Looking for a foundation that best suits for your skin? Check out this list Japanese foundation to find your true match! We’ll first understand the different types if Japanese foundation and how to choose the right foundation for your skin.
Japan is a world leader in cosmetics, with its skin care products popular all around the world. And I recently got into makeup and skincare and initially found it difficult to pick the right foundation because there are just so many options in the market!
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Types Of Japanese Foundations
There are essentially 4 types of foundations. Check out which foundations are good for what:
Liquid foundation
Liquid foundations give a great coverage and are good for people who have patches and uneven skin tone. It’s also very easy to blend and gives a natural look. Liquid foundations make it easier to fill in lines, wrinkles, and pores. If you have post-breakouts marks that you want to cover up then Japanese liquid foundations can make them less noticeable and make your skin appear smoother
Powder foundation
These are easy to apply but might not be ideal for full coverage. It’s great for touch ups and works best for oily skin types. Powder foundations las longer and can be easily blended with other types of formulas. Powder foundations are a good choice during summer as they absorb excess oil and give your skin a matte finish
Stick foundation
Foundation sticks are great if your main goal is to cover spots and blemishes etc. They’re quite thick in consistency so make sure the foundation is of the right shade. It’s easy to apply and travel with.
Cream foundation
Cream foundation definitely gives more coverage than powder foundation so a little goes a long way. Cream foundations are designed to easily blend in and melt into the skin. Good cream foundations give a dewy finish. This type of foundation might not be great for oily skin types however, it’s great for dry skin types.
How to choose a Japanese foundation?
When choosing a foundation there are three things you need to consider: Coverage, Finish, and Easy of application
- Coverage: The first thing you would want to know is the coverage the foundation is giving you. For this, you should also know what is it you are looking for. Do you wish to have a foundation that gives you medium coverage that hides imperfections, but does not feel very heavy? Or, do you want a foundation with heavy coverage, It all depends on what you are looking for.
- Finish: Another crucial factor that helps you decide is the finish of the product. You should see if the foundation leaves a dewy, translucent, or cakey finish. You should go for a foundation that gives you a natural-looking skin with a radiant glow that makes your skin look healthy. Also, it has been seen that high-end brands provide the best finish. You may think that it comes at a high price, but when it comes to foundations, a little goes a long way. A bottle of foundation will last you a long time. So, when you look at the excellent finish of the product and the long time that it lasts, it does look cost-effective, doesn’t it?
- Ease of Application: The next thing you must look at is the ease of application. The texture and packaging play a big role in this. Never go for a liquid foundation that is thick or has a sticky texture; the hassle of applying is just not worth the trouble. A pump bottle has packaging that gives you a lot of ease. Also, compact foundations are great.
Best Japanese Foundations: Quick glance
| Best Japanese Foundation | Best For | Link |
| Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation | All skin types | View On Amazon |
| Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation | UV protection | View On Amazon |
| CEZANNE UV Foundation | UV protection | View On Amazon |
| RMK Foundation from Japan | Moisturization | View On Amazon |
| Covermark Essence Foundation | Sensitive skin | View On Amazon |
| Guerlain L’Essentiel Natural Glow Foundation | Dull skin | View On Amazon |
| Albion Gel Mask Foundation | Hydration | View On Amazon |
| Shiseido D-program Medical Liquid Foundation | Sensitive skin | View On Amazon |
| Kanebo KATE Liquid Foundation Secret Skin Maker Zero | Minimizing pores | View On Amazon |
| Shiseido UV Protective Foundation | UV Protection | View On Amazon |
Which is the best Japanese foundation?
We tested some of the top Japanese foundations based on coverage, application, formula ingredients. We found that Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation is the best Japanese foundation.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation has sheer to medium coverage and is light on the skin. It’s a great foundation for everyday use. It has smart hydration properties and gives your face a luminous glow. It has a light, serum-like formula and is available in 11 shades. The formulation also has UV protection of SPF 20. It lasts for over 8 hours without looking cakey or melting. It’s suitable for most skin types and is available on Amazon for $45.00.
So I looked to my old friend, the internet, to find out some of the best Japanese foundations available. And the internet as usual did not disappoint me.
Our Top Picks for Best Japanese Foundation
- Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation – hydrates and moisturizes skin
- Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation – ultra-light with SPF 20
- Shiseido D-program Medical Liquid Foundation – formulated for sensitive skin, SPF25, PA++
You would all agree that choosing the right foundation for your skin is crucial. If you choose an inappropriate foundation, you will end up ruining any other product that you are going to layer on top of it. So, before going any further, the first step is to choose the foundation that suits you in every aspect.
And here’s the curated list of the best Japanese foundations for you!
Source: Womensok.com
Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation
Koh Gen Do’s Aqua Foundation is a premium product that is designed to give you a youthful glow that you experience after a facial. Although it does not come cheap, it has superior product quality with shades that cover all skin tones. And the brand is popular amongst some celebs as well!
