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Serum Foundation: Why it Works and Which One to Buy

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Following in the footsteps of tinted moisturizers, BB creams, and CC creams, serum foundation is the new hybrid concept of treatment-meets-makeup. This new wave of products not only aims to camouflage, but to also treat existing skin problems—such as dullness, dark spots, and redness—using active, supercharged ingredients. This breakout breed of makeup maintains a lightweight, thin-as-skin texture that packs a serious punch.

Shiseido’s latest launch to land on my beauty desk is the Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation (US $45; AED/SAR 165). The oil-free, serum foundation formula promises to last throughout the day without causing any unwanted creasing or shine. Having extremely oily skin, I decided to test drive the product to see if it lives up to its claims.

WHAT IS IT?

A serum and foundation in one, the Synchro Skin Lasting Foundation combines Mother of Thyme extract with St. John’s Wort to tackle skin damage and roughness. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it will even your skin tone, camouflage blemishes, and blend seamlessly into your skin without clogging your pores. The multi-tasking product also contains an SPF 20 to defy aging and prevent sun damage, which is always a bonus point in our smoldering region. The double duty product boasts an impressive 14 different shades, to make it one that caters to every skin tone.

MY EXPERIENCE

I shook the glass bottle before buffing the velvety liquid into my skin with a foundation brush. Just two pumps were required for a smooth, flawless complexion, and it automatically color corrected, hydrated, and balanced shine without suffocating my pores or leaving a cakey texture behind. Seemingly immune from settling into fine lines or creasing, the long-lasting foundation had a velvet finish that didn’t require any touch-ups throughout the day (and I wore it for over 12 hours).

THE VERDICT

This silky, multi-tasking product is a must-have makeup bag essential, especially for the upcoming balmy days where a weightless slip dress and equally light foundation are (almost) all you’ll need to get out the door.

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