Review: Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation Golden 4: Matte but Lightweight!

Matte foundation doesn't have to be flat, heavy, and obvious- Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation proves that!

Here's a review on Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation Golden 4.

PRICE: 

FROM: Free

OTHER LOCATIONS: Available in all local Shiseido boutiques and counters

 THE VERDICT:

I love my matte foundations; I've been dependent on them for the last 4 years or so and it is my priority finish when it comes to finish. Although I don't mind having a few light foundations in the stash, I've had it with their mild coverage and okay staying power- as much as possible, I don't want to retouch often during the day!

However, the downside of matte foundation is it tends to look and feel heavy on the skin; these are the moments I wish matte foundations had the superb lightweight texture of lighter foundations.

Shiseido Synchro Skin has changed all that for me- finally, a new matte foundation for my stash, but this time, none of the heavy, thick look and feel of my other similar foundations!

Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation, the newest from the brand, is an oil- free long- lasting foundation with a matte finish and SPF 20 broad spectrum. Claims to have a smart formula that adapts to skin's present condition while minimizing shine, providing coverage, and infusing skin with smoothing, antioxidant benefits from St. John's Wort extract and Mother of Thyme extract.

Ingredients

The product comes in a sleek glass bottle, although I don't know what to feel about the cap because it just keeps on falling off and I don't think it sits well on the bottle. I hope this will be changed.

Locally, I believe Shiseido carries around 5 or 6 shades; the shade I chose is Golden 4 because I wanted something that I can wear when my tan becomes dull.

How do you choose your shade from this line? Check out the list of undertones below:

ROSE- pinkish skin

NEUTRAL- olive/neutral skin

GOLDEN- yellow skin

If your skin tone is on the deep side, unfortunately, there is no shade match in this product.

Consistency is emulsion- like. Texture is very light, almost watery already. It has no scent. It dries into a soft matte finish with a hint of dew; the Japanese are not big fans of the flat matte, heavy look so this is the acceptable matte for them. Formula actually reminds me of Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation, but this one is more matte and lasts longer.

Bare skin

Two layers of the foundation

I was trying to figure out how this product adapts to any skin's current condition, as claimed on  Shiseido's website. I realized that it melds with the skin's natural look and texture, plus coverage is customizable too: apply a layer to achieve a light finish and two or more for heavier coverage; two layers would be the sweet spot for me.

Just look at my skin: coverage is even, tone has improved, marks were concealed (haven't used concealer yet in the photo!), and skin looks smoother- it does the job of matte foundation sans the heaviness and thickness!

TIP: Use a kabuki brush for heavier coverage and a sponge or traditional foundation brush for lighter coverage

Here's the foundation now set with powder. The foundation looks just like skin! Staying power is pretty good: even though my T-Zone became a bit oily, it wasn't until 4 hours of wear and foundation held up pretty well on most parts and looked great overall until day's end. The soft matte finish is a wonderful breather from the heavy matte finish of most of my full coverage foundations. I would also like to note that it did not highlight any dry patches nor it caused dryness.

This stuff is legit; this is why I hold Japanese beauty brands in high regard. Synchro Skin's texture and performance is ideal for our tropical weather and for combination, normal, and moderately dry skin. For dry skin, moisturize prior usage because formula is matte. 

Overall, this provides a 'my skin but better look' that lasts and without the caky look!

Have you tried this foundation already? Share your thoughts!

SHISEIDO SYNCHRO SKIN FOUNDATION RATING

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