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| Above: Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation in Natural Beige. |
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| Above: The foundation, like all Sensai products, comes in luxe silver packaging. |
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| Above: The full ingredients list…there is no added scent (thankfully!) and the sunscreen is physical (titanium dioxide). |
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| Above: I use the spatula to transfer the foundation from the jar to a little sample container for easy access. |
I also appreciate that the foundation, which comes in a sturdy glass jar, also includes a little spatula for scooping out the foundation, which I decant into a sample container each week. This cuts down on the inherent mess and potential contamination that can spawn from opening a jar and touching the product regularly.
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| Above: The Cellular Performance Cream Foundation is almost like a gel-cream hybrid in terms of texture. It reminds me a bit of Chantecaille’s future skin (the one in the jar) but with MUCH better coverage and lasting power. |
The cream formula is utterly luxurious. I find it similar to the SK-II in terms of look and texture, but the Kanebo Sensai is more emollient and truly becomes “one with the skin” with minimal effort, whereas the SK-II, while lovely, has a more matte, “foundation-esque” finish. It is high-definition in nature…seamlessly blending and virtually imperceptible to the naked eye! Additionally, the lasting power is quite formidable…I get 8-10 hours of oxidation-free wear that only necessitates a couple of powder touch ups throughout the day.
Compared to some other foundations I adore, this has:
- Equal dewiness but more coverage than Koh Gen Do Aqua
- Equal skincare properties but more glow (less matte) than SK-II Cream Foundation
- Better lasting power and more HD qualities (though the glow is on par) than Face Atelier
- Less lasting power but more skin care properties than Revlon Colorstay Whipped
- Equal lightness but more glow than Dior Airflash
- More glow and slightly less lasting power than Hourglass Immaculate
- Equal coverage, less shade options but a touch more believable glow than LMdB Classic Flawless
- Less coverage but more glow than By Terry Cover Expert
- Equal glow but less coverage than Armani Maestro
- Less SPF, equal lightness, equal lasting power and more coverage than Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact.
Although there are only eight shades in this formula (which cater to light and medium to medium-tan skin tones only…at least at this point!), I am quite impressed with the natural and realistic undertones this limited spectrum embodies. I have found an absolutely perfect match with Natural Beige, which is suitable for N 23-25 and NC 23-25 skin tones. It has semi-yellow undertones (rather than rosy) but also contains enough neutrality to mimic the complex dimensions of the face.
I was able to get samples of two additional shades (Warm Beige and Amber Beige) to swatch and juxtaposed them against two similar shade options from the Dior Airflash line (also spectacular!).
On a completely unrelated side note, I am so glad that Dior released the shade #201 Linen in Airflash recently…it is perfect for NC 23-25 skin and, up until now, the only yellow-undertone option was #301 which is much better suited to NC 30 skin. Review of this formula in its new shade soon!
Above and below: Swatches of Dior Airflash and Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation in direct sunlight. All of these shades fall in the NC 23-35 range…from top to bottom:
1. Sensai Amber Beige: NC 35-40
2. Sensai Warm Beige: NC 27-30
3. Sensai Natural Beige: NC 23-25
4. Dior Airflash #201 Linen: NC 23-25
5. Dior Airflash #301 Sand: NC 27-30
Below: My video review and tutorial of this foundation as well as images of the foundation on my face in various lighting, makeup and time-of-day situations…
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| Above: Coupled with NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder. |
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| Above: Alone with minimal makeup…this picture best depicts its inherently dewy finish. |
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| Above: With Serge Lutens Teint Si Fin Powder in O40 dusted lightly top. |
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| Above: At the end of an 8 hour teaching day…this formula holds up remarkably well! |
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| Above: Mid-day in humid heat at the Getty Villa in Malibu. |
Bottom Line: I love this foundation…the gorgeous medium coverage, skin-conditioning ingredients and dewy, yet lasting wear. The only drawbacks I can think of for this formula are that it is a bit pricy, the shades are limited (though the ones that exist and extremely well-executed) and it is also quite difficult it is to find in stores. As far as I know, it can only be purchased stateside at the Kanebo counter at Neiman Marcus (if you know of other options, please list them in the comments!). Those caveats aside, I highly recommend this foundation…if you are looking for flawless coverage and a truly skin-like finish, this is the one to try! **Update (4/04/14) Currently only available at Bergdorf Goodman
Comments (62)
I feel the same way about foundations – I'm always on the search for the "perfect" formula… and even when I find it, I keep looking! At this point, I have a drawer filled with foundations and almost all of them are extremely good (though of course I have my most favorite). I haven't tried anything from Kanebo, this foundation seems like a good place to start. I tend to be drawn to foundations that give a "skin like" finish like this, ones that don't look at all foundation-y
Hi Catherine…happy to know I am not alone in the foundation quest ; ) If you like foundations with a "skin-like finish," this should definitely be on your wish list. It blends into the skin (while still providing great coverage) better than anything I've ever tried! What are some of your current foundation favorites?
