Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation & Loose Powder

I am always excited to try makeup that have skincare benefits, but so far, I’ve always been disappointed. Most of the time the textures are either too thick, or they simply don’t have good oil control abilities (is it really so antithetical to be moisturizing AND mattifying at the same time?). Given I’ve been underwhelmed by this year’s batch of new foundations, I was really hoping for some bright spark to turn things around. And it was indeed a spectacular one, a duo pairing to be exact, from Shiseido’s prestigious Future Solution LX range!

Future Solution LX is Shiseido’s most premium skincare range, targeting fine lines and other signs of aging. At the core of the range lies Shiseido’s exclusive Skingenecell 1P which is able to inhibit the production of the destructive protein Serpin b3, which blocks the skin’s natural barrier function and causes rough skin. Therefore, Shiseido’s Future Solution LX range is able to protect the skin, and bring forth a more radiant and younger looking skin with continued use.

The new Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation is not only formulated with Skingenecell 1P to counter aging, it also contains 4MSK which is a brightening ingredient. What is unique to the foundation and loose powder is the Time Match Powder which ensures all-day wear of the foundation.

The foundation comes in a jar packaging and a tiny plastic spatula which you may use to scoop out a pea sized amount of product. Not the most hygienic nor convenient, and I really wished beauty companies don’t naturally gravitate towards jars for their high end makeup (think the Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale Cream Foundation reviewed here). But I can see how a pump may not be the easiest way to dispense this foundation as it feels rather like a thick cream. On the skin, it feels amazingly lightweight, and incredibly comfortable throughout the day. It blends out smoothly, and covers up all my redness and blemishes adequately. The coverage is medium, buildable up to full, and never ends up looking cakey.

I have been wearing the Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation ever since I got it, and am just amazed at how beautiful it is. There are a lot of similarities between this and the Guerlain Orchidee including the packaging and texture, but the Shiseido Future Solution gives a more matte finish whereas the latter gives a velvety finish. And in terms of longevity, Shiseido Future Solution beats all its competition hands-down! I’ve been wearing this throughout the day without even a blot, granted my nose could do with a dab but it does not look ridiculous without. No oxidation, and no creasing. The best part is it is less than half the price of the Orchidee!

Part of the problem of being a foundie nut is you start nitpicking on even the best there is… and I found myself experimenting with various combinations of primer + foundation. If you remember my difficulties with the Diorskin Star (read here), you will know that I’m currently obsessed with finding the perfect combination. Whilst I think Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiant Foundation works well with most primers, I favor something a bit more luminous in a primer, preferably something super lightweight, just to counter the mattifying effect of the foundation itself. It worked beautifully with the Guerlain Meteorites Primer as well as Cle de Peau Teint Controle Blanc.

The perfect companion to the foundation is Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiance Loose Powder. It is formulated with the same Time Match Powder for a long-lasting finish, and Super Bio-Hyaluronic Acid to keep skin hydrated. It comes in an elegant white pearl jar with an ultra-soft, super luxe powder puff inside. This puff bears highlighting as it is made with traditional Japanese artistry, and it really feels exceptional on the skin. I’m actually more of a brush kinda gal, but this puff has me wanting to dab my face more times than I really need! There is something beautiful about the curves of the jar and the plushness of the puff that makes me feel incredibly precious.

The powder itself is incredibly fine, goes on silky smooth, and carries soft shimmers that are not individually visible except on close scrutiny, but lends the skin a luminous finish. By now, this is nothing new for high end powder lovers. And to be honest, it is not a fair test when worn over its sibling foundation due to the latter’s own long lasting power. So I’ve put it to the test with some of my other foundations, and am very happy to find that the Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiance Loose Powder strikes a very nice balance between providing long lasting oil control without drying out my skin nor emphasizing pores. If I had to stack it up against the other loose powders that I’ve reviewed, this is second only to the Rouge Bunny Rouge Impalpable Finishing Powder in Diaphanous (reviewed here), but it is much more easily obtainable and is priced lower at USD70 for 10gm. It is as good if not better in finish as the La Mer The Powder (reviewed here) but lasts longer.

Overall, I’m very pleased with both the Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation and Loose Powder. Skincare benefits tend to take much longer to manifest so I take that with a pinch of salt. But it is certainly cherry on top of the icing of a lovely duo!

_{The products were provided for my consideration. All opinions expressed are my own honest, unbiased views.}