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| Above: In the United States, the SK-II Facial Treatment Cream Foundation comes in a rather limited five shades, which collectively are for those with light to medium skin tones only. This image was taken with artificial indoor lighting. |
As the cold months continue, I am noticing that my light-medium skin is drastically heading towards "light" with each passing day. In turn, some of my favorite foundation shades are not matching as well. I have been wanting to try the SK-II Facial Treatment Cream Foundation for awhile and figured that my lightening skin tone would be the perfect rationale for such a purchase ; )
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| Above: The SK-II Facial Treatment Cream Foundation has 0.7 ounces of product and comes in a luxe frosted glass jar with a heavy metal lid which reminds me of the weighty metal tops of Laura Mercier fragrances. |
Here's the official word on this foundation...
Ensuring that skin stays on its way to crystal clarity throughout the day is SK-II's first-ever foundation with concentrated Pitera. This SK-II cream foundation also contains Marine Sterol, an emollient ingredient derived from a species of seaweed in Brittany, France and Rice Sterol, extracted from Japanese rice bran. Combining the benefits of even coverage and a translucent, radiant finish with the luxurious texture of a skincare cream in a single product, it delivers a radiant, translucent finish while caring for the skin.
How to use: Apply a small amount (about the size of a rice grain) on the back of the hand with the spatula provided. Apply it on the forehead, cheeks and chin. Spread it from the center of your face toward the outside evenly. Spread it around the hairline, eyes, nose and mouth carefully. A makeup sponge may be used during application based on customer preference
Ingredients: Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera), Aqua, Titanium dioxide, Cyclomethicone, Isotridecyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Talc, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Dextrin Palmitate, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Sorbitan Isostearate, Phytosteryl Rice Branate, Tocopheryl acetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Gelidium Cartilagine.
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| Above: SK-II foundation shades in the shade. |
I procured my SK-II foundation from Saks Fifth Avenue...initially, I was vacillating between #420 and #440 while at the counter, so I swatched all five shades (it's wild when every visit to a cosmetics counter inspires a blog post...every swatch becomes more strategic than it should be!) and marched outside for an impromptu photo session. I even added two foundation shades that I had in my makeup bag for comparison. As far as I can ascertain, there are no images on the Internet that show all five SK-II shades side by side, so I hope this is helpful for those who are interested in this luxe and remarkable product!
1. #310 is a very light neutral ivory beige for fair skin.
2. #320 is a light pink-peach beige for fair skin.
3. #330 is a light peachy beige for light skin.
4. #420 is a light beige with pronounced yellow (not orange!) undertones.
5. #440 is a light-to-medium beige with very warm golden undertones (I would completely embrace this in late spring and summer).
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| Above: All five shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Side by side image of #420 and #440...#440 is just hair deeper and peachier/warmer. |
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| Above: Blended swatches in the shade...plus Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick #5 (closest to #420) and Revlon Colorstay Whipped Cream Foundation in Warm Golden (closest to #440). |
Upon settling on #420, I had to work out the best way of applying this foundation. Its texture is creamy and thick, but less dense and emollient than the Revlon Colorstay Whipped Cream Foundation. Also, because it is so pigmented, a little goes a very long way. In turn, it is likely that the .7 ounce jar could easily last a year, even with regular use!
To apply, I dab about eight little dots of the foundation all over my face (over my beloved Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge, of course). Then, I blend it into my skin with my fingers and buff it ever-so-lightly lightly with my Sephora Airbrush for a uniform finish. This is one foundation that seems to work better with fingers (it just melts into the skin...perhaps it is the heat?!), rather than a brush or sponge.
The finish is a beautiful, almost airbrushed satin matte that makes my skin look very even, yet natural. In terms of staying power, it lasts about eight hours without a drastic need for touch ups. It doesn't get cakey, doesn't increase oiliness and doesn't transfer or "move" on my face as the day goes on. I love that my skin feels balanced and comfortable when I wear this, and it feels even better (smoother and softer) when I remove it before bed. Finally, it is delightfully fragrance-free and my ultra-sensitve skin hasn't experienced an ounce of irritation or anything resembling a breakout over the past month that I've used this.
The next four images depict the SK-II Facial Treatment Cream Foundation in various lighting situations...
Bottom Line: I am quite pleased with the SK-II Facial Treatment Cream Foundation thus far...it is extremely pigmented, has lovely medium to medium-full coverage, lasts for the larger part of the day and has a plethora of skin care benefits. The shade #420 is a precise match for my "dead of winter," NC 23-25 skin and the fact that it doesn't oxidize over time is greatly appreciated. At $95, this is not a foundation to buy on a cavalier whim; however, the fact that it is an aesthetically excellent foundation and a premium quality skin care treatment may help to justify its cost. I recommend this for those who on a "foundation quest" (like I am!) and are looking to try something less mainstream from a highly respected line!