Take care and do keep me posted…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
great review thank you! This foundation reminds me a little old discontinued Givenchy Sublimine, my best foundation which I've ever had.
My actual nr. 1 is Kanebo Sensai Fluid Finish
Thank you, Eryykah!!! I never tried the Givenchy Sublimine (surprisingly!) but am glad to know this may be similar if you have been looking for a replacement. I tried the Kanebo Sensai Fluid Finish a couple of years ago, and, while I loved the finish and coverage, there was something in it that didn't agree with my skin : ( Fortunately, such is not the case with the cream version!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
HI B.P OMG..love, love, love this foundation. Unfortunatly I'm not sure how I can order it but I will certainly try! Thanku for all the comparisons. They truly help. It looks amazing on u without any other makeup/powder as well.
Hi Lynn…happy the foundation is intriguing to you. You're right, ordering this could prove to be a challenge but if you find your perfect shade (you're likely a Natural Beige or Warm Beige), it is a phenomenal product! Thanks for your sweet words about my minimal makeup picture…it definitely reflects "the glow" best ; )
I hope your weekend is lovely thus far…xoxo and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
Yes I was definitley thinking natural beige or warm beige as well. Have a great week ahead!
Thanks!! You, too, Lynn!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Cool, very informative…
Thanks so much!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, still on the hunt for my HG foundation which must be moisturizing with a dewy finish, not sink into pores, fine lines or other skin imperfections. fragrance free or relatively so. and a perfect match for my NW15-20 skin! Also can't change color when I add powder, which has been a big problem. ( What powder do you use to set your foundations?) Have not found it yet. I did sample the SKII foundation, on your rec, in the two lightest colors at Bloomingdale's. My daughter thought they both looked too yellow on me. They definitely seemed yellower than your swatches suggested, and the formula was not as moisturizing as I had hoped. Also ordered KoGenDo Aqua from Sephora in PK1 based on your swatches. I must say, the color was way yellower than your swatches but I could have blended it in had it had a different finish. I found it to be very sheer with a kind of matte finish that highlighted every line, pore and indentation in my skin. It did not sit on the surface and blur imperfections, but actually did the opposite. Two down!! This one sounds very promising, based on my prerequisites, but I have no idea what color would be close. Any recommendations? Do I have to order this online from Neiman Marcus? I'll have to check their return policy. Any other recommendations, the sheer number of products that you test gives you a perspective most of us mortals just don't have. Thanks!
Hello Ellen!
