Brilliant skincare for millennials (and for you)

Shiseido moisturiser

Japanese brand Shiseido can be forgotten when you take a trip to a beauty hall. It isn't that the brand doesn't have some great products to offer – it does. Rather, it is quiet and unassuming and, if you could accuse it of anything, it would be quietly keeping its established customer base happy.

While doing this, Shiseido has left a gap which until now has sent the younger customer to other brands in search of good, age-appropriate skincare. But no more. The new WASO range, heavily influenced by Japanese and Korean beauty trends, has been awaited with great anticipation for months, and is targeted directly at millennials. Before you turn the page or click away with a grumpy ‘harrumph’, keep in mind that the phrase millennial, now mostly used as a pejorative, refers to anyone born in the early 1980s and approximately the two decades following. While we have been generally trashing millennials, they have been getting older every year, and are now well beyond the disgruntled students you might be picturing mentally. The first millennials are now pushing forty, so it isn’t all hot pants, avocado toast and festivals.

That isn’t to say that disgruntled students won’t also love this skincare range, which will be available from October and is likely to sell out quite quickly due to the buzz online. It is the perfect accompaniment to any skin under 35, and perhaps older, depending on your skin type. The textures are gelatinous, mostly light and supremely hydrating.

The range will work for those whose skin exhibits tendencies from oiliness all the way to dry and dehydrated. However, if your skin is very dry or needs very rich textures to feel comfortable, this won’t be for you. If you find tightness, exacerbated fine lines and dehydration an issue, then WASO is a delight.

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The hero product of the range is undoubtedly the Fresh Jelly Lotion (€25), a pleasingly viscous, essence-type product which should be applied after cleansing and or toning, but before serum. It is an instant hydration boost, comforting tight skin and relieving dullness.

Fresh Jelly Lotion

I have been using the Clear Mega-Hydrating Cream (€35) at night. Screw off the top of the jar to reveal a fascinating, super-thick jelly which is richly moisturising and sits atop other products like a protective, softening veil.

Clear Mega-Hydrating Cream

I consider it slightly too heavy for day (for all but those with legitimately dry skin), and instead opt for the Quick Matte Moisturizer (Oil Free) (€35) which is gloriously moist and hydrating, and sits beautifully under makeup. Alternatively, try the Color-Smart Day Moisturizer (€35) which provides a touch of sheer but very helpful coverage while softening the skin.

Quick Matte Moisturiser (Oil-Free)

This range is well worth having a look at when it hits Shiseido counters in Arnotts and selected pharmacies next week.