The specially formulated product instantly provides a dewy glow and illumination to your dull skin. The light-diffusing minerals in the foundation are meant to brighten skin and minimize pores. It is a foundation that is born from skincare; it does not just blur imperfections and give you a glow, but it also nourishes your skin.
That’s not all. The serum foundation contains weightless skin-conditioning emollients that hydrate your skin and makes it healthy. With this foundation, you can achieve flawless skin throughout the day. You will also not feel like you have a layer of foundation on your skin; it feels comfortable and light.
The foundation does not have artificial colors, synthetic fragrance, or parabens. The foundation comes in 10 shades, which make sure that you get the perfect match to your skin. Definitely one of the best Japanese foundation!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to blend
- Pump bottle makes it easy to use and control the amount of foundation
Cons
- less coverage
- Very expensive for 30 ml bottle
Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation – Best Japanese Foundation
Shiseido is one of the most well-known brands in Japan that produces excellent skincare products. Shiseido’s Synchro Luminizing Fluid Foundation comes in a beautiful pump bottle.
This fluid foundation has smart hydration properties; it gives you sheer to medium coverage and feels so light on the skin, you can wear it all day with comfort. Apart from the lightweight build, the foundation also has properties that add a luminous finish to your face.
You will feel that glow right from the moment that foundation touches your skin. This glow lasts the whole day and makes you look naturally radiant. The serum-like ultralight foundation is available in 11 shades and comes with SPF 20. So, along with the glowy beauty, the serum also protects your skin against that harmful sun rays.
I love this foundation because it does not look cakey even after 8 hours. In fact, it provides hydration to the skin for at least 8 hours. The long-lasting finish is perfect if you have a long day. It is suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Light foundation
- Provides sun protection
- Hydrating
Cons
- Doesn’t blend very well
CEZANNE UV Foundation
Cezanne’s UV Foundation offers light coverage with long-lasting translucence and finish. If you wish to get a heavier coverage, the trick is to wet the sponge and then apply the foundation. The foundation features SPF 23 PA ++ and has a moisturizing formula that takes care of your skin’s hydration. It comes in a compact form with shade-off powder.
What is it? The Cezanne powder foundation diffuses the light and makes your skin look soft. It has such a lightweight texture that no one would be able to tell that you have applied any foundation. It also mattifies the skin and gives a natural glow. You can pair this foundation with your favorite BB cream, or wear it alone. It works great either way.
The foundation has a lot of ingredients that work wonders on your skin and is the best Japanese2 foundation that comes at a very affordable price and in four shades.
Pros
- Blends smoothly and is lightweight
- Matte finish
- Long lasting
- Provides sun protection
- value for money
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Feels patchy during reapplication
RMK Foundation From Japan
RMK is a well-known brand that makes perfectly formulated and highly moisturizing foundations that are easy to apply and blend. The liquid foundation is quite famous and comes in eight shades.
Although at first glance, you might think that the formula appears to be too thin, but rest assured, it gives you good coverage. It gives a mattifying effect when it dries.
The foundation gives you a natural finish and is lightweight. The shea butter and silk essence in the foundation tend to your skin and give it moisture, shine, and smoothness that we all desire.
Pros
- Silky, light texture
- Lightweight foundation
- Provides excellent coverage
- Natural matte finish
Cons
- Doesn’t come in a pump bottle
Covermark Essence Foundation – Best Foundation For Yellow Skin Tone
Covermark is another brand that offers different kinds of formulas in their foundations. What’s really special about Covermark is that it is one of the few brands in Japan with foundations that cater to sensitive skin.
The Covermark essence foundation is perfect for those with acne-prone and oily skin. It is rich in moisture and botanical extracts. These ingredients give your skin hydration and smoothness. The formula is lightweight, giving you a natural finish that is semi-matte. You will love the natural effect this foundation gives you.
Pros
- Gives medium to high coverage
- Blends well
- Buildable without getting cakey
Cons
- Not long lasting
- May start creasing after about 5-6 hours of application
- Limited shades available
Guerlain L’Essentiel Natural Glow Foundation
The Guerlain L’Essentiel comes in a luxurious bottle that looks absolutely amazing. The foundation has 97 percent naturally-derived ingredients, which are great for your skin.
Unlike other foundations, this foundation gives you a natural and glowing finish for up to 16 hours. Thanks to this feature, this foundation is perfect for those long working days.
It is easy to apply the foundation; it glides on smoothly without leaving streaks on your face. The formula is so smooth, you can apply it with your fingertips as well. The foundation makes your complexion perfect, giving it a luminous glow. It also makes you look fresh, which is what is needed when you have a long day ahead of you.
