Shu Uemura Face Architect Illuminating Moisture Fluid Foundation

I think the only makeup item that I'll be willing to spend quite a fortune on is a good base/foundation. I've been on the hunt for a good illuminating foundation for awhile now. The Face Architect Illuminating Moisture Fluid Foundation by Shu Uemura was on my list, but I kept procrastinating the purchase because it's quite pricey and honestly, 27ml of foundation is quite a big commitment. 

Thanks to Lemin and my Tangs vouchers, I finally took a leap of faith and bought Shu's illuminating foundation. I got matched to Light beige (774) which has a warm undertone. Side note, I went to Shu's counter at Tangs and received quite good service. The BA was a guy!

From the company's website: 

This liquid foundation is designed to achieve an illuminating glow finish. with its pleasantly rich texture, this foundation spreads to conceal skin imperfections flawlessly while maintaining a natural complexion that glows as from within. 
The formula is enriched with high concentrations of naturally derived ingredients including Macadamia Seed Oil to support the glowing finish as well as the moisturizing benefits. provides a high-comfort wear to the skin that lasts all day.
Coverage: buildable medium to high 
Finish: illuminating glow effect 
Tested under dermatological control 
Non-comedogenic

Price:

Retailing at SS72, this is quite a pricey high-end foundation. I was lucky enough to have some tangs voucher (courtesy of my mum) and I basically got this for free!!(: 

Texture:

Quite a creamy texture, but doesn't feel too heavy on the skin.

Swatch:

I used less than a pump (with Sigma F82 brush) for my entire face, and that gave me a medium finish which I usually go for.  The foundation is capable of covering up redness and hyper-pigmentation. I also find that it smooths out the surface of my skin and minimizes the appearance of pores. You can still see a teeny little bit of my old pimple scar, but it covers imperfections pretty well. If I wanted a higher coverage, I would go for slightly more than 1 pump, and I find that amount to be perfect for a flawless airbrush finish.

Packaging:

Sturdy glass bottle with a pump! I like that it's transparent so I know when it's running out, but the glass material makes it quite a challenge to travel with.

Scent:

Usually high-end foundations either smell really good, or are relatively scentless. This one however, just smells weird? It has a powdery, chemical smell and it reminds me of the scent when you open an old wooden cupboard. The good thing is the odd scent disappears quite fast.

What I like:

• Feels comfortable on the skin. Even though this is a med-high coverage foundation, it doesn't feel heavy at all. 
• A little goes a long way. This foundation stretches quite well, so just half a pump could pretty much cover my entire face to give me a light-med coverage.
• Buildable coverage. Does not look cakey with additional layers.
• Illuminating glow. I adore the subtle glow that the foundation gives. It's not super shimmery or over the top, perfect for the glowy korean look.
• Long wearing. Aside from slight shininess at the T-zone area, it looks pretty much the same at the end of the day. If I wanted it to last even longer, I'll simply add on some loose powder.
• Most importantly, it looks natural and it blends into the skin really well. 

What can be improved:

• The scent. I'm really not a fan of it ><.
• It's quite creamy so it take awhile for it to set
• Not transfer resistant. This foundation does not claim to be transfer resistant, but I thought it would be lovely if it is.

My overall thoughts: 

Hands down one of the best foundation I've ever tried (yet). Personally, I prefer foundations with high coverage because they are more versatile. I can wear it sheerly or opt for higher coverage without packing on too much product. I think foundation is really very subjective and most of the time it's trial and error (or tons of research). Brands should definitely be more generous with samples (esp high end brands!). Foundations are not cheap! 

P.S Since this is quite a moisturizing illuminating foundation, people with oily skin should avoid this and perhaps try out their smooth fluid foundation which is made for combi/oily skin types.

Ingredients: