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| Above: Swatches of all eight shades in outdoor lighting (most accurate shade rendition). |
When news surfaced that the glorious Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation was going to be reformulated (original swatches found HERE), I initially recoiled in horror at the thought of this formula changing in any way, shape or form. The fact that CF 22 Natural Beige is perhaps most accurate match my skin has ever encountered further heightened my apprehension about the release. After a few months of waiting, I am pleased to report that the US version’s shades and performance are the exactly the same as the previous formula. The absence of the nominal amount of sunscreen is the in the original version seems to be the only difference; thankfully, the removal doesn’t seem to have altered the texture, shades or performance of this sensational foundation.
Scroll on for shade descriptions and additional swatches in various lighting situations…
Shade Descriptions:
1. CF 11 Creamy Beige NW/N/NC 10-15: very light beige for fair skin with neutral to pink undertones
2. CF 12 Summer Breeze NW/N 15: light beige for fair skin with neutral to rosy undertones
3. CF 13 Warm Beige NC 20-25: light beige for light skin with warm, yellow, even peachy undertones
4. CF 14 Bamby Beige N/NW 20-25: light beige for light skin with rosy undertones
5. CF 22 Natural Beige N/NC 23-27: light beige for light to light-medium skin with neutral to yellow undertones
6. CF 23 Almond Beige N/NC 30: medium beige for medium skin with neutral to yellow undertones
7. CF 24 Amber Beige N/NC 35-40: medium to dark beige for medium to tan skin with neutral to yellow undertones
8. CF 25 Topaz Beige NW/N/NC 45-50: dark beige for medium-dark skin (dark tan) with all undertones.
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| Above: A closeup of the lightest four shades in outdoor light. |
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| Above: A closeup of the darker four shades in outdoor light. |
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| Above: Swatches of all eight shades in outdoor shade (to show enhanced undertones). |
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| Above: Swatches of all eight shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: A closeup of the lightest four shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: A closeup of the darker four shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Wearing the Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation US Version in CF #22 Natural Beige + Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Powder Foundation in #22 Natural Beige (on t-zone…review soon). |
Bottom Line: I am so pleased (and relieved!) that the new US version of my adored Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation is the same as the original formula in terms of texture, shades and performance and I know that many of my beloved readers will join me in celebration for this fact! Skincare benefits, creamy medium coverage, a dewy skin-like finish and endless hours of wear exist in harmony in the this formula…if you are looking for these qualities in a single product, this foundation is a must! Wanting to order this by phone? I highly suggest calling Kanebo Sensai Specialist extraordinaire Kimmie at Neiman Marcus Fashion Island…she can be reached at: (949) 759-1900 Ext. 2121. **Update as of 4/5/14: Currently only available at Bergdorf Goodman
**This post contains affiliate links as well unaffiliated links for your convenience; my disclosure policy contains additional details on how these work.
Comments (25)
Hello Dear B.P been so busy just as you have been, and apolojizing for not commenting in a while. It was so meant to be when I came to your page to ask you a question about the Kanebo US version. I click on to see thats exactly what you posted. Anyway my question is: do you feel in anyway it's a bit different? Kimmie sent me samples & I feel pros & cons. 1: I feel like it's a bit less emolient, sort of drier but not in an extremely bad way. 2: I feel like theres a bit less luminosity maybe from less moisture. 3:I do feel like it wore longer & better at work today. Let me know if you notice any of these things. However, I will still be ordering it. I may have to change my shade to natural beige like you. Almond was ordered in the summer when I had a bit sun. Talk soon. xoxox
Hello Lynn,
What a joy to hear from you! I know how busy this time of year is, trust me, but am so glad that you were able to say hello ; )
With regards to your question, I noticed that the foundation (in the sample pot) is a bit fluffier looking/feeling; I just attributed that to the fact that it was brand new and figured that perhaps my original version had just "settled" a bit. I don't feel like it is drier or less luminous overall…I've tried both the original and the new, one after the other in succession and found they seem to look and wear just the same, at least on my face! If anything, with the new version, I get slightly less glowy 6+ hours into wear (sometimes that can be an issue with the original formula, especially if it is humid). I love the initial glow, but my combination skin + original formula can = need for blotting/touchup/powder at hour 7 or 8 when the glow "crosses the line" ; )
I think you will love Natural Beige…such a great shade…it doesn't oxidize and is the perfect blend of warm and cool tones!
