One of the essentials of our makeup pouch is a good foundation. Build a solid base for your makeup with the best Japanese powder foundation.
Achieve a flawless complexion with the best Japanese powder foundations, renowned for their feather-light textures and impeccable coverage. These premium powders blend seamlessly, offering a natural finish while harnessing cutting-edge skincare benefits.
Elevate your beauty routine with the perfect fusion of elegance and innovation from Japan’s cosmetic expertise.
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Which Is The Best Japanese Powder Foundation?
In my quest to find a foundation that works for me, I’ve tried and reviewed several Japanese foundations. Most Japanese powder foundations are skin-friendly and provide UV protection. So it came down to ease of application and coverage when choosing the best Japanese powder foundation.
Maquillage Dramatic Powdery UV Foundation with SPF25 is the top Japanese powder foundation as it has a light and creamy formula and blends in with the skin quickly. It provides full coverage which makes it a top choice amongst those with blemishes, acne scars, and dark spots. Maquillage Dramatic Powdery UV Foundation also offers UV protection and gives a natural, dewy finish.
| Best Japanese Powder Foundation | Coverage |
| Fasio Lasting Foundation | Low |
| Cezanne UV Foundation EX Plus | Medium |
| Maquillage Dramatic Powdery UV Foundation with SPF25 | Full |
| INTEGRATE Professional Finish Foundation | Medium |
| Canmake Marshmallow Finish Powder | Medium |
| Shiseido UV Protective Compact Foundation | Low to Medium |
| Shiseido The Makeup Powdery Foundation | Medium |
| Shu Uemura The Lightbulb UV Compact Foundation | Full |
| Cezanne UV Essence Neri Foundation | Full |
| Shu Uemura The Light Valve Oreo Compact Foundation | Full |
Best Japanese Powder Foundation
Fasio Lasting Foundation
This is quite a powdery foundation that has very low coverage. If you have extreme blemishes or scars, this may not good you any good. The texture of this foundation is very powdery and makes it obvious that you have makeup on, which is why it is not recommended for dry skin.
However, it is the best Japanese powder foundation for all of you who are dealing with oily skin. It zaps away the oil and makes your skin look fabulous. It also has a good SPF rating, which is great at protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
Key Features:
- Powdery foundation with low coverage
- Great for people with oily skin
- Zaps away the oil from the skin
- Great for people who do not have a lot to cover and need something light for everyday use
- Comes with SPF that protects your skin against the harmful rays of the sun
Related: Here are some awesome but super affordable Japanese drugstore products for you!
Cezanne UV Foundation EX Plus
This is one of the best Japanese powder foundation out there that comes at an extremely affordable price. It provides excellent coverage and is great at concealing all those blemishes, scars, and anything else you might want to cover up. The foundation is also pretty easy to apply and blends well.
Key Features:
- One of the best Japanese powder foundation
- Extremely affordable price
- Provides excellent coverage
- Great at hiding scars and blemishes
- Easy to apply
- Blends well
Related: Keep your skin’s pH levels balanced with these Japanese toners. Check it out here!
Maquillage Dramatic Powdery UV Foundation with SPF25
Maquillage is probably one of the best makeup ranges in Japan that keeps bringing out innovative products. The Maquillage Dramatic Powdery UV Foundation is a great product that gives you full coverage. It effectively covers up all scars and blemishes and gives you a perfect finish.
This best Japanese powder foundation is extremely light and gives you a natural finish. It is a great on-the-go foundation that you can apply while on your way to work. It only takes minutes to apply this foundation flawlessly. It lasts for a long time and gives you a dewy look.
Key Features:
- Gives full coverage
- Great for covering up scars, blemishes, and acne marks
- Perfect finish
- Light and natural
- On-the-go foundation that is perfect for applying while traveling
- Only takes minutes to apply it
- Leaves you with a dewy, natural look
- Long-lasting
INTEGRATE Professional Finish Foundation
This is yet another best Japanese powder foundation that leaves you with a smooth and natural finish. It is also quite small when compared to a majority of others, and so takes the top points for portability. You can carry it around easily in a small purse. The coverage provided by the foundation is pretty good and is the ideal option for those who already have great skin. It adds a nice, natural touch to your look.
Key Features:
- Gives you a smooth and natural finish
- Small and compact in size, making it a portable, travel-friendly option
- Great coverage
- Good for people with already amazing skin
Related: These awesome Japanese eyeliners will make your eyes pop! Check it out here!
Canmake Marshmallow Finish Powder
This is a versatile product that can be used in multiple ways. You can use it as a powder foundation, as a finishing powder, or for touch-ups. We love that it comes with no additives and leaves your skin with a matte and natural finish. This best Japanese powder foundation helps conceal your pores, so if you are facing that issue, we highly recommend this product.
The powder contains ten beautifying agents that prevent your skin from drying out. It also adds a good level of moisture in your skin. If you love a natural look, you must try out this by Canmake. It also comes with SPF26 and PA++.