Good to hear from you. I definitely know what you mean about being on a hunt for the perfect foundation to serve your needs! With regards to your question about powder, lately, I've been using one of three: the NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder (completely translucent and doesn't affect the color of foundation at all), Serge Lutens Teint Si Fin (more coverage but a hint dark right now…will be perfect in the summer) and the Dior NUDE powder (recently picked it up on a whim in #020, a light beige with neutral undertones with a lovely skin-like finish). I also like the Hourglass powder in Diffused Light to add an airbrushed finish that is basically translucent in terms of color. One good thing about the Kanebo is that there are a few light shades with pink undertones. CF 11 Creamy Beige and CF 12 Summer Breeze are both rather fair and pink from what I remember. Yes, if you don't have a Neiman's nearby, I suggest calling the closest one should you decide to order because I didn't see this particular formula online. Also, I will call my contact at the Kanebo counter tomorrow and see if they can send me samples of all eight shades for an impending swatch fest post! Also, have you tried the 3 Lab BB Cream in #1 (a fair to light beige)? If not, a sample may be in order for you! It has lovely medium coverage (which is impressive for anything with a "BB" label), SPF 40 physical sunscreen and significant lasting power (review soon!).
I hope that helps…take care and do keep me posted…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Aaaack! LOL! You're killing me with all these beautiful foundations! If you haven't been able to tell…I'm sort of a foundation hoarder! It's been a while since I've revamped my rotation so that's why I've been gaga over it lately! Didn't want to seem like a crazy lady with all my posts/questions lol! So, I was literally getting ready to order the TF Traceless stick in a few hours (gotta love working nights and waiting for business hours)…is it worth having both this and the TF in the rotation? Would you choose one or the other (I am so sorry for putting you on the spot like this!). I have promised myself two more foundations and this one looks so very perfect! Any thoughts?
Hi DocSmitty!
I love that you are a foundation fanatic like I am…I never tire of discussing my hunt for the perfect formula and am always thrilled to hear when that quest resonates with my readers! In response to your question, both the Tom Ford and the Kanebo foundations are great for different purposes. If you are looking for a skincare foundation with the most natural, dewy, medium coverage I have ever encountered, then the Kanebo is an excellent candidate. The Tom Ford stick is extremely versatile and portable…it can be layered for more coverage and can even act as a concealer. The finish is a bit more "foundation like" but still very beautiful. I love owning them both!
I hope that helps you with your decision…take care and keep me posted on what you end up with!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Ive definitely decided to try it…Next obstacle! Finding it! LOL!!
Excellent!! Can't wait to hear your thoughts…take care and talk soon!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
How in the world do you decide which foundtion to wear every day? I have one foundation but a zillion lipsticks and now starting the same with blushes. I'm intrigued by your review of Kenebo, so I'll just have to try it. I hope I don't become obsessed with foundations. But no kidding, how do you decde which one to wear? Or do you simply go on a binge and use one for a long time and then another? The curious want to know.
Hello Sandra,
Your comment made me smile : ) Admittedly, foundation is my makeup weakness (lip color is a close second!) and I have learned that I will probably never commit to just one perfect formula (should that exist) because my skin needs change with the weather and my mood. Sometimes I prefer something sheer, often, I embrace something with a bit more coverage…glow, lasting power and ease of application also play into my choices! For example, if I am off to the beach, I will likely choose something waterproof like the Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation (if I am swimming) or the Amore Pacific Compact (if I am sunning and want super high SPF); when traveling, the Face Atelier wears beautifully in dry, hot air but tends to have lasting issues in humidity (at which point I might pick Revlon Colorstay Whipped or Hourglass Immaculate). For a quick application, Dior Airflash is a veritable flash, but when I want to take my time, I might select the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer or another cream base that requires thorough blending. Gosh…this should be a blog post!! Seriously though, I do put some rather extensive thought into my decision based on what I anticipate the day to require! Hopefully my obsession is also of use to my readers ; )
There are a few foundations I find to be exceptionally versatile, the Kanebo Sensai being one of them (another is the Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Foundation)…since buying it, it has made it into my rotation multiple times a week. I highly recommend it if you are able to track it down!
Thanks for your curiosity and enjoy the rest of the weekend…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
i love love love it.. Im using whole range of Sensai Kanebo skincare products (step by step system) plus this fondation on top. after few days of use my skin turned sooo silky and smooth, despite the fact that i was fighting acne for 2 years and i still had a lot of little scars on my cheeks. +++++
p.s.Great blog! greetings from Latvia,
Anete
Hello Anete!