Have a wonderful weekend and talk soon, my friend! xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I went down to see Kimmie from LA, as you speak so highly of her knowledge of the product line. She matched my skin tone to Amber Beige, and I've been using the formula for a week now and just love it. I put a week's amount in a small sample container so that I don't contaminate the big jar of product. The match, the texture, is true perfection. It's rare that a foundation go on as smoothly and melds with the skin. After an application with my fingers, I buff it out with a Koyudo goat haired foundation brush. Thank you for your detailed and nuanced reviews!
Hello Patricia,
Oh my goodness…so glad you were able to pay Kimmie a personal visit! Her expertise with this line is unparalleled. I am equally happy that you've found bliss with this formula; it is a truly special product and, after trying a host of foundations over the years, is easily in my top two! Thanks for sharing the wonderful feedback as well as your preferred method of application…fascinating!
xoxo and have a lovely week,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi again B.P, thanks for responding so quickly. Yes I love natural beige and in my sample pot also noticed it to be a bit thicker and less emolient then my jar of almond beige. I know what u mean about appreciating that it doesn't get too glowy but that's never been an issue with my skin. Hopefully the jar will be great as well. I don't see me ordering the suqqu til after the holidays. I will be ordering for 1of my clients kanebo too. Have a great Sunday. Xo
But of course, Lynn! It sounds like we are noticing the same thing, texturally speaking, with the formula…even though the texture is a bit thicker, however, it seems to wear just the same on my skin! I will likely be buying the new jar in the new year as well…I still have a third of my (second) current jar to finish ; )
Hope your week is wonderful…xoxo and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP,
This is my first time commenting and I have a color matching question. Two of my favorite color matches I have based off your coloring are: Tom Ford "natural" in the Traceless Foundation and, maybe even better, By Terry Vanilla Beige. On some other of your colors, like Dior Airflash in 201 (I'm 200, but 201 gets a little orange on me), light in Peau Vierge is better than #2 and I'm a bit lighter I believe, in being nc20-23 most of the year (I live in Portland, OR, you understand) but am originally a socal girl. With this sparse amount of knowledge would you say cf13 or cf22 would be better? We don't have anywhere in Oregon that I can go check out colors. Thanks so much and your blog is so fun and informative. Your time and energy do not go unappreciated.
Tobi
Hello Tobi,
Thanks for your comment…I am glad you decided to leave one ; ) It sounds like we are definitely the same in skin tone in light of your favorite/best color matches as many of those are mine, too! With regards to your question, I find that even though CF 13 is technically "lighter" in the line up, it actually goes darker on my skin than CF 22 because of its peachy undertone (that oxidizes a bit orange on me). In turn, I am apt to suggest CF 22 since it possesses more of a neutral to yellow undertone. That being said, it is in the NC 23-25 range so my only concern is that it could be a hair dark, however, I can wear TF Natural and By Terry Vanilla Beige right now (they match perfectly) and CF 22 is also a dead match so I suspect it is the right choice for you.
I truly appreciate your kind feedback and encouragement and hope that the details I've shared are helpful for you!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Just found your blog from Bubbly Michelle. I am so happy to find a blogger that reviews Japanese/Asian products! Being half-Japanese, I am partial to those brands. Subbed on Bloglovin, and look forward to seeing future posts 🙂
Hello,
Thanks for your comment…I am so glad that you found your way here! Bubbly Michelle is just lovely and I am glad she's finally decided to start a blog! I very much appreciate you subscribing and will do my best to keep the Japanese product reviews coming–next up, the new version of the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation!
xoxo and do keep in touch,
–The Beauty Professor
i've not heard of this brand, so i loved seeing your review.
