Shu Uemura HP Balancing Cleansing Oil - Review

Rarely do I come across a skincare product that I think "Wow, I'll be picking up this again!", but after using Shu Uemura's famous cleansing oil I was hooked! This High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil was originally launched in 1960 and was used by no other than Marilyn Monroe herself. It has grown to be a cult favourite over the years, and is still a staple for many makeup artists and beauty nerds alike. I was wary at first using this oil, having an oily-combination skin type and blemish-prone skin. However, it has worked absolute wonders for me! 

I've had the oil for about 2 months now, and I use it every time I'm removing my makeup. Before I cleanse, tone etc I remove all of my makeup with the oil. I squirt 2/3 pumps of it out - depending on how heavy my makeup is. I then massage it on to my dry face, and really concentrate on massaging it into the areas where makeup may have clogged up my pores (t-zone and jawline). I then emulsify the oil, by splashing and massaging in some water to create a milky texture on my face. I then rinse it all off with a few splashes of cool water. It removes the majority of my makeup, bar some waterproof eye makeup I find. I usually remove my mascara prior to removing the makeup on my face, by using The Body Shop's Moringa Beautifying Oil. The oil doesn't have a smell (to me), and it doesn't leave the skin feeling tight or dry.

My 450ml bottle is lasting absolutely ages, and has only gone down a tiny bit since my first use. I only use it when I wear makeup, not when I'm not wearing any - I usually just skip it and move on to my usual cream cleanser. It's quite pricey, but I honestly believe that spending more on skincare is usually worth it. It'll probably last me a year, if not longer by the looks of it and it's doing the job so well! The oils are around €60-70. (You can buy a 150ml bottle for around €30-40, but I honestly think buying the larger bottle is an investment.)

I highly, highly, highly recommend this product to you all! Especially if you wear quite a lot of makeup, like myself. It'd be ideal for anyone living in a hot country also, where you find makeup and sunscreen has clogged your pores. If it's good enough for Marilyn Monroe, it's good enough for me! There are a ton of different cleansing oils in the range, for different skin types and conditions. The High Performance Balancing Oil is the original oil, and I find it works perfectly for me.

You can buy Shu Uemura products in Brown Thomas or online.