Nov 17, 2014  •  In Asian, Beauty, Giveaways, Personal, Reviews

Shiseido Benefique Skincare Review and Giveaway!

It’s no secret that I’ve amped up my skincare routine in the past few months. As a result, my skin has never been softer, clearer, brighter, and smoother…and I can’t help heralding praises of Korean skincare products to everyone I know!

So impressed have I been that I started to look into popular brands and products from other beauty-obsessed parts of East Asia too: Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, to name a few.

As such, when a rep for Shiseido contacted me to see if I would be interested in trying out their latest skincare line, I couldn’t reply “YES!” fast enough.

shiseido_benefique_banner

Already available in Japan and Taiwan, Shiseido Benefique is a skincare collection that is catered to women in their 30s and 40s. This revolutionary line targets a newly discovered fourth contributing factor to aging (in addition to UV rays, dryness, and oxidation): temperature.

Researchers at Shiseido discovered that abnormal skin temperature causes keratin to build up on the surface of the skin, which not only prevents proper absorption of skincare products but also disrupts normal skin functions. The new Cellular Solution Theory seeks to improve skin functions by boosting circulation to normalize cell turnover, improve barrier function, and eliminate keratin buildup.

shiseido_benefique_temperature

 The Benefique system consists of 5 steps:

Step 1:  Hot Cleanser, 150g — a warming, deep-cleansing makeup remover that purifies skin for a smooth natural translucence. The thermal cleansing ingredients generate a warming sensation, while cleansing ingredients envelop and lift away makeup residue to reveal smooth, lustrous skin.

shiseido_benefique_hot_cleanser

This is my favorite item from the Benefique line. (And I love that Benefique uses the double-cleanse routine!) Upon initial application, the Hot Cleanser feels thick and a bit slimy. However, once you start massaging it into the face, it immediately heats up to the perfect hot-but-not-scalding temperature and feels divine. I can feel my sunscreen and makeup dissolving, the grit from my pores lifting away, and my pores opening up to prepare for the steps ahead.

Step 2:  Cleansing Foam, 125g — A rich, deep-cleansing foam that leaves skin feeling smooth and moist. To soften and prevent the skin from drying out, the cleansing foam contains sericin, a natural ingredient derived from silk with excellent moisture-retaining properties.

shiseido_benefique_cleansing_foam

A little goes a long way with the Cleansing Foam. Just a pea size lathers up my entire face, and rinses off to a squeak-clean finish I personally love, without drying out my skin.

Step 3:  Lotion I, II, III, 200mL — A brightening beauty essence water that cools skin and boosts circulation, giving skin a bright, healthy glow. There are three types of lotions based on seasonal and skin temperature. Lotion I is for hot weather and for those with higher skin temperature or oil-prone skin; Lotion II is best used during moderate weather or by those with normal skin temperature; and Lotion III is ideal for those with rough, dry skin or for use during cold weather.

shiseido_benefique_lotion

With my combination skin in mind, I use Lotion I in the mornings and Lotion II in the evenings. Although the consistency is a bit thicker than other essences I’ve tried in the past (with the II being a bit thicker than I, and the III thickest of the trio), it’s still pretty runny as you can see in the picture above, and I have no complaints about this product as it does exactly what it’s supposed to do. 🙂

Step 4:  Emulsion I, II, 150mL — A brightening emulsion that contains a new lifting effect formula combining powerful botanicals in a polymer that smooths and lifts while increasing firmness and resilience.

shiseido_benefique_emulsion

As is the case with the Lotion, the consistency of Emulsion I is a bit runnier than Emulsion II. I’ve only been using the first, and it sinks beautifully into the skin while leaving a slight glow.

Step 5:  Cream, 40g — A brightening beauty cream that addresses the signs of aging to reveal lustrous, smooth, firm skin. It contains raspberry leaf extract to define facial contours by lifting the skin and correcting sagging.

shiseido_benefique_cream

Shiseido is my mother’s favorite skincare brand, and when trying products like the Cream, I can definitely see why. The initial feeling and effects are typical of a night cream (thick but penetrates deep into the skin, leaves a bit of a shiny finish), but its overnight effects leave me with firm, bright, and nourished skin every morning. And I can swear that my face feels less puffy in the mornings since I’ve started using this!

As is the case with most multi-step skincare regimens, not every product is meant to be used every time:

shiseido_benefique_instructions

My personal take is that the Cotton Pad is not necessary; in fact, although the instructions for both the Lotion and Emulsion state that the user should apply the products via cotton pads, I have been using my hands with no problem. (And I suspect I’m saving some product in the process too.)

The bottom line…

With the illness of both kids back-to-back, then falling victim to the malady myself, my skin hasn’t been quite as nice lately with the added stress, sleep deprivation, and germs festering everywhere in the house.

My package from Shiseido arrived just in the nick of time. And within just a couple of days, my skin returned to its post-Asian-skincare-discovery, radiant self. 🙂

So all in all, the Shiseido Benefique line is Jenny-approved and wholeheartedly recommended for those seeking a luxurious, reliable skincare line, created by one of the oldest and most-respected cosmetics companies in the world!

shiseido_benefique_geekinheels

Unfortunately, the Benefique collection is not available at department stores, as it is an exclusive line limited to independent Shiseido boutiques. However, I can attest that it is worth tracking down, and the Benefique website has a handy store locator for this exact purpose.

The giveaway…

Shiseido has very generously offered one Geek in Heels reader their own set of Benefique products! That’s right — you can win THE ENTIRE Benefique line shown below:

shiseido_benefique_skincare_collection_giveaway

The retail value of these 8 items is over $500!  😯 

And as you can see, because you will be receiving all three Lotions and both Emulsions, you can stash some away for the warmer months, or gift them to others.

