Does this new foundation really give a 'second skin' effect?

I'm always excited to test out a new foundation, especially one that claims to give a long lasting finish, without feeling like you're wearing a mask.

The whole idea behind Shiseido's new Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation (€41.95 on lookfantastic.com) designed to give an "airy, undetectable, second skin" finish.

The first thing to note about this foundation is that when they say liquid, they really mean liquid. Don't make the mistake I made and simply pump it straight out like a "normal" foundation. You have to shake it first and be gentle when you press the pump, otherwise too much will come out. I tried applying it on myself in different ways, including slapping it on with fingers, carefully blending with a brush and then also with a sponge to see if there was any difference in the finish.

I tried applying it on myself in different ways, including slapping it on with fingers, carefully blending with a brush and then also with a sponge to see if there was any difference in the finish.

In the end, the application method didn't seem to matter; it was more about the amount used: a little goes a long way with this foundation. It needs to be blended well while it's in the initial liquid state before it starts to "set" - otherwise it can settle into pores/fine lines. Basically, it doesn't like being applied heavy-handedly, so if you want to build up coverage, it has to be in light layers. If you do that, then it really does have a beautiful, natural, second skin finish.

In terms of wear time, this has worked well for me over the course of a day without needing much of a powder touch up (I have combination skin so most foundations need a little assistance). However, when I prepped my skin using a primer first, it lasted better again, giving a soft semi-matte finish without any caking. I used it on a shoot recently with a model whose skin was more on the normal (but slightly dehydrated) side, and it lasted beautifully for the day, looking fresh and natural, even without primer.

Overall, I'd say this is the type of foundation that is ideal for those who like their makeup on the more natural side of things but want something more substantial than a BB cream or tinted moisturiser. The SPF 20 is a bonus too.

There are 10 shades available in variations of neutral, rose and golden tones; for my pale skin, Neutral 1 is ideal, whereas Kellie (above) is wearing Neutral 3 to go with her light tan.

Are you tempted to give it a go?