One of the essentials of our makeup pouch is a good foundation. Build a solid base for your makeup with the best Japanese powder foundation.
A good foundation helps conceal imperfections and make our skin feel smooth and even, giving you a seamless palette to work on. A powder foundation is a great option to choose as it is oil-controlling and is easy to apply. It also does not create any mess.
Best Japanese Powder Foundation — Quick Summary
| Best Japanese Powder Foundation | Coverage |
| Fasio Lasting Foundation | Low |
| Cezanne UV Foundation EX Plus | Medium |
| Maquillage Dramatic Powdery UV Foundation with SPF25 | Full |
| INTEGRATE Professional Finish Foundation | Medium |
| Canmake Marshmallow Finish Powder | Medium |
| Shiseido UV Protective Compact Foundation | Low to Medium |
| Shiseido The Makeup Powdery Foundation | Medium |
| Shu Uemura The Lightbulb UV Compact Foundation | Full |
| Cezanne UV Essence Neri Foundation | Full |
| Shu Uemura The Light Valve Oreo Compact Foundation | Full |
- Related: Best Japanese Foundation
Powder foundation is quite popular in Japan which means there are tons of options to choose from.
However, choosing one from a pool of choices can be quite overwhelming. So here are the reviews of some of the top foundations by Japanese beauty brands so you can pick the best Japanese powder foundation to make your skin look flawless and feel smooth.
So, without further ado, let us look at some of the most ideal options available.
Top Picks For Best Japanese Powder Foundation
- Cezanne UV Foundation EX Plus – provides good coverage, blends easily, hides blemishes
- Maquillage Dramatic Powdery UV Foundation with SPF25 – provides full coverage, natural dewy finish
- Shiseido UV Protective Compact Foundation – light to med coverage, smooth and silky finish
How To Choose The Best Japanese Powder Foundation?
When choosing the best Japanese powder foundation, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
- Skin Type
Determine your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. Different powder foundations cater to specific skin types, so understanding your skin’s needs will help you narrow down your options.
- Coverage
Decide on the level of coverage you desire. Powder foundations can range from sheer to full coverage. If you have blemishes or uneven skin tone that you want to conceal, opt for a powder foundation with higher coverage.
- Shade Matching
Finding the right shade is crucial for a natural and seamless finish. Japanese powder foundations usually come in a wide range of shades, catering to various skin tones. Consider your undertone (cool, warm, or neutral) and test the shades on your jawline or wrist to find the best match.
- Finish
Determine the type of finish you prefer—matte, dewy, or natural. Matte finishes are ideal for oily skin as they help control shine, while dewy finishes provide a radiant glow for dry or dull skin. Natural finishes offer a balanced look suitable for most skin types.
- Ingredients
Pay attention to the ingredients list, especially if you have sensitive skin or specific skin concerns. Look for powder foundations that are non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and formulated with skin-friendly ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or SPF protection.
- Brand Reputation
Research different Japanese cosmetic brands known for their high-quality products. Look for reviews and recommendations from reliable sources or beauty influencers to get an idea of the best brands and their powder foundations.
- Testing and Sampling
Whenever possible, try out samples or testers of the powder foundations you’re interested in. Apply a small amount on your skin and observe how it looks and feels throughout the day. This can help you determine if it suits your skin type and preferences.
- Price and Availability
Consider your budget and the availability of the product. Some Japanese powder foundations may be more expensive due to brand reputation or additional features. Make sure the product you choose fits within your budget and is accessible for future purchases.
By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best Japanese powder foundation that suits your skin type, provides the desired coverage and finish, matches your skin tone, and meets your personal preferences.
Types Of Japanese Powder Foundation
There are several types of Japanese powder foundations available, each offering unique benefits and finishes.
Here are some common types:
- Pressed Powder Foundation
Pressed powder foundations come in a compact form and typically provide medium to full coverage.
They are convenient for on-the-go touch-ups and offer a matte or natural finish. These foundations are often buildable, allowing you to customize the coverage.
- Loose Powder Foundation
Loose powder foundations come in a jar or container and offer a lightweight and sheer to medium coverage.
They are known for their blendability and can provide a natural or dewy finish. Loose powder foundations are ideal for those who prefer a more lightweight and breathable feel on the skin.
- Mineral Powder Foundation
Mineral powder foundations contain natural minerals and are often free from potentially irritating ingredients like talc, fragrance, or preservatives.
