Getting #PhotoReadySkin With Shiseido's Ibuki Smart Filtering Smoother ~ Review

Shiseido is one of my favourite skincare brands so when I found out that Influenster was sending me the #PhotoReadySkin voxbox complimentary, I was beyond thrilled! This voxbox contains four amazing Shiseido skincare items that are to designed to give you that perfect selfie - without the need for filters!

So here's what I received

• Ibuki Smart Filtering Smoother (full-size)
• Ibuki Quick Fix Mist (deluxe sample)
• Ibuki Beauty Sleeping Mask (single use packet)
• Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate (deluxe sample)

If you're familiar with Shiseido than it comes as no surprise that the Ibuki Smart Filtering Smoother can be worn under as well as on top of makeup. A lot of products in the Ibuki range can be worn on top of makeup which I've always found quite interesting. Naturally, I had to try it out on top of my foundation first!

After applying my foundation, I rubbed a small amount of the smoother on my finger tips and patted it on top. I didn't want to run the risk of smearing my perfectly blended foundation so I sort of patted/pushed it on top. This technique worked very well, my foundation didn't budge at all! I did find that I had to use a fair amount of the Smart Filtering Smoother in order to do my whole face. It sets quickly once it's on and my patting/pushing method meant that I needed to use a bit more than if I were to rub it in. The end result was a matte and smooth finish, with subtle blurring of my pores. 

Shiseido's Smart Filtering Smoother is technically a serum (it's not a primer as the name would suggest) so I decided to use it as part of my skincare routine to see how it performed without the aide of makeup. After applying my regular serum and day cream I used this as a final step. I didn't have to use as much since I was able to run my fingers across my face instead of patting it on. It set quickly and left me with a completely matte look. My face felt and looked smoother and my pores weren't quite as noticeable. This product didn't magically erase them nor did it disguise them; it's more of a subtle blurring. If you're looking for a product to erase your pores, this may not be the product for you. If you want something to help blur the look of your pores than you'll like this Smart Filtering Smoother. 

What I liked the most about Shiseido's Smart Filtering Smoother is that it kept my face matte for a solid 8 hours without drying it out. I tend to get oily in my t-zone fairly quickly and this kept the oil at bay. If you want a product to keep you looking matte while protecting and treating your skin, I highly recommend you give this a try!

Shiseido's Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is a nifty product that's designed to boost the efficacy of your serums and creams. I've used this product many times and love to include it in my routine. It has a nice, light scent and it absorbs into my skin quickly.

The Ibuki Quick Fix Mist is another great product that I use all the time! It feels so refreshing and it really gives my face an extra boost of hydration. I like to keep a bottle in my fridge; it's even better when it's chilled. The only downside is that it can spray uneven at times which means I have to spray three or four times to cover my entire face. Not a huge deal, but worth noting.

Last but certainly not least is the Ibuki Sleeping Mask. I absolutely love this sleeping mask! It has a gel like texture that feels so nice on my skin. Unlike a lot of sleeping packs/masks this one gets absorbed into the skin (no sticking to your pillow) and it feels very light. I ran out of this awhile ago and haven't repurchased it because I've been panning my skincare. I will certainly be buying this again once I finish my current nighttime cream.

If you love to receive free products in exchange for your honest review, I highly recommend that you join the Influenster community. If you're not a member and would like to join, feel free to use my referral link 😊

*I received these products for free courtesy of @InfluensterCA and @Shiseido but all opinions are my own! #PhotoReadySkin #contest

Dave Lackie and Shiseido's #ShareBeauty Event

This past Wednesday I was fortunate enough to attend one of Dave Lackies coveted VIP follower dinners.  This event was hosted by Elaine Shigeishi,  general manager of Shiseido Canada in honour of their new #ShareBeauty campaign.  We were the very the first in the world to learn about this new campaign and honestly I was blown away.  But before I get into it let me walk you through my experience!

The event was held at the stunning Thompson hotel located in downtown Toronto.  I was greeted by Dave Lackie in the lobby and was escorted up to a gorgeous rooftop bar.  The view was amazing!

I was a bit late (downtown traffic - sigh) so I set out to find some familiar (and not so familiar faces). There was an open bar and no shortage of excited conversation.  Elaine Shigeishi was greeting and chatting with us all.  She is such an amazing woman - down to earth,  friendly and genuinely sweet. After the guests arrived we took the elevator down to the screening room where the magic happened!


Walking into the screening room I was amazed at how beautiful the room looked.  It was a small theatre and at each seat was a placemat,  mini box of popcorn (too cute!) and a small flower arrangement.

After saving my seat I set out to explore the two stations at the front of the room. One was skincare and the other makeup.

At the makeup station we received a one-on-one consultation and foundation match.
I've been in the market for a new foundation so I was over the moon when I was told we would all be receiving one. Amazing!  At the skincare table we were introduced to some new products from the IBUKI line - a beauty sleeping mask and quick fix mist.  I've become a little obsessed with sleeping masks lately so this was beyond exciting!  I'm new to the world of facial sprays so this was a wonderful chance to learn more.  There was also a self serve wine table (hello!) and cans of pop for us to drink.  Dave and Shiseido sure know how to throw an event ;)

We were then invited to help ourselves to a picnic (buffet) style dinner.  The food was amazing and unfortunately I didn't get any photos of the amazing spread. After filling my plate I went to my seat and patiently awaited the presentation.

