In the pursuit of radiant and youthful skin, I recently delved into the world of Sensai skincare products. As a longtime skincare enthusiast, I’ve recently become increasingly interested in high-end luxury skincare. With the current saturation in the skincare market, I can’t help but be drawn to take a step back and explore some of the old classics my mom always touted as “the best”, with Kanebo Sensai being one of them.
The Sensai Absolute Silk line is a collection of lavish skincare products that focus on providing intense hydration and nourishment. This range caters to mature and dry skin types, delivering opulent textures and the benefits of silk-infused formulations for a radiant complexion. Sensai recently expanded the line with two new cleansing products to complete the Saho ceremony – double cleansing/double moisture – in the line. I got very intrigued and got my hands on a travel set. The set included both new cleansers and the Absolute Silk Illuminative Cream that launched a year ago.
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The Sensai Saho Routine with Absolute Silk
Morning
Cleansing:
Micro Mousse Wash
Moisturizing:
Micro Mousse Treatment
Silk Fluid or Silk Cream or Illuminative Cream
Evening
Cleansing:
Silk Cleansing Milk
Micro Mousse Wash
Moisturizing:
Micro Mousse Treatment
Silk Cream or Illuminative Cream
Absolute Silk Cleansing Milk – A Silken Path to Clean, Nourished Skin
This wipe‑off cleansing milk promises to remove make‑up and oil‑based impurities with the gentle touch of a silk cloth, leaving the skin fresh and supple. As it’s intended for makeup removal at night the amount you get is slightly less than that of the micro mousse wash.
Texture & Application
The Sensai Absolute Silk Cleansing Milk boasts a texture that transforms from a gentle milk to oil upon contact with the skin. This dual-action formula caught my attention. Compared to other milk cleansers I’ve tried, this one didn’t feel like smearing body lotion all over your face. It also kept its slip like an oil cleanser.
One of the standout features of this cleansing milk is its versatility in application. There are two ways to use it. The first way is to use it together with a cotton pad. This you would do the moment you get home in the evening to remove makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities from the day. Then do a proper cleanse and evening routine a few hours later with the Micro Mousse Wash. The second way would be to use it as you normally would a cleansing oil in your two-step cleansing routine in the evening. Personally, I found that applying the cleansing milk with my hands offered a more intimate and sensory experience, akin to using a traditional oil cleanser. The silky milk glides effortlessly over the skin, making it a pleasure to massage and work into the complexion. It did not sting my eyes.
Applying the Sensai Absolute Silk Cleansing Milk is similar to indulging in a mini facial massage. The sensation is soothing, and it effectively dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. If you’re into fragrance-free products Sensai is not your bestie. Though, if you’re looking for a sensorial cleansing experience, the Absolute Silk line is fragranced with a sophisticated scent that brings the feeling of a luxurious spa treatment.
The Sensai Cleansing Milk emulsifies easily with water, leaving the skin feeling undisturbed and ready for the next cleansing step with the Micro Mousse Wash.
Conclusion
The Sensai Absolute Silk Cleansing Milk is your first step in your cleansing ritual. Although it offers a dual-action cleansing experience that is both effective and indulgent, you will need to finish it off with a second-step cleanser. Its milk-to-oil transformation brings a sense of luxury to the daily ritual of removing makeup and impurities. It nourishes and hydrates the skin better than an oil cleanser, making it perfect for dry to mature skin types.
With that being said… Although I love the luxurious sensorial texture and fragrance, I’m sure there are similar cleansing milks for less. But for those seeking a gentle yet thorough cleansing experience with a touch of luxury, the Sensai Absolute Silk Cleansing Milk is worth considering when paired with the Micro Mousse Wash. And whether you’re a skincare connoisseur or someone who values the power of self-care, this cleansing milk offers a silken path to radiant, supple skin.
Absolute Silk Micro Mousse Wash – A Luxurious Sensorial Cleansing Experience
This foam cleanser intrigued me with its luxurious claims, setting it apart from other mousse cleansers I’ve encountered. Made to be used as the second step in your cleansing Saho ceremony. Its micro‑carbonated mousse gently lifts impurities and purifies the skin leaving your complexion luminous with clarity and less visible pores. Optimizing your skin to absorb the rest of your skincare routine.
Texture and Application
The packaging is unique in the way that it’s an air-tight can, similar to hair styling mousse. This makes the texture of the Micro Mousse Wash a standout feature. It glides onto the skin with the grace of silk, imparting a sensation similar to whipped cream. This unique blend of a soft foam that feels like silk and glides like oil is a testament to Sensai’s dedication to delivering a premium skincare experience. It’s a delicate balance that brings a touch of opulence to the everyday routine of cleansing.
What truly sets the Sensai Absolute Silk Micro Mousse Wash apart is the application technique recommended by the brand. Rather than simply applying and rinsing, Sensai encourages users to embrace a more thorough approach. On their website, Sensai offers videos on how to massage the foam onto your face with gentle circular motions. This massage not only ensures effective cleansing but also enhances the experience by promoting relaxation and improved circulation. Afterward, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Or wipe off with the Sensai Sponge Cheif, to reveal a refreshed and revitalized complexion.
Experience
Upon dispensing the Sensai Absolute Silk Micro Mousse Wash, I was immediately struck by its velvety texture. Unlike the typical mousse cleansers I’ve used before, this one felt notably different. The foam is incredibly soft and airy, resembling a fine whipped cream more than a traditional cleanser. This transformation of texture piqued my curiosity, setting the stage for a luxurious cleansing ritual.
For being a foam cleanser it’s also incredibly moisturizing. Unlike the Sensai Silky Purifying Creamy Soap, which makes your skin feel squeaky clean, the Micro Mousse wash leaves your skin feeling soft, moisturized, and pleasant.