Even if you’re not interested in the Benefique collection for yourself, this set would make a great gift, especially with the holidays coming up!

To enter this giveaway, simply use the Rafflecopter widget below. Not sure how to use Rafflecopter? Watch this 52 second video for a tutorial on how to enter a giveaway using Rafflecopter. There are 7 methods of entry, with the first method (commenting on this blog post answering the question “What is your most pressing skincare concern?”) being mandatory while the third method (Tweeting about the giveaway) can be used once per day:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will end on Tuesday, December 9th, 2014, at 12:01am EST, at which point a winner will be randomly chosen and announced here. If the winner has won the drawing via a fraudulent or illegitimate entry (i.e., not commenting on this post, using different accounts to enter multiple times, using a Twitter account that is only used to enter contests on a frequent basis, using the same Tweet URL to enter multiple times) I have the right to choose another winner.

Sorry, this giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. who are over 13 years old.

Please use a valid email address and/or Twitter handle so that I can contact you if you win! If the winner fails to respond within 48 hours of my contacting them, another winner will be selected.

Good luck, and thank you for entering!

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146 Responses to “Shiseido Benefique Skincare Review and Giveaway!”

  1. Mercy says:

    Now that I am in my 30s, I’m most concerned about age lines! I’ve always had pretty good skin growing up, but since my skin is on the drier side, I’m afraid I will get wrinkles more easily than those with oilier skin!

  2. Joy says:

    Yes! I’m impatiently awaiting my first shipment of Korean skincare products based on your blog recommendations! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, I appreciate your reviews and opinions : )

  3. Molly says:

    I just had my second baby, so taking care of me (and my skin) has been on the back burner. My main issue is sun damage.

  4. Erin says:

    I’ve been really interested in trying an entire skincare line, but so much investment up front. This would be great to try out.

  5. i am worried about my post pregnancy skin especially since while pregnant I broke out a lot so I wonder what’s in store for me after baby!

  6. Amy M says:

    This 2nd pregnancy is making me break out and with a toddler to run after I’ve been neglecting my already minimal skin routine.

  7. Erin says:

    My biggest skin issue is under eye circles. Had them forever and would love to be rid of them!

  8. Jane says:

    Just anti aging prevention since I’m not getting any younger!

  9. Jenn says:

    I just had twins. Before and during pregnancy, I was obsessed with skincare, but once these babes came into the world, my skincare routine went downhill..fast! Save me please!

  10. Suzy says:

    controlling greasiness and breakouts!

  11. Sharon says:

    Now that I’m in my 30s, my main concerns are age (wrinkles,dryness) and sun (sunspots) related! While it’s never too late to start focusing on skincare,, I really wish I had started a long time ago!!

  12. Sarah says:

    Now that it’s winter I am in a constant battle with my dry skin!

  13. dry skin, wrinkles and sun spots!

  14. Melanie says:

    Considering your other posts on the topic, I’m instantly intrigued! My most pressing concern right now is hormonal breakouts…where did they come from and why did they decide my 30s are a good time to make an appearance. I’m very hopeful changing up my routine with new products will knock some sense into it! What a great giveaway!!

  15. Amanda says:

    Pores! Wrinkles! What isn’t my #1 skincare concern?

  16. Holley says:

    Wow, amazing giveaway! My biggest skin care concern of the moment is breakouts.

  17. Carol says:

    Oh man, I’m dying to try this! And stupid me missed Sephora’s 20% off sale over last weekend – wahh! I totally need to have brightening products because my age spots are getting ridicu!!! Good luck to me!! 🙂

  18. Bree says:

    I’m so excited for this giveaway! I just ordered a bunch of Korean products based on your recommendations and am eager to give my skin routine a complete overhaul. My biggest concerns are reducing undereye circles and sagging, and also taking preventative measures to protect my skin from damage as I enter my 30s.

  19. Ashley Hays says:

    This time of year in dealing with terribly dry skin!

  20. Catherine Kim says:

    For most of my life, my skin has been pretty clear and I’ve gotten multiple compliments on it. But lately, my skin has been breaking out and it’s a disaster. I’m hoping that the shiseido products will deliever the right amount of moisture so that my skin can get back to normal!

  21. Elisa says:

    This would be a huge improvement to my non-existent routine now with two kids in tow. Shamelessly admitting most days I forget to moisturized but I need to take better care of my skin. Awesome giveaway Jenny!

  22. Josie says:

    My biggest skincare concern is not even sun protection. I’m pretty bad at using sunscreen and keeping covered up… I know it’s going to come back to haunt me one of these days…

  23. Ellie says:

    Being a mother to 2 boys and in my 30s, my most pressing skin concern is sun spots. I regret not applying sunscreen all the time in my 20s, and now I’m noticing brown spots around my temples.

  24. Jesica says:

    Especially now that the weather is getting colder, my most pressing concern is dryness. My lips crack pretty badly and the skin on my face starts to chap with the cold wind 🙁

  25. Zoe says:

    Adult acne and wrinkles… it’s just not cute at all. And now it’s starting to get drier and I’m starting to get extreme dry skin on my cheeks. T__T

  26. Eliza C. says:

    I would love to try these products!!!

    • Eliza C. says:

      The biggest problem with my skin is dryness and eczema. It’s exhausting trying to stay hydrated while reducing redness.

  27. Jackie says:

    My skin is so, so dry. Currently sitting in a hotel room with the most chapped lips on earth. The Shishiedo stuff looks so moisturizing!

  28. Karen says:

    Bags and dark circles under my eyes! Oh my.

  29. Lisa says:

    Products that don’t irritate my eczema, but moisturize well enough to get me through a chicago winter!

  30. Silin says:

    Dry skin during the winter, especially my hand eczema! Ugh.

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