Last week on Instagram, I told you I was prepping something huge for this week. Well, here it is – Cushion Foundation Week 3! Honestly, I can’t believe I’m doing this again LOL! I undertook Cushion Foundation Week 1 and I did the K-Beauty edition in Cushion Foundation Week 2 back in 2016 and honestly, I thought I was done.
However, since then, a few new cushion foundations have found their way onto my desk. So, I decided it was best to just deal with them all together. So you get Cushion Foundation Week 3! Brace yourselves for a whole WEEK of blog posts, and all about cushion foundations! Yay! Or maybe Nay! LOL! To catch up, find all the cushion foundation reviews here and look out for the round up at the end of the week!
Today is Day 1 of Cushion Foundation Week 3. This week, the cushions are a mixed bag, featuring a Japanese brand, a couple of Western brands, and featuring some Korean brands too. The categories will be kept as per previous posts, so you can refer back to them all and it’ll look fairly familiar. The difference will be in the products featured. Also, I will do a round up at the end of the week, just to give closure to this week.
Alright then, here we go!
Cushion Foundation Week 3 kicks off with the Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Cushion Compact. This was launched back in 2016 I believe, but I received it only fairly recently. Do correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t see many Japanese brands on the cushion foundation bandwagon. (I discount Shu Uemura as a Japanese brand because their direction isn’t very Japanese – but that’s just my impression. That said, I did try their first “cushion“)
Well, blow me down. I’m IN LOVE with this Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Cushion Compact! Seriously, I am! Well, you would too, if what you’re looking for is coverage, because boy! Do you get some serious coverage with this one! 😀
Cushion Foundation: Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Cushion Compact SPF23
This Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Cushion Compact comes in a rather slim, sleek case. I like the black packaging. It is sleek and it looks amazing when you pull it out for touch-ups (not that you’d need it – see below).
Now, I will say here that I have not tried the Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow liquid foundation, so I am unable to compare the textures, or to say if they are similar. However, I am a big fan of the regular Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation, and this feels just like Shiseido took their liquid foundation and put it in a handy compact packaging.
The first mistake anyone will make (which I did), was to press the sponge onto the surface of the sponge cushion. Because the texture of the product is more akin to that of a foundation, you will end up picking up too much product. The trick therefore, is to PAT LIGHTLY on the surface. I found that one pat was quite sufficient to distribute product all over my face (and I have a big face!). The coverage is quite high, which reminds me of the liquid foundation, but I prefer a sheerer finish, so I tailor accordingly.
I wear the shade Neutral 1, and at a first glance, it looked a bit light for my skin. However, and this is true also of the liquid foundation, after a while, it settles and looks perfect. The coverage is so high, I don’t even need concealer unless I want a very flawless appearance. For day to day, going without concealer is fine by me.
What I really LOVE about this cushion compact is really how lightweight it feels on my skin and how natural it looks. It feels like nothing. I didn’t even set with powder. I literally patted it on, did the rest of my face, and walked out the door. It stayed put for hours on end (I was out the whole day, and went for a massage so give or take 6 hours?) and I swear, it just looks better. It even looked good after my massage. It wasn’t smudged, and my skin looked very natural. It was crazy and I loved it! 😀 This will now be my to-go travel base product, because it just stays put so well without oiling up. Granted, I also love my Sulwhasoo cushions, so really, it’s all a tie here. But Shiseido has done well for their first cushion compact foundation, and I think the texture and formula is a winner. Well done, Shiseido! 😀
Sunscreen protection : SPF23
Now, this is low by my standards, but you should not be using a cushion foundation in place of sunscreen anyway. So, this goes on top of my sunscreen which is the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector.
While most cushion foundations need a touch up during the day, as they well wear off, this Shiseido one doesn’t. It just literally stays put till you remove it when you get home. So, if you’re thinking of using a cushion foundation for touch ups, you might want to consider another brand, because this one just has too high coverage for that purpose.
The Packaging & Refills
Unfortunately, the Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Cushion Compact falls prey to the Japanese makeup packaging problem – contents and case are sold separately. What this means is that you can technically buy just the refill without the case, if you like. But who really does that eh?
The refill comes sealed and with a new sponge and is your fairly typical cushion compact case. At back, there is helpfully, a sign showing you where to push to remove the refill from the case. It pops out very easily, when you follow the instructions.
The Cushion
The cushion for the Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Cushion Compact is fairly traditional, being the flat porous sponge found in the Korean brands. The cushion is dense and firm, and seems to hold the product very well. The cushion is well saturated with product, so you don’t have to press very hard on it to transfer the foundation onto your sponge. In fact, as I’ve shared above, don’t press when it’s new. Just pat the surface, because you will pick up sufficient product that way.
The Sponge Puff
The sponge puff is very similar to that found in the high end Korean brand cushion foundations. The Koreans know their sponge applicators and the Japanese know enough to not mess with a good thing. For best effect, use the sponge puff applicator.
The best way to use the sponge applicator is to press and roll, not pat on your skin. So, pick up product, press on skin, and roll it off. Repeat to spread the foundation all over, and to blend. It is very quick. But because the coverage of this foundation is quite heavy, you might have to find yourself blending it a little more. But it’s quick and the product does not dry too quickly on the skin.
The sponge is soft with a surface density that has a nice bounce on the skin, and spreads product well and evenly. This is important, due to the coverage.
TO USE: Slip your fingers through the loop (it only accommodates 3 fingers for me so I find it a little small), dab the sponge on the surface of the cushion and then dab it on your skin, in a press and roll motion. Press on skin, and roll it off. It helps the foundation adhere better to your skin.
Texture, Coverage & Finish
I previously shared that the Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion had good coverage. Well, Shiseido just blows them out of the water! I thought Sulwhasoo was lightweight. Again, Shiseido blows past them in this category. Next to Shiseido, the Sulwhasoo (previous version) actually feels heavy, because I can feel it on my skin. This Shiseido cushion feels like nothing. I LOVE IT!
Let me show you the before-after pictures. I’m wearing the shade Neutral N1, which is their lightest shade, and that is the shade I take in all Shiseido foundations.
On right, is one THIN layer of the Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Cushion Compact. It looks really amazing doesn’t it? Any redness and unevenness of skin tone is covered, and even my pigmentation is barely visible. Yet, it looks just like my regular skin. Just more even.
I’ll show you another side-by-side of just the Shiseido cushion compact base, and with the rest of my makeup on.
Picture on your left is the same as the one above. Picture on your right is after I’ve done the rest of my face. I left the skin pretty much untouched – no extra concealer or powder. So there’s just brows, blush, eyeshadow (which you can’t see) and lipstick in my signature colour. Impressive what a little bit of colour can do 🙂
Shade selection
Shade selection is quite decent, but not ideal for those with a deeper skin tone. There are 5 shades and starts from Neutral 1, 2, 3 and goes up to Golden G2 and G3. I’d warrant that it may suit up to a middle deep skin tone, but no further.
Scent
I cannot discern a scent so that’s a good thing I guess? I think you’re all sick of me complaining about scent in everything. I can’t help it. My nose is sensitive! 😛
Do I like this?
No, I LOVE IT. Did I say it already? Once again for the people at the back LOL! I LOVE THIS! Well, for days when I want to apply foundation quickly, without fuss and muss, and when I need to put a good face forward. Also, when I know I need it to look good and continue looking good as the day wears on. This ticks all the boxes. I still enjoy using the Sulwhasoo and Hera ones, but it’s just different. This is like Sulwhasoo… on steroids LOL! 😀
IN A NUTSHELL
The Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Cushion Compact feels like a foundation in a cushion format. The texture is very lightweight, and the shade seems to almost shift to blend with your skin. It also wears very well as the day wears on, seeming to look almost better than when you first start out. The coverage is stunning if that’s what you look for in a foundation. I prefer something lighter, so I wear it more sheer. But it is easy to have a perfect canvas with this cushion. Amazing stuff!
PROS: Lightweight texture feels featherlight on skin, Evens out skintone very naturally, High coverage that can be sheered out, Easy to use, Has a semi-matte finish on skin with a slight glow, Not drying nor oily, Portable packaging
CONS: Refill and case are sold separately, Some people may not like the sponge for application or hygiene purposes, I don’t mind, Refills are sold singularly, Easy to overdo coverage, Limited shade selection
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants a high coverage cushion foundation, Anyone who wants a high coverage cushion foundation that gives a beautiful smooth and flawless finish on skin
PRICE: RM200 | Approx US$67 for the set of refill and case. The refill alone is RM160. Internationally, prices will vary depending on where you buy from as it is available on many different websites
WHERE TO BUY: Shiseido counters and various other websites selling Asian cosmetics or Amazon
I’m afraid I’m unable to find the ingredient list for this one. If I find it one day I’ll update.
Have you tried this Shiseido Cushion Compact foundation?
I have to say I was quite blown away by this one. But I think it’s definitely one for those who prefer something with actual coverage. For those who previously told me to try April Skin for coverage, I didn’t like it one bit. This one is everything I hoped April Skin would be and surpasses it by a mile! This just reaffirms that the Japanese are truly King of foundations in my book 😀
Paris B
More cushion foundations can be found in this category.
And I just purchased the Sulwhasoo cushion! LOL!
I love the Synchro Skin Lasting Foundation so this cushion sounds like it’s something I’d like too.
I’ll try this next time 🙂
Was it the new Sulwhasoo cushion Lily? I’ll be covering that one later too 😉 And definitely try this one the next time you are in the market for a cushion. If you loved the liquid version, you’d love this one!
Not the new one. Just their perfecting cushion. Zalora is their authorized seller, and there’s some promo going on. So, I snagged one at only RM150 (with discount code). No Sulwhasoo here in Ipoh so have to depend on online shopping. LOL!
Oh that is quite a steal! Good buy 😀 Sulwhasoo reformulated their cushions early this year hence my question 🙂 And although Sulwhasoo is available in the Klang Valley, their store is in Godforsaken Sunway. It could be on Mars as far as I’m concerned! LOL! But they’re opening in Mid Valley soon, so that’s something to look forward to.
I had not been keen on cushion foundations until recently because I think liquid ones are more hygienic since you don’t pat on with the same sponge daily. Also, I have this perception that content-wise, one gets more value for money for liquid foundations. However, I received a little sample from Laneige about a month ago which changed my mind -somewhat. It’s incredibly travel-friendly! Interest piqued!
I loved the sample I tried of the Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation, so in all likelihood this cushion would appeal to me as well. I hope to get to test it out soon.
I actually don’t mind the refill being sold separately as that helps with the environment since we can make do with less packaging. At least, that’s what I think but then again, the refill itself might come with extravagant packaging. Ah! I love Japanese packaging but that’s always tainted with some guilt at not being environmentally friendly. I’m not ultra-greenie though. I’m only a greenie when it doesn’t inconvenience me too much lol!
OK going to confess to being a “bad” blogger in that I’m not that OCD about the hygiene of my sponges LOL! So, that never really struck me. But cushion foundations are definitely purely for convenience. For travel, they are the best thing to have – no broken bottles, no exploding pumps, and it’s so portable! But when I have my foundations with me, I still opt for liquid 😛 Well, this is Japanese right, so you know how they can be with packaging 😛 I haven’t seen the refill so I don’t know how complicated it is. But for the first purchase, it would make sense to get the case along with it. I only wish they emulated the Koreans, and included another refill in the pack. That would make it amazing value.
Oh an extra refill pack would definitely be a great selling point!
I’m glad that many cushion foundations these days do have a separate compartment for the sponge so that sort of helps with the hygiene thing. Though the thing about me and compact sponges …. I’m a clumsy clod and I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve dropped my sponge and let out both a curse and a brief prayer that it landed face side up! Haha! Does the 5 second rule apply to make up as it does food? 😛
Yes, they all have the cover. It really serves a dual purpose. First, to separate the sponge from the cushion and second, to ensure the cushion doesn’t dry out 🙂 As for the 5 second rule, it applies for me to everything! But you didn’t hear it from me HAHA!~
Oh my. I would love to get this if it has my shade. I will need to test it at the counters one of these days. If I had to choose between this and the new Bobbi Brown liquid foundation which you reviewed recently, which would you recommend? My criteria is something fast which I can use in the mornings because I am always in a rush to leave the house for work and especially due to my sleeping toddler. Lol. But price-wise, it does seem that the Bobbi Brown one is more value for money but application-wise, a cushion foundation applies the fastest with least mess. Conundrums, conundrums. Hahaha.
Well, if you can get a shade in this, for speed and portability, I’d say this one. But if it’s about value for money, definitely the Bobbi Brown one because that will take you much further. This is only 12g in a compact, while the BB one is 30ml, and you only need very little each time so the BB bottle will last you years, if you don’t use it everyday. This may last you a few months because it will eventually dry out too. But for convenience, this cannot be beat!
I haven’t tried any base from Shiseido. I finished my Hera cushion compact & now using the free refill. How does it compare to IT Cosmetics CC cream?
IT Cosmetics CC Cream is much heavier in texture. In a toss up between the two, I’d pick this Shiseido any day. But in terms of value, naturally, you get better value from a tube or bottle of liquid base than from a cushion 🙂
That’s good news then, I’ll try that once I finish my Hera. Perfect for those days that I need coverage & I can skip concealer as well!
