The foundation and primer combination you're about to see everywhere
Good foundations; we’ve known a few. Recent years, in fact, have spoiled us for choice, to the point we’re no longer reaching for a skin tint, tinted serum or tinted moisturiser as a default option: modern foundations now have all the glow and the comfort we associate with those lighter bases and they can sit just invisibly on the skin. But when it comes to longevity, and to a finish that looks just a little bit more ‘done’, foundation has the edge.
If there’s one foundation that currently epitomises all of the above, it’s Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF30. This neat fusion of makeup and skincare, (prebiotics, kefir and niacinamide strengthen the skin barrier, prevent moisture loss and regulate texture and tone) launched in October last year, and immediately earned itself (yes) a viral following but also the approval of top makeup artists… and not just those artists who specialise in standout runway skin, but the ones who create beautiful, real-life finishes we want on our faces every day.
"This particular foundation is the holy grail for those that don’t like the look or feel of foundation," observes Sam Chapman, who regularly uses Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation in her YouTube and Instagram tutorials (which, by the way, are the contemporary catalogue of covetable makeup looks). "It’s seamless on the skin but somehow still feels rich and luxurious. Quite simply the best foundation launch in years," she says.
Friend of Red Caroline Barnes, who creates elegant, lovely looks for women such as Jessie Buckley, Laura Jackson and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, is another high-profile devotee. "I think Shiseido makes extraordinary foundations for all different skin types, by the way, but that aside, this is a perfect hybrid of lightweight feel and glossy finish, with some really wonderful skincare ingredients," she says. "It feels so comfortable, but it covers exactly what you need it to, while creating this gorgeous freshness. I love it."
For Sarah Reygate, who includes the ethereal Florence Welch and Laura Bailey in her clientele, Revitalessence Skin Glow is "a beautiful, effortless and gleaming foundation that doubles as skincare. There’s enough coverage, but skin looks natural and healthy."
But now, how about an equally gleaming base for your base? Revitalessence Skin Glow has just been joined by Revitalessence Skin Glow Primer SPF 25. Also with skincare levels of prebiotics, kefir and niacinamide for long-term conditioning, this has a slightly reflective finish that gives bare skin a boost on makeup-free days, and amplifies the longevity of anything worn on top. We love it already at Red, for helping makeup to glide on more smoothly, and giving it a grownup, perfected look.
Here’s everything you need to know about this new makeup essential, and the other best Shiseido buys we think you should know about…
Best Shiseido UK products
This cooling, pinkly-pearlised cream is missing the silicones that show up in most makeup primers, which means it’s less likely to roll and pill when the rest of your makeup goes on. It also (being comprised of high-quality skincare ingredients) feels more like it’s treating your skin than forming a film on top. It looks pretty on a bare face, and gives makeup a velvety, groomed-looking glow. Not too shiny, not matte and overdone, just lovely.
One of only a handful or curlers that really work well, this has a wide curve that grabs every lash (even the tiny ones at either end) without pinching and the bouncy, rubberised pad has a longer life than most. It’s a reliable sell-out so catch it while you can.
Another viral phenomenon, this very useful sunscreen stick is one to keep in your handbag (a large pocket, even) and use throughout the day, even over makeup. Shiseido’s WetForce and HeatForce technologies make it even less penetrable when hot or wet, and the finish is flatteringly glossy but never sticky. While they look set to change this year, hand luggage restrictions still apply at time of writing; this is exempt from the liquids rule, meaning more space in that little plastic bag.
This tinted moisturiser makes skin look polished up with a cloth, rather than freshly covered in makeup. Tired faces appear more open and rested, and the slightly mousse-like texture feels as if it’s doing something truly beneficial. With Shiseido skincare technology on board, it probably is.
OK, it’s a steep one, but results are incredible. Tired skin that lacks oomph and glow looks plumped up from the inside, making it the closest that topical skincare is likely to get to the effect of a skin-finishing injectable, and that’s something we don’t say lightly. When nothing else touches the sides, this might.
SPF regulations being what they are, we assume that – when used correctly – any sunscreen on sale in the UK is as effective as any other with the same rating. The formulating that sits around the sunscreen ingredients is another matter, and that’s what Shiseido does so well. In this case, the protective film created by this broad spectrum lotion becomes more (not less) uniform in the face of heat, water or perspiration. It’s clever, it looks good, and it’s formulated for faces too, which means less bottles on the beach.
Japanese mascaras can be things of real beauty. Precision-engineered to stay put in the face of humid conditions, they’re often elegant with a curl that lasts. This feels silky and expensive to apply, building easy length without bulk. It’s perfect for a beautiful, grown up-looking, non-clumpy lash; if you still haven’t found the smudge-proof lift you need, this could be ‘the one’.
The brush you didn’t know you needed, unless you’ve never successfully flicked an eyeline, or have uneven lashes that make it impossible to draw smoothly along the edge of your eyelids. In either case, this calligraphy-inspired tool will make perfect sense. Use it to stamp or drag powder, liquid or gel colours along the lashes, or put them just inside the waterline.
A serious and much-respected eye cream that actually does something, especially when used consistently. Fine lines recede, skin has more firmness, and it doesn’t create puffiness overnight in those prone to that. It’s thick though, so is absolutely not a starter eye cream. But when you’re ready to move on from gel consistencies, and skin texture is becoming a real concern, it’s here for you.
Good foundations; we’ve known a few. Recent years, in fact, have spoiled us for choice, to the point we’re no longer reaching for a skin tint, tinted serum or tinted moisturiser as a default option: modern foundations now have all the glow and the comfort we associate with those lighter bases and they can sit just invisibly on the skin. But when it comes to longevity, and to a finish that looks just a little bit more ‘done’, foundation has the edge.
If there’s one foundation that currently epitomises all of the above, it’s Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF30. This neat fusion of makeup and skincare, (prebiotics, Kefir and niacinamide strengthen the skin barrier, prevent moisture loss and regulate texture and tone) launched in October last year, and immediately earned itself (yes) a viral following but also the approval of top makeup artists… and not just those artists who specialise in standout runway skin, but the ones who create beautiful, real-life finishes we want on our faces every day.
‘This particular foundation is the holy grail for those that don’t like the look or feel of foundation,’ observes Sam Chapman, who regularly uses Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation in her YouTube and Instagram tutorials (which, by the way, are the contemporary catalogue of covetable – and usually quite achievable – makeup looks). ‘It’s seamless on the skin but somehow still feels rich and luxurious. Quite simply the best foundation launch in years’, she says.
Friend of Red Caroline Barnes, who creates elegant, lovely looks for women such as Jessie Buckley, Laura Jackson and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, is another high-profile devotee. ‘I think Shiseido makes extraordinary foundations for all different skin types, by the way, but that aside, this is a perfect hybrid of lightweight feel and glossy finish, with some really wonderful skincare ingredients,’ she says. ‘It feels so comfortable, but it covers exactly what you need it to, while creating this gorgeous freshness. I love it.’
For Sarah Reygate, who includes the ethereal Florence Welch and Laura Bailey in her clientele, Revitalessence Skin Glow is ‘a beautiful, effortless and gleaming foundation that doubles as skincare. There’s enough coverage, but skin looks natural and healthy.’
But now, how about an equally gleaming base for your base? Revitalessence Skin Glow has just been joined by Revitalessence Skin Glow Primer SPF 25. Also with skincare levels of prebiotics, Kefir and niacinamide for long-term conditioning, this has a slightly reflective finish that gives bare skin a boost on makeup-free days, and amplifies the longevity of anything worn on top. We love it already at Red, for helping makeup to glide on more smoothly, and giving it a grownup, perfected look. Here’s everything you need to know about this new makeup essential, and the other best Shiseido buys we think you should know about…
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