Elaine asked us a simple question - what does beauty mean to you?  We responded with words like confidence, strength and individuality.  Not a single person mentioned a physical trait.  This was a beautiful segway to the campaign.  Beauty isn't only about makeup or fashion.  It's a feeling,  it's memories and it's about paying it forward. I remember getting ready with my mom as a kid.  I couldn't tell you what we did to our hair or what we were wearing but I can tell you that I felt loved, important and above all special!  I remember bonding.  This is what share beauty is all about!

We watched clips of real people telling their stories.  Let me tell you tears were shed!  There was a wonderful story of how an aunt stepped in to take care of her niece when her sister passed away.  To our surprise,  they were both there with us as special guests!

After the presentation we were given an envelope with a post card that simply said 'You Are Beautiful To Me Because..' which we were then encouraged to think of someone special and tell them why they're beautiful to us.  I of course chose my mom and got to writing.  After leaving my message I put the card into the envelope alongside a sample of Shiseido's Ultimune,  wrote her address on the front and sealed the package.  We were then told to place our envelopes in the most adorable mailbox to be delivered courtesy of Shiseido :)

Last but certainly not least we were presented with a parting gift!  We received a beautiful eco-friendly,  reusable bad with an IBUKI Sleeping Mask,  an IBUKI Quick Fix Mist and a bottle of the new Synchro Skin foundation!  We also received another #ShareBeauty envelope to send off to someone special.  I will be posting in depth about these wonderful gifts soon!

I had an amazing time,  with amazing people and I am forever grateful to Dave Lackie,  Elaine Shigeishi and the whole Shiseido team.


Once this campaign launches you can go to the Shiseido counter at Hudsons Bay and send a personalized postcard to a loved one telling them why they're beautiful to you. Shiseido will mail it for you with a sample of Ultimune.  It's completely free, no purchase necessary.  A wonderful way to #ShareBeauty :)

Yehwadam Revitalizing Moisture

I've spent the majority of my summer avoiding makeup. It's been too hot, too humid and I just haven't felt inspired to wear makeup that will quite literally melt off of my face. In the absence of makeup, skincare has become my best friend. I've always been into skincare, but I've never become obsessed with it. Until now. When I'm not out and about with the kids, I'm researching new ways to better my skin. In my quest to find the latest and greatest, I stumbled upon premium skincare brand Yehwadam.

The people at The Faceshop were kind enough to gift me the brand new Yehwadam sub-line; Yehwadam Revitalizing Moisture. This new line is formulated for those with combination to oily skin and promises intense moisture without a sticky, heavy or greasy feel. Although my skin type is typically dehydrated and dry, the summer has my skin all f'd up. I'm currently somewhere between normal/dehydrated/combo. The joy!

"Yehwadam is an anti-aging skincare line that brings traditional Korean herbs, ginseng and flowers into modern anti-aging. Yehwadam products are made with natural Korean ingredients processed by traditional methods passed down from one generation to another." 

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Yehwadam Revitalizing Moisture Fluid ($40, 150 ml) is a water based product that combines toner and lotion into a single step. It's formulated with Fresh Water Flower which contains 5 types of traditional herbal ingredients including Korean Ginsing, Safflower and Goji Berries.

I'm all about simplifying my routine, so I'm happy that this product can eliminate a step for me. I apply it after my serum and I find it absorbs very quickly - within a minute or so. It has a light scent and a non-sticky texture. What I like most about this lotion is that it feels very hydrating but without any sort of residual greasiness, heaviness or stickiness. My skin feels quenched and what I can only assume one would call 'normal'. I really feel like this is the perfect summer moisturizer for me. I'm not so sure it will cut it come fall, but for now it works amazingly well. If you have combo or oily skin, you will love this! Oh, and it comes with a pump and the bottle is huge. The value of this product is great - you get much more product, for less money than most.

Yehwadam Revitalizing Moisturizing Cream ($55, 50 ml) is a lightweight gel-cream that claims to hydrate the skin without leaving it sticky. It's formulated with oriental herbal ingredients grown in Korea. Peony, Lotus, Safflower, Chrysanthemum, Honeysuckle, Ginsing and Goji Berry to name a few!

Yehwadam Revitalizing Moisturizing Cream is light but more substantial than their Moisture Fluid. It applies like a gel but feels hydrating like a cream. I found it to absorb a lot slower and not entirely. I can still feel it on my face hours after applying it and it does feel slightly tacky for the first little while. I don't love it for summer days, unless I've been in the pool and my skin is parched, then it's great! I'm putting this one on the back burner for now, hoping to revisit it once the temperature starts to drop.

Yehwadam Revitalizing Moisturizing Sleeping Pack ($35, 100 ml) restores moisture to skin overnight leaving it looking refreshed the next morning. It contains the same ingredients as the other two products in this range; Peony, Lotus, Safflower, Chrysanthemum, Honeysuckle, Ginsing and Goji Berry.

I really, really like this sleeping pack. I think I may even like this as much as Shiseido's Ibuki Sleeping Mask. It goes on slightly sticky (like virtually all sleeping masks/packs) but unlike a lot of others, that feeling goes away fast. It feels crazy hydrating, I don't stick to my pillow and I wake up looking amazing. Can't beat the price either, it's a total win-win!

This was my first venture into Yehwadam and I'm very happy so far. Two out of the three products I would purchase with my own money (Revitalizing Moisture Fluid & Revitalizing Moisturizing Sleeping Pack) and I'm certainly interested in trying more from the brand. If you've used any products from Yehwadam, I would love to hear your thoughts on them!

Till next time beauties ✌

*PR samples were generously provided for editorial consideration. As always, all opionions are my own.