Yep! I was impressed that I didn’t need concealer! Yet, it looks and feels natural on skin which I feel is most important.
I used the Sulwhasoo cushion last summer and was thinking of using them again this summer. But I think I might give the Shishedo one a try if it’s as good as you say it is.
Only if you want something with high coverage! If you want something a little more transparent, I’d stick to Sulwhasoo *spoiler* 😉
I love it when you do these themed review weeks haha!
One more thing you can add about cushions. Do the refills fit in the cases from other brands? Like most of the Amore Pacific ones are interchangeable. This would be a helpful nudge for anyone of us who would like to try a different cushion brand.
I’m glad you enjoy this Nicola 😀 It does take a lot of prepping though! 😀 Thank you for your suggestion. I don’t have it as a sub-category per se, but I try to mention if the refills will fit other brand cases. Usually, if I don’t mention it, they don’t. Generally speaking, many of the Korean brands do (I ran them down here) but I’ve noticed that now, more brands are starting to make their refills proprietory to their case, perhaps to deter people from only buying refills. So, in the case of this Shiseido one, it will fit its other Shiseido cushion case, but not another brands. Sulwhasoo, which will be featured later in the week has now changed their design, so it is now proprietory and no longer fit across the board. I guess they wised up! 😀
I’d love to try this but I had bad experience with Shisheido Synchro Glow foundation. I love the texture and it looked nice on me when the beauty consultant applied on me over the counter but in real sunlight, it looked weird, it looked oily instead of glowy, and it oxidized on me like crazy. I love the lightweight texture so I gave it a chance and bought a lighter shade, but that lighter shade made me look like a grey ghost.
I love the idea of cushion foundation, but again, I had terrible experience with Korean brands (Laneige and Cyber Colour (or something, from Sasa)). They are sticky on the face and the shades aaarghhh only wearable during monsoon season I guess.
Will you review Lancome cushion? I use the Teint Idole foundation and love it so far, would like to know how their cushion counterpart fares ?
I’m sorry to hear that the Synchro Glow foundation didn’t work for you Akmal. I did test it on my hand at the counter, and I have to concur that it was a lot more glowy and shiny than I liked. It’s why I chose to not get it, and stick instead to the Synchro Skin Lasting foundation, which I still love. That said however, I do find that the formula for this cushion is similar to that of the Synchro Skin Lasting foundation. It wasn’t much more shiny or glowy than that one, and it dried down semi matte. To be fair, I never had a lot of luck with Korean brands of cushion foundations either. I found great success with Sulwhasoo however, and if you are still searching for an option, I will suggest that, because they have a better shade selection, and for me, isn’t heavy or sticky at all. Laneige Pore Control cushion isn’t sticky or tacky either for me 🙂 As for Lancome, I’m afraid I won’t be reviewing it as I don’t have it. I am not much of a fan of cushion foundations, and it was only by the good grace of the brands featured that I came by these. Barring one or two brands, I’d not voluntarily buy this version of foundation, prefering to stick with liquid foundation instead 🙂
Hands down my favourite bb cushion so far, totally beating the Korean ones! I have used it in both humid Malaysia and winter time overseas and it works amazingly well and looks natural all the time. And the coverage is very good with very little product, quite surprising for a bb cushion. Have to agree that Shiseido really knows their foundation stuff 🙂
Glad you agree! It is certainly very impressive and I love how it goes such a long way in terms of coverage. It’s just like their liquid foundation, except in cushion format!
I must get this!!!
My brother is coming back from a work trip in Hong Kong on Sunday, so fingers crossed they have this at Changi airport… I have also sent him detailed instructions to stock up on the now much loved Shiseido sunscreen 😀
Haha glad to know you’ll be getting your hands on this! A friend in Australia tells me that it’s available there though, in case your brother falls through 🙂
What is the colour range like?
6 Shades, as I’ve shared in the Shade category above. But if your skin tone is very deep, chances are you won’t be able to get a match.
Hi paris,
I used to like Laneige cushion, so I think Sulwahsoo is better , because the came from the same company., but with the higher price. unfortunatelly it turn out I dont like it. It turn ashy on my face. and so hard to find the shade. Then I found shisedo cushion foundation, and I LOOOVEEE it. The colour is perfect( I choose N2), the texture, the packaging, and it leaves my skin kind of glowing. I guess the shiseido wins the battle
Sorry to hear the Sulwhasoo didn’t work for you Lynda. I do agree with you. Sometimes it’s not about a higher priced product being better. For foundation, tone is everything! Glad you found the Shiseido worked well for you 😀