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: 

Japan Haul + Cheap Shopping places

Japan is an expensive city to live in. However, you could still get some affordable/bargain products if you know where to look! I'm not trying to 'show off' here. I just thought since I love kay-pohing and looking at what other people bought on their holidays, might as well share with people some items I got!

I only have 2 criteria in mind when I shop overseas:

1. Cheaper than the prices in Singapore

2. Something unique to the country and not easily accessible in Singapore

Prior to the trip, I will research and make a list of 'Items to buy' so I know what to look out for.

1. Skin Care

I bought a basket full of skin care products. My daily skin care routine consists of mainly Japanese products. These products are typically priced at the higher end at drugstores like Watsons/Guardian. So of course I had to stock up when I was in Japan! Most of the things were bought at Don Quijote, which is a massive discount chain store with everything you'll ever need.

Shisedo Perfect Whip Cleaner-Bought it because it was on sale for less than 4sgd.

Hada Labo-I use the entire Hada Labo range. That is cleaner, toner, moisturizers and sunscreen. Also picked up the moisturizing mist to try out. The prices in Japan was around 50% cheaper than Singapore, half-price!!! I didn't go crazy and buy 2-3 duplicates. Just bought 1 each due to baggage limits. According to experience, I usually go through the entire range within 6 months (day and night usage), so although it seems like a lot of stuff, it's actually quite alright since i do use them daily.

Schick Shaver-It was on sale (and it was limited edition) and it had My Melody on it. 

Cure-Another staple in my bathroom. Use it 1-2 times per week for exfoliation. You can buy it at Watsons at 49sgd, or you can buy it at Japan for like half the price.

Mythic Oil-I have one at home, and it's one of the best hair serum I've used. Bought it at Don Quijote at a bargain price.

Embryolisse lait creme concentre-I've heard many good things about it. Again, cheaper than the price in Singapore, so I bought it to try. 

Lychee eye drops-I have to admit, it was a lame purchase. LOL. Have yet to try it out.

Lush-Been wanting to try out Lush's products, but they are simply too expensive in Singapore. The Lush products in Japan are SO MUCH cheaper. And they have the Jap words on their containers! I forgot to take photo of the Ocean Salt, so I photoshopped it in. The other 2 are the Dream Cream and Big Shampoo.

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil-One of my favorite make-up removers. Bought it at duty-free for like half the price Singapore's selling.

2. Make-Up

A smaller basket of products. Since they are all Japanese products, the prices are again, 40-60% cheaper than in Singapore

Heroine Make Mascara and Remover-I don't use mascaras because I'm always paranoid that they will kill my lashes. But since 2 of my best friends told me to get it for them, I thought it must be really good. I picked one up for myself.. you know, just in case I ever need an extra boost for my lashes. 

Shiseido eye lash curler-Was on sale. 

Canmake-Been wanting to try out their blushes for ages, but I put them on hold because I knew I was going to Japan. Bought their top and base coats to try too.

Dolly Wink Eyeliners-HOLY GRAIL eyeliners. It's quite expensive in Singapore and it's always OOS at Watsons. The only eyeliner that doesn't migrate under my eyes and stay on the entire day. Nuff said.

Brushes-Super soft brushes! 

Kate eyebrow/contour powder-Heard people raving about it for the longest time. And it was on sale at Harajuku. BUY!

3. Food

When I took this picture, I was worried that I might have gone a little crazy shopping for food. But it's only been a week since I came home, and I think we've cleared quite a decent amount. 

Bought some miscellaneous food items, and of course the MUST BUYS like Green tea, Tokyo banana, Kit Kats, Mochi, Hokkaido Bai Se Lian Ren, Royce Chocolate and Calbee Chips.

4. Random bargain finds!
The little things that made me feel super satisfied. By bargain, I mean really LOWWW prices (except for the instax heh).

1. Accessories holders- 2-tiered basket, bird cage and box. All 4sgd each!!! Freaking cheap. Found it at a shop called 3 Coins at Odaiba. They have outlets elsewhere in Tokyo as well.

2. and 3. are bought separately, but from the same vintage-themed shop called Salut! at Osaka. They have outlets all over Japan I think. Most of the things in the shop are less than/equal to 12sgd. If I live in Japan, I'll buy all their stuff to decorate my house.

4. This purchase was triggered by WM! She told me to help her get some instax films from Japan, and I got curious. So i did some research on the different cameras and prices in Singapore. As expected, it was cheaper in Japan (it was around $100-$110SGD cannot really remember the exact cost), so i bought it. 

Must go shopping places:

Don Quijote- For everything~ Skin care, make up, food, socks, random items, you name it!

Salut!-For affordable vintage themed furniture and household items, mostly less than 12sgd.

3 Coins-For cheap cheap household items at 315yen (about 4sgd). 

Tokyu hands-Electronics and interesting knick knacks.

If you're into Japanese drugstore makeup and skin care products, chances are, you can find it at 40%-60% cheaper in Japan. Prices of make-up and skin care items are pretty much fixed, so unless the store is having some sale going on, I find that there is no point comparing prices before buying.
I personally find that prices for departmental store brands like Shiseido and RMK are quite similar to Singapore. If fact, there was this foundation from Shiseido that was more expensive in Japan than in Singapore!

There are some bits and pieces that are too random to include in this post. But I took pictures of my loots every night, so they will appear when I blog about my Japan travels. Will update more about where to visit, where to shop and where to eat in Japan in subsequent posts! Good things must share!

3 Coins - http://www.3coins.jp/

Salut! - http://www.salut-web.jp/