10 Best Japanese Liquid Foundation 2024

Find the true match for skin tone with the best Japanese Liquid Foundation 2024! Applying the right foundation shade is extremely important.

Achieve a flawless canvas with our guide to the best Japanese liquid foundations. Renowned for their innovative formulas and skin-enhancing properties, these foundations offer impeccable coverage, longevity, and a natural finish.

Discover the top picks that cater to a variety of skin tones and types, ensuring a perfect match for every beauty enthusiast.

Which is the best Japanese liquid foundation?

Having tried and tested several foundations, I found that Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Fluid Foundation is the best Japanese liquid foundation. It excels for its lightweight texture and buildable, luminous coverage. Ideal for normal to dry skin, it offers a natural glow without feeling heavy, making it a great choice for a fresh, radiant look.

Best Japanese Liquid Foundation -- Quick Summary

Best Japanese Liquid Foundation	Best For
Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Fluid Foundation	Dry Skin	Shop on Amazon Japan
Shiseido d Program Medicated Liquid Foundation Treatment	Blemish-Prone Skin	Shop on Amazon Japan
Shiseido UV Protection Liquid Foundation	Mature Skin	Shop on Amazon
Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation	Normal Skin	Shop on Amazon
KATE Secret Skin Maker Zero Liquid Foundation	Oily Skin	Shop on  Amazon Japan
RMK UV Liquid Foundation	All Skin Types	Shop on Amazon
Covermark Essence Foundation	Acne-prone Skin	Shop On Amazon

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So, to help you, here are 10 of the best Japanese liquid foundations that will change your makeup game forever. Are you ready? Read on!

Top Japanese Liquid Foundation

Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Fluid Foundation

Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Fluid Foundation is a high-end foundation that promises to deliver a radiant, luminous finish. As someone who loves a dewy glow, I was excited to give this foundation a try.

One of the standout features of this foundation is its unique formula. It combines a lightweight fluid with a luminous powder, creating a finish that's both natural-looking and radiant.

The formula is also buildable, so you can achieve a light coverage for a more natural look or build it up for more coverage.

When I first applied this foundation, I was impressed with how easy it was to blend. The fluid formula glides on smoothly and evenly, and it's easy to build up coverage without it looking cakey.

Once I finished applying, I was left with a beautiful, glowing finish that lasted all day.

One thing to note is that while this foundation is marketed as suitable for all skin types, it may not work as well for those with very oily or very dry skin.

For me, with combination skin, it worked perfectly, but those with more extreme skin types may need to use additional products to make it work for them.

Pros:

• Lightweight, fluid formula is easy to apply and blend
• Provides a beautiful, radiant finish that lasts all day
• Buildable coverage allows for natural or full coverage looks
• Unique formula combines fluid and luminous powder for a natural-looking finish
• Comes in a wide range of shades to suit a variety of skin tones

Cons:

• May not work well for those with very oily or very dry skin
• Higher price point than some other foundation options
• May not provide enough coverage for those with more severe skin issues
• Luminous finish may be too shiny for some, especially those who prefer a matte finish

Shiseido d Program Medicated Liquid Foundation Treatment

The Shiseido d Program Medicated Liquid Foundation Treatment is a unique product catering specifically to those with sensitive, acne-prone skin.

This lightweight, liquid foundation boasts a dual-action approach: offering decent coverage while incorporating skincare benefits.

Overall, the Shiseido d Program Medicated Liquid Foundation Treatment is a good option for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin seeking a lightweight foundation with skincare benefits.

However, its limited shade range and light coverage may not be suitable for everyone

Pros:

• Gentle formula: Free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, it feels comfortable even on sensitive skin.
• Medicated ingredients: Contains ingredients like tranexamic acid to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and prevent future breakouts.
• Hydrating: Formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, it provides a dewy finish and keeps skin from feeling dry.
• Lightweight: Applies smoothly and blends easily, offering buildable coverage from light to medium.
• SPF 20 PA++: Offers some sun protection for daily use.

Cons:

• Limited shade range: May not be suitable for all skin tones.
• Light to medium coverage: May not fully conceal hyperpigmentation or severe acne scars.
• Low SPF: Requires additional sun protection for extended sun exposure.

Shiseido UV Protective Liquid Foundation

Best Japanese Liquid Foundation For Mature Skin 

The Shiseido UV Protective Liquid foundation is one that you can choose with closed eyes. It is perfection redefined in every sense. It is a liquid foundation with a perfect balance.

It gets top points for coverage, application, finish, and moisturizing properties. It also provides UV protection! It will also give you a dewy and luminous finish that will last for hours. If you are looking for an all-in-one winner, this is the one. 

The formulation is so light, you can have it on for the entire day and not feel like it. With this foundation, it does not matter what type of skin you have.

Pros

• Leaves skin dewy and fresh
• Brightens up the skin
• Light formula
• Excellent coverage
• Moisturizes skin

Cons

There really is no con to this product.

