Shiseido | Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation & Loose Powder: Review

Disclaimer: The products featured were provided for review.

Despite including several of their products on my can't-live-without list (namely their eyebrow liner and eyelash curler), Shiseido is not a brand I've had an opportunity to really explore. So recently when I got to try out the Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation ($120 CAD) and Loose Powder ($90 CAD), I was beyond excited! I used and loved Shiseido's Perfect Refining Foundation for many years until it got discontinued, so I know the brand is capable of making some great complexion products. I've given both products several tries now and am ready to share my review and swatches. To read all about this duo, click......

Shiseido | Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation & Loose Powder" 

Shiseido | Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation ($120 CAD):
Infused with skincare ingredients, the Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation is a brightening, anti-aging foundation designed to enhance the skin's natural radiance. Packaged in a gorgeous glass jar paired with an opalescent double-layered cap, the foundation looks and feels super luxurious. However, the jar format is quite inconvenient and unsanitary. Since my jar is still full right now, I can just lightly dab my brush to get some foundation off the top. However, the thought of eventually dipping into the jar makes me shudder. A small plastic spatula is included for scooping the product but that also needs to be cleaned and stored on a sanitary surface.

Shiseido | Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation in "Neutral 1" 

Now, let's move onto the formulation. Infused with vitamin E, a plethora of Japanese botanica extracts, and the Shiseido-patented 4MSK compound aimed at brightening the skin, the Future Solution LX foundation has a rich but lightweight formulation. Despite listed as only having an SPF of 15, the ingredient list includes titanium oxide and octinoxate as the third and fourth ingredients, after water and dimethicone. The lightly fragranced foundation is creamy but it does have a bit of that slick, sunscreen feel. With a light application, the foundation blends just fine but if too much is applied, the texture does not build well and will streak and slide. There is a surprisingly good amount of coverage and although the foundation is not as pigmented as the likes of Lancome Teint Idole or Dior Forever Perfect (two of my favorite foundations), it comes pretty close.

Shiseido | Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation in "Neutral 1" 

"Neutral 1" is a pale ivory. It's a tad lighter than my natural skin tone (I'm around an NC15 to 20) but there is some oxidation after application so it ends up being a pretty good fit. Shiseido appears to have two sets of shade names depending on the market region (i.e. Canada has shades names like "I00" and "B20" while US has names like "Neutral 1" and "Golden 1"). This is worth noting as you may not find the shade "Neutral 1" depending on your shopping location.
As mentioned, the foundation has a very creamy formulation. It minimizes pores and leaves the skin with a natural matte finish. I did notice, however, that the finish did not look as good around the nose area. I have a lot of enlarged pores and white heads on my nose and instead of smoothing over them, the foundation clung to any unevenness and emphasized the skin textures. This happens with a lot of foundations but since Future Solution LX performed well on the rest of my face, I expected it to also smooth over my problem area. In terms of wear, the formulation kept my skin comfortable and hydrated without feeling greasy or heavy. There was minimal shine but there were noticeable fading and creasing around the nose.

Shiseido | Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation in "Neutral 1" 

Overall, my thoughts on this foundation are mixed. While the packaging is impractical, the formulation is pigmented and nourishing. The finish and wear are a little problematic around my nose area but it wore nicely on the rest of my face. With that said, I find the $120 price tag to be quite steep. One of my all-time favorite foundations is from Shiseido (the Perfect Refining Foundation, which was unfortunately discontinued a couple years ago) and that was only around $45. Therefore, it's hard to justify Future Solution LX's price. With that said, if you are looking for a medium-full coverage foundation with a smoothing, hydrating wear, then definitely check this out in stores and get a sample to test out.

Shiseido | Future Solution LX Total Radiance Loose Powder

Shiseido | Future Solution LX Loose Powder ($80 CAD):
Housed in a flattened plastic sifter jar similar in style to that of the foundation jar, the Future Solution LX Loose Powder is formulated with vitamin E, licorice extract, green tea extract, and sodium hyaluronate. Paired with a very well-made puff applicator, the loose powder is lightly scented and super silky. The powder appears slightly peachy pink in the jar and although Shiseido describes it as transparent, it leaves behind a noticeable pale ivory veil. Over bare skin the effect is not noticeable but when used on top of a foundation, the powder lightens everything. Although the finish is not ashy or unflattering, it definitely makes the powder more suitable for paler skin tones.
Interestingly, even though the powder leaves behind a visible tint, its coverage is rather subtle. I prefer a heavier setting powder that really fills out any textural imperfections so this one felt a little too "light" for me. However, the soft blurring and mattifying finish is great for anyone who prefers a more natural look.

Shiseido | Future Solution LX Total Radiance Loose Powder

Availability:
Shiseido is available in stores and online at Hudson's Bay in Canada. For more retailers, check out the store locator here.