I’ve had my ups and downs with foundation. From not liking it to having to wear the thickest of its kind back when I was doing TV reporting, to finding the ones that I would actually like.
And one thing is for sure: For me to freely fork out money on a foundation, it has to be good to my skin. Nothing too harsh or too heavy (so over that!). Over time, I’ve met a couple who have met the criteria but I’ve often wished for a formula that would also feel lightweight and would let my skin breathe throughout the day. Oh, and it wouldn’t hurt too if it’s long-lasting, right?
Back then, I felt that those things were too much to ask. You can always get a lightweight foundation but you can bet your your toes it won’t be lasting you for more than 4 hours in this humid Southeast Asian weather. You can get a thicker, long-lasting kind but that would just make your skin feel suffocated throughout the day.
So when I got the invite for Shu Uemura‘s launch for their new foundation, I’d have to admit that I had my doubts. A foundation that has all the things I’ve been wishing for? You’ve got to be pulling my leg!
But alas, I am amazed. By now, it’s pretty obvious that I will be raving about this product. But I suggest you read all the way till the end to see what it’s all about. Oh, and you guys do know that I nitpick, right?
First of all, I just have to hand it to the Shu Uemura team in Malaysia for organising such a fun and classy luncheon for us bloggers and beauty addicts. The launch was held at the Proof Cafe and Sky Lounge at the Signature in Desa Sri Hartamas. I loved that cafe and would definitely bring my husband there for lunch one of these days.
Developed by Japanese makeup artist Shu Uemura, his brand often brings two things to mind: quality and precision. It’s one of the Asian brands that I’ve trusted early on and it’s not just because of their famed eyelash curler. Their foundations that come in different types are a force to be reckoned with in the makeup industry but I must say that nothing prepared me for the Skin:Fit range.
“A new, bare look that can actually last.”
The Skin:Fit foundation promises three things:
- Lightweight fit
- Breathable coverage
- Lasting fresh complexion
It sounds close to impossible to have all three in one formula but after trying the foundation out myself this past few weeks, I’ve got to say that they’ve actually done it!
The Skin:Fit foundation comes in an oil-free bi-phase formula. This gives you that sheer, natural-looking coverage and a 12 hour staying power. TWELVE HOURS. It’s crazy, right? I couldn’t believe it myself until I’ve tried it.
This foundation survived a party, a charity dinner and auction that I hosted, a big concert that I also hosted (read: hot, extremely bright TV-grade lighting), a long day of pampering that included a full body massage, and our Independence Day parade (walked around KLCC for about an hour under Malaysian sun!).
I’ve been quite busy these past few days and I could honestly say that this foundation has been my best friend. Very minimal touch ups were needed throughout the day and my face has also been kept safe from the sun’s harmful rays, thanks to SPF30 in the formula. 😉
This foundation is sweat resistant due to its triple powder complex that contains perlite (absorbs and releases water), airlicium (immediately absorbs oil and sebum), and soft focus powder (covers up pores gently). Airlicium has got to be the star out of the three. It’s super fluffy and lightweight and it absorbs sebum a lot better than your normal anti-shine powders that contain silica.
Another good thing about this foundation is that it contains cosmetic water that has mint and pomegranate extracts. As I’m sure you all know, mint is known for it’s cool and refreshing sensation while pomegranate is quite famous for its anti-ageing properties.
Before the launch, the Skin:Fit foundation was tested on women in Singapore to see how long it will last under the scorching heat of the sun and it got great reviews from its finish, texture, lasting power, and coverage.
But I think what really sets the Skin:Fit foundation apart is the sponge that it comes with and the application method. The brand took inspiration from the mizu oshiroi (traditional, water based foundation) used during Japan’s Edo period by the maiko (kinda like the geisha but not really. They are more of entertainers).
Just a side note: I love how this has a bit of Japanese history in it as I’m crazy about it! The Edo period – the Tokugawa shogunate! The Samurai, the Meiji Restoration, the Shinsengumi… Ack, sorry. Nerd alert!
By using the same method of brushing the foundation on then “fitting” it on to your skin, Skin:Fit was able to replicate the sweat-resistant effect of the mizu oshiroi. When I wore this foundation to our Independence Day parade followed by a program at the Embassy – it lasted me the whole day.
I felt that my whole body was sweating like crazy from the heat and all the walking but my face had very minimal sebum on it. I didn’t even look shiny in my photos. The same goes with the other events I attended recently.
The pentagon sponge has two sides – a brush side (pinkish) and a sponge side (white). You apply Skin:Fit by brushing the foundation on to your face then tapping or “fitting” it on to your skin. Exactly like the application of the mizu oshiroi, but instead of a kabuki brush, you’re using the handcrafted pentagon sponge. 😉 You can watch a video of how it’s actually done by clicking here.
I just love how it looks so natural on the skin. You don’t even have to use powder over it. It’s matte without looking like a mannequin! 😉
A closer look. 😉
So what are the cons?
- This foundation is best suitable for oily skin. So, if you’ve got dry skin, do not use this foundation without any moisturiser underneath as – yes, it is lightweight – but it can also be very drying as the airlicium is very effective in absorbing oil.
- Personally, I like the coverage as it’s effective in hiding minor blemishes. But for major ones, you will have to use a bit more of this product. Brush, fit, then let it settle first before repeating the process.
- You also go through the bottle quite fast since the consistency is very liquid. Oh, and before I forget, always shake the product vigorously before using it or else – the bi-phase formula won’t work.
- This is hardly a con but it’s something you can work around: This foundation dries and settles quickly on your skin so a liquid concealer will work better. I avoid making my concealer looking cake-y by applying my concealer and letting it settle first before applying this foundation. Same goes for cheek tints. 😉
And there you have it. My rather lengthy/extensive review of the new Skin:Fit foundation from Shu Uemura. This foundation comes in 12 shades and comes out this month! It retails for RM148 (Php1781.92, EUR35.50, USD39.40), inclusive of the sponge.
More later!
Love,
Carol