The formula is so good, it blends with your skin and becomes one with it. The skincare properties add hydration and protect your skin against pollution. The foundation gives you light to medium coverage and helps reduce the appearance of imperfections.
Pros
- Lightweight foundation
- Light to medium coverage
- Good for combination to oily skin type
Cons
- Settles into fine line
Albion Gel Mask Foundation
Gel mask foundation by Albion has six shades for you to choose from. The foundation contains SPF25 and PA++. The foundation hydrates the skin and gives a seamless look. The foundation will make your skin look soft and clear.
It has a long-lasting finish so you don’t have to reapply the foundation later in the day. The formula is light and doesn’t feel cakey on the skin. What I particularly like about this product is that it comes in an airtight bottle.
This way I know that every bit of the foundation is used and nothing goes to waste. Definitely worth the price!
A bit over your budget? Check out these best Japanese drugstore products to find affordable foundations and other beauty products!
Shiseido D-program Medical Liquid Foundation
D-program is Shesiedo’s sub brand that’s specifically dedicated to sensitive skincare. Products under this range are particularly formulated to reduce and prevent acne, cover acne marks, and similar skin issues.
This Japanese foundation by Shiseido moisturizes the skin to make it soft and keeps it hydrated through the day. The foundation contains PA++ and SPF25 so it’s good to wear during summers as well. The foundation is also fragrance free and is suitable for sensitive skin. This is one of the best Japanese foundations I’ve come across and mainly due to its skin nourishing effects.
Kanebo KATE Liquid Foundation Secret Skin Maker Zero
KATE Kanebo is another one of Japan’s favorite beauty brands. This particular best Japanese foundation by Kanebo Kate has high coverage and gives a smooth look when applied.
It also has SPF18 and PA +. You can achieve full coverage with just one coat, effectively covering pores and giving you a seamless look. The formula has a lightweight texture that doesn’t feel sticky after application.
Shiseido UV Protective Foundation
This Japanese foundation by Shiseido is one of the best and definitely worth every penny! It not only gives you the perfect seamless look but also moisturizes your skin while doing it! It has a light formula so the foundation doesn’t feel cakey or heavy if you have build coverage.
Though you might not need to apply extra coats as the foundation does have pretty good coverage. This best Japanese foundation brightens up your skin and leaves the skin feeling dewy and fresh!
Check it out!
Best Japanese Foundations: FAQs
Are Japanese Foundations Good?
Japanese foundations do not only let you have a smooth palate for all your subsequent makeup steps, but these wonders also come with wonderful benefits that will work in your favor. Most of the Japanese foundations give you very good coverage, from Full to Medium. These foundations often come with SPF, which is beneficial as it gives you an added layer of protection against the UV rays, along with your sunscreen. The foundations are available in several tones that make it easier to choose the most perfect match. These are the benefits that make the Japanese foundation desirable by people all around the world. There are tons of brands and types available, so knowing which one is right for you can be difficult. Here are some of the best Japanese foundations that you can choose for the most satisfying experience!
How to find the best Japanese foundation for your skin tone?
To find the right shade of foundation you first need to figure out your undertone. If you have a lot of yellow in your skin then you have a warmer undertone and if you have a bit of pink or blue in your skin then you have a cooler undertone. It’s best to test the foundation on your jawline. Find the shade closest to your skin colour so that when you apply it should pretty much disappear into your skin. You may also have to mix a couple of shades of foundation to find the true match for your skin.
Why is Japanese foundation better?
Japanese foundation gives you good coverage and are packed with skin-friendly products. Japanese foundations are also formulated to provide UV protection as well. You’ll find that some of the best Japanese foundations have SPF and PA+++.
How to choose the right foundation for your skin?
Test the foundation on your neck and jawline to see if the shade is matching. If the shade is right, it will blend and give a natural look. If the foundation is making you look darker or leaves out a white cast then it’s not your shade.
Should foundation be lighter or darker than your skin?
Ideally, foundations should be a tone or two lighter than your actual skin tone. This is because the tone of the foundation will be covered up when you apply contour or bronzer to blend and look perfect.
Also Read:
- Check out more of best Japanese beauty products for a flawless makeup look!
- Complete your look with these best Japanese eyeliners for perfect wings!
- Remove your make up easily with these best Japanese cleansing oils!
Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation
Check out these best Japanese foundation and find the true match for your skin tone! Do check out Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation which is the best foundation on the list. Read further to know more.
Product SKU: 00987TFR3210
Product Brand: Shiseido
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 77
Price Valid Until: 2022
Product In-Stock: https://schema.org/InStock
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Erika is the main author of the website. She is obsessed with Japanese products and always looks for an opportunity to share her love for Japanese products with everybody around her! She combined her love for writing, research and testing products to create Best Japanese Products. When she’s not reviewing latest Japanese products, you’ll find her pampering her cats. Erika is the definition of ‘The Crazy Cat Lady’.