Forty-five years ago, Shu Uemura released UNMASK- the original cleansing oil designed by Mr. Uemura while working as a cinema makeup artist.  Fast forward to today, after the lineup of cleansing oil evolved into the legendary oils currently available, Shu Uemura has launched the Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil ($90 USD / $98 CAD for 450mL).

This “ultimate” cleansing oil contains 8 botanical origin oils and offers 8 skincare benefits. Jojoba oil activates collagen to renew skin, olive squalene (derived from olive oil) provides anti-oxidant effects, ginger root reduces inflammation and helps fight wrinkles, shea butter brightens the complexion, camellia oil nourishes skin, safflower oil strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, soy supports blood circulation to vitalize skin and corn oil hydrates deep down with omega-3,-6 and -9 fatty acids.

Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil Box

Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

All of the skincare benefits sound great- but really the most important factor is if the product actually works. Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils have been my absolute favorite for a long time now, and I use them daily to remove my waterproof & long-wearing makeup with ease.  This formula has been improved to remove makeup over 86% better than previous formulas- it’s really amazing. The makeup just melts off your skin (a must for those who wear waterproof, or heavy makeup, on a daily basis).  It washes away completely clean afterwards with no residue at all.

I love the packaging of the oil- it has a pump-top dispenser which is super convenient (and much less messy than some cleansing oils I’ve used in the past), and my favorite part about the dispenser is that it turns to lock. I know that sounds pretty basic, but many oils require you to press down on the pump then turn it to lock it, wasting product.

Pump-top dispenser

It also has a beautiful floral scent that is light and refreshing, not overpowering at all. Usually I dislike fragrances in skincare products, but since it is an oil, I appreciate the fragrance so it doesn’t feel like I’m simply rubbing vegetable oil all over my face.

This oil claims to be able to be used on a dry face, but with wet hands (which is usually a total no-no in the world of oil cleansing)… this oil claims to be able to hold more water before turning into a milky emulsion, but honestly I’d just say use it on dry skin. It’s much more effective to me and really it has just become habit now. Smooth it all over the face and eyes, then massage until you can see the makeup breaking up and your skin showing through, then rinse it thoroughly with water.

While the product is expensive, the value is great. The value is just as good (if not better) than most comparative cleansing oils on the market… it’s just a huge bottle so you’re investing all at once (I would probably estimate this bottle to last 8-12 months for me).

The 400mL bottle is MASSIVE!

The oil (…not so easy to ‘swatch’ this one)

Summary

• Price: $90 USD / $98 CAD for 450mL / 15.2oz
• Availability: Holt Renfew and other Shu Uemura retailers
• Overall: Another great cleansing oil from the legendary brand- this one combines all the skincare benefits you want into a single oil while improving the effectiveness of makeup removal. A total must have for anyone who uses waterproof or heavy makeup on a daily basis!
• Rating: A