Shu Uemura • White Recovery EX+ Brightening Cleansing Oil • Cleansers
(57 reviews)
| Average Rating. | 4.2 |
| Would buy this product again. | 75% |
| Package Quality | 4.6 |
| Price | 4.0 |
| Ingredients | |
alyssian on 4/29/2013 6:57:00 AM more reviews by alyssian
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination, Fair Hair: Black, Straight Eyes: Brown
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.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
hellodionne on 4/22/2013 8:24:00 AM more reviews by hellodionne
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Warm Hair: Red, Wavy, Fine Eyes: Brown
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.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
carolinelovesbunnies on 2/9/2013 8:25:00 PM more reviews by carolinelovesbunnies
Age: 30-35 Skin: Sensitive, Fair Hair: Blond Eyes: Blue
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!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
supafob on 12/26/2012 8:00:00 PM more reviews by supafob
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Black, Straight, Fine Eyes: Brown
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.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
huntingjanuary on 9/16/2012 5:11:00 PM more reviews by huntingjanuary
Age: 19-24 Skin: Normal, Tan, Warm Hair: Black, Straight, Fine Eyes: Black
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.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
hohohoitsme on 9/12/2012 11:19:00 AM more reviews by hohohoitsme
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Other Eyes: Brown
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 :) .
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
cherrysylvie on 7/26/2012 3:30:00 AM more reviews by cherrysylvie
Age: 25-29 Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium Hair: Brown, Wavy Eyes: Brown
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. :)
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* cadabeijos on 7/22/2012 12:52:00 AM more reviews by cadabeijos
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination, Tan, Warm Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium Eyes: Brown
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.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* ValentinaRUS on 4/3/2012 9:06:00 AM more reviews by ValentinaRUS
Age: 25-29 Skin: Dry, Fair Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine Eyes: Green
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.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
eedahee on 12/21/2011 4:15:00 PM more reviews by eedahee
Age: 25-29 Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
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.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
helloJ on 12/20/2011 11:52:00 AM more reviews by helloJ
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
I didnt like the aftermath of using it, my skin still feels greasy no matter how many times I wash it off with water. It is probably more suitable for normal skin type.
Pros:
Big bottle; affordable
Pretty packaging
Nice texture
Cons:
A little too oily
Mineral oil
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
dandelion1986 on 11/10/2011 8:38:00 PM more reviews by dandelion1986
Age: 25-29 Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse Eyes: Black
this is by far the best cleanser i have ever come across although i have only used it once. let me share my experience with you guys...
my shu uemura Whitening cleansing oil was delivered yesterday and i immediately tried it at night. to start with, i only had my mineral foundation and BeneTint on yesterday (but as you all know the benetint is very long lasting and sticks to your face). then i used only 2 pumps (even tho the package says 3-4 pumps which i think its too much for my light make-up), rubbed and messaged the oil onto my DRY face and eye area with my DRY hands. I then used my hands to catch a bit of warm water and messaged my face until all the oils emulsified and turned milky, and lastly i rinsed with plenty of warm water.
Firstly, the oils was very soothing and did not irritate the eyes. I found the oil was less oily than i expected, so the experience of rubbing oil on my face was somewhat more pleasant than most of us would think. after using the product, my face was immediately brightened! yes, i saw immediate result. it was almost like my skin tone had lightened up a shade or so. i think this has to do with my skin being quite sun-damaged recently due to the summer and the increased exposure to sunlight. so the comparison before and after use was significant to me.
my skin felt very smooth and soft, and well moisturised ( not a hint of oily feeling at all).
so overall, i love this product, and i am looking forward to see the long term result of this product.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
LaStella on 7/24/2011 9:55:00 PM more reviews by LaStella
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Black
Shu was the first skincare line to introduce a cleansing oil as their main cleanser. Others have followed, but Shu remains the leader - in my opinion. If you would like to use this cleansing oil, you should have a beauty routine which includes exfoliation by aha's or gommage, as this cleanser works best on a 'fresh' face. Meaning you don't have dry patches. This oil is excellent at melting environmental aggressors and makeup. It will not provide hydration as some may feel it could. I don't like to use any type of scrub for exfoliation. Scrubs will enlarge your pores as it rips through your skin. It is important to use exfoliator's such as fruit acids, retinol or similar. A gommage can work but only if it is used on a fresh skin. Dermabrasion with a diamond tip or jet (water) is ok but IF you need to have a really good scrub at home to get rid of skin build-up, then I recommend Dermalogica Microfoliant. To use this you only need half a teaspoon with water. You rub it vigorously between your hands until you cannot feel any more grains. Then you thoroughly cleanse your face with extremely light strokes (in the shower, with damp skin) You can do this for 90 seconds. You need to rinse lightly but over and over, up to 30 times, by splashing water up onto your face. Do not apply your aha that night (unless your die-hard cos u can add moisturizer too) Then I recommend to use S/U cleansing oil to rid any particles left in your skin as they will cause a break out. You can only use microfoliant once a week but if your using your aha each night, your skin will keep 'fresh' so you'll need deep cleanse less and less. If you follow this routine, then your Shu Cleansing oil will be excellent for your face - both morning and night. It willl keep the skin fresh and clear. It will not hydrate but it will not dry either.