Hello Elle,
Thanks for stopping by…I am glad you enjoyed my review. The Kanebo Sensai line is just fantastic and I highly recommend the products from personal experience ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I am SO excited to see this review!! The color of CF22 has totally changed what I look for in foundation shades. I always thought I was super yellow in undertone, but when I started using the Natural Beige and saw how well (perfectly really) it matched, it really threw me for a loop. This whole time I have been seeking very yellow undertones, and I realize (while they work), they don't match me as well as something neutral to yellow does. Now finding other foundations with the fabulous color that the Kanebo provides, has been a challenge. Then again, why on earth am I looking when I have such a great foundation at my fingertips lol!! Ugh. It's fun I suppose 😀 Is the powder foundation the same in tone and depth? I would love to have something for a bit more coverage and lasting power for those super long days.
I am very very VERY happy to hear there are no major changes, especially to the color, in the US formula! YAYYYYYY!!! If it does last a bit longer and is a bit fluffier, that is even better! Thank you for taking the time to swatch all of these again! Oh, and I so enjoyed your San Francisco blog!! I have been up to my elbows in teething and two-year old tantrums, or I would have commented directly on that post as well. Huge hug and Happy Holidays!! xoxo
Hello Shoshanna!! Yes, the swatches…I am thrilled that you are excited about them. I hoped you would be ; )
I totally agree with you…I always was hot on the pursuit for a yellow toned foundation but the #22 has opened my eyes to the fact that a neutral beige is befitting of my skin tone as well! I can also relate to being on the constant hunt for foundation despite the fact that I fully concede that this formula is and will likely continue to be the pinnacle of all foundations for the duration of my life. I prefer your "fun" justification for this search rather than pure insanity (as I am sure my mom and husband believe it to be when they spy me perusing yet ANOTHER foundation formula!).
With regards to your question about the powder, the #22 is indeed tonally on par with the #22 of the KSCP Cream…when buffed on with a Kabuki brush, it adds additional coverage and mattification. Plus, the compact is slender and gorgeous with the most spacious mirror. LOVE.
In sum, the fact that there are no major changes in this formula is good news indeed! Thanks so much for your sweet words about my SF post…things have been so hectic lately, that it was all I could do to get it finished before the new year : )
Teething and tantrums…sounds like an absolutely lovely adventure, my friend!
xoxo and talk soon…may your Christmastime be full of joy and even perhaps a bit of rest ; )
–The Beauty Professor
Loved the swatches!!
HA! My mom and husband think I am on the insane side of things when it comes to makeup, especially foundation. I constantly message my mother terrible iPhone photos of myself in various foundations asking what she thinks, and my husband almost expects me to ask during breakfast on the weekends when I come down wearing two different formulas/shades. He's a good sport to an extent. He has me turn my face back side-to-side, and tells me which he thinks looks better, but refuses to go into detail as to why one looks better than the other claiming he. "doesn't know!." Bless his heart.
I bought myself a Christmas present: the Kanebo Powder #22 and the Fluid Finish Foundation in Natural Beige (203 i think). Figure I need the set 😛
I look forward to hearing about your Christmas! May it be as lovely as you!
Hello Shoshanna,
Thank you! I am beyond glad to hear that I am not the only one obsessed when it comes to foundations…your descriptions of your interactions with your mom and husband are eerily reminiscent of my own ; ) Hooray for mass Kanebo consumption…truly, when you find as good of a match as #22 Natural Beige is, it only makes sense to get it in as many forms as possible!
I just finished working for two weeks (hence, the ability to finally respond to comments!) and can't wait for a mellow time at home. First, there is a bit more Christmas shopping to be done, then some rest!
Can't wait to hear about your Christmas as well…so thankful for you, my beautiful friend (and fellow foundation fiend)!
xoxo and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello,
You do the best swatchs, so helpful for those of us that can only buy online.
So thank you so much
This really sounds a great foundation one that I would love to try.
I have quite dry skin would this be suitable in your opinion?
Also I have found a place online here in Australia that sells Koh Gen Do, so I will be buying the Aqua Foundation Illuminator after Christmas, I have been loving the By Terry Cover Expert and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder.
Hope your nearly sorted for Christmas, my In Laws come over from New Zealand on the 22 which is always great.
