This in-depth review dives into the Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation, examining its claims of weightless coverage and 24-hour wear. We explore the updated packaging and extensive 30-shade range, comparing its performance against other popular foundations. The review covers application techniques using both brush and sponge, highlighting how method impacts the final finish and coverage level. We meticulously track the foundation's wear throughout the day, observing its performance in terms of longevity, oxidation, and its interaction with different skin textures.Our analysis delves into the foundation's suitability for various skin types, focusing on its potential to emphasize texture and the impact of using a primer. We provide detailed observations on shade matching, coverage level (described as high-medium), and the overall finish. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation, offering readers valuable insight into its strengths and weaknesses to inform their purchasing decisions.
Pros And Cons
- Weightless
- Synchronizes with skin
- Self-refreshing
- Up to 24-hour wear
- Flawless finish
- Medium coverage
- Natural finish
- Good coverage
- Can emphasize skin texture
- May look slightly cakey
- May oxidize
- Can look heavy
- May crease
- Looks better with a smoothing primer
Read more: Hydrating Foundation for Dry Skin: Top 5 Picks
First Impressions and Packaging
The Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation caught my eye immediately. The packaging is sleek and modern, a definite upgrade from previous versions. I was curious to see if the relaunch included a formula change, but it looks very promising.
The foundation boasts weightless coverage, promising a natural, flawless finish that lasts up to 24 hours. This is a medium coverage foundation suitable for all skin types, which is pretty versatile.
Shade Matching and Swatches
The foundation comes in 30 shades, a great range to suit various skin tones. I tested shades 110 through 140 for this review, comparing them to some of my other go-to foundations (L'Oreal and Dermacol).

The swatches clearly show the shade range, allowing viewers to get a good idea of which shade might suit them best. This is essential for any foundation review!
Application and Coverage
I applied the foundation in shade 120 Ivory using both a brush and a sponge, to demonstrate the differences in application and finish. The brush provided better coverage initially and a more natural finish.
Using a sponge resulted in lighter, more sheer coverage and a slightly textured look, particularly around the nose. This demonstrates that the application method affects the final result significantly.
Full Face Application and Initial Impressions
After completing my full face makeup using the Shiseido foundation, I felt that the shade 120 Ivory matched my skin tone well, but the coverage was a high medium, still showing some texture.
For a flawless finish, a smoothing primer might be beneficial. The foundation does emphasize skin texture, so those with acne or visible pores may need additional prep work.
Wear Test and Final Thoughts
After five hours, the foundation looked slightly heavier and more makeup-y, especially on the forehead. It had begun to oxidize and appear slightly orange.
After 10 hours, the foundation had broken down slightly, but the oiliness blended the makeup, making it less cakey in certain areas. Despite this, the initial texture emphasis was still evident, and overall, it wasn't a perfect match for my skin type.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation offers a high-medium coverage with a natural, satin-matte finish. The shade range is extensive, but the texture emphasis and potential for oxidation might be problematic for those with textured skin.
While it may not be ideal for all skin types, those with smooth complexions could find it suitable. A smoothing primer might improve the result for those who experience texture emphasis. Overall, it's a decent foundation with room for improvement in terms of longevity and texture tolerance.