THE BEAUTY REPORT | the foundation switch
THE BEAUTY REPORT
The Foundation Switch: Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation
I’d been using the same foundation for at least three years: Chanel Ultra Le Teint. It was fine. Reliable, even. But lately, I’d started feeling a bit blah on the days I wore it. Like it wasn’t doing anything for me.
I’ve always kept my beauty routine simple. SPF every day (dermatologist’s orders), a bit of retinol if I feel like it, and that’s enough. I even skip mascara now, because I can’t be bothered washing it off. Foundation has been the one constant, but even that, I sometimes forget.
Still, when I do wear it, I want it to work. My brief was simple:
Matte finish (no glow)
Medium-to-full coverage, enough to even out redness
Suitable for sensitive skin
Reliable and low maintenance, something I can put on and forget about
A match for fair/light skin with neutral or cool undertones
The Shortlist
Before heading to Mecca, I did some research. My options were:
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation
Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation
I think I’ve used both the Estee and the NARS before (years ago), but I wanted to revisit them.
I went to Mecca (the one inside Myer) with my list in hand. The NARS Soft Matte wasn’t in-store, though it was online. I was curious about the Shiseido. I’d never heard of Lisa Eldridge.
I asked a makeup artist. She confirmed they didn’t have the NARS I was after and suggested another matte NARS instead, then, without me even mentioning it, grabbed the Shiseido to try.
I was happily perched in the beauty chair while she tested shades. I always have to remind people I’m lighter than they think. My skin is deceiving like that. Eventually, we landed on 220 Linen in Shiseido and a good match in the NARS.
Both looked good. The Shiseido felt creamier, more comfortable. She even said it’s an “under-the-radar” foundation, just as good as the hyped ones, but less talked about.
I liked them both, so I asked: “Which one’s cheaper?” Shiseido was $70. Easy.
I left with the Shiseido Synchro Skin in 220 Linen. Matte, medium coverage, creamy, low effort. I even love the packaging: black, clear, sharp-edged. A little ‘90s minimalism. A little Prada.
She also introduced me to Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer ($101), which I noted down for another day.
I don’t wear much makeup anymore, but I’m excited to have something that feels right. Reliable. Simple. Looks good. That’s enough.
Details
Product: Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation
Shade: 220 Linen
Price: $70 AUD
Primer to Watch: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer ($101)