Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation Review

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Hey, babes!

I have one of my current favourite foundations to show you today, the Shiseido Synchro Skin foundation. I didn’t really know about this foundation until fairly recently, and I’m so surprised I didn’t know about it before! Synchro Skin is a medium coverage foundation that sets to matte finish, ideal for normal to oily skin types. It also contains natural extracts such as Thyme and St John’s Wort to improve skin condition. For those on the drier side, there is also Synchro Skin Glow.

It comes in a slender, frosted glass bottle which I love – so luxe! It also comes with a pump. Something special I like about the pump is that it’s designed in such a way to avoid the little crusty bits of foundation that might dry and accumulate at the pump tip, which truly makes use of every drop of foundation IMO.

I was matched to Golden 3, which matches me very well in the winter. I think I need to get Golden 4 soon though, as I’m noticing this looks a bit light on me now. One thing that I do think is a drawback of this foundation is the fairly limited number of shades (just thirteen), especially when compared to other counter brands such as MAC and Estee Lauder. The shade range accounts for golden (warm), neutral, and rose (cool) undertones which I think is great, but the overall shade range could be greatly improved.

Synchro Skin blends out easily (I use a sponge), and sets on its own to a truly matte finish. You can decide whether or not to set further with powder – I personally do, as my skin needs all the oil control help it can get. While it is a true medium coverage foundation, I found I didn’t really need extra concealer for blemishes, only for particularly dark acne scars. The texture is pretty runny, but not so runny it will just run off the back of your hand if you use it as a mixing palette like I do ;). I found two pumps was sufficient to cover my face and blend down my neck a bit.

Here’s a photo of me wearing it so you can get an idea of the shade and coverage:

I also normally match MAC NC25. A full list of my foundation matches can be found here.

One of the things I love about this foundation is that it does not oxidize! I struggled with finding a non-oxidising foundation on my skin, and I’m so glad this doesn’t. However, it does contain titanium dioxide which WILL cause flashback so this won’t be the best for events with flash photography. When paired with a good primer, setting powder, and setting spray, this foundation lasts me through an 8 hour work day without fading. Oil does come through around the 4-hour mark, which is normal for my skin. I just blot it off and it looks as good as new. While it is long-wearing, it’s not transfer-proof.

Taking a look at the ingredients list, the ‘bad’ ingredient that jumps out the most is the high amount of alcohol. As someone with oily and relatively resilient skin, I dealt with it fine. If you’re sensitive to alcohol or prone to dryness, steer clear.

Dimethicone, Water, Trifluoropropyldimethyl/Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Magnesium Myristate, Nylon-12, Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyquaternium-51,Thymus Serpillum Extract, Aluminum Hydroxide, Aluminum Distearate, Polysilicone-2,Glycerin, Bht, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Hypericum Erectum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Talc, Dimethicone/Peg-10/15 Crosspolymer, Silica, Alumina, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diisostearyl Malate, Glyceryl Diisostearate, Dipropylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Mica, Red 27.

I also think this foundation is relatively wallet-friendly in NZ, considering it’s quite a high-end brand – just $69. For comparison, NARS Sheer Glow is $74, Too Faced Born This Way is $62, and Estee Lauder Doublewear is also $69. I’m on the very last dregs of my bottle, and I bought this at the start of June and have basically used it every day since. I’m pretty happy with that tbh!

Overall, Syncro Skin gets a 4.5/5 out of me. I knocked that .5 off for not having the greatest colour range. I just don’t think there is a reason in 2017 not to have a wide range of shades when MAC, Fenty Beauty, MUFE, and Estee Lauder (among other brands) can all easily do so.

What’s your favourite foundation? Have you heard of this one?

A xx

rating scale
1 – Terrible: Negative effects on skin.
2 – Mediocre: No change in skin/claims not met.
3 – Average: Performs as expected.
4 – Good: Would repurchase unless I try something better.

5 – Amazing: Meets trifecta of perfect packaging, formula, & cost.
where to buy Shiseido online


where to buy Shiseido in-store
Smith & Caughey’s (NZ) | Farmer’s (NZ) | Sephora (US)
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