Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation Review

This bitch is right off the bat AMAZING! (I can’t wait till the end of this review!) XD It’s that AWESOME!! LOL

To be honest, I was really late with this product and I regretted a lot. I’ve been eyeing on this product even before it was launch but didn’t have enough to buy it. (It’s quite the higher end price: USD45) But when I decided to buy it, Shiseido decided to launch their first cushion, Synchro Skin Glow Cushion Compact from the same ‘Synchro Skin’ series and of course I’m a sucker for cushion foundation. So I went for the cushion first which is a slightly dewy version and instantly felt in love with it. And that’s when I went back and got the Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation which is a matte version. Later on, Shiseido launched Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation which I’ve tried using sample pack but didn’t really liked it.

To be honest, I'm very impressed with the amount of shades this brand has come out with despite being marketed as a Japanese brand which is almost always only catering for fair to medium skin tone. Also, it's very smart in categorizing the shades in Rose (Pink undertone), Neutral (Yellow undertone), Golden (Peachy undertone) for the consumer's convenience in selecting their perfect shade. However, I'm also disappointed by the fact that Malaysia only carries shades up to number 3 in each categories. Not all Malaysians are fair to medium skin tone! We do have people with tan skin too!

   

Packaging:

First impression: Heavy and ‘expensive-looking’ packaging! XD

It comes with a black gradient cap and a transparent frosted matte glass bottle which you can easily view the colour of your foundation. It also has a pump which is a PLUS point for hygiene purpose. Also, the pump outlet almost never caught on to any leftover product! (You know what I mean! Sometimes pump foundation dispenses pieces of “foundation clots” before the truly usable liquid foundation) but NEVER with this pump!   

My only complaint is the cap which seems impossible to adhere tightly to the bottle! That’s why I never travel with this foundation because I’m so worried if the cap loosen and cause a foundation mess in my suitcase.

Claims:

It stays to the claim quite perfectly EXCEPT a few in RED

        1)      Coverage: Medium / Buildable (YES)

        2)      Finish: Semi-matte, Natural (YES)

        3)      Skin Type: All skin types (Might be slightly drying for DRY skin)

        4)      Maintains clarity and prevents creasing, fading, and shine all day (YES)

        5)      Ultra-smooth, weightless sensation (YES)

        6)      Mother of Thyme Extract helps prevent skin damage caused by oxidation, and Hypericum      Perforatum Extract helps prevent skin roughness (YES for BOTH!)

        7)      Non-comedogenic (YES at least on my skin)

Overall, SUPER-DUPER satisfied with the performance based on the claims.

Ingredients:

I’m generally quite satisfied with the ingredients list. It’s oil-free and paraben-free.

Active ingredients are Octinoxate 2.9% (chemical sunscreen which is NOT recommended for sensitive skin type) and Titanium Dioxide 2.4%. (Physical sunscreen)

Key ingredients from this Synchro series includes:  Mother of Thyme Extract (helps prevent skin damage caused by oxidation), and St John’s Wart Extract (helps prevent skin roughness).

Possible Irritants:

SD Alcohol 40B, Tocopherol, Fragrance*

Comedogenic:

Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Talc*

*This foundation contains fragrance (very light floral scent) and talc (known to settle in pores/fine lines)! Seriously not a fan of these.

Are the ingredients skin-friendly? I would say yes since I didn’t experience any break out or skin irritation/rashes. But if you have sensitive skin then think twice since it contains chemical sunscreen, Octinoxate.

Texture:

Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation in Shade: Neutral 3

As claimed, very fresh, oil-free, fluid-like formula. Runs very watery! Not sticky at all and sets reasonably fast on the skin! Glides on smoothly with the puff and never appear streaky despite being a matte finish. You can still dot it all over the face before blending it because it doesn’t sink into the skin immediately. I’ve tried applying it with a Flat Kabuki brush but not the best way to apply though because it appears slightly streaky and took away a bit of the coverage.

Coverage

Overall coverage is medium and buildable up to medium-to-full coverage.

Is it possible to build up to full flawless finish? I’ve tried putting on 2 full layers and it still looks kind of slightly-above-medium but not full coverage. Also, it sets quite a matte finish so I wouldn’t recommend layering too much as it might look slightly cakey.

I’ve break down a few concerns below where coverage is needed and how much can this foundation cover:

1)      Acne: 65%

2)      Redness: 70%

3)      Hyperpigmentation: 80% (Darker acne scars)

4)      Texture skin: Refine by 80%

5)      Pores: 85%

Overall coverage is very satisfying despite being super lightweight! My only complaint is that it doesn’t quite cover up the redness at the corner of my nose. But still I’m amazed.