They provide a lightweight feel, offer buildable coverage, and are suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Mineral powder foundations can provide a natural finish with a subtle luminosity.
- BB (Blemish Balm) Powder Foundation
BB powder foundations combine the benefits of skincare and makeup. They often contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and SPF protection.
BB powder foundations provide light to medium coverage, moisturize the skin, and offer a natural-looking finish. They can also help even out the complexion and provide some skincare benefits.
- CC (Color Correcting) Powder Foundation
CC powder foundations are designed to address color correction concerns, such as redness or dullness.
They often have a lightweight texture and provide sheer to medium coverage. CC powder foundations can help balance the skin tone and provide a more even complexion.
- Cushion Powder Foundation
Cushion powder foundations feature a unique cushion compact that holds the foundation within a sponge-like material. They offer buildable coverage, a lightweight feel, and a natural or dewy finish. Cushion powder foundations are popular for their convenience and ease of application.
It’s important to note that the availability and specific formulations of powder foundations can vary among different Japanese brands.
When choosing a type of powder foundation, consider factors such as your desired coverage, finish, and any specific skincare needs you may have.
Additionally, always check the product details and descriptions to ensure it aligns with your preferences and skin concerns.
How To Find The Right Shade Of Japanese Powder Foundation For Your Skin Tone?
Finding the right shade of powder foundation can be a bit tricky, but here are some tips to help you find a shade that matches your skin tone:
- Determine Your Undertone
Understanding your undertone is essential in selecting a foundation shade that complements your skin. Undertones can be warm (yellow or golden), cool (pink or blue), or neutral (a balance of warm and cool tones).
Look at the veins on your wrist: if they appear more blue, you likely have cool undertones, while greenish veins indicate warm undertones. If you can’t determine a clear undertone, you might have a neutral undertone.
- Know Your Skin Depth
Consider your skin depth or shade intensity. Determine if you have fair, light, medium, tan, or deep skin. This will help you narrow down the range of shades to consider when selecting a foundation.
- Research Shade Descriptions
Many brands provide shade descriptions or names that indicate the undertone and depth of the shade. Look for terms like “warm,” “cool,” “neutral,” “fair,” “medium,” or “deep” in the shade names or descriptions to guide your selection.
- Test Shades
Whenever possible, test the foundation shades directly on your skin. The best areas to swatch are along your jawline or on your face near your cheek.
Apply a few different shades, allowing them to settle for a few minutes, and then observe them in natural light.
The shade that appears most seamless and blends into your skin without obvious color discrepancies is likely to be the best match.
- Seek Professional Assistance
If you’re uncertain about selecting the right shade on your own, consider visiting a beauty counter or store that offers assistance from makeup professionals. They can help you identify your undertone, assess your skin depth, and provide recommendations based on their expertise.
- Consider Seasonal Changes
Remember that your skin tone can vary throughout the year due to sun exposure and seasonal changes. If you tan easily during the summer or experience lighter skin in the winter, you may need to adjust your foundation shade accordingly.
- Customization Options
Some brands offer customizable foundation options where you can mix different shades to create a perfect match. This can be particularly useful if you have a unique or hard-to-match skin tone.
Remember that finding the right shade may require some trial and error. It’s also worth noting that some powder foundations can be slightly forgiving with shades since they tend to blend into the skin more subtly compared to liquid foundations.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Japanese Powder Foundation?
Using Japanese powder foundation can offer several benefits:
- Lightweight and Natural Finish
Japanese powder foundations are known for their lightweight texture, allowing for a natural and breathable finish. They typically provide a light to medium coverage that evens out the skin tone without feeling heavy or cakey.
- Oil Control
Many Japanese powder foundations are formulated to absorb excess oil and control shine throughout the day. They often contain oil-absorbing ingredients such as silica or kaolin clay, making them suitable for those with oily or combination skin.
- Longevity
Japanese powder foundations often have long-lasting formulas that help your makeup stay in place for extended periods. They can resist fading or melting, providing a fresh and polished look throughout the day.
- UV Protection
Some Japanese powder foundations are formulated with built-in sun protection, typically in the form of SPF (sun protection factor). This can help shield your skin from harmful UV rays and contribute to your overall sun protection routine.
- Skincare Benefits
Many Japanese powder foundations incorporate skincare ingredients that offer additional benefits for the skin. These may include moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid, soothing ingredients like chamomile extract, or antioxidants to help protect against environmental damage.
