How to get pale, luminous skin?

Lareesie Ladavi · Dec 9, 2008

SHISEIDO products:
http://www.sca.shiseido.com/

Someone may have posted something about this, already, but...HAs anyone tried their products? Back in the late 80s/early 90s they were a lot bigger. I always wanted to try their stuff, but never did. They were started in the late 1800s, with the Japanese culture in mind (started in Japan, maybe? They don't say). They are all about pale skin. I was wondering if it were cakey. I knew someone, in high school, theat tried their foundation, but broke out in a rash.
I recall the beautiful campaign/advertizing they had at their counters...the packaging was beautiful too. I was curious to know if they really had pale products...

Lareesie Ladavi · Dec 9, 2008

ginny said:
A cheap, easy and effective way to add some luminosity to your skin is Coty Airspun Luminous Translucent powder. I mix a small amount with my regular Coty powder, or whatever powder I'm currently using. I think using it full strength is too strong for daytime, but for nights out, in softer or dimmer lighting, it's probably good. This is a great powder that is not glittery at all, really does give a more luminous, almost dewy look. Good for using with those matte makeups that oily gals need.
Oh, and about the talc: I believe that using it in makeup is safe, it's the levels that people who work with it could breathe in, if not using protective gear, that are dangerous. Remember, "the dose makes the poison." Even water can kill you if you drink too much!

I've used this off and on for years, and I agree, it's great. It is almost as pale as I am, so I wear it during the day. I just wish there was a foundation to match it.

Lareesie Ladavi · Dec 9, 2008

Miss 1929 said:
I used to be even paler when I lived in San Francisco, in a neighborhood (the Haight Ashbury) that got mostly fog every day.
On my way to work one morning, a nice looking young black man in a suit said "Excuse, me, may I ask you a question?" I thought he was going to pitch religion or something, so I was polite and said yes, and then he asked, "Why do you wear all that white shit all over your face?". And I wasn't even wearing powder!
Can you imagine his reaction if I had asked him why he wore all that black shit all over his face? I would be arrested of a hate crime or something!
I always find it amazing that in this day and age, when we are exposed to images of humanity in all its multiple shades, that people still give anyone a hard time about being pale!

IN a nutshell, this was my entire school life. I was made fun of for being pale...These same cowards hit on me now...go figure.

beaucaillou · Dec 9, 2008

For real, what happened to Shiseido? As recently as 6 years ago I can remember seeing them prominently in Sephora and major, high-end Dept. stores, but it's like their marketing absolutely vanished.

Their mascara was constantly rated among the best by 'Allure' magazine. I can't understand why they pulled out of this market so hard? I still see full Shiseido offerings at the local-ish Japanese shopping market, but aside from that...?

I remember liking their products very well. They sort of reminded me of Nars crossed with Estee Lauder. They were well-known for the luminescent quality their products claimed and delivered, and since ten years ago I was painting my face 'silent screen-star pale, black and rosy' I can attest that they delivered.

Lareesie Ladavi · Dec 9, 2008

SarahLouise said:
I have oily skin too and swear by blotting sheets to combat shine during the day. They are great because they don't add or remove your make-up and soak up all the oil. I use Boots Clear skin ones.

As for pale foundation, I can heartily recommend Estee Lauder's Double Wear foundation. It's pale enough for me and gives great coverage, though they've recently introduced Double Wear Light if you want a sheerer finish.

Actually recently I've been thinking that I'm too pale, almost bordering on grey! Whenever I'm next to friends in photos I look ghost white!

I use to wear this (great for oily skin), but then I noticed it gave me the crepiness under my eyes...it made fine lines appear, where I didn't know I had them...maybe if I don't apply it there?

RebeccaMUA · Dec 9, 2008

beaucaillou said:
For real, what happened to Shiseido? As recently as 6 years ago I can remember seeing them prominently in Sephora and major, high-end Dept. stores, but it's like their marketing absolutely vanished.

