SHISEIDO

I had high hopes for this product since I used the Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Oil-Free Foundation for a long time (sad that it's discontinued). My first mistake was assuming the new Self-Refreshing Foundation would be equal or better than the Synchro Skin Lasting. Big mistake on my part as they're like two completely different products. First, the texture of this is way thicker. It's pigmented, but the application doesn't lay smooth no matter what I used (primer, no-primer, brush, sponge, or fingers). I prefer the thinner consistency of the other Synchro Skin and even though it was thin, it covered really well and made your face glow. Not this one. The finish is flat-looking and as it wears throughout the day, it starts to get patchy in certain areas and looks like I slept in my makeup. Not a good look. I guess I would have assumed if you discontinue a great product, you would replace it with something equal to or better than the previous. This doesn't fall into that category. I do have some good things to say, however. The bottle and pump are great, the color match is good, and it doesn't have an offensive smell. That's about it.

This is my second repurchase of this item. I got it for discounted at a Marshall’s but I love the creamy thickness over a gel. I like that it’s thick and feels hydrating. It gives my under eye also a bit of a glow. The smell is not for everyone. It’s a bit powdery smelling. The jar while small goes a long way and lasts a long time. The only downside is putting your hands back in the jar. Mine didn’t come with a spatula unless I missed it.

Shiseido's Hanatsubaki Hake Polishing Face Brush has got to be the best foundation brush I have ever used. Depending on the type of coverage of a foundation, I normally use my fingers or my Super Sponge as I have not found a brush that I have loved as I find that brushes leave my foundation looking streaky, cakey and hard to blend the contours of my face, especially the corners of my nose. I had read about the Hanatasubaki Hake Polishing Face Brush and loved the design of the brush. I tested it out a month ago at my local Macy's and was impressed how well it worked with different levels of coverage from sheer to full coverage foundations. I found the brush soft, was impressed how well it buffed the foundation onto my skin as well as impressed at how well it especially worked with medium to full coverage foundations. The brush is $49, however, it is a well made brush that I believe will last a very long time ... the brush has a good grip and it is so easy to clean. I have only used this for applying foundation, however, it supposedly also works well applying powder (I will have to remember to use it to see if it works well with powders as I keep forgetting to test it out for that purpose.)