Thank you for your comment! You are lucky to be using the whole Kanebo Sensai skincare system…it is so luxurious! I have been trying samples lately and am falling in love with how my skin feels and looks. This foundation is the best, no?!
I hope all is well in Latvia and look forward to keeping in touch!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I can't thank you enough! Kimmie is wonderful and my foundation is on the way! I am über excited!!
It is truly my pleasure! I get an irrational joy when it comes to helping my readers find their perfect foundation formula and match ; ) I hope you love this as much as I do!!
xoxo and keep me posted,
–The Beauty Professor
HI Beauty Professor,
I absolutely love your blog! Your information is so informative and "spot on"! So…Let me tell you I bought the Amore Pacific CC cream compact in 104. Absolutely love it! Gorgeous amazing coverage! However I am still curious if the "be all end all" will be using Kanebo as the main foundation and then touching up with the Amore Pacific. Also the primer that I use is the new Anthelios primer/SPF 50 sunscreen and it is truly fabulous!
What do you think? for a bit more coverage have you tried using both and the Amore Pacific CC compacts for touch ups?
Again, many thanks, totally love your site and quickly wanted to recommend that you check out RMS Beauty products as they are really wonderful!
Hello Tastefairy!
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate the kind assessment of my blog! That is fantastic that you are loving the Amore Pacific CC in #104…such a magnificent product. That being said, I have indeed used the exact combination about which you inquire…the Kanebo Sensai CP Creme foundation is outstanding and if/when I need to touch up, the Amore Pacific definitely does the job well (and it is so portable!). I hope that confirmation helps!
Thanks for the RMS recommendation…I have some of the key products (Living Luminizer, Un-Cover Up etc.) and have been meaning to do a proper review for awhile now…must get on that!
xoxo and keep in touch,
–The Beauty Professor
It looks great on you 🙂
I wish this was in my budget
Thanks, Betzy! It is one of my favorite foundations but it definitely an investment, price-wise!
xoxo and happy Saturday,
–The Beauty Professor
I would love to try this foundation. Do you know if it is available at Neimans at Fashion Island?
If you had to choose between the SKII & Kanebo cream foundations, which would it be?
Mandy
Hello Mandy…yes…it is available at Neiman Marcus Fashion Island (that is where I purchased mine). I prefer the Kanebo over the SKII because I think it is a more radiant and lasting finish! If you end up going to Fashion Island, ask for Kimmie and tell her the Beauty Professor sent you ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I surely will! Thanks for the info, Rachel. I believe my colour may be Almond Beige CF23 or maybe even the Amber Beige. I am a 7 Tawny in Tom Ford stick and Stromboli in Nars radiant cream, what do you think? BTW I just realized that Greg Velasquez at TF did my make up too, it looked amazing! I love your blog, your in depth reviews save me a lot of time and I really appreciate it!
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
My pleasure! I think you could likely get away with either shade you mention, or perhaps a mixture of the two?! Greg at the Tom Ford counter is marvelous, no? He is kind and knowledgable and so relaxed..love him!
Thanks for your sweet words about my blog…I am truly glad that you enjoy what I do here ; )
xoxo and have a wonderful weekend,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi! I LOVE Kanebo Sensai's Cellular Performance Skin Care line—been using it for the better part of a decade. I haven't used any of their make-up, however. With your review, I might just have to dive into their make-up line…! Thank you. Oh! You can also get the Kanebo line at Bergdorf Goodman (they have an online purchase option as well).
Hello Virginia,
Yes! Another Kanebo Sensai lover…the skincare is truly amazing and definitely worth the investment, though I'll be honest, it was the makeup that initially drew me to this line! Hope you get to try some soon ; )
Thanks for your wonderful comment….xoxo and have a lovely week,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor- big fan of your blog! question- did you hear that this foundation was recalled (a number of Kanebo Sensai products were apparently!) I went to both Bergdorf and Neiman and was told they were sold out. This is the most important part of my daily make up routine so I have been eager for it to come back. When I did a little research I found that they were pulled by the FDA due to the ingredients, have you heard anything about this? I have been using this foundation for years now- 5+ years and love it so much. Do you think it would be safe to continue to use it after? I am really really hoping I don't have to give this product up, but wanted to know your thoughts since you are a professional 🙂 Thank you!!