- Versatility
Japanese powder foundations can be versatile in their application. They can be used as a standalone foundation for a natural look, or as a setting powder to enhance the longevity and finish of liquid or cream foundations.
- Wide Range of Shades
Japanese cosmetic brands often provide a wide range of shades to cater to different skin tones. This inclusivity allows for a better chance of finding a shade that matches your complexion seamlessly.
- Attention to Detail and Quality
Japanese beauty products are renowned for their attention to detail, quality craftsmanship, and advanced technology. Japanese powder foundations are often finely milled, offering a smooth and silky texture that blends effortlessly into the skin.
Which Is The Best Japanese Powder Foundation?
In my quest to find a foundation that works for me, I’ve tried and reviewed several Japanese foundations. Most Japanese powder foundations are skin-friendly and provide UV protection. So it came down to ease of application and coverage when choosing the best Japanese powder foundation.
Maquillage Dramatic Powdery UV Foundation with SPF25 is the top Japanese powder foundation as it has a light and creamy formula and blends in with the skin quickly. It provides full coverage which makes it a top choice amongst those with blemishes, acne scars, and dark spots. Maquillage Dramatic Powdery UV Foundation also offers UV protection and gives a natural, dewy finish.
Fasio Lasting Foundation
This is quite a powdery foundation that has very low coverage. If you have extreme blemishes or scars, this may not good you any good. The texture of this foundation is very powdery and makes it obvious that you have makeup on, which is why it is not recommended for dry skin.
However, it is the best Japanese powder foundation for all of you who are dealing with oily skin. It zaps away the oil and makes your skin look fabulous. It also has a good SPF rating, which is great at protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
Key Features:
- Powdery foundation with low coverage
- Great for people with oily skin
- Zaps away the oil from the skin
- Great for people who do not have a lot to cover and need something light for everyday use
- Comes with SPF that protects your skin against the harmful rays of the sun
Related: Here are some awesome but super affordable Japanese drugstore products for you!
Cezanne UV Foundation EX Plus
This is one of the best Japanese powder foundation out there that comes at an extremely affordable price. It provides excellent coverage and is great at concealing all those blemishes, scars, and anything else you might want to cover up. The foundation is also pretty easy to apply and blends well.
Key Features:
- One of the best Japanese powder foundation
- Extremely affordable price
- Provides excellent coverage
- Great at hiding scars and blemishes
- Easy to apply
- Blends well
Related: Keep your skin’s pH levels balanced with these Japanese toners. Check it out here!
Maquillage Dramatic Powdery UV Foundation with SPF25
Maquillage is probably one of the best makeup ranges in Japan that keeps bringing out innovative products. The Maquillage Dramatic Powdery UV Foundation is a great product that gives you full coverage. It effectively covers up all scars and blemishes and gives you a perfect finish.
This best Japanese powder foundation is extremely light and gives you a natural finish. It is a great on-the-go foundation that you can apply while on your way to work. It only takes minutes to apply this foundation flawlessly. It lasts for a long time and gives you a dewy look.
Key Features:
- Gives full coverage
- Great for covering up scars, blemishes, and acne marks
- Perfect finish
- Light and natural
- On-the-go foundation that is perfect for applying while traveling
- Only takes minutes to apply it
- Leaves you with a dewy, natural look
- Long-lasting
INTEGRATE Professional Finish Foundation
This is yet another best Japanese powder foundation that leaves you with a smooth and natural finish. It is also quite small when compared to a majority of others, and so takes the top points for portability. You can carry it around easily in a small purse. The coverage provided by the foundation is pretty good and is the ideal option for those who already have great skin. It adds a nice, natural touch to your look.
Key Features:
- Gives you a smooth and natural finish
- Small and compact in size, making it a portable, travel-friendly option
- Great coverage
- Good for people with already amazing skin
Related: These awesome Japanese eyeliners will make your eyes pop! Check it out here!
Canmake Marshmallow Finish Powder
This is a versatile product that can be used in multiple ways. You can use it as a powder foundation, as a finishing powder, or for touch-ups. We love that it comes with no additives and leaves your skin with a matte and natural finish. This best Japanese powder foundation helps conceal your pores, so if you are facing that issue, we highly recommend this product.
The powder contains ten beautifying agents that prevent your skin from drying out. It also adds a good level of moisture in your skin. If you love a natural look, you must try out this by Canmake. It also comes with SPF26 and PA++.
Key Features:
- Versatile product that can be used in multiple ways
- Can be used as a foundation, finishing powder, or touch-ups
- Gives you a matte and natural finish
- Conceals your pores
- Contains ten beautifying agents that prevent your skin from drying out
- Adds moisture to the skin
- Comes with SPF26 and PA++
Related: Blend your foundation with these amazing Japanese makeup brushes for a flawless look!
Shiseido UV Protective Compact Foundation
Shiseido is a well-known brand that is a favorite amongst people across the planet. The UV protective compact foundation by the brand is one of the best out there. It gives you a matte effect, but unlike several others out there, it does not look white when worn. It blends out perfectly and gives good coverage.
It makes your skin look super smooth and silky. This best Japanese powder foundation provides light to medium coverage and can be made into heavy coverage by layering it up.
Key Features:
- UV protective compact foundation
- Gives you a matte effect
- Does not look white when worn
- Blends perfectly
- Light to medium coverage
- Makes skin look super smooth and silky
- Can get heavy coverage by layering up
Related: These nourishing Japanese BB creams are best for that no-makeup look!
Shiseido The Makeup Powdery Foundation
This best Japanese powder foundation feels very creamy, so applies evenly and blends well. It is a very soft powder foundation that leaves you with a matte finish. It is a great powder foundation for oily skin. It fills up your pores and adds perfection to your skin. The final finish is very velvety and leaves your skin feeling soft, while also offering UV protection.
The foundation has oil-absorbing power, minimizes the visibility of pores, and it also softens imperfections.
Key Features:
- A powder foundation that feels very creamy
- Applies evenly and blends well
- Great for oily skin
- Oil-absorbing powder that minimizes the visibility of pores and softens imperfections
- Gives you a matte, velvety finish
- Leaves skin feeling soft
Related: Your eyebrows will always be on fleek with these amazing Japanese eyebrow pencils!
Shu Uemura The Lightbulb UV Compact Foundation
This is a powder compact that is formulated with the lightbulb oleo-technology and the lightbulb pearl. This technology leaves your skin with a natural glow. This best Japanese powder foundation has high coverage that is great to cover up your scars, blemishes, and other imperfections. This revolutionary foundation balances the natural glowy look while also providing high coverage.
The foundation also comes with SPF 30 that protects your skin against harmful rays of the sun. The formulation also glides on easily and smoothly. It is also quite easy to blend, giving you a flawless finish.
Key Features:
- Revolutionary powder foundation formulated with the lightbulb oleo-technology and lightbulb pearl
- Leaves skin with a natural glow
- High coverage that is great for covering up imperfections
- Comes with SPF 30 that protects your skin against harmful rays of the sun
- Glides on easily and smoothly
- Easy to blend
- Gives you a flawless finish
Cezanne UV Essence Neri Foundation
The Cezanne UV Essence Neri Foundation is a full coverage best Japanese powder foundation that has a powdery finish. It is a great foundation that helps cover up all pores. If you have dry patches on your skin, this is the one for you. It helps give you a glossy and dewy finish.
The foundation comes with Hyaluronic Acid, Apple extract, Yeast extract, Collagen, and Amino Acid extract. These ingredients together give a very moisturizing effect. It also comes with SPF 26 PA++.
Key Features:
- Full coverage foundation
- Gives a powdery finish
- Helps cover up pores
- Helps with the dry patches on your skin
- Gives you a glossy and dewy finish
- Comes with hyaluronic acid, apple extract, collagen, and other moisturizing extracts
- Comes with SPF 26PA++
Shu Uemura The Light Valve Oreo Compact Foundation
This is yet another advanced conditioning and protective powder foundation that has an ultra-light texture. This best Japanese powder foundation blends seamlessly and is also convenient and easy to apply. The foundation contains a jellified oil complex that ensures that the color stays on. It also has conditioning oils that nurture and hydrate the skin.
It gives your skin a glowy and dewy finish. The streak-free and edge-free application is something that we are sure you will enjoy.
Key Features:
- Advanced conditioning and protective powder foundation
- Ultra-light texture that blends seamlessly
- Convenient and easy to apply
- Contains a jellified oil complex
- Nurtures and hydrates the skin
- Gives your skin a glowy and dewy finish
- Streak-free and edge-free application
The best Japanese powder foundation for you!
These were some of the best Japanese powder foundations that will feel like your own skin, only better. Try these out today!
Also Read:
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- Removing even waterproof makeup is going to be easy with these awesome Japanese cleansing oils!
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’.