GlamGlow FlashMud Brightening Treatment

What it looks like applied

Morning after Day 1 | Morning after Day 3

It might be hard to tell, but the acne scars on my left cheek were significantly lightened after the initial 3 day treatment, which I'm semi impressed by. However, the mask doesn't seem to help much with acne itself, as you can kind of see.

Pros

Exfoliating

Smells amazing

Brightens the skin

Cons

Expensive

Might be harsh for sensitive skin

Price

$69 for 1.7 oz / 50 g at Sephora

Verdict

My acne's been getting better with my antibiotics from the dermatologist, so I've been focusing more on lightening my acne scars. Fortunately my scars aren't the ice pick scars or the ones that are visible even when the pigment is gone, but it will still take a few months until it lightens significantly.

Repurchase?

Maybe

Would I recommend it?

Yes. But try a sample at Sephora first.

REVIEW | Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Emulsion

Nordstrom description:

A rich, brightening nighttime moisturizer that revitalizes skin after daily exposure to external stressors such as UV rays and dryness. Improves skin texture to optimize clarity and promote inner radiance. New formula contains Multi-Target Vitamin C to reduce existing pigmentation. Also contains tranexamic acid to prevent dark spots and Super-Hydro Synergy Complex to deeply moisturize and refine skin's texture for softer, smoother skin. Erythritol, apricot extracts and Super Hydro-Synergy Complex normalize cell turnover to retexture skin.

How to use: Smooth over face each evening after cleanser and softening lotion.

• 2.5 oz.
• By Shiseido.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Dipropylene Glycol, Alcohol, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Tranexamic Acid, Hydrogenated Polydecen, Dimethicone, Peg-400, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil, Batyl Alcohol, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Peg/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Carbomer, Fragrance (Parfum), Erythritol, Peg/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, 2-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Edta, Sodium Metaphosphate, Phyosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Sodium Metabisuflite, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene, Carboxaldehyde, Linalool, Serine, Glucosyl Hesperidin, Potassium Hydroxide, Iron Oxies (CI 77492) Tocopherol, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Citirc Acid.

Pros

Didn't break me out

Moisturizing

Brightening

Cons

Contains alcohol

Oily/dewy finish (not ideal for daytime)

Doesn't make a huge difference w acne scars

Mild fragrance

Expensive

Price

$59.50 for 2.5 oz / 75 ml

Verdict

Rating: B

I used this for a while when I still had chronic acne breakouts. Surprisingly it did not break me out, but it leaves a dewy finish and ends up looking greasy as my skin produced oil during the night. There is an SPF 18 version that's $5 cheaper, but no one should wear less than SPF 30 these days.

This is a good moisturizer as it makes my skin look a bit "translucent", but it's nothing ground breaking, I definitely haven't found my holy grail moisturizer yet.

Edit (May 2016): seems like Shiseido has discontinued this lotion, boo :(

Repurchase?

No.

Would I recommend it?

If you don't have a lot of problems with your skin this could be a good moisturizer.