Hello Anon!
Thank you for your kind words about my blog. Yes, I did hear that this foundation was being reformulated and I nearly had a heart attack ; ) I was told that the sunscreen needed to be removed because the FDA didn't find the SPF to be adequate for their guidelines and Kanebo Sensai didn't want to add more. In turn, the new formulation will be identical in terms of shades and texture but will not contain the nominal amount of sunscreen like the original formula. I am hoping that is indeed the case and will definitely be first in line when the new formula finally makes it way back into stores. I will be at Neiman's on Wednesday and will try to get an update on the arrival of the new batch!
Hope that helps…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks BF- of course you heard 🙂 You really are awesome!! I was just a bit worried because when I googled it there were so many different things coming up. Can not wait to hear about your review- I just called them yesterday to see if it was in yet and Neiman's Beverly Hills had not received it yet…anxiously waiting…I am at the bottom of the jar (so precious!)
Thank you for your response! xo
But of course! Happy to pass along what I was told! Are you local to LA? If so, did you happen to see my post for my special beauty event at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island tomorrow? I will be covering my favorites from Kanebo Sensai as part of the presentation and would love to have you there if you are able to attend. It is from 11-1…let me know!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello! Ooohhh this is going to be on my WISH LISTS!!!!! I went to harrods websites (where i usually buy my foundations online because im from australia) i got confused with the shading. Because aside from your swatches, they have few more colours to choose from. They have cf22-natural beige..cf23 almond beige…cf24 amber beige..and cf25 topaz beige…
For nc40 skintone im tossing between cf22 natural beige and cf24 amber beige…almond beige appeared pinkish on the web photo and topaz beige is the last shade on the list…i assumed the darkest…hmm…but definitely will be on my lists..thanks for sharing the swatches..the foundation looked good on ya…soo flawless!…thanks!
-nathalee
Hello Nathalee,
Thanks for your sweet comment and compliment! If you are a true NC40, then I suggest either Amber Beige (on the light side) or Topaz Beige (a bit darker)…Natural and Almond Beiges will be too light for you!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi beauty professor, I first want to thank you for all your amazing blog posts. I love that you are honest and give such thorough opinions. I am indeed looking for a HG foundation and are hoping you might be able to suggest one or couple different options. I do have oily skin and need something long lasting( I work 12hour shifts). I have tired Chanel, Laura mercier, YSL, Hourglass, Makeup forever etc…but all have caused irritation to my face 🙁 only brands I have found so far that doesn't break my skin out is Dior, Armani, and Mac (I'm currently using mac studio fix liquid in NC25). But now that I have entered a new decade, am looking for a foundation with more skin beneficial properties and luxurious. If you have any recommendations would greatly appreciate it.
Hello Shelly,
Thanks for your sweet comment…I am so blessed to be able to do this blog and I value the importance of being unequivocally honest with my readers! For your purposes, I highly recommend the Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation (discussed in this post). It is long lasting, gives beautiful coverage and has skincare benefits that make it much more than a foundation…anti-aging, hydrating and comfortable, it is a gorgeous formula and will forever being in my top favorites. It is also great for sensitive skin (no scent!)…I am extremely sensitive and have had no reactions…if you are a NC25, then you would likely wear the Natural Beige #22 like I do. I also love the Suqqu Frame Fix…it has all of the same qualities as the Kanebo…it is just a slight bit more matte. However, it is definitely not as easy to procure if you live in the US!
I truly hope that helps…xoxo and keep me posted!
