bit of water to face > massage again all over face (emulsifying step) > rinse off with warm water. Voila!

Additional Benefits - Whitening:
I definitely had the "A-Ha!" moment after using this the first time. Face was noticeably brighter/whiter. When products are whitening though, it doesn't mean your face is as white as a ghost or a piece of paper. It definitely is more of a brightening & lightening effect, making your skin radiant from within.

Cons:
Problem with Shu Uemura cleansing oils...they are constantly creating amazing formulas that I can't keep myself from trying! Now that I've hit the 30-35 age bracket, I'm currently curious about their Red Juvenus line, to correct the first signs of aging. The White Recovery EX+ will be a tough one to beat. continued >>

My holy grail cleansing product. Rids of make up easily without the need to scrub endlessly. Leaves skin feeling smooth, clean, and fresh. It's gentle on the skin, an all around great product. Love the packaging as well - it's very Japanese utilitarian chic! Recommend this 100%. I've tried the other kinds as well but this remains the best.

I put a 3 for the price because if you invest in the bigger bottle like I have, it'll last for ages! (it's been already 2 months and I still have a generous amount left)- When I run out I will definitely buy it again. But the price is still rather steep. Definitely think of it as an investment guys!

I find when it comes down to removing make-up, it does leave traces of it behind, so it's best to use a make up remover first to remove eye make up, then wait a few minutes before washing your face with this product. I'm prone to acne (was, before this cleanser) and I have combination to dry skin, and this has been my HG cleanser. After using it my forehead is less shiny, my t-zone has become better/less oily and from my first wash I noticed that my skin had immediately become brighter. Would definitely give the samples a shot first if you haven't tried this cleanser before, because the price is rather high- but worth it!!

Oh, and this is my first Shu Uemura cleansing oil, and I think I'll probably stick to this one because the samples of the other ones I've tried is comparatively less effective (personal opinion). I should also mention that I've only been using this oil during summer (seeing as its my first ever cleanser) so I will update it's effectiveness for the winter season :) .

I love this product, it remove makeup nicely and emulsify without drying out your skin. It don't clog pores at all, its a good value product. Its very big bottle, you can use it for several months up to 8 months if you just use 1-2 pumps each time. :)

I actually like Shu Uemura's cleansing oils better than Fancl's (my staple for a long time), purely because I think it more easily removes my makeup. That said, I don't see any of the brightening properties this particular cleansing oil promises. I bought a pack of 4 different Shu cleansing oils to try, and so far I've used all of this one, and am onto the pink (purifying) one. We'll see what the difference is once I've used that one for awhile, but this was was just OK in my book.

OH GOD! I absolutely adore this product. It is the first cleansing oil I've ever tried and I'm wowed. One pump is enough for my entire face, I love the delicate smell. I did my research beforehand and found out that this is one of very few cleansing oils that contain absolutely no comedogenic ingredients, which is a huge thing for me because I'm prone to clogging. Your face MUST be dry when you apply it otherwise it won't work. One thing I have to mention is that it doesn't seem to remove mascara very well but it removes eyeshadows, liners and other eye makeup with no trace and I can use miscellar solutions (like Bioderma) to take off my mascara. I hope one small bottle will last me at least four months. Once I finish it, I will report back.

I received a sample when I ordered some other products. I really enjoy using this cleansing oil. I did notice my face was cleaner looking I dont know about it being any whiter. I really like how my face did not have that tight feeling after washing. Also some other reviewers wrote how they had to wash their faces with another cleanser afterwards to get rid of the "oily" feeling . I did feel the oiliness while my face was still damp however after I toweled dried my face it was fine. Maybe since people are stripping their natural face oil from the post cleanser that causes them to break out.
Over all I really would recommend if you have combination skin.