Related: Check out other top Japanese cosmetics you HAVE to add to your makeup and skincare collection today!

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation

Best Japanese Liquid Foundation For Normal Skin 

This premium liquid foundation works more than just as your regular foundation. It does not come cheap, but it is worth every dime that you spend. The quality of the product is superior and it leaves you with a dewy and youthful look, which is all the rage in Asia. It comes in shades that cover every skin tone, which is another great plus point for thor liquid foundation.

It is comfortable and light on the skin. It is not only meant to cover your imperfections, but it works from deep within to provide nourishment to your skin as well. 

Pros

• Gives skin a dewy glow and illumination
• Light-diffusing minerals to brighten skin and minimize pores
• Skin-conditioning emollients hydrate and nourish the skin
• Light and comfortable 
• Free of parabens, artificial colors, and synthetic fragrance

Cons

• Does not contain SPF
• May not give complete coverage

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KATE Secret Skin Maker Zero Liquid Foundation

Best Japanese Liquid Foundation For Oily Skin

If you are looking for a foundation that has great coverage and leaves you with a matte finish, this liquid foundation may be the one for you. It has a rich texture, but that in no way means that it is difficult to spread and blend.

In fact, it applies perfectly to your skin. It also contains SPF 18 and PA ++ for added protection against UV rays.

However, if you love the dewy look, this liquid foundation by KATE is not for you. It may dry out your skin, so it is recommended that you use it alongside a moisturizer or face lotion.

Pros

• If taken the appropriate amount, it does not make your skin look cakey
• Excellent coverage
• Spreads and blends evenly
• Matte finish
• SPF 18 and PA++ for sun protection

Cons

• May dry out your skin 
• If used in excess, it can make the skin look cakey

Related: Hydrate your skin and lock in moisture with these hydrating Japanese face washes. Have a look!

RMK UV Liquid Foundation

Best Japanese Liquid Foundation Suitable For All Skin Types

The RMK UV Liquid foundation is very light on the skin, keeping you comfortable for hours. The foundation gives you a natural dewy finish, leaving you with translucent skin.

If you love going natural with your makeup, you may want to give this liquid foundation a try. It is so light, you will not feel it on your face.

However, the consistency is pretty thin, which means that it will not give you full coverage. If you have lots of skin spots or blemishes where makeup tends to wear off, this foundation is not the one for you. 

Pros

• Light on the skin
• Dewy finish
• Natural look
• Easy application

Cons

• Thin consistency that does not give full coverage

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Covermark Essence Foundation

Best Japanese Liquid Foundation For Acne-prone Skin

Covermark Essence Foundation is a brilliant Japanese foundation that caters to sensitive skin. What I love about the foundation is that it is suitable for acne-prone and oily skin. It works well in hydrating and providing moisture to your skin. The lightweight formula gives you a natural semi-matte finish.

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable to apply and wear
• Hydrates and nourishes the skin
• Suitable for acne-prone and oily skin
• Natural and semi-matte finish

Cons

• Does not give complete coverage

How to apply Japanese foundation?

The easiest way to apply foundation is directly to the brush or dab onto your face, but try to start in the center and work your way out, making sure you blend the product all the way to your edges.

How to choose the best Japanese liquid foundation?

There are three main things to consider when picking the best Japanese liquid foundation - finish, skin type, and skin tone 

• Check the Finish of Japanese foundation

Most Japanese liquid foundations will give you a dewy finish. But if you want a matte finish or no-makeup look finish there are other options available as well. So depending on which type of finish you want, select the best Japanese liquid foundation for you accordingly. Foundations with a watery formula will give you a natural finish. But if you’re looking for better coverage to cover up blemishes or pores then you might want to choose a Japanese foundation with a more creamier formula. 

• Check if the Japanese liquid foundation fits your skin type

Japanese foundation brands formulate the foundations depending on the skin type too. 

If you have dry skin then choose a Japanese liquid foundation that’s packed with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and botanical oils as hydrating dry skin should be your priority. Picking foundation that last too long on skin are pretty dehydrating so be careful to not over do it. 

If you have acne prone skin or oily skin then you want to look for a Japanese liquid foundation that has sebum controlling ingredients. Some with oily skin also have a inner-dry skin. This is when your skin appears oily on the surface but is dry within. This happens when you dry out your skin too much and your skin inturn goes into an overdrive and overcompensates for dryness by producing extra oil. If this is the case, opt for a serum foundation that is packed with moisturizing agents but is also formulated with oil-controlling ingredients. Make sure to stay away from thick foundations with heavy oils. 

• Check if the Japanese liquid foundation fits your skin tone

To check if the foundation suits your skin tone, apply a little bit along your jawline and blend it in to check if it looks seamless. Here are some things to consider when picking a foundation according to your skin tone. 

What’s your skin undertone? 

It’s easy to pick a foundation on the store as you can test it then and there. But with buying makeup online it can get tricky. When buying foundation, it’s best to know your undertone. 

