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In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the differences between Japanese and Western foundations and recommend some of our favorite products that you can try!
Japanese foundations can come in a variety of forms, from liquids, to creams, and powders, and tend to prioritize a lightweight and natural finish. It’s also important to mention that Japanese foundations tend to have a more limited range of shades compared to Western foundations, as historically they have typically focused more on lighter skin tones.
One aspect that sets Japanese foundation apart from its Western counterparts is an emphasis on including powerful sun protection within their formulas. This reflects a cultural importance of protecting the skin from sun damage.
Read on to discover some of our favorite Japanese foundations, from specialist products designed for oily skin to foundation that you can leave on at night whilst you sleep!
How we decided
- Coverage & FinishHow well the foundation conceals blemishes, pores, redness, or uneven skin tone
- Texture & ApplicationThe feel on the skin (lightweight, creamy, powdery) and ease of blending or layering
- Skin BenefitsPresence of skincare properties such as hydration, botanical extracts, or oil control, plus suitability for sensitive or oily skin
- Sun ProtectionSPF/PA rating, sweat/water resistance, and how long the makeup lasts without smudging, fading, or creasing
1. Shiseido Spots Cover Foundation Base Color
This foundation by Shiseido provides high coverage and is designed to cover flaws not easily concealed by normal makeup such as blemishes, scars, age spots, and hyperpigmentation.
The Shiseido Spots Cover Foundation is available in a variety of different shades including color correction choices, which can be used to conceal any redness. One of the advantages of this cream-type foundation is that a little product goes a long way, making it last longer so you don’t need to repurchase so often.
Our customers have rated this foundation as a 5-star product thanks to its great coverage, easy application, and long-lasting effect.
Pros
- Covers spots, bruises, and scars well
- Multiple base and correction colors
- Long-lasting cream formula
Cons
- Hard to remove; requires cleanser
- Can feel heavy if applied over large areas
2. Shiseido Anessa All-in-One Beauty Pact UV Powder Foundation SPF50+ PA+++
This Japanese UV powder foundation by Shiseido Anessa is a great time-saving makeup product performing three functions in one product including powerful sunscreen, (SPF50+/PA+++), makeup base, and foundation.
It features Shiseido’s unique Aqua Booster Beauty Technology which sees the product’s UV protection become stronger when exposed to sebum and sweat. As a result, the protective effect lasts longer and maintains its best condition. It can also withstand up to 80 minutes of submersion in water.
Additionally, this powder foundation contains a special coating that gives your skin a clear and glossy appearance and has a hydrating effect thanks to its special blend of beauty essences.
Pros
- 3-in-1 powder: sunscreen, base, and foundation
- Long-lasting UV protection with Aqua Booster technology
- Hydrates skin while covering pores, wrinkles, and shadows
Cons
- May need careful application for full UV protection
- Small size
3. Canmake Marshmallow Finish Powder Foundation SPF26 PA++
The Canmake Marshmallow Finish Powder Foundation combines the smoothness of silk and the softness of a marshmallow to create a foundation which is kind to the skin and can be easily removed with regular facial wash.
This product is available in three different shades and is designed to be used as a finishing powder applied on top of a liquid or cream foundation. This powder also contains UV protection of UV Protection: SPF26/PA++, and refills are available to purchase here.
Pros
- Soft, matte, marshmallow-like finish
- Moisturizing and skin-friendly formula
- SPF50/PA+++ sun protection
Cons
- Limited shade options
- Requires layering with foundation for best results
4. Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation Liquid Foundation 30ml SPF25 PA++
Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation is a popular Japanese liquid-type foundation which makes your bare skin appear brighter without applying heavy makeup.
The foundation’s ultralight texture enables smooth application and conceals color unevenness and pores. The foundation contains a unique material that allows for better application, is long-lasting, and repels water.
This product also contains French sea salt water and natural ingredients such as Jojoba seed oil which prevent your skin from dryness and UV damage. It is free from fragrance, and colorants, and is available in six different shades.
Pros
- Lightweight foundation with glossy, clear finish
- Covers uneven skin tone and pores
- Skin-friendly & moisturizing
Cons
- Moderate UV protection
- Requires careful layering for stronger coverage
5. Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation
Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation gives your complexion a clearer and smoother appearance whilst hydrating your skin at the same time. Its formula is rich in beauty essences of which around 80% are skin hydration agents.
This foundation features a light, creamy texture that spreads smoothly, covers pores, and removes redness immediately. It’s available in ten different shades, from pink ocher to cover dullness to beige for reducing redness.
Like other Koh Gen Do products, this foundation also contains an original material that enables better makeup application, long-lasting effects, and resistance to water and sebum.
Pros
- Natural, bare-skin look with smooth finish
- Hydrating with ~80% moisturizing ingredients
- Covers pores, redness, and spot
Cons
- Requires careful, gradual application
- Limited shade options
6. Sofina Primavista Long Lasting Makeup Primer SPF20
This lightweight foundation and primer is designed for long-lasting wear, and a comfortable, natural feel and look. Featuring UV protection of SPF20 PA++, it withstands sweating, even in hot and humid conditions, to stop makeup from smudging or rubbing off.
It has a non-sticky feel and is enriched with moisturizing essences such as hyaluronic acid and chamomile. This product is designed to last all day without deterioration, providing a clean finish that hides signs of fatigue well into the evening.