Finishing:

The finishing is as claimed to be Semi-Matte (Not satin though) finish. However, it’s still very skin-like as it gives out a tint of glow as if you just finish your skincare routine. I’m extremely impressed with the formula to be honest. It sets down to a powdery finish and does not transfer easily. Your skin will feel as if a newborn’s butt upon touch!

*With that being said, I personally think this foundation might not suit DRY skin.

Longevity (Day Diary)

Day Tested: 30 August 2017 (Wednesday)

Weather: Extremely hot and sunny (Highest at 36°C) + No Air-conditioner   

Activity: Doing household chores indoor & Exercise outdoor (Full-on sweat mode)

Overall, very satisfied with its longevity considering I’m testing on harsh weather and also vigorous activities. Beside the timeline, I’ve also included a few concerns regarding the longevity below (I’ve Oily Acne-prone skin):

1)      Oil control	Fresh &matte for 7 hours First blot needed at 9 hours (I blotted because I was sweating. Not because of the greasiness) 10-12 hours: Blotting needed depending on weather/activity
2)      Caking Up	Slightest on chin area (after 10 hours)
3)      Dry Patches	NONE (But likely for DRY skin)
4)      Settling into pores/fine lines	YES (after 9 hours) Smile lines slightly (Not obvious) Pores too (As shown in picture) *Most likely because it contains Talc
5)      Colour Change/Oxidised	NONE at all
6)      Dryness/skin feel tight	Skin feels dry after 9 hours

*I must admit that I push this foundation to its limits hence the results. Otherwise, as an office/indoor/inactive person, this foundation works perfectly!

Recommendation:

Only for combination to oily skin type since this formula is oil-free and drying matte finish. Highly recommended for those searching for natural-looking finish but still wants MATTE-ness for oil-control. But you might want to think twice if you have large pores like me. I personally don’t mind the foundation settling into my pores after a good 9 hours and I only had it on for 12 hours because of the wear test.

In Conclusion:

My oily skin LOVES this bitch to bits! <3 <3

Is this for dry skin?
NEVER! But there’s always Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation which is in the same line! 

Is it good for a daily wear? 
Definitely YES! Wear time definitely exceeds 9/10 hours without fail.

Pros:

a) Great mattifying/oil-control foundation (Up to almost 9 hours)

b) Natural, skin-like finish for daily wear 

c) Oil-free

d) Non-comedogenic

e) Satisfying medium coverage

Cons:

a) Settling into lines and pores

b) Contains alcohol and fragrance

c) Not for sensitive skin (Octinoxate and alcohol) and dry skin

d) Skin feeling dry/tight after 9 hours wear
e) Very limited shades available in Malaysia (Not catered for dark skintone)

Diorskin Forever Foundation SPF35 PA+++ Review

Diorskin Forever Foundation at one the earliest man-made lake, Taiping Lake Garden 

I know I’m a little too late in reviewing this product but it’s seriously too pricey that I really needed time to save up in order to purchase.

The reason (more like an excuse) for buying is because I felt that my Holy Grail Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation is too matte, full coverage for an everyday look and wanted to search for an alternative. The Diorskin Forever line claims a 16 hours luminous matte finish which seriously caught my attention. In order for a foundation to looks luminous & matte & long wearing at the same time on my super oily skin is completely IMPOSSIBLE! Of course I felt challenged! (Just an EXCUSE! XD) 

Let’s see if I love this very highly raved product from so many bloggers worldwide from US Influncers like Jaclynn Hills, Jeffree Stars to Korean Influencers: BambiGirl.

(Clicked on the names to be link to their videos regarding this product recommendation)  

Packaging

The liquid foundation formula comes in a very sleek and heavy matte frosted glass bottle with the Dior signature-designed dark blue cap. It also comes with a pump dispenser which I’m really thankful of. What I really like about the pump dispenser is that it dispenses a very appropriate amount (neither too much or too less), very easy to control and feels solid. [Refer picture in subtitle "Texture"] But the problem with pump dispenser is some of the products will be caught up at the opening and solidify. (So do remove the solidified part before applying on the face)

Claims

To be completely honest, I’m very surprise that both of them are truly compatible to their claims. (YES to ALL except one)

   1) 16 hours wear

   2) Luminous matte finish

   3) Flawless Complexion (Almost)

   4) Unprecedented Comfort

   5) Refine texture day after day (“Poreless Effect” Skincare Essence) *Can’t really tell

   6) Shine-control (Up to 5 hours for Oily skin)

   7) No mask effect/second skin-like (“Wear Lock” Polymer)
   8) Sunscreen of SPF35 PA+++ (BUT I NEVER rely on foundation's SPF)

*Out of so many claims listed below, one which is the skincare benefit “Poreless Effect” is still not yet appreciated. (Probably because I don’t use every day)

Ingredients Dissect

The ingredients are not so skin-friendly with lots of possible irritants and comedogenic agents. Well, I’m not surprise since I did experience new comedones (whiteheads) after each use and existing acne became slightly more raged. The UK Youtuber, MyPaleSkin does mentioned in her review video that this foundation has ruined her skin with severe breakouts. But, personally never had I experienced severe breakout though.

Possible Irritants:

“PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Linalool, Limonene, Butyphenyl Methylpropional, Acacia Senegal Gum, Citronellol, BHT, Zinc Gluconate”

Comedogenic:

“Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Stearic acid, Algin (Fragrance)”

Another downside is that fragrance is all over in the list which is also very noticeable during application and last throughout the day. (A fresh floral scent) 

Texture:

One Pump-Size (Shade 021)

Excellent Spreadability (Shade 021)

It’s a fresh, fluid, very runny, liquid-like texture without a tat bit of thickness to it. It glides on the skin easily and smoothly. I have no problems spreading the products with my fingers, regular sponge/Beauty Blender or Flat Foundation/Kabuki brushes. The only downside is that it sets quite fast on the skin since it has a watery consistency which is reasonably understandable.

Tips: Do NOT dot this foundation all over the face before blending. Apply part by part!

Coverage

Overall coverage is medium and buildable up to medium-to-full coverage.

Is it possible to build up to full flawless finish? I think it’s quite difficult and also you have pay the price of wearing a “foundation mask” where you will definitely look like you have tons of makeup on.

I’ve break down a few concerns below where coverage is needed and how much can this foundation cover:

       1) Acne: 70%

       2) Redness: 90%

       3) Hyperpigmentation: 70% (Darker acne scars)

       4) Texture skin: Refine by 60%

       5) Pores: 50%
     

    

Finishing

The finishing is as claimed to be Luminous Matte (Not satin though) finish even after it is let to set on its own! I’m certainly impressed with the formula to be honest. It does leave the skin slightly tacky even after set but does not appear slippery. (Good for Dry skin) It does transfer when touched so it’s better if you set it with a powder before you go on a date with a guy who loves white shirt! XD With the setting powder, it’s more likely that the finish is more matte but you can still see a tint of glow (Matte but NOT flat). Overall, a very natural, second-skin kind of foundation! 

*More pictures please refer the section "Longevity"

Longevity (Day Diary)

Day Tested: 17 August 2017 (Thursday)

Weather: Sunny (33°C)

Activity: Mostly indoor with air-conditioner + Doing household chores indoor & outdoor (I sweat and flush very easily)

Overall, very satisfied with the long lasting effect from this foundation. Beside the timeline, I’ve also included a few concerns regarding the longevity below (I’ve Oily Acne-prone skin):

1)      Oil control	·         Fresh &matte for 3 hours        ·         First blot needed at 6 hours        ·         6-12 hours: Blotting needed               depending on weather
2)      Caking Up	·         None        ·         Does NOT cake up at the corner of     the nose (Usually does)
3)      Dry Patches	·         NONE at all
4)      Settling into pores/fine lines	·         NONE
5)      Colour Change/Oxidised	·         Colour remains same for 3 hours        ·         4-12 hours: ONE shade darker

Recommendation

All skin types EXCEPT sensitive and acne-prone skin. I’m not a chemist but I’m still slightly skeptical about the ingredients in this foundation especially when MyPaleSkin and I personally had the experience of newly-forming whiteheads and existing acne getting angrier. Also, get at least one shade lighter than your own skin tone since it oxidizes. Not for those who are aiming for super full flawless coverage. Suitable for those who needs to just get through the 8 hours office time without touch-up. Not for more than 9 hours wear!

In Conclusion

An all-rounder foundation which I'm extremely amazed. But is it comparable to my Holy Grail, Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation? Not really but I would say it's 60% close! Is it good for a daily wear? Definitely YES!

Pros:

a) Pretty Classic Dior Packaging with a pump which dispense appropriate amount of product

b) Nice luminous finish and matte enough to control oil

c) Natural medium coverage for daily use

d) Longevity: Great for office hours (8 hours)

Cons:

a) Comedogenic (Refer to "Ingredients Dissect")

b) Coverage isn't enough for textured, acneic, hyperpigmented skin

c) Very obvious color change/oxidised by the end of the day

d) Not fragrance-free (which might affect some individuals)