There are three undertones - cool, warm, and neutral. Skin with cool undertones has blue veins. Skin with warm undertones has a green vein. And skin with neutral undertone - somewhere in between. (it’s not that your veins are actually green - it just appears to be because of your skin tone). 

Basically, if you easily get sun burnt then you can assume you have cooler undertones but if your skin gets a light tan under the sun, you can assume you have warmer undertones. 

Foundation goes through oxidation overtime as ingredients react with the humidity in the air. This can react with skin’s oils and can ruin your entire makeup. 

Your foundation has more chances of oxidation if you have oily skin. To get away with this all you can do is opt for a lighter shade of foundation. Be careful though, if you go too light then your skin can look pale. So it’s best to go only a shade lighter. 

How to pick a foundation color?

Choosing the right foundation color can be a bit tricky, but here are some general tips to help you find a good match:

Determine your skin's undertone

The first step is to determine your skin's undertone, which is the underlying hue that affects how your skin appears. The three main undertones are cool (pink or blue), warm (yellow or golden), and neutral (a mix of warm and cool tones). 

You can determine your undertone by looking at the veins on the inside of your wrist: if they appear blue, you likely have a cool undertone, while green veins indicate a warm undertone. 

If you can't tell if your veins are blue or green, or if you have a mix of both, you likely have a neutral undertone.

Test the color

Once you have a general idea of your undertone, you can start testing foundation shades. It's best to test the foundation on your jawline, as this will give you a more accurate idea of how the color will look on your face. Ideally, you want to choose a color that disappears into your skin, with no visible line between your face and neck.

Consider lighting 

Lighting can also impact how the foundation looks on your skin, so it's a good idea to test the foundation in natural light as well as indoor lighting.

Check the formula 

Finally, it's important to choose a foundation formula that works well for your skin type and desired coverage level. 

For example, if you have oily skin, you may want to opt for a matte or oil-free formula, while those with dry skin may prefer a hydrating or dewy formula. 

If you're looking for full coverage, you may want to choose a heavier formula, while those who prefer a more natural look may opt for a sheer or medium coverage formula.

In summary, to choose a foundation color, determine your skin's undertone, test the color on your jawline, consider lighting, and check the formula to ensure it works well for your skin type and coverage preferences.

Japanese Foundations vs Western Foundations

Japanese and Western foundations differ in their formulations, textures, and finish. Here are some general differences between the two:

Formulation

Japanese foundations tend to have a lighter, more watery consistency than Western foundations. They are often formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen to provide hydration and improve skin texture. Western foundations, on the other hand, may contain more heavy-duty ingredients like silicone and talc to provide coverage and long wear.

Texture

Japanese foundations typically have a more natural, sheer finish, while Western foundations tend to provide more full coverage. Japanese foundations often have a "your skin but better" effect, while Western foundations can create a more made-up or "flawless" appearance.

Shades

Japanese foundations often have a more limited shade range, with a focus on lighter skin tones. Western foundations typically offer a wider range of shades, including options for darker skin tones.

Sun protection

Many Japanese foundations contain high levels of SPF to protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. While some Western foundations may contain SPF, it is often a lower amount than what is typically found in Japanese foundations.

Packaging

Japanese foundations often come in sleek, minimalist packaging that is designed to be portable and easy to use on the go. Western foundations may come in more ornate packaging, with heavier bottles and larger applicators.

In summary, Japanese and Western foundations differ in their formulations, textures, shades, sun protection, and packaging. The best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences, skin type, and desired finish.

Are Japanese foundations good? 

 Many Japanese foundations provide extensive coverage, ranging from full to medium, and incorporate SPF. It's an acknowledged fact that they are excellent. Because Japan is subjected to a variety of environmental conditions, Japanese foundations are available in a variety of finishes and textures to satisfy all makeup demands, no matter where you are in the world.

Why are Japanese foundations better? 

The majority of Japanese liquid foundations have a dewy texture. However, if you prefer a matte or no-makeup look, there are various solutions available. However, if you want additional coverage to hide blemishes or pores, a Japanese foundation with a creamier consistency would be the way to go.

What happens if we directly apply a Japanese foundation on the face?

If you apply a Japanese foundation directly on your face, it should work as intended. However, patch testing is recommended beforehand, especially if you have sensitive skin. A patch test involves applying a small amount of the foundation on an inconspicuous area of your skin and waiting for 24 to 48 hours to check for adverse reactions.

How many hours do the Japanese foundations last?

Japanese foundations are formulated to last for up to 8-12 hours or more. To maximize wear time, use a primer, setting powder, and avoid touching or rubbing your face. Carrying a touch-up powder or blotting papers can help maintain the foundation's appearance. However, the duration of Japanese foundations can vary depending on the product and your skin type

Get your foundation game on!

And with that, we come to an end of our list of the best Japanese liquid foundations. I hope that you found the foundation of your dreams, something that matches your skin tone flawlessly. 

So without further ado, check out these foundations and create a long-lasting relationship with your brand new favorite Japanese liquid foundation. 

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