5 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* ubaydah on 7/4/2011 6:00:00 PM more reviews by ubaydah
Age: 19-24 Skin: Sensitive, Medium Brown, Warm Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine Eyes: Black
This cleansing oil is very expensive. but a big bottle of $100 or above CND can last 6 months if you try. smells and feels very luxurious.
gets makeup off well. but you do have have to rub it in for a minute or so all together. i use alot to be honest..about 2 pumps. one for my face to get off the waterproof sunscreen and makeup and blush and a half a pump for each eye to remove the mascara and eyeliner and eyeshadow.
the longer you massage it in the better your makeup comes off and the better results you will get. washes off easily and my skin feels really soft and smooth after using this. i really recommend oil cleansers to everyone. i can never go back to regular cleansers. especially with my dry skin.
as for the brightening..ive used this cleanser for over a year and i have to say that no..this doesnt brighten. but its still a great star cleanser.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
ladybuglina on 7/1/2011 3:08:00 AM more reviews by ladybuglina
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
I have adult acne and I was afraid of using this cleansing oil. I tried Shiseido's cleansing oil and Shu Uemura's high performance balancing cleansing oil fresh. None of them has given me any problems with breakouts. I think everyone has to try it to see if it works for their skin. It may work for some and not others.
Back to the brightening cleansing oil. This I actually like better than the HPB-fresh. It emulsifies and washes off a lot easier than HPB-fresh. Comparing it to Shiseido's cleansing oil... I think it is quite comparable. I personally use/buy Shu Uemura's brightening cleansing oil because of the brightening factor. I honestly don't see a difference, but maybe its there? But if you don't want to waste money on something that may or may not be there I'd say try the original Shu Uemura HP Cleansing oil or the Shiseido one.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* Nemea on 6/12/2011 5:29:00 PM more reviews by Nemea
Age: 30-35 Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine Eyes: Blue
Maybe I should have stayed away from this one, but curiosity got the best of me, so I bought a 50-ml size to test. I have dry, sensitive skin, and love cleansing oils for their ability to remove all traces of makeup, while leaving skin fresh and non-irritated. In the past, I have loved MAC Cleanse-Off, and at the present I am quite enjoying Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil. This oil is noticeably thinner than Fancl MCO, and is also quite heavily perfumed. I noticed that the main ingredient is mineral oil, but personally, that doesn't bother me. What does, however, bother me, is the fact that this cleansing oil is incapable of removing my newest obsession in the mascara department, namely TheBalm Two-Timer. No matter how much I tried, it didn't budge, so I went over with Fancl afterwards, and was finally able to shift it. So for me, this is not a rebuy, and I'm happy I bought the small size.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
sheejee on 5/31/2011 7:34:00 AM more reviews by sheejee
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Tan Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
AMAZING product. I have highly acne prone skin but have been using this for the last year with no problems and WONDERFUL results. It gets off ALL my makeup and really has a whitening and brightening effect overtime. I will always use this product forever, HG.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
sillyme90 on 5/16/2011 11:11:00 PM more reviews by sillyme90
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Warm Hair: Black Eyes: Black
This broke me out after 3 days of using.. My skin feels like sandpaper right now.. I use this as a precleanse and it smelt sooo good! But sadly, it didn't work for me =(
I have oily and acne-prone skin
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mar5 on 4/27/2011 12:56:00 PM more reviews by Mar5
Age: 25-29 Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Blue
I really, really wanted to like this product. The thought of rubbing oil on my face and having my pores spitting out their sebum plugs seemed satisfying to me. Unfortunately, this cleansing oil did not deliver. The pros are that it has a lovely smell, gorgeous packaging, and it really did get ally my eye makeup off. The cons are that it gave me cystic acne which I NEVER get on my chin and jawline. Also, no pore purging as promised. I tried everything, rinsing many many times and using a microfiber cloth to cleanse face following wash, and even following with another cleanser. Still cystic acne.
Bottom line: I will use this for my eyes only when necessary. It's too expensive to buy for this use again, plus it breaks me out. So sad this didn't work.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
doraemon1023 on 2/24/2011 3:59:00 PM more reviews by doraemon1023
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Medium Hair: Black, Straight, Fine Eyes: Brown
This is my first time trying cleansing oil. I have been staying away because I have combination skin and prone to breakouts in the summer. Bought this trial size bottle packaged together with the pre-foundation mousse. It cleans my makeup well, without leaving my face dry or oily. So far no breakouts yet (crossing my fingers). I can't tell if it is indeed doing any whitening effect on my face, but right after washing my face does look slightly brighter.
The bottle is pretty expensive, and the large size bottle is not travel-friendly. I might still buy that huge bottle later, and refill it to my travel-size bottle for my trips. :)