Follow Project Vanity on Facebook!

Never miss an update by liking this blog on Facebook. I also post sneak peeks, unshared photos, and other beauty tidbits here. Like Project Vanity on FB now!

 

Liz Who?

 

My name is Liz and I blog as a hobby. I like all things bright and beautiful!

Email me at liz [at] projectvanity.com

Disclosure: Most of the products I review here are press samples unless stated otherwise. FYI!

Search

 

RSS

Fashion & Beauty - Top Blogs Philippines

« What's in my bag - October 2012 | Main | Hot from Avon: Manzzini Satchel and Tote »
Monday
Oct292012

Rave: Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin Serum

Yesterday I went to the mall with only serum, an illuminating SPF base, a spot of concealer, and pressed powder. I felt I didn't need foundation! I used to have a TON of blemishes on my face, but they are clearing out faster because of a product I've been using these past two months: the Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin Serum (P3,250).

The TSUYA Skin Serum is perhaps Shu Uemura's star product of the year. It promises bright, translucent skin in seven days as it re-activates the cells that make our skin look younger. Yes, we've heard that before in other serums released this year. I'm still not sure if it's possible for skincare to do that, but claims aside the TSUYA is damn good and here's why!

What I LOVE about the product

  • I did indeed get brighter, less tired skin in seven days or less. That may be due to the fact that the serum is infused with a purplish pearly shimmer that instantly gives skin a subtle glow. It's also an illuminator aside from skincare, but I didn't spot shimmer once it's on.
  • Pimples heal faster with this serum. It doesn't cause or prevent breakouts, but it helps skin to recover from acne and the nasty blemishes that come after.
  • Long term effects are smoother, firmer, brighter skin. I noticed this after two months of use.

 

  • Can be used alone as a moisturizer if you have oily skin (I do this!) but if you have dry skin you will need a separate product to properly hydrate your skin.
  • The texture is gel-like. Very light on skin, so it won't exacerbate oiliness when you use it under your makeup during the day.
  • Two drops is enough to cover the whole face.
  • No breakouts! 

Zero makeup, no editing. My skin is far from perfect but I do believe I'm getting there!

What I don't like about the product

  • Well it's not cheap, but in the realm of luxe serums the price is just average.

 

Recommendations

I highly recommend this to anyone who needs something to help brighten skin, clear out blemishes, and just a general overhaul of the skin's texture. You can use your normal SPF/ night moisturizer after the TSUYA serum so you don't really need to change your routine around it.

Now, disclaimer - I can't promise that this serum will work for you as well as it did on me. Our skin reacts differently to products and there's nothing we can do about it. :) If it helps, the other beauty bloggers love this stuff! 

Aside from the serum, there's also a TSUYA UV Mousse in that particular line. It smells like creme brulee, swear! Otherwise it works much like the other Shu mousse bases. I get small bumps from the mousse so I don't use it, but if your skin does not react then yes you should consider partering it with the TSUYA mousse! It's P2,200.

Verdict

I LOVE IT. I use this religiously every morning and sometimes at night (when I'm on a break from the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery). I use a generous amount since I like it as a moisturizer, but when my skin is dry I add my favorite Clinique Moisture Surge on top. Awesome stuff! You should try TSUYA if you're looking for something to fix stressed skin. It's radiance in a bottle!

Hm, I should post my updated skincare routine soon! That said, what's your fave serum ever?

Reader Comments (12)

I've been thinking of buying this. Read a lot of raves about it. But I discovered Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Lotion first which I think is the 'Save' version of this :D

Good to know it's working for you! :)

October 29, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterLia Espina Lopez

Hey Liz, your skin looks amazing! I'd say that's your best no-make up shot :) Would you recommend the Tsuya Skin Serum over Estee Lauder's ANR? :)

October 29, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterJin

oohh your skin really looks smoother and nicer *envious* hahaha. but seriously i do have a lot of blemishes from my pimples due to lack of sleep as im on a graveyard shift i would love to try this if only moolah is not a problem. can you recommend less expensive product that also works?
thanks

October 29, 2012 | Unregistered Commenterjen

Is there a cheaper alternative that can deliver similar results?

October 29, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterLian

WOOOW! It does look radiant on you! If I have this serum, I wouldn't have to wear makeup too often! A dash of my lippie, some blush, and I'm ready to go! :D

By the way, since you're using it on a regular basis, will it have any side-effect when you, for example, decide to stop using it? Is it possible for your skin to become too dependent on the serum?

October 30, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterKaye

@Jin Wow difficult question. If you're under 30, go for Tsuya, If over 30, Estee Lauder! Also Tsuya can be used during the day - Estee ANR is best for evenings only

@Jen @Lian Unfortunately I don't know any. There's a L'Oreal youth activating chenes out there but I haven't really tried it

@Kaye it's possible. But it's hard for me to tell at the moment since I haven't stopped yet.

October 31, 2012 | Registered CommenterLiz Lanuzo

Hi! I'm a new reader and can I just say that I love your blog! <3 I'm almost done reading all of your posts, good thing I'm on my semreak! :)

Anyway, I'm interested in trying the Tsuya line of Shu Uemura, if used on a daily basis, how long do you think will the serum and UV Underbase last? :)

October 31, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterToni

Hi Liz! How long do you think would one Tsuya bottle last? :)

November 3, 2012 | Unregistered Commenternina

Wow! You look fab in your no make-up shot! I really want to try this out but I don't know where I can buy Shu products except for Rockwell. But that's too far away. =(

November 3, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterNikka

@Toni @NIna hi guys! That's a great question. If you use it sparingly twice a day I wager it can get you three months, maybe half a month more. But if you use it like I do - as a moisturizer - then it'll empty faster, maybe two months and a half at most!

@Nikka Oh no :( Well Shu Uemura is also available in Rustans Shangri-La I think! In Makati and Trinoma also (if I remember correctly)

November 5, 2012 | Registered CommenterLiz Lanuzo

Looks very promising ha! :) I wish you could post a no-make up picture of you ate two months before para makita sana yung effect. Haha, parang infomercial lang, but it would really help me visualize the effect! In fairness, medyo pricey nga. Is there any cheaper alternatives for this that you know? :D thanks for this review! I've been a fan of shu ever since.

November 8, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterBeth

I want this!! :( pag iipunan ko! hehe

November 22, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterBrownOso

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>