Better Than Shu Uemura? Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil Review

We know, we know. Our title is a pretty wild claim. Better than the most (in)famous cleansing oil in the whole wide world?! Well, what you'll hear from us is one big, resounding yes. If you're looking for a Shu Uemura dupe, you should definitely check out this cleanser from Kose. Like Shu Uemura, Kose is a popular Japanese company that houses and distributes a whole range of products, from high end to super affordable drugstore products. This Deep Cleansing Oil falls under Softymo, their line of cleansers.

How to use: Dispense 1-2 pumps of the cleansing oil and massage gently on a dry face. After massaging for a bit (usually 1 minute), wet your hands with water and continue massaging. At this point, the product will emulsify. Rinse off with water. (But is the face still oily? Not at all! But more on that later.)

The Packaging:

Packaging comes in a standard plastic case that feels neither cheap nor expensive. Regular fare for cleansing oils. This is a minute detail but I do like how the text is printed on the bottle itself, instead of just on a sticker. The pump dispenses just the right amount of product. If I have a full face of makeup on, 2 pumps should generously remove everything perfectly. There's quite a lot of product, 230ml for only 58HKD (roughly 350 PHP and 9.5 SGD). This was purchased in Colourmix in Hong Kong, but Sasa has it as well. 

The Product:

I have nothing negative to say about this product. It performs amazingly! Once emulsified and rinsed off, there is NO trace of oil whatsoever. I know that people who are new to cleansing oils might be a little averse to slathering oil on their face but it doesn't feel like greasy cooking oil at all. If anything, it feels like the oil is fetching the makeup from your pores. It works well in removing pretty much everything. Except maybe the Dolly Mascara from Sasatinnie and Majolica's Lash Expander Frame Plus (but it did remove MJ's Lash King really well!). This is a heavy duty cleanser that'll take off makeup in 1 step. We like to cleanse afterwards with a cleansing foam for good measure, but just this step will do. As for harshness, there is no scent and we believe this is gentle enough for people with sensitive skin. It didn't break us out, and in fact, helped prevent breakouts from residue left over from makeup clogging pores. 

KOSE vs. Shu Uemura

We're not going to review the cleansing oil from Shu Uemura because there are thousands of reviews all over the interwebs, but after thorough use of both brands, we can say that this cleansing oil works better for us. Everything the Shu cleanser does, Kose does too. 

 1) With Shu Uemura, there is still a hint of oiliness even after rinsing, while the Kose rinses out 100%.

 2) Shu doesn't emulsify as well as Kose. (which probably accounts for the oiliness not being completely removed)

3) Shu Uemura's cleansing oil averages at $65 for 450ml (Php 2,900) while the Kose is only 58HKD for 230ml. Even if you buy 2 bottles of Kose to get 460ml, you'll only spend $15 or Php 670. WHAT A STEAL. (and what a whole lotta numbers hahaha)

So here we are testing it out in its full glory. 

This was around half a pump. Pretty pigmented lipstick and Tony Moly's Backstage Gel Liner.  

Massaging the oil... (if you have a face full of makeup you will resemble a depressed clown during this step HAHAHA)

When you mix water in, it forms a white-ish liquid. You know how in science class they'd always say that water is insoluble in oil? Well, I don't know how the chemists did it but they do mix together. And it works. 

 (If you watch Breaking Bad, this is us giving you a virtual fist bump.)

And ta daaa! All clean. Spic and span. (sorry the picture is a little blurry!)

Verdict:

Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil, we love you with every fiber of our being and will continue to do so until we're old and gray. We hope more people will discover your beauty so you shall never be discontinued. Will we repurchase? Definitely! 

Pros:

+ One step cleansing - great for lazy people haha!

+ Does not leave oily residue

+ Gentle enough for sensitive skin

+ Value for money - super affordable

Cons:

- Hard to find in Manila

Because we're so impressed with this product, we're curious about the other products in Kose's line. Have you tried their masks and other cleansing oils? Did you like them? Leave us your thoughts in the comment section below! :)