The 8 Best Japanese Foundations – A Review Guide Of 2023
Give your skin that much-deserved luminous finish and gorgeously even tone.
Expertise: Beauty & Lifestyle
Experience: 5 years
Chaitra has a triple main bachelor’s degree in journalism, communicative English, and economics from St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication fro... more
Image: Shutterstock
The best Japanese foundations come in a variety of finishes and textures. Why Japanese foundations, you ask? Well, Japan has a wide range of climatic conditions, and its brands are made to cater to the needs of various skin types. So, if you want a good change of brands for your cosmetic products, we suggest you try Asian brands that have mastered the balance of combining skin care with makeup.
A good-quality foundation has become a staple in most makeup lovers’ vanity kits. Foundations ensure you have a consistent skin tone that is important for makeup application. But finding the perfect shade of foundation for your skin can get tricky. In this article, we have listed the best Japanese foundations for all skin types and tones. Go on and check them out.
In This Article
Top 8 Best Japanese Makeup Foundations That You Can Buy In 2023
1. Best Sun Protection:Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation – No.3 Golden
The Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation is the ultimate Japanese foundation that delivers a long-lasting and luminous finish. The foundation is lightweight, has a serum-like texture and you will feel like you are wearing no foundation at all. If you are looking for a foundation that can give you a brilliant glow throughout the day that looks natural, this popular Japanese foundation is your answer. The result you achieve a dewy glow without an oily sheen. The appearance of pores and visible fine lines are also reduced and the skin feels fresh and breathable. The foundation is suitable for all skin types and is dermatologically tested. Learn more about the product in this video.
Pros
- Includes SPF 20
- Non-comedogenic
- Buildable coverage
- Provides hydration for 8 hours
- Includes wild thyme extract that provides the skin with antioxidant benefits.
- Infused with the goodness of argan oil, cranberry seed oil, and yuzu seed extract so that skin retains moisture with youthful suppleness.
Cons
- In sunnier locales, you may have to wear sunscreen underneath the foundation.
2. Best Buildable Coverage:Cezanne UV Foundation – EX2
The Cezanne UV Foundation is a long-lasting translucent foundation that has a high moisturizing effect. It comes in a unique horizontal case and the foundation spreads on the skin effortlessly giving it a smooth texture. The finish is long-lasting so you can be relaxed during long events or when you are out at an all-day picnic. This Japanese foundation makeup is free of ultraviolet absorbing agents and offers a look that is flawless and natural. If you prefer transparent or translucent base makeup so that your beauty spots are also not hidden then this foundation is perfect for you. It is infused with pure white mica and second skin powder that reflects every light so that your skin becomes free of fullness while it enjoys a coverage that is natural. The foundation recently added a new ingredient, sebum fixation powder that makes sure all the excess sebum is absorbed and the foundation is not soaked into your pores.
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Includes the presence of SPF 23 PA++
- Fragrance, mineral-oil, alcohol, surfactant-free
- Induced with super hyaluronic acid which is a strong moisturizing ingredient
Cons
- It may not be suitable to wear in hot temperatures.
3. Best Long-Lasting Formula:RMK Liquid Foundation
Gentle on the skin, the RMK Liquid Foundation is one of the best luminizing foundations. The RMK brand is all about natural-looking skin and this liquid foundation ensures natural-looking skin is what you achieve. The light fluid texture makes your skin feel fresh and spread very easily on the skin. A seamless and perfect balance of translucency and coverage is created so that it looks just like bare skin rather than making your skin look like it is plastered with thick makeup. The formula is water-proof so you are protected against perspiration and water in general, which in turn ensures that the foundation lasts a long time even in humid conditions.
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
- Light to medium coverage
- Can be worn casually to work, and can be worn for formal events too.
Cons
- You may need to wear concealer under this foundation to hide dark circles.
4. Best Fragrance-Free Formula:COVERMARK Essence Foundation
The COVERMARK Essence Foundation is a lightweight foundation that is blendable with your skin. This liquid foundation provides buildable coverage and conceals your acne scars, pores, and any dullness on the skin so that your face can grow with natural radiance. This revolutionary Japanese foundation works brilliantly as it allows your true skin shade to be determined by the undertone of your skin and ensures that after wearing the foundation your skin color remains the same. The lightweight foundation has a breathable texture that leaves your skin feeling flawless and supple all day long. If you have irregularities on your skin or if it is rough due to the weather and everyday activities they will all be concealed and moisturized with the natural plant content in this emulsion style foundation. UV rays are blocked too which means you will have freedom from dark spots and freckles.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Long-lasting formula
- Contains SPF 18 PA++
- Includes a plastic applicator.
Cons
- You may need to wear additional sunscreen for complete protection from the sun.
5. Best Lightweight Texture:Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Fluid Foundation
The Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Fluid Foundation is a revolutionary Japanese foundation in fluid form. If you are looking to find the perfect fit for your skin tone, try this Japanese foundation makeup that offers an exquisite fit. The finish of this foundation is porcelain-like and your skin glows naturally without looking like a fake illusion. The moisture lasts all day so your skin won’t feel patchy or dry, and the foundation will not break into cracks and lines. Enjoy the smooth and flawless finish on your skin and even skin tone that will be envied by all. This video gives you more information about the product.
Pros
- High coverage
- Weightless texture
- Long-lasting formula
Cons
- The liquid foundation in the bottle may start separating in a few months.
6. Best For Uneven Skin Tone:Shiseido MAQuillAGE Dramatic Powdery UV Foundation
The Shiseido MAQuillAGE Dramatic Powdery UV Foundation is a newly released foundation powder that offers high performance delivered from its 2-way cake. This lightweight Japanese foundation makeup has the ability to fuse very quickly with your skin so that proper coverage is provided on your face along with a natural glow and appearance. The foundation is created with the help of a unique “mousse press process” in which fluffy and soft mousse is made with powder and beauty essence water as a result of which the powdery foundation is able to blend naturally without standing out or looking like a layer of makeup has been applied. The “barely there” look is ideal for simple day wear and events where you don’t want to look too dressed up for yet wish to sport flawless skin.
Pros
- Contains SPF20 PA++
- Includes a free sponge puff.
- Hides visible pores and evens skin tone.
Cons
- The foundation may not be suitable for long-wear.
7. Best For Casual Wear:Shiseido Integrate Pro Finish Foundation
The Shiseido Integrate Pro Finish Foundation is a full coverage foundation yet gives a transparent look to your skin. Natural-looking skin is always appreciated and is more wearable for daytime and casual events. This professional Japanese powder foundation needs a single coating for the desired results. If you need a little extra coverage or you wish to cover a very dark blemish you can apply a second coat as per your preference. This powdery foundation makes your skin feel beautiful, look stunning, and soft to touch. All pores, acne scars, and uneven pigmentation are covered naturally and evenly. Comfortable to use, this skin-friendly foundation will let you enjoy the illusion of bare skin and keep everyone guessing if you are wearing any makeup or not. To top it all, it also includes SPF16 PA++ to provide mild protection from the harmful rays of the sun.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Makeup looks as good as bare skin.
- Loved by professionals around the world.
Cons
- The puff may collect too much product in a single swipe.
8. Best Non-Cakey Finish:KATE Secret Skin Maker
The Kate Secret Skin Maker is a liquid foundation that offers perfect coverage without a cakey finish. It contains SPF 18+ that makes your skin luminous by covering the pores. This foundation blends easily on your skin and helps even out your skin tone.
Pros
- Does not look cakey
- Contains SPF 18+
- Long-lasting
Cons
None
Still, finding it hard to choose the right Japanese Foundation? Here is a buying guide that will give you a little more clarity on the best foundation for you!
Buying Guide
Just because a foundation matches your skin tone does not mean that is where your search ends. There are a lot more features, and sometimes with greater demand for the importance that needs to be considered before buying a Japanese foundation.
How To Choose Best Japanese Foundation- A Guide
The best Japanese foundation must be judged on and finally selected for the following reasons:
- Coverage
Coverage provided by a foundation is of course very important. The foundation you choose must be able to match your skin tone, hide your blemishes, freckles, and fine lines without looking too made up.
- Finish
The finish of the foundation that you finally choose should be based on what type of texture post makeup you prefer and if your skin is compatible with it. If you like a dewy makeup finish but your skin constantly produces excess oil it will not make sense for you.
- Ease of Application
The ease of application of a foundation is important because we often tend to find ourselves in situations where make up may have to be applied at the last minute or in a rush. The easier it is to apply it in a fuss-free manner the better it is for you to choose that foundation.
The best Japanese foundations are available in various textures, finishes, and stays put irrespective of weather conditions. Japanese foundations are a perfect combination of skincare and makeup. The products reviewed in the curated list have a non-comedogenic formula, offer SPF protection buildable coverage, and are enriched with natural ingredients. Consider the coverage, finish, and ease of application while choosing the best Japanese foundations. We recommend you use a setting powder after applying the foundation if you want your base to be smooth and last longer. You will achieve a flawless base finish based on your skin tone and skin needs with these Japanese foundations.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Chaitra Krishnan, the author, is a makeup enthusiast with a deep interest in the latest beauty trends. She understands the craze around the Japanese foundations, which are known for their hydrating formulations and give a dewy finish. She exhaustively researched Japanese foundations, shortlisted the most highly rated ones, and reviewed them for our readers in this article. The products listed here have been formulated to combine skin care with makeup and suit every skin type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Japanese foundations good?
Most of the Japanese foundations offer perfect coverage, from full to medium, and also include SPF in them. To say they are good is an understatement.
Why are Japanese foundations better?
Japanese foundations are lightweight, provide UV protection, moisturize your skin and offer buildable coverage which is hard to find together in a single foundation elsewhere.
Do the Japanese wear foundation?
Yes, a foundation has a central role in the Japanese makeup routine. Liquid and powder foundations are the most preferred formulas.
Do the Japanese use moisturizers?
Most Japanese people prefer hydrating products over moisturizing ones. In Japanese makeup culture, lotions and face oils are more common than moisturizers.
What happens if we directly apply a Japanese foundation on the face?
Most Japanese foundations are lightweight and hydrating. They offer natural coverage, but using them directly on the face without a primer may accentuate the fine lines, creases, and wrinkles on mature skin.
How many hours do the Japanese foundations last?
Most Japanese foundations last for eight hours and more.
How do you pick a foundation color?
Here are some quick tips to choose the right foundation shade and color.
• Pick two-three foundations close to your complexion.
• Choose the shade closest to your complexion and apply a bit of the product on the center of your face and blend out towards the jawline and hairline.
• If your neck and face are of different shades, pick the lighter shade.
• Do not forget to consider your undertone. Pick a foundation with yellow undertones if you have warm skin tones and one with pink undertones if you have cool skin tones.
Recommended Articles:
- Best Foundations For Sensitive Skin
- Top Foundations For Dark Skin
- Best Foundations For Acne-Prone Skin
- Best High And Full-Coverage Foundations
- Best Cruelty-Free Foundations For Every Skin Tone You Must Try