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for all your insight. Sorry it took me so long to reply, I haven't had a lot of time for my beauty blogs lately. Ii found the Kanebo foundation on the Neiman Marcus website, but they state that you cannot return make up products once opened. Then how do you know if it fits, you try on clothes! I also found the 3 Labs website. The #1 color is called light, but there is no way to see the actual color. I look forward to your review of the product. I did find it on the Nordstrom's website as well, and I think they have a very liberal return policy, so I may be able to try it. Their BB cream is $95!! I certainly hope I can return it if the color is not right. Also, the last ingredient on the label is fragrance! I was surprised. Hopefully being the last ingredient means there is very little and I will be able to tolerate it. My Sephora was out of the new Nars loose powder and I was directed to the Hourglass ones. I thought the Ethereal was too light, so I purchased the Dim Light and the Diffused Light. The Dim Light is much too dark for my skin now. It may be workable as a bronzer at this time of year. The Diffused Light just gave some matte coverage, and did lean a little yellow on my skin. I may switch it for the Ethereal, the pink undertones in my skin seem to turn everything into a different color, so it may work over my foundation. I actually use a taupe eyeshadow as blush, because that is the only way to get the right shade of pinky brown on my skin, regular colors turn orange. Again, thank you for all your insight. I look forward to your review of the 3 Lab product. I'll give you my feedback if I get it. I could use a pick me up right now! Have a great Thanksgiving, and keep up the amazing work!
So good to hear from you, Ellen! Happy to help ; ) Thanks for touching base on all of your makeup adventures. What is the name of the taupe eyeshadow you use as a blush? That is fascinating!
I hope all is well in your world and will do my best to keep the reviews coming…xoxo and have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving,
–The Beauty Professor
Dear BP! I cannot thank you enough for your incredibly comprehensive review on the By Terry Densiliss foundation – thanks to your swatches I managed to order the right colour (no. 7) and am loving it! However, a mere recreational browse in your fabulous blog has most unfortunately (for my wallet!) let me to this review of the Kanebo foundation. Yes, I admit it, I am guilty of serial monogamy in the foundation department, with a long list of passionate affairs (besides, I indulge in 'harems' of multiple-bottles-of-the-same-shade, in paranoia that my latest fave going to be suddently discontinued). As a result, you cannot imagine the guilt at finding myself wolf-whistling at another wonderfully-reviewed item! So… tell me… can this foundation be compared to the Densiliss one? I am looking for medium (buildable) coverage and the most natural finish possible in any light (natural but not too dewy)… could this be 'the one' to make me dump the Densiliss, I wonder? …well…. at least until your next feature?
Hello Anon,
Thanks for sweet comment! I am so glad that the my By Terry Densiliss post was helpful for you! I fully concede that this blog is a dangerous place if you have a penchant for high-end foundations because, like you, I have tried and loved a copious amount of formulas over the years and have channeled this experience into my writing to help (or enable!) others (like us) who share this affinity.
With regards to your question, I find that the Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Foundation (I suspect if you are a #7 in the By Terry as I am, then you would likely find a match in the Natural Beige in the KS) is a bit dewier and longer lasting than the beautiful By Terry Densiliss, which has a more velvet matte finish that, at least on me, lasts for about six hours. In turn, the Kanebo Sensai is a more natural finish on my face overall…it truly just melds into the skin, providing seamless medium coverage. While there are many formulas I love (e.g., the By Terry Densiliss, Cover and Sheer Experts, Suqqu Frame Fix and GA Mastro Compact, just to name a few), if I had to pick just one, it would be the Kanebo Sensai CP Cream Foundation, hands down.
I hope that helps…xoxo and do keep me posted!
–The Beauty Professor
Hello, and thank you so much for your feedback! I love the idea of a long-wearing, yet natural-looking foundation (it's such a rarity to have both features combined), and am tempted to try the KS! Not that I am dissatisfied with the Densilyss – I really love it and it does look incredibly natural… yet it is slightly matte and I often find myself adding a dewy primer underneath (a step I'd rather skip to save time!). As far as colour is concerned, looking at your swatches (and I can't thank you enough for them as my nearest Kanebo store is miles away!), the KS Natural Beige looks a tad lighter than the Densiliss 7 and may therefore be just too light for me. The Almond Beige looks too pinkish (would you agree?), and the Amber Beige is too dark. I suppose I could mix the Natural with a tiny amount of Amber (but then I'd have to buy two foundations – agh!). The good news is that I found it on sale on a website here in Switzerland… it's probably being discontinued to make place for the revised version you mention above. Decisions, decisions… to renew my vows with the Densilyss or embark on a threesome with two pots of KS?… I'll definitely keep you posted! Take care and keep enriching us with your brilliant reviews!