Conclusion
In a market saturated with cleansers of various textures and formulations, the Sensai Absolute Silk Micro Mousse Wash stands out as a true embodiment of luxury and innovation. It’s the most luxury a cleanser has ever given me and everything I expected from the price and the brand. Its soft, velvety foam transforms the act of cleansing into a pampering ritual, elevating your skincare routine to new heights. The recommended massage technique makes it feel more like a spa treatment than a daily chore.
For those seeking a sensorial journey combined with effective cleansing, the Micro Mousse Wash is undoubtedly worth considering. Its unique texture and application technique makes it a standout choice among foam cleansers. It aligns seamlessly with the quality and opulence that the Sensai Absolute Silk line is known for. Whether you’re an avid skincare enthusiast or simply someone who values self-care moments, this foam cleanser is poised to bring a touch of luxury to your daily routine.
Absolute Silk Illuminative Cream – A Luxurious, Yet Heavy Delight
The Absolute Silk-line by Sensai offers two intriguing options – the Illuminative Cream and the Absolute Silk Cream. In this review, I’ll share my experience with the Illuminative Cream, comparing it to its counterpart, and highlighting its performance on my skin. As I have not personally experienced the Absolute Silk Cream, this review is based solely on my experience with the Sensai Absolute Silk Illuminative Cream and comparisons are drawn from available product information and reviews.
First Impressions
The Sensai Absolute Silk Illuminative Cream comes in an elegant, pristine white jar, exuding a sense of opulence. The packaging alone suggests that this is a product designed to provide a lavish skincare experience. The texture of the cream is notably thick and creamy, giving off a sense of richness.
Experience
Upon application, the cream glides onto the skin smoothly, absorbing gradually. I honestly felt like I didn’t need to take much. But that could’ve also been the pricetag talking. And as it only was a 7ml jar, I wanted to stretch the experience as much as I could.
The Absolute Silk Illuminative Cream does leave a noticeable sheen on the skin, a quality I did not anticipate from a cream designed for regular daytime use. The immediate result is a radiant glow, which, however, can border on greasiness. In fact, the cream left a slightly oily residue that resembled the effect of an overnight sleeping mask. This aspect led me to rethink its suitability for daytime application, except perhaps during the colder months when my skin tends to be drier.
While I haven’t tried the Absolute Silk Cream (yet), I must admit that based on the description and reviews, it appears to be a lighter and more versatile option for daytime use. The Illuminative Cream, on the other hand, leans towards being a more intensive treatment, suited for those seeking extra hydration and nourishment.
Although I was only using a 7ml sample, I did see an instant reduction in fine lines and the cream giving the skin a renewed glow. My skin tone also appeared brighter and more even-toned while I was testing it out. And testing out the Sensai AI Silk Skin Checker, I seemed to score better results with the Absolute Silk Illuminative Cream applied on.
Conclusion
While I only got about two weeks of use out of the Sensai Absolute Silk Illuminative Cream, I did notice that my skin indeed felt deeply moisturized and smoother. However, I also felt that the product was perhaps over-moisturizing for my current skincare needs. As someone in my thirties with normal/combination skin, I found that the heavy texture gave my face an undesired shine, making it less than ideal for daytime wear. I would consider reaching for it during colder months or as an occasional treat for nighttime pampering.
In conclusion, the Sensai Absolute Silk Illuminative Cream is undeniably luxurious and has the potential to provide significant hydration and nourishment to those with drier and more mature skin. In fact, the whole line provides intense hydration as promised. I am still intrigued to try out the original Absolute Silk Cream. And I almost forgot that the line offers an even lighter moisturizer, the Absolute Silk Fluid. Which might perhaps be better suited for younger skin.
While the Illuminative Cream did feel heavy and a bit too moisturizing for my current skin needs, I appreciate its potential benefits as I age. Its texture resembles that of an overnight sleeping mask, which can be a drawback for daytime use. Using the complete Absolute Silk line on young skin can be a bit overkill if you don’t have a naturally dry or parched skin type. Ultimately, this cream is a testament to the fact that skincare is not a one-size-fits-all journey (no matter the price tag) – it’s about finding the products that match your skin’s unique needs and requirements.
Updated 11/2023
Absolute Silk Fluid
So I managed to grab a sample of the Absolute Silk Fluid and felt the need to give a short update on my thoughts about it!
I must begin by saying that fluid/emulsion-type moisturizers have really grown on me. At first glance, you would think they would not be hydrating enough. However, just like the Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Emulsion (review here), the Absolut Silk Fluid moisturizes and softens the skin nicely without any heavy feel. Another thing I appreciate about fluids is that you can do with much less than a cream. This 7ml sample lasted me almost a month of daily use!
Experience
Compared to the Illumative Cream, the fluid felt like a better match for my skin yet gave me the same kind of benefits. My fine lines appeared lesser, and my skin seemed more clear while having this in my routine. Although thinner in texture, I felt it was giving enough moisture for both day and evening use. Especially if your evening routine is quite moisturizing, the Silk Fluid locks it all up with a lighter feel. It absorbs quickly, but without leaving the skin dry. Nor does it leave the skin too shiny either as the Illuminative Cream.
Conclusion
I would happily invest in a full-size! Sensai is a very luxurious and expensive brand indeed. But when it comes to moisturization and getting the most bang for your buck, investing in the fluid/emulsion moisturizers seems like a good bet. You often get twice the amount of fluid as you get from the cream for the same price. Not to mention that a little goes a long way with fluids/emulsions. So what seems like an initial big investment, when counting the price per ml, the fluid/emulsion will last a lot longer.
Products Mentioned
What are your thoughts on products from Sensai?
Worth the hype?
Tell me your experience and ask me your questions in the comments below!