As always take care and talk soon
Julie xoxo
Hello dear Julie,
Thank you for the lovely compliment…I take my swatches seriously and love that they are helpful for my readers!!
Since this is a cream formula with skincare benefits, it works well on all skin types, from normal to combination to dry (I would say those with extremely oily skin might want to opt for a liquid or powder instead). In turn, I think you would love it for your skin!
That is wonderful that you are able to pick up Koh Gen Do locally…I still use the Foundation Illuminator daily and love it! Glad also to hear that the By Terry and Hourglass are currently working for you…one simply cannot go wrong with either product!
I have a few more days before a giant two week Christmas break and cannot wait…in the meanwhile, teaching dominates my day and shopping, blogging and husband + Jethro time take up every other rare spare moment!
Have a beautiful time with your family and talk soon…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I am so eager to try this foundation, it looks absolutely divine on you. Im debating between getting this and the Tom ford stick foundation. I am looking for something I can wear on a night out ,that looks great in pictures but that I could sheer down for daytime wear as well. I am about an NC45 in mac, #10 in giorgio armani maestro and luminous silk, caramel in revlon colorstay and ysl le teint touche eclat in B70 ,although it is a tad too neutral for my skin and I have to add in an orange corrector. Do you think topaz beige could work for me and how much of a golden or orange undertone does it have?
Hello Naomi,
Thanks for the comment and compliment! I think you'll find that Topaz Beige works for your skintone…it is definitely on the warmer side and wears beautifully.
I hope that helps!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Jen,
Your comment (below) was accidentally deleted…so sorry…hope you come back to find my answer to your question!
I love reading your posts! Thanks to you, I have purchased so many great products! In August, I ordered this foundation from Kimmie – it's amazing. I had one question about the US version – does it also have cyclomethicone/cyclopentasiloxane? My skin reacts a little bit to this ingredient – I'm just wondering if it's also in the US version. (I'm secretly hoping it just has dimethicone, which my skin really likes) –Jen
Jen: So glad you enjoy my blog…thank you so much! I wish I could let you know for sure but I have been working my way through my US version sample (I still had a jar of the original version to finish!) and don't have the box with the ingredients. I suggest touching base with Kimmie, who I am sure would be more than happy to let you know!
Take care…xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor,
I recently found your blog and I want to let you know that I absolutely love it. I really appreciate the honest opinions on these products since most of these brands have powerful marketing behind them and it's hard to discern, which products really do what they say the do! =) With that being said, I bought and LOVE suqqu foundation (002) and I'm wanting to try Kanebo as my next new foundation. I'm a NW20 at my darkest and my skin does have neutral/yellow undertones. I was hoping you could give me your expert opinion on which shade in this line would match me the best. Unfortunately, I live in a rural town and have to rely on blogs and pictures to buy products OR make a trip to SF…which I don't mind! At any rate, thank you in advance for your response. You definitely have become my go-to blog for all things beauty related!
Hello Sarah,
So glad you found your way here! Thanks for your kind words; I definitely strive to always be as authentic in my reviews as possible. As a beauty lover, I want to read truthful experiences and, by virtue of the Golden Rule, I let honesty be my guide on the blog!
With regards to your question, the closest Kanebo shade to the Suqqu 002 would be CF 14 Bamby Beige, which is similar in terms of depth but leans a bit more neutral to pink (where as the Suqqu is pretty yellow). Warm Beige and Natural Beige are warmer but both are definitely darker than the Suqqu 002.
I hope that helps and thanks for being a loyal and supportive reader!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, I'm so sad this is no longer sold in the US. I realize it's available in the UK but the shades (at least some of the shades) seem to have different names. I wear CF12/Summer Breeze – the match is perfect – I'm fair with cool undertones. Is there another foundation you'd recommend? I'm lost – I love my Kanebo foundation! Thank you for your incredible blog – I'd never have known about Kanebo without you.
You and me both…I am using the last of what I have very sparingly ; ) I have tried many foundations since Kanebo left and have quite a few in my rotation, however, the new Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting is the one I use most…creamy, great coverage, long lasting and a subtle glow. Not Kanebo…but equally good in its own way!
Thanks for your kind words…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor