Why isn’t this foundation a cult classic yet? It’s a total ? gem.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation ($45) is a medium-coverage marvel of oil-free liquid foundation fabulousness for all skin types, and its thin consistency reminds me of more satiny Dior Diorskin Nude Air, which I was totally obsessed with a few years ago and still ? (pretty pricey though).
Because Synchro Skin has a livelier, less matte finish than Diorskin Nude Air, I think it looks even more natural, and I also think even better at mellowing out my pores and fine lines. So, if you’re a lady who has lived through countless quests and adventures and has the experience lines to prove it, this could totally work for you (although peeps of all ages can wear it).
It sits closely to the skin, too. Sometimes I forget I’m wearing it. And even though the coverage is medium, it’s robust enough to disguise a lot.
In this pic below, I’m wearing the foundation without powder or concealer…
What’s an unsung makeup hero? For me, it’s an oftentimes underrated makeup morsel, a permanent collection product that scoots under the radar screen of many makeup lovers but regularly rocks my world. The long-running Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorites.
Regarding the coverage, as long as you don’t mind layering, you can easily build it up to full. Either way, medium or full coverage, it doesn’t look or feel like you’re wearing makeup at all. To apply it, I usually use fingers (just be sure to shake the glass bottle before you press the pump applicator), but a beautyblender or a foundation brush works just as well.
However I work it, it’s always easy to apply — no hoops to jump through or other tomfoolery.
There are 11 shades in three different undertones (Neutral, Golden and Rose), and I wear Golden 5, which is a spot-on match for me (broken record time, but I’m an NC42 in MAC).
Do I wish there were more colors? Definitely. The darker colors could definitely use more ? because the selection’s severely limited (Golden 5 is the second darkest), but if you can find a shade that works for you, I think you’ll fall in love.
Highly recommended for all skin types and all ages — especially if you want natural-looking skin and DON’T want full-beat glam foundation.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Amy says
February 1st, 2018 at 9:16 amOh my gosh! These are all, like, medium. Nothing either alabaster or chocolate. That’s fabulous for me, and I see one that looks just like my skin tone (medium rose).But you’re sure about the limited range. It does look lovely on you! Love the lipstick, too.
Karen says
February 1st, 2018 at 8:02 pmHi Amy,
Haha, I know, right?! I can’t believe the color I wear is the second to darkest!
I hope you’ve been having a great week so far. THANK GOODNESS tomorrow is Friday, seriously!
Anne says
February 1st, 2018 at 4:06 pmI’d like to try that next time I’m in the market for foundation. Have you tried their lipsticks? Their Rouge Rouge line is really good—easy to apply and super flattering. 🙂
Karen says
February 1st, 2018 at 8:01 pmHi Anne,
I’m pretty new to the line so I haven’t yet tried the lipsticks. They sound great though! You know what my fave thing from them so far is? The cotton pads! They’re the softest ones I’ve ever tried, and now everything else feels like sandpaper on my skin.
Tatiana says
February 1st, 2018 at 10:26 pmOh you should try the lipsticks. They’re creamy and non drying and feel wonderful on the lips. And yes, their cotton pads are the bomb!
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 7:26 amOK, twist my arm why don’t cha!!! Do you have a particular shade? I’m popping by the mall to pick up some cotton pads today and wanna do some window shopping. 🙂 Hopefully Connor will let me look for at least a few minutes! #toddlersarecray
Tatiana says
February 2nd, 2018 at 10:24 amI only have colors in the Rouge Rouge line and since I bought mine they’ve added colors. My favorite red is Bloodstone. Since it’s a Japanese company a lot of their colors go well with warm toned girls, like you. I’m super fair and more neutral cool to cool toned, so their reds work better for me than their neutrals/nudes. Then there is Ruby Copper and Toffee Apple. For more pinkish colors there’s Rose Crush and Red Queen. I hope Connor lets you try on more than one!
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:14 pmOh, they sound so dreamy! I’m going to have to pop in on the weekend because my morning appointment went longer than expected and so we had to head on home because it was nap time. I was NOT about to take a two-year-old to the mall and get her over-tried, LOL!
P.S. You know what’s funny/scary to me? How when I tell people that she’s 2 and handful, and everyone says, “Wait until she turns 3!”
Tatiana says
February 1st, 2018 at 6:41 pmI had forgotten about this one. I think the N1 was a tad light for me and the N2 was a tad dark and I hate buying two foundations. And of course it’s only on-line at Sephora and my local Nordstrom did away with the Shiseido counter so it doesn’t look like I can pick up a sample of this. I remember liking it. But since I tossed three CC cream/tinted moisturizers today I don’t think I want to buy another foundation right now. Also tossed a bunch of really old lip liners, eye liners and lipsticks. It’s clear out time.
Karen says
February 1st, 2018 at 8:00 pmHi Tatiana,
What foundation are you using these days? Good for you for cleaning out your stash! I need to do the same thing.
Tatiana says
February 1st, 2018 at 10:25 pmAlternating between Chantecaille Future Skin and MAC Face and Body. I also like the NARS Charlotte Gainsbourg Hydrating Glow Tint and the Radiant Tinted Moisturizer.
Every day I pick one item and go through it and toss things that are old or that I haven’t used in ages.
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 7:27 amAhh, thanks for reminding me about the Charolette Gainsbourg! Haven’t worn it in a second and so I’ll do it this weekend. I love that one. 🙂
Tatiana says
February 2nd, 2018 at 9:53 amI know. I just wish it hadn’t been limited edition. I’d wear it more often if it was placed in the permanent line up.
Karen says
February 2nd, 2018 at 2:18 pmSeriously. All the good stuff is LE! I hope it shows up again, because I’d bust a #makeuphoarders move and stock up. I’m wearing it today, by the way! I mixed in a little bit of Make Up For Ever HD Concealer to bump up the coverage just a touch.
How’s the weather down there, by the way? It’s GORGEOUS up here!
Tatiana says
February 2nd, 2018 at 10:42 pmYeah, that’s what I do. Wear the glow tint and then add some concealer where needed. Weather was gorgeous today. Mid 70’s. This is February? I’d still like some cool weather and rain. I fear it’s going to be a miserably hot summer.
Kim says
February 2nd, 2018 at 7:23 amIt’s a lovely finish and sounds like a winner. I’ve been beauty blending for the last couple of week to try to keep the molting at bay. I do like it but I’ll be happy when I can go back to my brush. 🙂
Lor says
June 26th, 2018 at 5:53 pmHi Karen! Was wondering if you’ve tried the glow version of this foundation? I’m debatinf between the synchro foundation and the synchro glow foundation.
Karen says
June 26th, 2018 at 6:40 pmHi Lor,
I have yet to try Synchro Glow. If I give it a go I’ll let you know. At the moment I’m loving on the Estee Lauder foundations lately! If you are open to any recs from that line I can give you some.