The pace of life is getting faster but the aging process is winding down – or so say the experts behind Shiseido’s Active Energizing Concentrate. That's good news for those of you juggling a hectic job and a frenetic social life. Shiseido’s patented formula is kept strictly under wraps so there’s no saying what goes into this wonder cream. But just like a secret sauce, it delivers on the feel good factors — namely, firmer skin, smaller pores and improved luminosity (that’s less dull to you and me). Aside from the usual pledges, this concentrate offers a few added “technologies” (their word, not mine) to combat UV rays and pollution, which have got to be worth their technobabble salt over the summer.

– Richard Peckett