I don't know why I keep buying foundations. It's like a terrible disease. I guess the hunt for the perfect base is a never-ending one. When Shiseido released a product called Perfect Refining Foundation, I just couldn't resist jumping on it.
As mentioned in my previous post, my skin has been suffering from rather bad allergies. It's been bumpy, red and flaky but started getting a little better over the weekend. I thought it looked okay enough to review this new foundation.
Look at how tiny the bottle is but it's a good 30ml, which is a similar volume to most foundations out there. The packaging is different to all other Shiseido foundations as they are usually housed in glass bottles or jars. I quite like that it's plastic and lightweight, which makes it the perfect travel companion.
Product Description:
This foundation blends seamlessly to instantly erase conspicuous pores, acne scars, and skin roughness for even, long-lasting coverage. It minimizes shine while optimizing the moisture balance of the skin, offering a refined finish for 15 hours.
This foundation is formulated with Micro-Smoothing Complex, a Shiseido-exclusive ingredient that protects against the enzyme that causes skin roughness.
My Thoughts:
Although Shiseido's website shows that there are 18 different shades, I think about eight shades were brought in locally. I selected I00 (Very Light Ivory), which is the lightest shade available.
* I need to take better swatch photos *
As you can see above, the foundation appears slightly darker and warmer than my natural skintone but it does blend in quite well. The finish is semi-matte and coverage is light to medium, depending on the amount used. Of late, I've been using my fingers to apply base products and I think it may be the best method with this particular foundation because it sets rather quickly and the warmth of my fingers probably helps spread the product better.
I'm not too sure about it lasting 15 hours but on me, it did last more than 12 hours. It didn't look that great by the evening but that's okay because I'm so used to foundations getting patchy-looking over the day that I don't expect grand miracles.
* under flourescent lighting *
If you look real close (click on photo to make big), you will notice the flaky bits and bobs on the side of my nose towards my cheeks. This was made worse with the reaction I got from using a sheetmask last week. The area between the brows are quite dry too. Believe it or not, I had applied a hydrating serum, moisturiser, sunscreen and makeup base before even getting to the foundation. If you look closer still (or maybe you shouldn't), you will also notice spots on my neck. Those were from food allergies.
Anyway, I digress. If I need to go on about all my skin woes, it will take a day or two to go through everything as I have skin problems from head to toe (literally).
* with flash *
The foundation does help reduce the appearance of redness and pigmentation. It doesn't cover them completely though. But I don't mind that since it looks a little more natural than a foundation with fuller coverage. Oil control was average and it seemed to stay a little more matte than a couple of other foundations I own.
It has SPF15 as stated on the bottle but this alone is probably not enough if you're exposed to the sun for longer periods. I normally use sunscreen below makeup so I do not rely on SPFs in foundations. It's also confusing that in the US, Shiseido released SPF16 versions and in Japan, it's SPF24. Why only SPF15 in Malaysia, since we're right smack in the middle of the tropics?
Pros:
- Convenient and fuss-free packaging.
- Fairly good coverage.
- Decent oil control.
- Long lasting.
- Has SPF15 (some protection is better than none).
- Very totable, will be bringing this along when I travel.
Cons:
- I don't think the shades available locally cater for darker skin tones.
- Contains silicones, of which some folks may be allergic to.
- Contains alcohol, so it may not be suitable for drier skin types.
- The minimalist packaging is not exactly "pretty".
Availability:
Shiseido's Perfect Refining Foundation is sold nationwide at all Shiseido counters for RM130.
