Shu Uemura • Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation • Liquid

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jbdr on 5/15/2013 12:54:00 PM more reviews by jbdr

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I loooove this foundation:-) makes my skin flawless and dewy. I like to set it with powder because it is soo dewy (to the point of being a bit oily) on my skin. People actually tell me how nice and healthy my skin looks when im wearing this. Looks nice on photos too. Its so expensive tho :-\

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Nomnynom on 1/11/2013 5:41:00 PM more reviews by Nomnynom

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Brown    

This is absolutely amazing. I have pretty troubled combination skin. I get very oily at the T-zone but my chin and jawline gets incredibly dry and flaky. This foundation really goes over everything nicely and smoothly. It's just good, it's easy to work with, dries in just the right amount of time and the coverage is very good.
The only downside is the price, ~60$ with tax in Canada. But I think it is well worth it.

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huntingjanuary on 9/16/2012 6:18:00 PM more reviews by huntingjanuary

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Black    

I have re-bought this foundation so many times that I don't even have the heart to try others out there. This was the first foundation I tried as a 17 year old starting on proper make up and it still is the foundation of choice as a 20 something. It blends very well with my skin tone and does not give the cake effect some foundations tend to do. I've yet to find a foundation that does the job as well as this one.

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jessitanner on 8/19/2012 5:31:00 PM more reviews by jessitanner

Age: Unknown   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Other    

My new HG foundation. I have had trouble finding a foundation that would match my NC/NW 20 skin. I loved Dior's Forever foundation, but the lightest color looked very orange on me. Resigned, I would time and time again revert to MUFE's HD foundation (#115), but was never quite in love with it. Shu's face architect combines the texture/feel/medium to full coverage that I loved in the aforementioned Dior with a color that suited my (I'm 365 in Face Architect).

Previous foundations I've tried include Estee Lauder double wear, MUFE HD 115, MAC, Dior Forever, Dior Nude, Dior Airflash. And out of all of those Shu Uemura is my favorite.

In terms of packaging, Face Architect is smaller than MUFE HD, but both contain 30ml of product.

Tip
- Buy this from the website rather than in Holt Renfrew or other department stores. I went to HR to find a color match and bought it there. But it's cheaper from Shu's website and you get free shipping on orders over $50.


EDIT :
I think I jumped the gun in my intial review, reviewing it after only a couple of days of use. After more use, I find this product to be very similar to Dior's Forever foundation (including the yellow underbase that tends to look somewhat orange on my pale face unless blended extremely well). One thing that I did not like about this foundation is that it seems to dry out my skin and makes it feel tight. That is the same thing that I did not like about EL's Double Wear. For those reasons, I will not be repurchasing this foundation and I have reduced the overall rating to 3/5 stars.

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sumyi on 7/4/2012 9:26:00 AM more reviews by sumyi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is just an average product.

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silverslytherin on 6/17/2012 8:15:00 AM more reviews by silverslytherin

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

This foundation is a perfect match to my skin tone (I use 774 light beige). It gives me a perfect, glossy finish that lasts about 4 - 5 hours. I do notice that the staying power isn't that strong, but it may be because I have been sweating under the sun. So far the foundation has not broken me out. And I am very satisfied with its texture and finish.

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floz on 6/3/2012 8:00:00 PM more reviews by floz

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair, Warm   Hair: Black, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Although I love the packaging, colour range and ease of application, I was very disappointed with the lasting power of this foundation.

My red patches and blemishes start showing through within a couple of hours, and the foundation separates on my skin. I can't attribute this to a poor primer or setting powder, as they are fine with other foundations.

I have found this to be very similar to NARS Sheer Glow - the coverage is medium and buildable with a glowing semi-matte finish which looks fantastic at first, but sadly this does not last.

This foundation is pigmented enough to achieve sufficiently even coverage with only a thin and natural-looking layer, however there are plenty of other foundations which offer the same thing and last longer than a couple of hours. I would suggest Clarins Everlasting or Armani Luminous Silk over this, as the finish is similar but without separating and fading so quickly.

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Cheryn on 5/20/2012 1:41:00 AM more reviews by Cheryn

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brown, Relaxed, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This foundation surprised me because mainly, I never thought it will be this good after using their mousse which wasn't water resistant at all. What's more I tried a little pot of sample and I fell in love with it. I still love Lunasol but this is so good too! I'm using 564 and my skin colour is in between mac's 10 and 20. Applying this with their sponge is fabulous! Strongly recommend their sponge. For SG, the prices have also been revised from SGD 75 to 65 permanently :) stays on for more than half a day!

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koya on 4/3/2012 1:06:00 PM more reviews by koya

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I LOVE this foundation!
I have a very pale skin (Scandinavian type) and matching a foundation has always been a real nightmare! everything was simply too dark on my skin... I tried Dior - their brightest shade is too dark for me plus the 'Diorskin Forever' dries my skin! I tried new Lancome make up- too heavy on my skin and sits in my pores making them even more visible! I tried Estee Lauder - too heavy and too dark...

My friend told me that she recommends Shu Uemura.. i went to test it. I loved the finish this make up gave me, and although I was matched wrong (774 shade, which left me yellow looking) I went back and asked the sales assistant to match me again, a shade brighter this time. I got 974 (Light Honey) and IT MATCHES ME beautifully! It creates a very blendable layer of coverage, which you can't see! It blends beautifully with my skin and doesn't sit in pores... My skin feels lovely and smooth, without dry cheeks and greasy T zone. It stays on my face all day long without re-touching. It's light to medium coverage so if you're looking for medium to full coverage, try 'smooth fit fluid foundation'.

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P2989 on 2/5/2012 4:52:00 PM more reviews by P2989

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this product after doing so much research online! I had heard of Shu uemura but you could only purchase it from London! I found it in Manchester Trafford centre at Selfridges!

I have very dry skin and it changes from time to time. I moisturize and hydrate my skin A LOT, before applying any makeup and the same once its wiped off! I use Bobbi Browns Hydrating cream and Intense Hydrating Night cream and they both work wonders! (for the first time in 3 years!!!!) along with E45!!!

In terms of make-up, I've tried MAC, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Dior and to be brutally honest ...they're rubbish! It looks good when the counter assistant piles it on, but when u get home its a different story! Shu Uemura foundation, the UV mousse base and their little purple pump for concealing your dark circles is definitely the best I have ever tried! I prefer a flawless, natural yet full coverage and dewy look. This is the one! Personally I don't even think you need their loose powder. I still use my old powder - MAC mineralising powder and it does the same job! However, I don't think she gave me the right colour for the concealer pot (light-medium) BUT i warm it on the back of my hand and then mix with a little foundation and hey PRESTO, its my colour!

U don't have to use any make-up removers or oils or whatever they encourage you to buy.... its a waste...simply use a dampened (warm water) cotton pad and you can wipe it all off. Then wash ur face.

Final point - It all depends on your skin condition underneath. If it isn't good then your make-up won't look good and won't look like it gives full coverage at all, even when it is. After 3 years of looking after my skin, going to the steam room/sauna, sweating at the gym, my skin is FLAWLESS without makeup. However, due to my medical condition I always need something to cover up the red areas under my eyes and this does the job perfectly!

Good, but have to say...it is PRICEY!

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ccyjojo on 1/30/2012 2:54:00 AM more reviews by ccyjojo

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Dry, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I personally using Make Up For Ever(HD) foundation for over 2 years. However, my girl friend recommend me to try Shu Smoothing Foundation. First time when the sales girl put on the foundation on my skin, i can feel tight and firming on my skin... this product amazing. I been using so many difference brand before this is my first time to feel that skin care effect inside of Shu Uemura Foundation. I am totally fall in love with this. Now i am using there new Smoothing fit foundation 554... love it.

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sugahunni on 1/28/2012 4:57:00 AM more reviews by sugahunni

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Love this foundation! I picked it up in Japan on a recent trip as I was my MAC Pro Longwear (NC20) was not doing well with the colder temperature there.
It goes on smoothly, has no smell, and is buildable. I use the Shu Uemura makeup sponges to dab this on, and the finish is beautiful. I feel like its also very hydrating on my dehydrated skin.
My only problem with the foundation is that it requires a touchup after lunch (even with primer underneath) and it doesn't do so well in the heat either.
I was matched to 764, though I feel I could go a shade darker for a better match.

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cherie89 on 1/20/2012 11:31:00 AM more reviews by cherie89

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Grey    

This is "angel" foundation,not only this makes my skin oh-so-smooth when i wear it,it also makes my skin oh-so-smooth after i clean my makeup,and improve my skin condition.I'm extremely happy,I call this as skin care too,not only makeup.i started to use this 3 months ago,when i started,my skin was not in a good condition,around 2 pimples every week,and small bumps here n there.Due to several foundation i tried before(bobbi brown,MAC,n lot more).The first week i used this fdt,my skin improved a lot,small bumps started to go away,and no more new pimple.I thought it was just my hormone was gtting normal,but its not.Something in this foundation mosturized my skin.and make it oh-so-smooth.After 3 months usage.finally i have clear skin.The key is only the way i clean this fdt,i read some of the reviewers break out from this.i think its because of the cleanser.this is still makeup,i need to cleanse really~~ well.i don't use oil cleanser/makeup remover.but i prefer milk cleanser,followed with face soap,and my cleanser including toner in 1 bottle from my doctor.and I'm good to go to bed.And find out that this doesn't break me out,in other hand,this improves my skin condition.The others already made so many reviews about how this product make their face flawless.i'll tell my experience.At first time,i used this 1 pump,and i found out that it was too much,it makes me look cakey,and not good.Then i tried another way,i used half pump.spread all over face with finger,and smooth out with sponge.if i need to conceal,i use concealer underneath.And set with shu uemura colorless loose powder.and I'm really to go,i don't need to blot with powder,i just need to bring my hakugen sweat and oil clear film.and use it everytime i feel oily,like every 3-4 hours.(I have combination skin)like other reviewers said,this fdt makes skin look flawless and poreless(i use shu uemura mousse UV base as a primer everyday).This and shu UV base together is quite expensive for me.But its worth it.since it improves my skin condition and make me look flawless.i think this works better as sheer to medium coverage.it can be built up,but it doesn't need too,i can use concealer at some part which i want to hide.and this way works like a charm.The problem is only finding the colour which is perfect.its quite tricky.since I'm eurasian,my skin has yellow undertone,but also pinkish.its pretty difficult to find the right colour.but this fdt in 774 match me well(yellow undertone)if i match it with pink shu uemura mousse uv base(i get pink colour from this) i am warm porcelain in bobbi brown,and NW20 in MAC concealer.Mix between NC20 and NW15 in studio fix fluid.so finding the right colour for u,might be a little tricky.and this fdt does oxidize a bit after hours later.so find 1 lighter shade. The others already tell so many things about this fdt.i don't need to describe all,i just want to share good news for "angel" product.which works like magic for me.hope it works like magic for u too :)

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dawnsiow on 1/9/2012 1:32:00 PM more reviews by dawnsiow

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I got this after my HG foundation (Chanel's Teint Innocence liquid foundation) got discontinued, and I'm really happy with it so far. I use it with Shu Uemura's UV base (pink); it provides good coverage without caking and gives my skin a really natural-looking finish. It is also not too sticky so it can be used without a powder finish. The pump is a welcome change from the horrid Chanel bottle which got so messy every time I tipped my foundation out. Also, its compact size makes it ideal since I travel often.

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daisybu on 1/2/2012 5:04:00 PM more reviews by daisybu

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

When I saw a Shu Uemura counter I couldn't help but had to buy something! I decided to buy the Face Architect Fluid foundation (this was quite a while ago, i don't even see anyone mention the shade 385 so I am guessing its discontinued? I dont even see if on the shu website!)

The SA swatched it on me and I thought it was ok, not amazing or great, just ok. I didn't see at the time it was way too light for me (I noticed this when I got home) I purchased it anyway and when the SA told me the total my jaw dropped. I didn't expect this foundation (which isn't even a full fluid oz) to cost so much! At the moment, by far the most expensive foundation I have bought. I live in UK and for some reason I think I paid £36 for it, but online now it is only £34.

I have recently started to put this on again (for some reason, I am playing around with the foundations I currently own) and I actually quite like it, I must have gotten lighter as the shade seems to suit me well (maybe cause its winter). This foundation stays on your face (e.g if you take off a jumper and accidently rub your face, it doesnt smudge on your jumper... it stays on your face).

I wouldn't purchase this again though... mainly cause of the price and probably cause there are highstreet./drugstore foundations out there that can do pretty much the same.

I like the packaging though...

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renaphuah on 12/27/2011 10:09:00 PM more reviews by renaphuah

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is my 2nd bottle. My skin changes from time to time, oily but with dehydrated areas especially around my mouth. This foundation is good for someone with similar skin type, buildable coverage and most importantly, the colour stays the same. I am using 774 which is one of the best colour matched to my skintone ever (other foundations that I have used were usually around 80-90percent match, never any exact match), I am a NC 25 for MAC. Will definitely re-purchase, however I may give Chanel Vitalumiere a go first.

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*TOP REVIEWER* TakenByHim on 12/11/2011 12:42:00 AM more reviews by TakenByHim

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Dry, Tan   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

So this is the only foundation that I have used more than 5x and that is a big deal for me. In fact, I am almost done with the bottle. Usually, I hop from foundation to foundation or don't wear any because I am never satisfied with any. I love the finish of this foundation..it is satinlike and gives my dry and dull skin a healthy glow. The coverage is light to medium. If you want a lot of coverage, I don't think it'll do the job but for someone like me who just wants to even out their skin, it works. It blends so easily too but I would not rebuy this because 1. The lasting power is disappointing. I have very dry skin but I live in an area where it is super humid most of the year so it is important that a foundation has lasting power. This fades pretty quickly even if I use a good primer, setting powder, etc. My second problem is the slightly orange tone to it. I did a lot of research prior to purchasing this though the net and apparently, 734 is supposed to be a good match for my NC40-42 skin but it has a slightly noticeable orange tint. I am more golden-yellow..and the orange tint can be noticeable.

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watada on 12/8/2011 9:25:00 PM more reviews by watada

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I wanted to try this product after seeing all the glowing reviews here, but bc in the States you can't go in anywhere and find your color, I gave up. Then, when in London I went into Harrod's and they had a counter there. So I got a good matching color and tried it when I got home.
I also have MUFE's HD foundation, and one day I did a side by side comparision- MUFE on one side, Shu on the other.
I have to say, I didn't notice much difference. The color in both matched me well, and seemed the same in terms of coverage. It certainly didn't make me look flawless, you can still see my rather large pores, and didn't cover discolorations/acne scars completely (maybe if I had layered more, but I hate looking like I have a mask on). Still, both covered redness around nose well and helped even out my complexion a little, and didn't look like I had a lot of make up on.
Which one do I like better? Honestly, they both seem the same to me personally. Maybe I don't look at myself much during the day, so I can't tell about staying power, but they both seem like good products, and are about the same price.
I'll probably buy the MUFE one again when I'm out of both, simply bc you can pick it up at any Sephora or on their website with free shipping. If I can get free shipping from Shu's website, and no tax, I'd do that.

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vit_c on 11/2/2011 8:37:00 AM more reviews by vit_c

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Pump is a plus for foundations - or skincare for the matter - as its more hygenic.

I used to use this in the cream tub version in 774 Light beige - it was so White for me (i am nc20-25) & anyway i got this liquid foundation one in the pump as the mousse one didnt work out for me & oxidized badly.

so i though it should be safe to just get the fairest colour like before & look like a ghost during the morning & a human in the afternoon - no.

I dont understand WHY i went to SHU because i wanted a proper Makeup artist to HELP me with a correct shade & i still ended up looking YELLOW in this 774 & i didnt understand why - even if i have become tanner (maybe i became fairer from not using SPF for 9 mths in my pregancy - i was breaking out like crazy & stayed away from spf even) this same sade from the cream version should not make me look so YELLOW in the liquid version.

anyway no thanks for making me look yellow - its not flattering at all - i am better off with a drug store foundation - just pick any ivory colour & i am right.

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RussetBrunette on 10/18/2011 10:43:00 PM more reviews by RussetBrunette

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

FINALLY! My HG foundation! I have been on a search for my HG for so long now. Have tried everything from revlon, mac, lancome, chanel.. and the list goes on. My skin is combination, my t-zone gets pretty oily by the middle of the day. Most oil controlling foundation leave the rest of my face either cakey or dry,no matter how much I moisturize and exfoliate. I found Shu Uemura on a whim. I saw it around but never thought twice about it. I went there looking for a lipstick and decided to check out their foundation. At that time I was trying out Mac Matchmaster foundation, which still looked a little dark on me and would fade after a few hours, but i did love the finish it gave my skin. The minute the SA put Face Architeect I was in LOVE. My face looked FLAWLESS, and it lasted all day. it looked so natural I could not believe my eyes. Now I am hooked on Shu Uemura products... I cannot believe I waited this long to try them out!

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