Their mascara was constantly rated among the best by 'Allure' magazine. I can't understand why they pulled out of this market so hard? I still see full Shiseido offerings at the local-ish Japanese shopping market, but aside from that...?

I remember liking their products very well. They sort of reminded me of Nars crossed with Estee Lauder. They were well-known for the luminescent quality their products claimed and delivered, and since ten years ago I was painting my face 'silent screen-star pale, black and rosy' I can attest that they delivered.

Hmmm strange! I use Shiseido foundation and powder in my rotation and they sell it at the Macy's and Nordstrom and a couple of Sephora's near me (I am in L.A. however). Maybe in certain areas they pulled out their presence?

Spaugs · Dec 10, 2008

Odalisque said:
Well, since your facial skin is much more delicate then, say, the skin on your arms, I think you'd be okay using a lightener on your body.
Can I ask what type of lightener you use? I'm in love with the idea of pale-ing down a bit (I'm Italian so I've got that olive tint as well) but I'm kind of leery of whiteners due to health issues.

Actually, I've just been wearing make-up with spf protection for 3 years [huh] That and staying out of the sun. That's probably why the rest of my is still a few shades darker despite my adammant attempts to avoid getting a tan. (Parasols are lovely, but make you stand out in a crowd.) I have never used to a skin lightener, this thread is definitely luring me in though.

Lareesie Ladavi · Dec 10, 2008

RebeccaMUA said:
Hmmm strange! I use Shiseido foundation and powder in my rotation and they sell it at the Macy's and Nordstrom and a couple of Sephora's near me (I am in L.A. however). Maybe in certain areas they pulled out their presence?

Yeah, it says they carry at the mall, near me, but you'd never know it. They must have really scaled down. Back in the day, they were huge with advertizing.
So you like their products, I take it? I'm glad to hear that...When I get money (some day), I want to buy some basic stuff.

Lillemor · Dec 10, 2008

RebeccaMUA said:
Hmmm strange! I use Shiseido foundation and powder in my rotation and they sell it at the Macy's and Nordstrom and a couple of Sephora's near me (I am in L.A. however). Maybe in certain areas they pulled out their presence?

Brands occassionally do that. I've never used their products. They appear to be in a price range that's out of my league. Fx. Revlon's was pulled out of Denmark but I've seen the odd Revlon make-up collection in various department stores but it's not updated. That was 2 yrs. ago. Haven't checked since.

I use a C vitamin + liquorish lotion for my body to lighten some unsightly hyperpigmentation blotches.

I'm happy with my natural, deep olive complexion but I don't care to go too far from my natural shade one way or the other plus my skin's sun oversensitive; I get hyperpigmentation if I'm not careful.

swinggal · Dec 10, 2008

As I've mentioned before, in Asia (I frequent Asia a lot for tropical holidays) almost all their skin products contain 'whitener'. Even soap and mens products. I use the same Loreal moisturiser I always have at home but bought a few tubes in Thailad, which contain the whitening agent.

Most Asian supermarkets will have this too. Right down to Dove soap with whitener. My skin is pale anyway, but it helps even it out and gets rid of freckles and sun spots on my hands.

Lillemor · Dec 10, 2008

swinggal said:
As I've mentioned before, in Asia (I frequent Asia a lot for tropical holidays) almost all their skin products contain 'whitener'. Even soap and mens products. I use the same Loreal moisturiser I always have at home but bought a few tubes in Thailad, which contain the whitening agent.

Most Asian supermarkets will have this too. Right down to Dove soap with whitener. My skin is pale anyway, but it helps even it out and gets rid of freckles and sun spots on my hands.

I wish I could find out if there are any Thai shops that will ship common soaps, creams etc. overseas. If bought by the bulk this sounds like a cheape alternative.

Odalisque · Dec 10, 2008

Spaugs said:
Actually, I've just been wearing make-up with spf protection for 3 years [huh] That and staying out of the sun. That's probably why the rest of my is still a few shades darker despite my adammant attempts to avoid getting a tan. (Parasols are lovely, but make you stand out in a crowd.) I have never used to a skin lightener, this thread is definitely luring me in though.

Wow! It's good to hear of someone achieving pale through sunscreen and care. I really should just take more precautions against the sun rather than use a lightener. There is hope! lol

Irish_Rin · Dec 11, 2008

Bettter late than never..

I have always had very fair skin (all Irish) but as a teen i so wanted to be tan and all I ended up doing was getting more freckles. What I've been doing for about the last six months or so is mixing my SPF30 with my moistirzer before putting on my makeup. A few things I've noticed.

1. I heard that my mixing SPF with anything else, it's no longer is as "strong".

2. I have to let it set before I can apply my foundation since it gets very cakey if I don't.

3. I can hear my Mom's voice "Dont' forget your ears...your neck" so I would say over time everything is matching better.

4. I always do my hands and arms as well. My hands can get burned just by being on the steering wheel.

The only other thing that I do now that has really helped.. is that I no longer scrub my face with anything hard. i was a real killer when it came to exfoliating. This left me with broken capilaries and squeekly clean skin that would break out from no oil, and a dark redish tone.

I've backed off on all that.. and between being more gentle and sunscreen, my skin tone is evening out to be pale but not quite luminous (yet)

Lareesie Ladavi · Dec 11, 2008

Irish_Rin said:
I have always had very fair skin (all Irish) but as a teen i so wanted to be tan and all I ended up doing was getting more freckles. What I've been doing for about the last six months or so is mixing my SPF30 with my moistirzer before putting on my makeup. A few things I've noticed.

1. I heard that my mixing SPF with anything else, it's no longer is as "strong".

2. I have to let it set before I can apply my foundation since it gets very cakey if I don't.

3. I can hear my Mom's voice "Dont' forget your ears...your neck" so I would say over time everything is matching better.

4. I always do my hands and arms as well. My hands can get burned just by being on the steering wheel.

The only other thing that I do now that has really helped.. is that I no longer scrub my face with anything hard. i was a real killer when it came to exfoliating. This left me with broken capilaries and squeekly clean skin that would break out from no oil, and a dark redish tone.

I've backed off on all that.. and between being more gentle and sunscreen, my skin tone is evening out to be pale but not quite luminous (yet)

My hang up is similar. I have scaley parts on my skin, but scrubbing stretches your pores adds redness. I have some of the worst skin in god's free world. It's super oily with dry patches.
I haven't many lines, but the oil is disgusting. I honestly need to reapply foundation 2-3 times a day. I go through clean and clear oil blotters like they're going out of style. They aren't cheap, either. Even the generic is expensive.
People probably think I'm super vain, considering how many times a day I have to check the mirror and blot...it's either that, or my face literally looks gooey. I have to deal with the public all day and I can't look like this.
I add a light sunblock(I have for years) and I know I need something stronger, but I just can't deal with the oil. Even oil-free feels damn oily to me.

Grant Fan · Dec 15, 2008

Well dear to start with I think you have lovely skin. But I am one of those people who is naturally very fair. I am half Cuban, but Cubans are very pale people for the most part, and my mom is Norwegian. Again no yellow in my skin eather but because I am half Cuban I tan very easily and hate it. So all year long I wear SPF 15 at least. I love beaches but in the summer I wear the highest SPF I can find this summer I found 75 and was thrilled. At the beach I re-apply sunscreen ever 3 hours, 4 at max, and every time i come out of the water. I also usually sit under an umbrella if I am not in the water. The effect is skin so plate the honestly when I walk through my house at night in the pitch black I can see my feet and legs they actually glow from the little bit of light that is in the house that reflects off of it. I think the only thing you can do is to make your skin a pale as it will naturally go. I am naturally a porcelain color, but I get it extra pale by being so careful.

ladygaga · Dec 22, 2008

Aforementioned by another of the Brits: Dainty Doll by Nicola Roberts. They do a 'white' foundation which is fantastic, but best mixed in with your own. Fairly sure they ship to US:

http://www.asos.com/Dainty-Doll-By-Nicola-Roberts/Dainty-Doll-By-Nicola-Roberts-Foundation/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=301256&cid=4788&clr=Ivory&sh=0

Emer · Jan 5, 2009

I've always heard of women taking milk baths to make their skin more pale because of the natural acids and cultures you find in milk and yogurt. I had a friend who would soak in milk baths (you can find powdered milk soaks online, and most have something added, like lavender, to help with the smell) and she'd spread a thin layer of plain yogurt on her face. I've been waiting to try this myself, but I think I might start!

Esme · Jan 5, 2009

For the last two years there has been some wheeling and dealing going on within the Shiseido brand.
According to Wikipedia - "Shiseido also has several other subsidiaries and brands.
* Beauté Prestige International, based in Paris, France, produces perfumes under the Jean-Paul Gaultier, Issey Miyake, and Narciso Rodriguez brands. It also distributes fragrances and men's skincare under the John Varvatos brand.
* Serge Lutens
* Cle de Peau is their high end line."

Apparently their promotion (at least in the US) has been outsourced (maybe to Hoover, I think?) so that may explain the scarcity in the US?
It is plentiful here in Aus and very popular with my Asian friends, but they like Kanebo better. Kanebo is harder to find here, and several of my friends bring it back by the caseload from the Phillippines and from Singapore. I would like to try it, I should have someone get me some, actually. It is supposed to be whitening AND softening, which is pretty important, too, I think.
I like Strobe Cream by MAC and Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.

Lareesie Ladavi · Jan 5, 2009

Esme said:
For the last two years there has been some wheeling and dealing going on within the Shiseido brand.
According to Wikipedia - "Shiseido also has several other subsidiaries and brands.
* Beauté Prestige International, based in Paris, France, produces perfumes under the Jean-Paul Gaultier, Issey Miyake, and Narciso Rodriguez brands. It also distributes fragrances and men's skincare under the John Varvatos brand.
* Serge Lutens
* Cle de Peau is their high end line."

Apparently their promotion (at least in the US) has been outsourced (maybe to Hoover, I think?) so that may explain the scarcity in the US?
It is plentiful here in Aus and very popular with my Asian friends, but they like Kanebo better. Kanebo is harder to find here, and several of my friends bring it back by the caseload from the Phillippines and from Singapore. I would like to try it, I should have someone get me some, actually. It is supposed to be whitening AND softening, which is pretty important, too, I think.
I like Strobe Cream by MAC and Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.

I haven't heard of Kanebo...hmmm I'll keep my eyes open for it.
I use to use Mac powder, but it's a tad too heavy for me. Last time I looked at their foundation it was too dark, unfortunately...they seemed limited in that department (that was about 3 years ago). Maybe they have more selection now? Probably a U.S. issue...figures...

Lately, I haven't looked at department brands...everything is just too expensive...even drug store junk adds up. Anyone else notice the price increases in drugstore brands?

vintage_bel · Jan 8, 2009

SPF 55?

Has anyone heard of this in Australia.

I am after the beautiful pale skin you have all been talking about but with our whopping great hole in the ozone layer...

I haven't seen SPF 55 anywhere but would love to know if anyone can tell me who makes it.

Also have tried using Invisible Zinc which is not only supposed to protect your skin but also reverse sun damage. Megan Gale and now Elle are spokes persons for the brand but they both have olive/golden toned skin.

In Australia it is hard to find lily white skin especially where I live (Northern Beaches of Sydney). And I keep forgetting to put sunscreen on my driving arm...

How to get pale, luminous skin?

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