Pros
- Creates smooth, even base for foundation
- Controls shine, stickiness, and creasing all day
- Lightweight, comfortable, and natural-feelin
Cons
- Only nude shade available
- Must be applied before foundation for best results
7. Shiseido BB Compact Foundation For Outdoors SPF50+ (Refill)
Shiseido BB Compact Refill is designed for active outdoor use, offering high UV protection with SPF50+ PA+++ and WetForce Technology that strengthens the barrier when exposed to sweat or water.
Its quick-drying formula provides natural, long-lasting coverage that evens out skin tone, conceals fine lines and pores, and reduces makeup transfer. Lightweight and skin-friendly, this refill is ideal for maintaining a fresh, protected look during sports or outdoor activities.
Pros
- High UV protection (SPF50+/PA+++) with WetForce Tech
- Natural, long-lasting coverage for active use
- Quick-drying to reduce makeup transfer
Cons
- Compact case sold separately
- Limited color options
8. Cefine Silk Wet Powder Foundation Case and Refill
Cefine Silk Wet Powder is a Japanese powder foundation made from silk and packed with beautifying ingredients to promote a soft and smooth finish. It contains particles which blend naturally into the skin, providing effective coverage of blemishes including pores, acne scars, and dark circles.
This foundation has a non-creasing and long-lasting formula and is available in eight different shades to match a variety of skin tones.
Pros
- Soft, smooth, natural finish with silk ingredients
- Covers pores, acne marks, spots, and dark circles
- Controls excess oil and shine
Cons
- May require frequent touch-ups for very oily skin
- Refill includes case and sponge
9. Suqqu The Cream Foundation
Suqqu's luxurious cream foundation stands apart from other foundations, featuring 13 botanical ingredients sourced from Japan. The selection of handpicked ingredients contains skin-enhancing properties, so it functions as a skincare product in addition to makeup. It also comes in a range of twelve different shades – more extensive than many other Japanese foundations.
Ingredients include Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, and Camellia Japonica Seed Extract, in addition to rejuvenating ingredients such as Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, and Citrus Junos Peel Extract, designed to promote skin vitality and radiance.
Pros
- Luxurious cream foundation
- Flawless, radiant, and long-lasting coverage.
- Wide 12-shade range with SPF
Cons
- Premium price point
- Cream texture may feel heavy on very oily skin
10. Ettusais Face Edition Skin Base Foundation For Oily Skin SPF35 PA++
Ettusais Face Edition Skin Base Foundation is a lightweight and breathable makeup base designed for oily skin that prevents sebum build up without clogging pores. The formula creates a thin, non-invasive layer that effortlessly blends into the skin, leaving it smooth and breathable.
This foundation provides a matte coverage with natural look, and provides a long-lasting effect, in addition to powerful sun protection of SPF35 PA++. It also helps to minimize the appearance of pores and is packed with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, chamomile extract, and rosemary extract, keeping your complexion hydrated all day long.
Pros
- Lightweight base that prevents sebum buildup
- Minimizes pores and controls shine
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Limited to base function
- Requires foundation for full coverage
11. Club Suppin Powder Makeup Foundation White Floral Bouquet
Club Suppin Powder Foundation is a unique makeup foundation because you can wear it while you’re sleeping! The light powder foundation helps to protect your skin from impurities in the air such as dust or cigarette smoke. This product is perfect for those days when you want to give your skin a break from heavy cosmetic products for a more natural look.
In addition to its lightweight coverage, this powder foundation contains hyaluronic acid, collagen, and algae extract with an aroma of "white floral bouquet". Also comes in a "pastel rose" aroma.
Pros
- Blends makeup & skincare for a moisturizing finish
- Clear-type powder adapts to skin tone, no white cast
- Can be left on overnight; convenient and skin-friendly
Cons
- Light coverage only; may not conceal strong blemishes
- White floral scent may not suit everyone
12. Cefine Silky Skin Care Liquid Water Based Foundation 30g
Cefine Silky Skin Care Liquid Foundation is a lightweight water-based foundation enriched with silk to cover pores and dullness with just one coat for a long-lasting natural glow. Available in four different shades, this foundation is designed to blend effortlessly into skin and is removed easily without leaving any residue behind in pores.
This foundation contains a combination of moisturizing beauty essences such as jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and argan oil to hydrate skin.
Pros
- Lightweight, water-based formula with natural finish
- Covers pores and dullness effortlessly
- Easy to remove without residue
Cons
- Light coverage may require layering
- Needs finishing powder to prevent fallout
13. Naturactor Coverface Full Coverage Cream Foundation 20g
This foundation is available in five different shades and is resistant to sweat and water to prevent makeup deterioration and provide excellent coverage.
The Coverface foundation spreads like a cream and covers the entire face easily while naturally hiding spots, freckles, and pores. Since it is a paste-like foundation with high coverage, it can also be used as a concealer.
Pros
- Full-coverage, sweat- and water-resistant formula
- Conceals spots, freckles, and pores naturally
- Moisturizing with jojoba oil for comfortable wear
Cons
- Requires makeup remover for thorough cleansing
- Cream texture may not suit very oily skin
You can find our full range of Japanese foundations here.
Read this article on the best Japanese makeup brands and their top-rated products to learn more about Japanese cosmetics.
