Shiseido Future Solution LX vs Lancome Absolue

The two lines in brief

Shiseido Future Solution LX is Shiseido's prestige line. Its listings name botanicals such as sakura and peach leaf extract, and the top cream, Legendary Enmei, names Enmei herb, Green Treasured Silk and camellia seed extract. The line starts with a softener, a watery lotion used after cleansing. Our Future Solution LX guide covers the range, and what is the Shiseido softener explains that first step.

Lancôme Absolue is Lancôme's top line, built around rose. Listings name Grand Rose Extracts or Perpetual Rose extract, Pro-Xylane and Absolue PDRN. The line starts with Absolue Rose 80, a toning lotion, and most creams come in refillable jars. See what is Lancôme Absolue and our Absolue products guide.

Step by step spec table

This table covers the steps where both lines have a product on Amazon Luxury Beauty. Prices are listing prices at the time of writing.

Serums compared

The Shiseido serum comes in 50 ml at $335, which works out to $6.70 per ml. The Absolue serum comes in 30 ml at $280, which is $9.33 per ml. So the Shiseido bottle costs more up front but less per ml. The Absolue serum listing includes an exfoliating acid complex, which is worth knowing if you already use acids elsewhere in your routine.

Both go on after toner or softener and before cream. A few drops or one pump is the usual amount; see how much serum to use. Our luxury face serum guide places both against other brands.

Creams compared

Shiseido's Total Regenerating Cream is sold as the night cream of the line and the listing says to use it as the last step at night, dotted on five points then smoothed out. It is 50 ml at $305, or $6.10 per ml. Lancôme's Absolue Rich Cream is 59 ml at $280, or $4.75 per ml, and refills cut that to $4.10 per ml.

If you want a lighter Absolue texture, the Soft Cream is the alternative; see Absolue Soft Cream vs Rich Cream. For Shiseido's top jar, the Legendary Enmei cream is 50 ml at $474.95, or $9.50 per ml, and is explained in what is Shiseido Legendary Enmei.

Day creams and SPF

This is the clearest difference. Shiseido's Total Protective Cream is labeled broad-spectrum SPF 30. The Absolue Premium Bx Day Cream is labeled SPF 15. If you want your day cream to be your sunscreen step, check the SPF number against the advice you follow; many dermatology groups recommend SPF 30 or higher for daily use. Our page on sunscreen in a luxury routine covers how to layer a separate sunscreen.

Per ml, the Absolue day cream is cheaper because it comes in a larger 74 ml jar. Compare both in our luxury day cream with SPF guide.

Note.Apply SPF as the last morning step and reapply as the label directs. A day cream with SPF only protects as labeled when you use enough of it.

Order of use for each line

Both lines follow the usual thin-to-thick order. Shiseido puts its softener first, which is a watery lotion, then serum, then cream. Lancôme uses Absolue Rose 80 in the same slot. Our how to use Future Solution LX page and how to use Absolue serum page give the brand steps.

1. 1

   Cleanse.

2. 2

   Softener (Shiseido) or Rose 80 toning lotion (Lancôme).

3. 3

   Serum.

4. 4

   Eye cream if used.

5. 5

   Cream: Total Regenerating at night or Absolue cream morning and night.

6. 6

   Morning: day cream with SPF or a separate sunscreen last.

Frequently asked questions

Which line is cheaper? On the listings here, Absolue costs less per ml for the cream and day cream, and Shiseido costs less per ml for the serum.

What is the key ingredient in each? Shiseido Future Solution LX listings name Japanese botanicals such as sakura, peach leaf and Enmei herb. Absolue listings name rose extracts, Pro-Xylane and PDRN.

Can I mix the two lines? Yes. Mixing brands is common. Keep the thin-to-thick order and patch test new products.

Which day cream has more SPF? Shiseido's Total Protective Cream is labeled SPF 30; the Absolue Premium Bx Day Cream is labeled SPF 15.