How to use Shiseido Future Solution LX, step by step

Shiseido's six steps

Every Future Solution LX listing ends with the same note: each Shiseido formula addresses one of six steps in a J-Beauty routine, which Shiseido names as cleanse, soften, strengthen, treat, moisturize and protect. That gives you the order. You do not need every step, but the ones you use should follow this sequence.

The general rule of thin to thick lines up with it. The Softener is watery, the serum is thicker, and the creams come last. Our skincare routine order guide explains the general rule.

Morning routine, step by step

If you use Legendary Enmei in the morning, it goes after the serum and eye cream. Because it has no SPF, you still need a sunscreen as the last morning step. Follow the sunscreen label for the amount.

1. 1

   Cleanse and pat dry.

2. 2

   Apply the Softener with a cotton pad or your palms.

3. 3

   Apply the serum: Shiseido says to apply it to the center of the face, the base of the neck and up to the jawline.

4. 4

   Apply Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream: Shiseido says to scoop two pearl-sized amounts, blend between your fingers and smooth around the eyes and lips.

5. 5

   Finish with Total Protective Cream SPF 30, which Shiseido says to apply as the last step in the morning.

Note.Follow the amount and reapplication directions on any SPF product. A day cream with SPF only gives the labeled protection when used as the label directs.

Night routine, step by step

Shiseido also suggests a daily facial massage with the serum. If you do one, use light pressure and clean hands. If you prefer Legendary Enmei at night, use it in place of Total Regenerating Cream rather than on top of it. Our page on Legendary Enmei covers that jar in detail.

1. 1

   Remove makeup and sunscreen, then cleanse.

2. 2

   Apply the Softener.

3. 3

   Apply the serum to the center of the face, neck and jawline.

4. 4

   Apply the Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream.

5. 5

   Apply Total Regenerating Cream as the last step: Shiseido says to dot it on five points of the face (forehead, nose, chin and both cheeks), smooth it over the face, then apply another pearl-sized amount to the neck and sweep up to the jawline.

What Shiseido says is in the line

Shiseido says the serum and the Total creams are formulated with its LonGenevity Complex, which it describes as powered by Enmei Herb, vitamin C, green tea and Skingenecell 1P, a proprietary amino acid derivative. It lists Sakura and Peach Leaf Extract in the serum and both Total creams, Super Hyaluronic Acid in Total Regenerating Cream, and vitamin E in Total Protective Cream. For Legendary Enmei, Shiseido says it contains the line's highest concentration of its Skingenecell Enmei Complex.

Those are the brand's descriptions. Ingredient lists can change, so read the carton you receive. Our ingredient list guide explains how to read one.

Sizes and price per ml

The core Future Solution LX jars and bottles are 50 ml, which makes the price per ml easy to compare. Prices below are the listed prices at the time of writing and can change.

See the Future Solution LX lineup →

Refills and sets

The Total Protective Cream SPF 30 listed here is a refill. Shiseido describes the refill system for the Eye and Lip Contour set this way: pull out the empty container, push the refill pod firmly into the jar, remove the freshness seal and replace the cap. The Eye and Lip Cream Set includes a full-size cream and a full-size refill. The Restorative Ritual set includes a cleansing foam, Softener, serum and a full-size Total Regenerating Cream, which is a way to get the softening and cleansing steps. Our refills explained page covers how refill pods work in general, and gift sets over $150 lists the sets.

Before starting the line, patch test each product. If you have a skin condition, or if anything stings or causes redness, stop and ask a dermatologist.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need all the Future Solution LX steps? No. Use the ones you want and keep them in Shiseido's order: soften, serum, eye, then cream.

Can I use the night cream in the morning? Shiseido positions Total Regenerating Cream for night and Total Protective Cream SPF 30 for morning. Legendary Enmei is the one it lists for both.

Can I mix Future Solution LX with other brands? Yes, but keep thin to thick. A softener or essence from any brand goes before a serum, and creams go last.

What is the Softener step? It is Shiseido's watery lotion step after cleansing. See what is Shiseido Future Solution Softener.