Key Features:
- Versatile product that can be used in multiple ways
- Can be used as a foundation, finishing powder, or touch-ups
- Gives you a matte and natural finish
- Conceals your pores
- Contains ten beautifying agents that prevent your skin from drying out
- Adds moisture to the skin
- Comes with SPF26 and PA++
Related: Blend your foundation with these amazing Japanese makeup brushes for a flawless look!
Shiseido UV Protective Compact Foundation
Shiseido is a well-known brand that is a favorite amongst people across the planet. The UV protective compact foundation by the brand is one of the best out there. It gives you a matte effect, but unlike several others out there, it does not look white when worn. It blends out perfectly and gives good coverage.
It makes your skin look super smooth and silky. This best Japanese powder foundation provides light to medium coverage and can be made into heavy coverage by layering it up.
Key Features:
- UV protective compact foundation
- Gives you a matte effect
- Does not look white when worn
- Blends perfectly
- Light to medium coverage
- Makes skin look super smooth and silky
- Can get heavy coverage by layering up
Related: These nourishing Japanese BB creams are best for that no-makeup look!
Shiseido The Makeup Powdery Foundation
This best Japanese powder foundation feels very creamy, so applies evenly and blends well. It is a very soft powder foundation that leaves you with a matte finish. It is a great powder foundation for oily skin. It fills up your pores and adds perfection to your skin. The final finish is very velvety and leaves your skin feeling soft, while also offering UV protection.
The foundation has oil-absorbing power, minimizes the visibility of pores, and it also softens imperfections.
Key Features:
- A powder foundation that feels very creamy
- Applies evenly and blends well
- Great for oily skin
- Oil-absorbing powder that minimizes the visibility of pores and softens imperfections
- Gives you a matte, velvety finish
- Leaves skin feeling soft
Related: Your eyebrows will always be on fleek with these amazing Japanese eyebrow pencils!
Shu Uemura The Lightbulb UV Compact Foundation
This is a powder compact that is formulated with the lightbulb oleo-technology and the lightbulb pearl. This technology leaves your skin with a natural glow.
This best Japanese powder foundation has high coverage that is great to cover up your scars, blemishes, and other imperfections. This revolutionary foundation balances the natural glowy look while also providing high coverage.
The foundation also comes with SPF 30 that protects your skin against harmful rays of the sun. The formulation also glides on easily and smoothly. It is also quite easy to blend, giving you a flawless finish.
Key Features:
- Revolutionary powder foundation formulated with the lightbulb oleo-technology and lightbulb pearl
- Leaves skin with a natural glow
- High coverage that is great for covering up imperfections
- Comes with SPF 30 that protects your skin against harmful rays of the sun
- Glides on easily and smoothly
- Easy to blend
- Gives you a flawless finish
Cezanne UV Essence Neri Foundation
The Cezanne UV Essence Neri Foundation is a full coverage best Japanese powder foundation that has a powdery finish. It is a great foundation that helps cover up all pores. If you have dry patches on your skin, this is the one for you. It helps give you a glossy and dewy finish.
The foundation comes with Hyaluronic Acid, Apple extract, Yeast extract, Collagen, and Amino Acid extract. These ingredients together give a very moisturizing effect. It also comes with SPF 26 PA++.
Key Features:
- Full coverage foundation
- Gives a powdery finish
- Helps cover up pores
- Helps with the dry patches on your skin
- Gives you a glossy and dewy finish
- Comes with hyaluronic acid, apple extract, collagen, and other moisturizing extracts
- Comes with SPF 26PA++
Shu Uemura The Light Valve Oreo Compact Foundation
This is yet another advanced conditioning and protective powder foundation that has an ultra-light texture. This best Japanese powder foundation blends seamlessly and is also convenient and easy to apply. The foundation contains a jellified oil complex that ensures that the color stays on. It also has conditioning oils that nurture and hydrate the skin.
It gives your skin a glowy and dewy finish. The streak-free and edge-free application is something that we are sure you will enjoy.
Key Features:
- Advanced conditioning and protective powder foundation
- Ultra-light texture that blends seamlessly
- Convenient and easy to apply
- Contains a jellified oil complex
- Nurtures and hydrates the skin
- Gives your skin a glowy and dewy finish
- Streak-free and edge-free application
How To Choose The Best Japanese Powder Foundation?
Choosing the best Japanese powder foundation for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to consider:
Your Skin Type:
- Oily Skin: Look for oil-control formulas with matte or semi-matte finishes. Products with ingredients like silica or titanium dioxide can help absorb excess oil. Consider brands like Maquillage Dramatic Powdery EX or Canmake Secret Beauty Powder.
- Dry Skin: Opt for hydrating formulas with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane. Consider brands like Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation or Sana Keana Pate Shokunin Mineral BB Powder Enrich Moist.
- Combination Skin: Choose a versatile powder that offers light to medium coverage and a comfortable, non-cakey finish. Products with SPF can also be beneficial. Consider brands like Cezanne UV Foundation EX Plus EX2 or Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation.
- Sensitive Skin: Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas with mineral ingredients. Consider brands like FANCL Essence Softfindation or Transino UV Powder.
