Test Driving Shiseido's New Interactive Foundation Finder

Summer! It's almost here, so I'm officially on the hunt for a new foundation formula and shade that suits my skin best in warmer weather. But...finding a new foundation is like the worst process ever. Whenever I go to a counter they basically upsell me until I'm buying diamond-infused, caviar-soaked stuff that I use once and toss because I look yellow or get a funky rash or something like that. You feel me, ladies?

So, I stick to this one formula from this one brand in one of two different shades (depending on the season and just how pasty I am), which gets super boring. So, when my editor Rachel introduced me to Shiseido's new Interactive Foundation Finder I had two thoughts: "Ooooh, fun technology!" and "Rachel, please, there's no way that's gonna find me an accurate formula."

But, when I actually gave it a try, the site proved me wrong. (Props to Rachel on this one.)

After logging on, I answer a series of questions. First up? The level of coverage I desired (medium), then it asked which benefits I'd like to reap from my formula, which are basically a toss-up between hydration and sun protection. Finally, you're asked to choose a woman's face that matches your own skin tone as close as possible, along with a few creams below that correspond to the woman whom is closest to your own skintone. 

And, then, ta-da! You find out the best formula for your face, plus essential application tips. My result was Advanced Hydro-Liquid Compact in O20 Natural Light Ochre, which was only $30 -- nearly half the price of my usual formula.

When I got a hold of the actual product a couple days later, I was amazed! This was totally not a formula I'd pick up in real life: I stay away from things that aren't super rich and creamy and the shade was a touch darker that I thought would work for me.

But, when I took seven seconds I swiped it all over my face -- minus the mirror, BTW -- I caught a quick glance and was super impressed at how naturally flawless my skin looked.

I did need an extra hit of moisture later in the day, but the coverage was still going strong 14 hours later.

SO impressed. Thanks, Rach!

RELATED LINKS:

View the original article here