shu uemura face architect illuminating moisture fluid foundation 564

I've finally found foundation swatches (sorry friends I couldn't use your arms for comparison purposes because of lighting reasons) so I can finally do a foundation review! 

This foundation wins longest foundation name ever. It is the Shu Uemura Face Architect Illuminating Moisture Fluid Foundation. This is my first ever "expensive" foundation, having used drugstore foundations like l'oreal and revlon before this. I really like this foundation, and this is my 2nd bottle. I originally wanted to get the Shu Uemura Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation (also long name T_T) because I had read all the rave reviews, but the SA convinced me that this would be better. According to her, the Moisture Fluid Foundation was more moisturizing and offered better coverage than the Smoothing Fluid Foundation. Hence it was better for my dry skin (caused by accutane) and scarring. Upon trying both out at the counter, the Moisture Fluid Foundation felt thicker and creamier than the Smoothing Fluid. 

Retails for SGD73 or 75 at Takashimaya. Slightly cheaper on ebay.

The 2 foundations look exactly alike and come in a nice glass bottle with a plastic screw-on pump. Glass seems quite sturdy and resistant to travel. It is very easy to control, ie. half pumps can be made. The transparent bottle also makes it easy to see how much product is left. It's sanitary and leaves very little mess, product does tend to gather on the nozzle though (as seen in picture)if not cleaned. 

I use shade 564 medium sand. The numbering system is disgustingly brilliant, as most japanese products are. The first digit represents how cool, neutral or warm your skin is. 1 = coolest, 5 = neutral, 9 = yellowest. 2nd digit represents how light or dark the foundation is, 0 = lightest, 9 = darkest. 3rd digit represents what undertone the foundation is, ranging from blue to violet. But erm, that's quite beyond me. 

credits: http://karlasugar.net/2009/07/mac-studio-sculpt-foundation/

Here's a swatch in comparison with some MAC studio sculpt foundation swatches that I found. I have tweaked the original swatches slightly to match the lighting of my own photo. Both were taken under normal sunlight. Mac foundations tend to be yellower than I am, as seen. The Moisture Fluid Foundation seems to be in between a NC30-35, and actually lighter than my original skin tone. However, I find that this brightens up my face quite a bit and I love the effect. 

Texture is a creamy liquid that is easy to blend into the skin. My favourite way of applying is to buff it in with a elf powder brush sprayed with a fixing spray. The foundation doesn't seem to sheer out when wet which is amazing. 2nd favourite way would be with my fingers.

 Original face vs foundation face. I do not know why my face looks slimmer after foundation, it's all in the angles. Also, pardon the shitty hair, I had my fringe cut a little too short. Okay, there is nothing on my face except the foundation. No concealer was used in these shots so that the power of coverage of this foundation can be seen. Awesome, no?

The foundation dries to a dewy, quite natural finish which worked really well for my dry skin. I didn't even set with powder. Until i weaned off my medication did I begin to look oilier through the day. But really, no harm done, just set with powder and it lasts just fine. Foundation lasts a full day for me with no blotting, at least 8 hours, but it does not look as fresh of course. Also because I don't set my foundation with powder, it does transfer if I happen to accidentally press my face on a shirt.

It does look quite natural on, as with all the makeup I've tried, it still looks like make up. Granted, it's not very cakey, but it does not look like skin skin. It also clings to dry skin flakes (like you can see on my nose), so exfoliate, moisturize and prime skin (optional) before using.

All in all, top foundation for easy and natural usage!


Summary:

Pros:

• medium to full coverage
• buildable coverage without getting too cakey
• moisturizing and does not dry skin out
• dewy finish
• easy to apply
• natural looking
• lasts decently long
• many many many shades to perfectly match skin especially asian skin!

Cons:

• oil control lacking (granted, this is meant for dry skin)
• accentuates dry skin flakes
• does transfer