Shiseido’s third step in the Pureness line (right after the Softener and the Cleanser) is the Pureness Matifying Moisturizer. According to Shiseido, it is a, “lightweight moisturizer, with oil-absorbing powder, that helps reduce surface shine as it provides exceptional hydration to skin. Feels refreshing and ultra-sheer.” And really, that’s how I would describe it too.

What doesn’t really make sense to me is that it includes ‘oil-absorbing powder.’ If you’re using it correctly as the third step in the routine, you shouldn’t have much oil on your face by the time you actually get to the moisturizer. Otherwise, this would imply that the cleanser and the toner didn’t really do its job. It’s performance on myself leads me to believe also that the ‘oil-absorbing powder’ doesn’t serendipitously activate the moment your skin starts to grease up.

While it does hydrate, I found myself needing extra enforcements (mattifying gel, powder etc.) to control my oil, 3 hours after putting it on. If you want day-long oil control, this won’t help if you’re extremely oily. For those with combination skin, this might do the trick for you if you were seeking a lightweight moisturizer. Those with super oily skin, I’d suggest looking elsewhere. Look elsewhere if you’re also on a budget — this isn’t cheap at $33.

Score: 3/5

Disclaimer: A product sample was provided to me for review purposes only. The opinions in this review are 100% my own!