My pleasure! I cannot recommend the KS enough! If the Densiliss is a bit too matte at times, then the KS might just be the answer…it has a very natural glowiness that looks like really healthy (albeit, perfected) skin. I can wear KS Natural Beige and Densiliss #7 interchangeably…it could be that the Densiliss looks a bit darker, but really, once they are on the skin, they translate similarly (at least in my experience!).
I hope that helps as you make your choices…xoxo and do keep me posted,
–The Beauty Professor
I'm a convert! Overall I am hugely impressed with this – I am especially pleased with the incredibly natural, yet flawless effect. High-tech foundations sometimes make skin look ''flawless yet flat", but not this one – this is like a glowing second skin. I am not sure how to compare it to the Densilyss… I suppose the Densilyss has a more sophisticated (yet also incredibly natural) finish, and it has an edge over the KS when it comes to covering imperfections and blurring fine lines (it really does that!). Between the two, I find the Densilyss to be more 'revolutionary', but the KS is definitely the one for an effortlessly-glowing complexion. Thanks a million for the precious advice, BP – although I am just a little cross with you for expanding the volume of my already-bulging make-up bag! 😉 All the best!
So glad to hear that! You are right…this formula translates as a "glowing second skin." I am never disappointed with the application! KS…Densiliss…we are so fortunate to live at a time when options for truly flattering foundations are plentiful ; )
From one foundation lover to another…I am currently experimenting with a new organic cream foundation by Kjaer Weis and am wildly impressed thus far.
I am so glad you found my advice helpful…xoxo, have a beautiful Christmas and do keep in touch,
–The Beauty Professor
OMG, I am even more converted a few days down the line! The KS lasts all day! It glows all day! And the Natural Beige is a perfect match. Not even Kjaer Weis will change my mind… but please don't review it until I've finished my stock of KS or I might succumb to it, given your irresistible descriptions! 😉
Thank you for the Christmas wishes – happy festive season to you too, and all the very best! Speak soon xoxo
Thrilled to hear this! It is such a tremendous formula and I am so pleased that you are experiencing the same results as I have!
I will try to refrain from reviewing the Kjaer Weis for a bit ; )
xoxo, have a wonderful week and talk soon!
–The Beauty Professor
i am currently using Suquu Frame Fix Foundation and love it, can you tell me whether the Kanebo Sensi foundation would be okay for someone with oily skin? Thanks for all the information and swatches on foundations you really help with color selections and how the product works which saves me a lot of money!
Hello Anon,
Isn't the Suqqu delightful? I just wore it today ; ) I find that the Kanebo Sensai works well for someone with combination skin. I am oily in my t-zone and find that this formula is both hydrating and glowy without making my skin too shiny. I love it!
So glad my swatches were helpful for you…always happy to help a fellow foundation lover save some money ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
hi BP,
I truly enjoy your reviews…it's very helpful…I have one question here, between Ton Ford and Kanebo, which one do you prefer ?
Hello,
Thank you! I recommend the Kanebo overall…I prefer the dewy finish and skincare benefits…haven't had a reader not like it yet ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi I tried this great product and love it. I bought it in Germany Sensai almond beige. However I life in Australia and no one sells it here. Does anyone know how I could get a hold of this great foundation.?
Hello Claudia,
Thanks for the question. I would suggest trying to order from Selfridges in the UK (which carries the line) if you can…they have international shipping now!
