Beauty review: Shiseido’s newest foundation, RevitalEssence Skin Glow

“The art of foundation. The science of skincare. Same Active Level of Skincare Ingredients as a SHISEIDO serum.”

This is the introduction to Shiseido’s newest foundation release, RevitalEssence Skin Glow, which is a big call! And made me immediately want to try it on for size after receiving a selection of beautiful samples to play with. Did I love it at first play? Read on and find out…
I was already a huge fan of the brand’s Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation before trying this new formula, the former offering medium-to-full coverage in a buildable formula that features amazing light-adjusting technology that addresses the three major obstacles that impede radiance: fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and loss of hydration. I fell for its instantly flattering attributes, plus the fact that it stayed true for a full twelve hours. It’s a definite go-to for me when it comes to creating a flawless base for evening, keeping me looking fresh no matter how late the hour.
RevitalEssence Skin Glow is also a buildable, medium coverage formula, but it’s different beast in that it is a member of the new category known as “skincaring” foundations – skincare/makeup hybrids that work on skin health as well as providing colour. Shiseido’s new skincare-active foundation definitely delivers, with luminous results that last long after makeup comes off and studies showing that in just one week, bare skin is smoother and brighter, with visibly reduced fine lines. Again, a pretty big call, but if you’re as passionate about great skincare as I am then having a two-in-one is a no brainer!
I love the feel of the serum-like foundation, which weightlessly glides on and starts working to even skin, blur pores, and hydrate for an amazing 24 hours. Available in 30 shades, it’s also transfer and fade resistant, and has clever ingredients in the mix like Fermented Kefir and Niacinamide, two prebiotics that fuel the skin’s own ability to maintain a healthy microbiome.

Shiseido describes the formula as having “makeup micro-capsules suspended in a skincare essence”, and that is definitely what it feels like. You need to give it a good shake to mix it all up pre-application, with the Skin-caring Essence infused with skincare actives the first to be delivered to the skin before the makeup micro-capsules burst, releasing the makeup ingredients to create an even, healthy glowing finish. It feels crazy light compared to so many of my other foundations but really does create a glow – and the only touch ups I’ve needed are a little powder on my t-zone on more humid days.
I apply this beauty lightly with fingers for a weekend glow and to even out any discolouration in my skin, and then with a brush to build coverage for work lunches and evenings out. It’s been a great foundation for my more mature skin that’s a little on the dry side, but is apparently a great fit for oilier types too.
Shiseido’s RevitalEssence Skin Glow Foundation definitely comes highly recommended, and is available now.