Foundation Review Series Shu Uemura Face Architect Illuminating Moisture Fluid Foundation Review

774 light beige (13 shades available) 
27ml /0.9 Fluid Ounces
£34 (Bought it during a House of Fraser sale and used a voucher so it was cheaper £29)
Available at: House Of Fraser and some SpaceNK stores

According to the Shu Uemura website (USA) '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 moisturising benefits. provides a high-comfort wear to the skin that lasts all day. Coverage is buildable medium to high, the finish is illuminating glow effect. It's tested under dermatological control and is non-comedogenic.'

Packaging
The glass bottle contains a pump which is both hygienic and best way of ensuring you don't waste any product. The packaging is simple but it doesn't cheapen the product.

Application
Don't apply this with your hands because it won't look very good (it doesn't give a smooth skin-like appearance and will cake.) After trying Zoeva's face brush found that Real Techniques Expert face brush gives the most flawless appearance.There is a slight smell to this foundation but it's inoffensive.

Performance
This gives medium coverage. It does cover imperfections such as spots and red cheeks. This does feel light and comfortable to wear but has enough pigment to provide coverage.
I would describe the finish as semi matte, it's not full on glowing or dewy but looks a little matte as well. Personally I like it since it makes the foundation look more like skin but not like an oily mess. But I have tried dewier foundations than this one. Since there is no SPF there is no white flashback effect shown in photos.This lasted about 6- 7 hours on me without powder so not the longest wearing foundation.

Conclusion
I disagree about the moisturising benefit of this foundation. Even though it contains macadamia which is a moisturising ingredient, I don't feel this is suitable for dry skin. I have combination/oily skin and when I applied this after a shower it clung to dry patches. Even if I don't have a shower before applying this I still have to heavily moisturise for it to apply smoothly. I recommend using a generous application of moisturiser and/or primer underneath before using this.
I have sensitive skin and did not suffer any breakouts from this foundation, so perhaps this foundation is non-comedognic (does not clog pores) as Shu claims.

Since this foundation needs such a well moisturised skin and clings to dry patches I feel this is better suited for the summer. Shu Uemura also has a similar foundation 'Face Architect Smooth Fit' which sounds as if it could be more moisturising. Additionally they have also bought out 'Face Architect Smooth Fit Foundation with SPF 18', which may be even better suited for summer although I don't know if it will give the white flashback effect in photos. I'm going to keep using this for a while until I find a replacement and then save this bottle for the summer. Even so I think this is a good foundation and don't regret buying it.

You may like this if...
You have oily skin. If you like semi-matte finishes. If you are sensitive to perfumed products. If you are yellow or neutral toned.

You may not like this if you...
Have dry skin or if you want full coverage, are very pink toned or on a budget.