Hope that helps…xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Rachel, I just want to say that I so adore your blog and believe that your point of view on all things beauty is pretty spot on. So…I have a bit of a dilemma and wanted to ask your opinion. I bought the Amore Pacific CC compact and I absolutely fell in love with it and have repurchased it a few times. The sheerness of it, the "glowiness", etc. It's very unique in that regard. But it requires regular touchups and perhaps not enough coverage for a truly "finished look" when I'm meeting with retailers, etc. Let me also tell you about my skin: I'm 47 with very dry skin. As skin care I use Skinceuticals and Dr. Alkaitis treatment oil and Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream. But it's still extremely dry and fair. When Armani Maestro came out with a compact I bought it and tried it and yes it had more coverage and better longevity than the Amore Pacific but lacked the "glow". So my question to you is, where does the Kanebo foundation fall between the AP and the Armani Maestro? One more question, with any of these, I have used the Hourglass primer but with your recent post about the by Terry primers just out I may want to try those. I also toggle between Cle de Peau concealer and RMS Beauty Unconcealer. I know…TMI but I want you to get the full picture:) And of course I'm so appreciative of your thoughts on this.
Warm regards,
Marla Aaron
Marla Aaron Jewelry
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Email: Marla@marlaaaron.com
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Hello Marla,
Thanks for your kind words…it's always encouraging to hear that my recommendations are helpful! Ahh…a foundation lover after my own heart ; ) The search for the perfect base is a challenging one, especially when our skin's needs change over the course of a single year. I have come to accept that I will likely always have a few (or, for the sake of honesty, much more than a few!) foundations in my rotation at any given point in time.
I think that the Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation is likely what you are looking for…it has more coverage than the AP and more glow than the GA Maestro Compact, plus it has skincare benefits and wears all day like a dream. Almost every time I wear it or post a picture of me wearing it, someone asks what it is…it truly is an incredible formula and, being on my third jar (!), I highly recommend it.
With regards to primer, I love the Hourglass and also adore the Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge as a primer/illuminator/skincare option. The latest By Terry option will likely be amazing but I haven't had the chance to wear it on a daily basis yet (soon!) so I can only vouch 100% for the first two mentioned. In terms of concealer, I really like the Cle de Peau (have used it on and off for years), especially for the undereye region. It has marvelous coverage and good lasting power while still looking silky and natural. As organic products go, the RMS is fantastic, I just find better longevity overall with the CdP.
I hope the details were helpful and can't wait to hear what you end up trying in the coming days. By the way, I just looked at your jewelry website and love your creations! They are stunning…so clean, classic and unique. The locks, the cuffs…oh my!
xoxo and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
Dear Lisa,
Have you had a chance to compare the new formula of Kanebo foundation sold in the United States. I noticed that on the Neiman Marcus website, the foundation is labelled "US Formula". After reading your glowing reviews about the foundation, I went to purchase it. That's when I saw the US Formula and noticed that your bottles were labeled International. I saw in one of your posts about that you said they removed the SPF due to FDA regulations. Now I was hoping that you could confirm the new formula is just as lovely as the international one.
Thank you,
Mary
Hi Mary,
The US version is indeed as good as the international one and I suggest tracking it down if you can because after April 30th, Kanebo Sensai will not be sold in the US. This is sad news and I will have to resort to ordering my favorite foundation internationally : (
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Dear beauty professor , I am new to your blogs and must say am a huge fan I to am in serch for the best foundation for my skin and for the flawless look im am at a massive disadvantage it seem as I live in Australia Melbourne and a really struggling to get my hands on the kanebo sensai cellular performance cream foundation it sound fantatasic and perfect for me but have serched endless to get my hands on it on the net closest I could get to it was herrods in London but they wont delivr this product out of the uk please can u help me to order this product im sooo keen to have it in my makeup bag… I adore your blogs and always lookf forward to the next one regards debra x
Hello Debra,
Thanks for the kind words…so glad you found your way here! I wish I could give you some tips for procuring this foundation but unfortunately, the Kanebo Sensai line is now only available in Asia (they pulled the line from the States and most of Europe back in April). It is so upsetting to me because, truly, this has been best formulas I've ever encountered. It still seems to be available on Amazon.com and perhaps you will find better fortune with shipping there.
Let me know how it goes…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor