New and Improved: My Thoughts On Shiseido’s Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation
BY GEORGIA ROSE
We know winter is really only just beginning, but Shiseido already has you covered.
20 APR - 2021
A release from Shiseido is always noteworthy. The brand already knows its way around high quality skincare and is now making a break for cosmetics.
The latest to join the new and improved line up of foundations is the Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation.
I'm getting to know the Shiseido range quite intimately, having just reviewed the Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation. I was intrigued to try the latest re-formulation in the Synchro Skin range as I didn’t fall head over heels for the self-refreshing foundation, although I’m admittedly a little biased towards my sheerer formulas.
So what does Shiseido promise? A medium-to-full coverage in a buildable formula that features the innovative light-adjusting technology that addresses the three major obstacles that impede radiance: fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and loss of hydration. The weightless formula offers instant results and lasting 24-hour hydration.
Before reading the review, I feel it's necessary to note that I am twenty-two, especially when it comes to trialling products with anti-aging properties. I’m still in my so-called youth, and don’t have many fine lines or wrinkles to worry about yet.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation and Soft Blurring Primer, $71
Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation, $79
The Application
Foundation and primer go hand-in-hand, so it’s great news Shiseido have us covered here too. I paired the Lifting Foundation with the Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer, NZD$71, to try and achieve a smooth application, and achieve it, I did.
The Synchro Primer blurred all my pores and created the perfect base. It's a super lightweight primer, and doesn't leave a greasy film. The formula uses snowflake powder to smooth the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores and rough skin, as does the foundation. After applying the foundation with the Synchro Primer, I wouldn’t use anything else - they were the perfect match.
Personally, I steer clear of full coverage foundations, so I used less than half a pump to begin with and worked it in with my faithful Real Techniques foundation brush. Similarly to my application with the Shiseido Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation, I used a flat foundation sponge to press it in to avoid any streaks or product settling into fine lines. This trick seems to work well with the Synchro line.
The foundation is quite buildable as it takes a few moments to set, which I like, as I prefer to be able to control the coverage.
In comparison to Shiseido’s Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation, I found this was slightly lighter in coverage, which is something I personally prefer in a foundation. Although, thankfully, I don’t find myself with many fine lines and wrinkles at this stage in life, the formula definitely blurred the ones I do have, appearing around my eyes and forehead.
Wearability
Without a doubt, Shiseido has always been longwearing. It’s a brand I have come to rely on for events, dinners or anything requiring more than a few hours of makeup wear.
This formulation lives up to its longwearing claims. Over a day of 8+ hours there was no sign of sliding or the foundation getting too ‘shiny’. I do have a slight line across my forehead, which is very natural and not very noticeable, but sometimes I find foundations sitting in the area a little more, but I have no complaints of the Shiseido! Better yet, the foundation didn’t even grab at a small dry patch on my chin (left from picking at my face. I know I shouldn’t!).
The finish is more natural than dewy, but has a “lit from within” feel that gives you an ‘I’ve had 9 hours of sleep and keep hydrated’ look.
"It’s the perfect medium between your favourite lightweight foundation and the full-coverage Self-Refreshing formulation."
Final Verdict
Over the past few months I have found myself collecting quite a few foundations, something I never thought I would say as I’ve always been a skincare lover over makeup. However, I do keep reaching for the Lifting Foundation despite having quite a few to try (The perfect problem to have, I know!). It’s the perfect medium between your favourite lightweight foundation and the full-coverage Self-Refreshing formulation.
A little note about the bottle: The packaging has been updated to a luxurious glass bottle with a twist lid. I love this packaging as admittedly I am terrible and often lose caps. There is no risk, as long as you’ve locked the twist lid, of spillage in your makeup bag whatsoever, big bonus points from me!
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