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| Above: Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation in #22 Natural Beige. |
When the Kanebo Sensai line left the US this past spring, I was crestfallen at the notion of one of my favorite bases being out of my reach forever. The Cellular Performance Cream Foundation had it all...great medium coverage, a slightly dewy natural skin finish, marvelous lasting power and stellar anti-aging skincare ingredients that made the skin look lush, plumped and perfected. Natural Beige #22 was a spot on match for my NC 25 skin and the seamless finish compelled me to espouse its wonders many times over on Beauty Professor. That being said, imagine my delight upon discovering that the Sensai line (available at Harrod's) had its own version of my coveted favorite. Aside from a slight name change and altered packaging, the Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation (initially discussed in my latest foundation video HERE), by all intents and purposes, appears to be exactly the same as the Kanebo Sensai formula upon which I so adoringly bestowed "holy grail" status.
Kindly scroll on for more details and comparison swatches as well as a closeup of the Burberry Complete Eye Palette in Dark Spice and images of the foundation and eyeshadow in action...
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| Above: Natural Beige is excellent for NC 25 skin. |
Much to my relief, the foundation is everything I hoped it would be...medium, buildable-to-full coverage, a plush texture that melts into skin (I prefer to use a dampened Beauty Blender) and stalwart lasting power that keeps skin comfortable, balanced and slightly dewy. This formula is excellent for all skin types, but especially those seeking a gorgeous, natural, slightly dewy finish. It is also brilliant for those concerned with fine lines and visible pores since the foundation smooths over skin with a gossamer veil of perfecting power. The added skincare benefits increase hydration (making it excellent for dry skin) and the overall result is healthy, even-toned skin with a sophisticated radiance.
Official details, courtesy of Harrod's:
Official details, courtesy of Harrod's:
The ultimate fusion of colour, comfort, coverage and care, Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation gives a flawless complexion today while optimising skin condition for tomorrow. With an exceptional 50% moisture content, Cellular Performance Cream Finish Foundation forms a close-fitting membrane on the skin surface to seal in moisture, enhance coverage and create a unique firming effect.
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| Above: The ingredients. |
And now for some comparison swatches...
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| Above: Foundation rotation favorites. |
I gathered up some of my favorite foundations in my current rotation and swatched them in outdoor light to add some visual context to the new Sensai formula. All shades are apropos for NC 23-30 skin tones...additional, formula-specfic details below.
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| Above: Swatches in outdoor mixed lighting. |
- Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation in #22 Natural Beige (initially swatched HERE)...great for NC 25 skin, this cushiony, skincare-laden formula has a slightly dewy finish and a natural, perfecting effect that simply looks like really good skin.
- Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation in #22 Natural Beige (swatched and reviewed HERE, HERE and HERE)...great for NC 25 skin. Not currently in production anymore : (
- Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting Foundation in #05 Natural (reviewed HERE)...excellent for NC 27-30 skin. I am currently mixing it with #03 Fawn (process discussed HERE) for a suitable NC 25 match. The lasting power on this formula is unprecedented in my experience...incredible!
- Gucci Face Lustrous Glow Foundation in #60 (reviewed HERE)...on the fairer side, this light to medium coverage formula is great for NC 23 skin and offers a gorgeous, soft-focus element that is simultaneously classic and glowing.
- Dolce & Gabbana Lift Foundation in #110 Caramel (swatched and reviewed HERE)...infused with anti-aging benefits and a firming, lifting effect that lasts for hours, this is my favorite D&G foundation to date. Caramel is marvelous for NC 25 skin.
- Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Oleo-Pact Cream Foundation (discussed HERE and worn HERE)...this solid cream foundation comes in a compact for touchups on the go, albeit the lasting power is so good that touchups are virtually unecessary. #564 Light Medium Sand is fantastic for NC 23-25 skin...it looks quite light when first applied, but after a minute or two, it morphs into a perfect match.
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| Above: Swatches in outdoor shade. |
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| Above: Never enough foundation! |
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| Above: The Burberry Complete Eye Palette in Dark Spice. |
- A pale, slightly warm gold that leans marginally marigold in tone...so unique.
- A medium, warm russet brown (my favorite shade!)
- A true neutral dark brown
- A neutral charcoal black
**All shades have a very subtle satin finish that allows the eyes to gleam without obvious shimmer or particle fallout...magnifique!
Due to its variation on deep, light, neutral and warm shades, Dark Spice is befitting for a vast array of skin tones; those who find themselves gravitating towards neutrals will especially find joy its wonders. The formula is pigmented and smooth and, even after hours of wear, the eyeshadow remains creaseless. I am beyond impressed with how well the Burberry eyeshadow performs and cannot wait to try additional shades in the future.
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| Above: The velvet sheath is both beautiful and utilitarian. |
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| Above: Dark Spice in direct sunlight...the slightly satin finish (without any visible shimmer) is utterly in a class of its own. |
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| Above: Swatches in outdoor shade. |
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| Above: Swatches in direct sunlight. |
Perhaps one of the most quintessential light nude beige hues in existence, he By Terry Velvet Rouge in #01 Lady Bare (swatches of every shade + review HERE) is a perfect compliment to the slightly smoky, bronzy eye created by the Burberry palette. I adore this creamy, ultra-pigmented liquid lipstick more each day; it is not drying and lasts for hours!
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| Above: A swatch of Lady Bare in direct sunlight...creamy, pigmented and not the slightest bit sticky, this is the creme de la creme of liquid lip color. |
Images below reflect the Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation, Burberry Complete Eye Palette in Dark Spice and By Terry Velvet Rouge in Lady Bare...
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| Above: Taken in front of a window. |
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| Above: All shades of Dark Spice (with the exception of the charcoal hue) blended on the upper and lids...I combined the two brown shades (in the middle) and added the lightest shade up the browbone for a seamless transition. |
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| Above: Neutral never gets old. |
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| Above: Prior to the fishtail, wearing a green James Perse Tee, black cape (similar one HERE), Hudson Collin skinny jeans and gray Frye boots...hanging out with my brother, Jasper (he's so big now!) + Jethro before getting on the road. |
--Shop the Post--
Bottom Line: For those of you that adore the (Kanebo) Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation as I do, I hope you found this post useful! Have you tried this version yet? Both the Sensai foundation and Burberry Dark Spice Palette (to say nothing of the By Terry Velvet Rouge!) are undeniably luxe options and their value increases exponentially when one considers their suitability for everyday use.
Good things ahead including a November Favorites video (better late than never), my Tom Ford Lips and Boys (!), a Holiday Gift Guide and some new product spotlights!
Have a beautiful weekend...xx,
--The Beauty Professor
Good things ahead including a November Favorites video (better late than never), my Tom Ford Lips and Boys (!), a Holiday Gift Guide and some new product spotlights!
Have a beautiful weekend...xx,
--The Beauty Professor
** Some PR samples provided for review (the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.
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