Review | Shiseido Maquillage Lasting Powdery UV Ex Foundation SPF22 PA++

A while ago, Shiseido Singapore gave me this powder foundation to try. Like the brand’s stick foundation, this Maquillage face product is easy to use.

Pros

• It has good coverage

This medium-to-heavy coverage powder foundation hides minor facial flaws and evens out my skin tone easily. It is a beauty boon on days when my skin looks pallid and uneven.

• It is portable

The flat compact can be carried around and as with most foundation/powder compacts, it comes with a sponge that aids touch-ups.

• The refill fits any Shiseido brand compact

This characteristic of Shiseido brand powder foundations is rather clever and offers versatility in makeup packaging choice.

• It has UV protection

It contains SPF22 PA++; sufficient for many working women who are not continuously exposed to the sun.

• It has colour tones suited to Asian skin

Surely one of the strengths of this line! I love that the shade that I use (OC20) suits me perfectly. Even with MAC foundations I’d need to mix two for a perfect match, so this quality is very much appreciated. :)

The Cons

• It doesn’t stay the oilies

Unfortunately, it does not live up to its oil-free promise – my face grew oily within two to three hours of wear. However, it works well with Aqualabel Perfect Protect Milk UV SPF50 PA+++ – this sunscreen paired with the powder foundation seems to deliver a flawless and lasting finish. I love this combination!

• It can be a tad heavy

You will need to be light-handed with this. While it offers great coverage, this also means that it can go on heavily and  sometimes cake. The included sponge is dense and of good quality, so it easily picks up and lays down product. As such, a light daub with the sponge is sufficient for application/touch-ups. My favourite way to use this is actually with a blush or powder brush. A skunk brush is great with this too.

• It is pricey
  

The refill costs S$65, while the case costs S$23. You could consider purchasing a cheaper compact from the other Shiseido brands (Ettusais, Majolica Majorca or Za, for instance). How about one of Majolica Majorca’s pretty cases? ;)

You need only pay S$65 for the special edition compact+refill pictured in this review though (the pretty case is free!). This offer will last until stocks run out.

Here I am with the foundation on, an hour or so after application. Its smooth finish and matching colour tone are two of its better features.

Below is the Shiseido colour code. Do note that the higher the number code is, the darker the foundation will be.

BO (Beige Ochre) – For people with strong warm tones.

OC (Ochre) – For people with neutral undertones. This is the category that seems to suit the majority.

PO (Pink Ochre) – For people with strong cool tones.

As with many Shiseido base products, Maquillage foundations are formulated to have varying degrees of yellow tones.

Image source: Shiseido Maquillage Singapore