The Shu Uemura x Karl Lagerfeld Collection for Holiday 2012 includes one Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil ($77 USD / $98 CAD), in the green Premium A/O Advanced formula, packaged in a special limited-edition Mon Shu bottle. This collection features color selection and package design created entirely by Karl Lagerfeld, the creative director for the legendary fashion house of Chanel. The collection is available for purchase this month online, and in stores November 2012.

The Shu Uemura cleansing oils are legendary, and for good reason- ever since I started using them, I can’t go a day without.  Oil cleansing is a scary term for many people, but once you understand the science behind it, you’ll realize why it’s actually the best way to cleanse your skin.  The formula grabs onto oil, dirt and makeup and rinses off leaving no residue, all while nourishing and conditioning your skin.

Shu Uemura x Karl Lagerfeld Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O Advanced

Shu Uemura offers several different formulations of the cleansing oil… why Karl Lagerfeld picked the Premium A/O Advanced formula, I’m not sure (perhaps it’s his favorite, or perhaps it’s the fact it is the #1 seller in the line?) but essentially they all work similarly. It melts off waterproof makeup instantly, and heavy foundations are no match for this oil!

You don’t have to follow-up with a cleanser afterwards, but I personally like to. The bad news is that the formula is one of the most expensive offered by the brand, but the good news is that the special edition Mon Shu packaging doesn’t hike it up anymore.  Only the largest size is offered with the collection, but I always recommend to think of it as an investment.  The large bottle will last months, and when you compare the value with some other top cleansing oils in the industry, this one actually works out to one of the most inexpensive.

Special Mon Shu packaging

Pump top dispenser

Summary

• Price: $77 USD / $98 CAD
• Availability: Shu Uemura (November 2012)
• Overall: I’m a huge fan of Shu Uemura cleansing oils, and in all honesty I don’t notice a huge difference between the formulas, so if you want to grab this one for the limited-edition packaging, go for it! It works well, and there’s no price difference from the regular packaging.
• Rating: A+