Coverage:
- Light Coverage: If you prefer a natural, barely-there look, opt for a sheer powder or BB powder. These can even out your skin tone and blur imperfections without feeling heavy.
- Medium Coverage: This is a good option for most people, offering buildable coverage to conceal blemishes and redness while still looking natural.
- Full Coverage: If you have significant imperfections or uneven skin tone, choose a full-coverage powder. Be mindful of not applying too much to avoid a cakey look.
Finish:
- Matte: Ideal for oily skin, offering a shine-free finish that lasts throughout the day.
- Natural: Provides a more skin-like appearance with a subtle glow.
- Dewy: Hydrates and plumps the skin, leaving a fresh, radiant finish.
- Luminous: Gives a healthy, youthful glow to the complexion.
SPF:
Many Japanese powder foundations offer SPF protection, which is beneficial for all skin types. Look for SPF 30 or higher for daily sun protection.
How To Find The Right Shade Of Japanese Powder Foundation For Your Skin Tone?
Here’s how to find the right shade of Japanese powder foundation for your skin tone:
1. Know your undertone: This is more important than surface skin color. Look for veins on your wrist: greenish = cool, bluish/purple = cool, yellowish/olive = warm, difficult to tell = neutral.
2. Match in natural light: Artificial light can distort colors. Go outside or stand near a window with natural light.
3. Swatch on your jawline: Don’t test on your hand, it’s a different color than your face. Apply thin lines of different shades and blend slightly.
4. Look for the best match: The shade should disappear seamlessly into your skin, not look too light or dark, and match your neck as well.
5. Consider coverage: Sheer powder can be slightly off, but full coverage needs to be exact.
Types Of Japanese Powder Foundation
There are several types of Japanese powder foundations available, each offering unique benefits and finishes.
Here are some common types:
1. Loose Powder: Finely milled, offering sheer to medium coverage, ideal for setting makeup and controlling shine.
2. Pressed Powder: Compact, offering light to medium coverage, perfect for touch-ups and everyday wear.
3. BB Powder: Combines foundation and powder, offering light to medium coverage with skincare benefits.
4. Mineral Powder: Gentle on skin with natural minerals, suitable for sensitive skin.
5. Two-way Cake: Versatile, used wet for medium to full coverage and dry for light to medium coverage.
What is the difference between a pressed powder foundation and a loose powder foundation?
Pressed powder is compact, ideal for touch-ups with light to medium coverage. It’s convenient, but can be trickier to apply evenly.
Loose powder is finely milled, offering sheer to medium coverage and great for setting makeup or controlling shine. It’s lightweight, but requires a brush and can be messy. Consider your needs: portability and coverage (pressed), or lightweight setting and shine control (loose).
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between pressed powder foundation and loose powder foundation:
| Characteristic | Pressed Powder Foundation | Loose Powder Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging | Pressed into a compact | Jar or tub |
| Convenience | More convenient | Less convenient |
| Portability | More portable | Less portable |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Finish | Can be more matte | More natural-looking |
| Versatility | Less versatile | More versatile |
| Messiness | Less messy | More messy |
| Shade range | Wider shade range | Narrower shade range |
How to Apply Powder Foundation?
Here are the steps on how to apply powder foundation:
- Start with a clean, moisturized face. This will help the foundation to go on evenly and smoothly.
- Choose the right foundation shade. The foundation should be the same shade as your natural skin tone. If you are not sure what shade to choose, ask a salesperson for help.
- Apply the foundation with a powder brush. Dip the brush into the foundation and then tap off any excess. Apply the foundation to your face in small, circular motions. Start with the center of your face and then work your way out.
- Build up the coverage as needed. If you want more coverage, apply a second layer of foundation.
- Set the foundation with a translucent powder. This will help to keep the foundation in place and prevent it from creasing.
Here are some additional tips for applying powder foundation:
- If you have dry skin, you may want to use a hydrating primer before applying powder foundation. This will help to prevent the foundation from drying out your skin.
- If you have oily skin, you may want to use an oil-free foundation and powder. This will help to control shine.
- If you are using loose powder foundation, you can use a kabuki brush to apply it. This will help to give you a more natural-looking finish.
- If you are using pressed powder foundation, you can use a powder puff to apply it. This will help to give you a more matte finish.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when applying powder foundation:
- Applying too much foundation: This can make your skin look cakey and unnatural.
- Not blending the foundation evenly: This can leave streaks and unevenness on your skin.
- Not setting the foundation: This can cause the foundation to fade or crease throughout the day.
The best Japanese powder foundation for you!
These were some of the best Japanese powder foundations that will feel like your own skin, only better. Try these out today!
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Erika is the main author of the website. She is obsessed with Japanese products and always looks for an opportunity to share her love for Japanese products with everybody around her! She combined her love for writing, research and testing products to create Best Japanese Products. When she’s not reviewing latest Japanese products, you’ll find her pampering her cats. Erika is the definition of ‘The Crazy Cat Lady’.