Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation Review!

Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation

Shiseiso Sun Protection Liquid Foundation is a product I've been wanting to try for years. After being turned down at a couple of Shiseido counters for a sample, I basically forgot about it for a while. It wasn't until lately when I ran across a YouTube video by Fleur, who raved about how she loves it (even more than her favorite Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua) that I decided I need to get my hands on a bottle.

As a part of Shiseido's Sun Protection line, the Sun Protection Liquid Foundation is a thin consistency liquid foundation with high sun protection (SPF 42) that claims to be non-transferrable through heat, water and sweat while looking completely natural.

What stinks about this foundation is the itty-bitty shade selection. It's only available in seven (7) shades: SP10, SP20, SP30, SP40, SP50, SP60 and SP70.



I'm not positive how the numbering system is figured, but I compared the three lightest shades - SP10, SP20 and SP30. They actually all looked like the same, or very similar depths, but with different undertones. SP10 appeared the pinkest of the three, SP20 appeared fairly neutral (nor pink or yellow - a good in-between) and SP30 appeared yellow toned. I ultimately ended up with SP30, which I would say is equivalent to around the MAC NC15-20 coloring.

Here's a comparison-

From left to right: MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15, Neutogena Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation in Classic Ivory and Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation in SP30.

The darkest shade isn't very dark at all. P70 is equivalent to the MAC NC40-NC42 (medium-tan) coloring.

The consistency of the foundation is very light and runny, so you'd expect it to have very sheer coverage, but it surprisingly packs a good amount of pigment. It's enough to even out any redness and/or discoloration as well as camouflage minor blemishes with an additional layer. The coverage can range from light to a heavy medium.

It feels incredibly light on my skin, and even if I apply too much product, I don't find that it looks cakey or feels heavy.

It dries to a matte, so I don't necessarily need to set with a powder, but I usually like to use a light dusting because I do notice shine later in the day if I don't.

Included with the foundation is a cosmetic sponge applicator and a plastic case to hold the sponge for travel (how cute!). I personally don't like using sponges to apply my foundation, unless it's a thicker consistency, cream foundation. I find that when using the sponge with this foundation, it soaked up a lot of product and became difficult to build the coverage. My favorite method is simply my fingers, and then using a fluffy brush to blend out any harsh edges.

Here's a before photo of my bare skin, a photo mid-application to show the opacity of the foundation and an after photo when it has all been blended.

This foundation holds up really well throughout the day. I've worn this while working out, and my makeup would still be in tact 45 minutes later. Some days I notice that my t-zone will get a little oily (mainly my nose) and I'll have to touch-up mid-day. I have to say though when it wears off, it wears off quite nicely. I haven't experienced any patchiness.

Some compare this foundation to Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, and I don't find them all that similar. I like both for different reasons. I absolutely love the finish of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, and I love the coverage, high SPF and lasting power of Shiseido Sun Protection. For a fantastic comparison, check out Delyteful Speaks' Blog.

PROS: There are many great things to say about this foundation. For one, the consistency is super light, it blends easily and looks and feels invisible on the skin. It has a good amount of coverage that is buildable, and never looks heavy despite how much I apply. The best thing about this foundation is it's high SPF (42), and the fact that it's waterproof and transfer resistant. Also, it doesn't irritate or break-out my skin.
CONS:  There is a poor color selection. Sadly if you're any darker than a MAC NC42, you won't be able to find a match. I really wish Shiseido would add some shades to this line! Also, I notice if I don't powder, I will get shiny around my t-zone (my nose especially) after 4-5 hours. Lastly, I find that because of it's super light and watery consistency, I end up using too much foundation per application, so with daily wear I can see myself running out very quickly.
PACKAGING:  I like the packaging. It comes in a lightweight, blue plastic bottle with a squeeze tip applicator. It's ideal for travel and the tip leaves no mess and is sanitary. It also includes a cosmetic sponge with it's own little travel container that has two small openings for air. The packaging yells Summer to me, which is totally appropriate as it's a very summer-time foundation.
OVERALL: I'm really happy I gave this foundation a try, but I'm unsure at this point if I'd re-purchase it or not. The biggest drawback to me is that I find myself using too much for my desired coverage and you're unable to see how much product is in the tube, so I have really no idea how much I'm using. That would be no problem if the foundation were cheaper, but at $35 a tube, I don't want to purchase a new bottle every month. I do love this foundation for my "no makeup" makeup days and for very sunny days where I need the extra SPF and want my skin to look really natural. It's a good foundation to take on vacation, especially if you're going somewhere hot.

Price: $35, at Macy's or your other local department store that carries Shiseido (Bloomingale's, Nordstrom, etc.)