I was recently introduced to a new line of anti- aging product from Shu Uemura called Red:Juvenus which is to replace the green range. Powered by Phyto-Red Energy Complex, it is designed to protect skin cells against free radicals and revitalize them by enhancing  the flow of essential elements.

 The Phyto Red Energy Complex consists of Amalaki (the ultimate rejuvenating fruit listed in a ancient japanese medical catalogue dating from the eighth century nara era in Japan) which serves to enhance  red blood cell production and enhance cellular growth, Pomegranate (inhibits free radicals and boost synthesis of collagen enabling skin to  retain elasticity and firmness)  and Lycopene Capsule 2X ( a patented encapsulation technology delivers up to two times deeper into the stratum corneum and  acts as a powerful anti oxidant).

Of all these fancy shmancy words basically means using this range will enable treatment if weakened cells and also prevention of further damage. After all it is no secret that aging is caused by weakened cells which can be caused by wear and tear , stress and sun damage.

Some obvious signs of aging:

1) pores around nostrils are open vertically

2) in the morning , it takes a while for the pillow trace  on cheeks to disappear

3) in the evening , skin complexion around the eyes/mouth becomes  obviously uneven

4) although skin condition is overall oily, some spots suffer from dehydration, a major cause of hyper pigmentation.

Some basic beauty routine that I have been following for the last couple of weeks using the Red:Juvenus:

1) Purify: Cleansing Oil- (remember it’s all in the emulsification) , so take 3 to 4 pumps onto palm of dry hand. Spread gently onto face. Add a little lukewarm or old water onto face and emulsify  oil until it turns milky, repeat the emulsification process 4 or 5 times for best results.

2) Hydrate: Take an appropriate amount  on palm , although it is recommended that you use cotton pad because it acts like  a toner and , therefore not just to hydrate and prepare skin for emulsion , it also acts as a 2nd cleanser.

3) Treat: use Red:Juvenus Intense vitalizing concentrate (2 pumps) and  apply gently on face, there is also the eye range for the eyes which allows deeper penetration  into the basal layer as it contains micro molecules.

4) Nourish: Red:Juvenus vitalizing retexturizing emulsion or cream , again 2 to 3 pumps and spread over face .

Next to complete the  make up routine would be the make up base with SPF 20, which is light enough to use just own its own, especially for a man. It gives a more even appearance to the skin and separates the skin care from the make up if any.

Of course one can still apply a sunblock should one feel it is necessary, after all Spf20 only lasts about 400 minutes which is about 3 and half hours.

The results: I must confess  I like the series as it is very light especially the toner which also acts a second cleanser. My skin is less oily and seems more  supple.  I use a heavier moisturiser after the retexturizing emulsion. The fragrance  is very light which I like and dark marks on skin seem to be lighter even though it is not a whitening range. I get comments that skin is fairer overall. This could also mean skin is healthier and brighter. However I fail to detect their claim that skin feels energized as I don’t know what that really means, an  “energized” skin. But I like the range maybe because it is so light and almost watery, it feels like you haven’t applied anything at all but yet you still see results…the trial period is almost two and a half weeks.

Possible related posts...

• Shu Uemura Tokyo Lash Bar 2009
• How To Win a Lancome’s SPF 50 Neuroshield
• Hydrate and Moisturize-Redefine Age
• Rainbow brights
• Summer lips: quick tip on getting the summer beach look