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| Above: Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation in #22 Natural Beige. |
When the Kanebo Sensai line left the US this past spring, I was crestfallen at the notion of one of my favorite bases being out of my reach forever. The Cellular Performance Cream Foundation had it all…great medium coverage, a slightly dewy natural skin finish, marvelous lasting power and stellar anti-aging skincare ingredients that made the skin look lush, plumped and perfected. Natural Beige #22 was a spot on match for my NC 25 skin and the seamless finish compelled me to espouse its wonders many times over on Beauty Professor. That being said, imagine my delight upon discovering that the Sensai line (available at Harrod’s) had its own version of my coveted favorite. Aside from a slight name change and altered packaging, the Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation (initially discussed in my latest foundation video HERE), by all intents and purposes, appears to be exactly the same as the Kanebo Sensai formula upon which I so adoringly bestowed “holy grail” status.
Kindly scroll on for more details and comparison swatches as well as a closeup of the Burberry Complete Eye Palette in Dark Spice and images of the foundation and eyeshadow in action…
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| Above: Natural Beige is excellent for NC 25 skin. |
Much to my relief, the foundation is everything I hoped it would be…medium, buildable-to-full coverage, a plush texture that melts into skin (I prefer to use a dampened Beauty Blender) and stalwart lasting power that keeps skin comfortable, balanced and slightly dewy. This formula is excellent for all skin types, but especially those seeking a gorgeous, natural, slightly dewy finish. It is also brilliant for those concerned with fine lines and visible pores since the foundation smooths over skin with a gossamer veil of perfecting power. The added skincare benefits increase hydration (making it excellent for dry skin) and the overall result is healthy, even-toned skin with a sophisticated radiance.
Official details, courtesy of Harrod’s:
Official details, courtesy of Harrod’s:
The ultimate fusion of colour, comfort, coverage and care, Sensai
Cellular Performance Cream Foundation gives a flawless complexion today
while optimising skin condition for tomorrow. With an exceptional 50%
moisture content, Cellular Performance Cream Finish Foundation forms a
close-fitting membrane on the skin surface to seal in moisture, enhance
coverage and create a unique firming effect.
Cellular Performance Cream Foundation gives a flawless complexion today
while optimising skin condition for tomorrow. With an exceptional 50%
moisture content, Cellular Performance Cream Finish Foundation forms a
close-fitting membrane on the skin surface to seal in moisture, enhance
coverage and create a unique firming effect.
skin to seal in moisture, enhance coverage and give a unique firming
effect
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| Above: The ingredients. |
And now for some comparison swatches…
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| Above: Foundation rotation favorites. |
I gathered up some of my favorite foundations in my current rotation and swatched them in outdoor light to add some visual context to the new Sensai formula. All shades are apropos for NC 23-30 skin tones…additional, formula-specfic details below.
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| Above: Swatches in outdoor mixed lighting. |
The shades swatched are as follows:
- Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation in #22 Natural Beige (initially swatched HERE)…great for NC 25 skin, this cushiony, skincare-laden formula has a slightly dewy finish and a natural, perfecting effect that simply looks like really good skin.
- Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation in #22 Natural Beige (swatched and reviewed HERE, HERE and HERE)…great for NC 25 skin. Not currently in production anymore : (
- Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting Foundation in #05 Natural (reviewed HERE)…excellent for NC 27-30 skin. I am currently mixing it with #03 Fawn (process discussed HERE) for a suitable NC 25 match. The lasting power on this formula is unprecedented in my experience…incredible!
- Gucci Face Lustrous Glow Foundation in #60 (reviewed HERE)…on the fairer side, this light to medium coverage formula is great for NC 23 skin and offers a gorgeous, soft-focus element that is simultaneously classic and glowing.
- Dolce & Gabbana Lift Foundation in #110 Caramel (swatched and reviewed HERE)…infused with anti-aging benefits and a firming, lifting effect that lasts for hours, this is my favorite D&G foundation to date. Caramel is marvelous for NC 25 skin.
- Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Oleo-Pact Cream Foundation (discussed HERE and worn HERE)…this solid cream foundation comes in a compact for touchups on the go, albeit the lasting power is so good that touchups are virtually unecessary. #564 Light Medium Sand is fantastic for NC 23-25 skin…it looks quite light when first applied, but after a minute or two, it morphs into a perfect match.
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| Above: Swatches in outdoor shade. |
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| Above: Never enough foundation! |
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| Above: The Burberry Complete Eye Palette in Dark Spice. |
The Burberry Complete Eye Palette in #05 Dark Spice (mentioned HERE) is also a magnificent new discovery. The chic packaging, replete with a well-crafted velvet sheath and three application brush options, features a lovely gunmetal version of the iconic Burberry plaid. The four shades encased inside are as follows:
- A pale, slightly warm gold that leans marginally marigold in tone…so unique.
- A medium, warm russet brown (my favorite shade!)
- A true neutral dark brown
- A neutral charcoal black
**All shades have a very subtle satin finish that allows the eyes to gleam without obvious shimmer or particle fallout…magnifique!
Due to its variation on deep, light, neutral and warm shades, Dark Spice is befitting for a vast array of skin tones; those who find themselves gravitating towards neutrals will especially find joy its wonders. The formula is pigmented and smooth and, even after hours of wear, the eyeshadow remains creaseless. I am beyond impressed with how well the Burberry eyeshadow performs and cannot wait to try additional shades in the future.
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| Above: The velvet sheath is both beautiful and utilitarian. |
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| Above: Dark Spice in direct sunlight…the slightly satin finish (without any visible shimmer) is utterly in a class of its own. |
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| Above: Swatches in outdoor shade. |
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| Above: Swatches in direct sunlight. |
Perhaps one of the most quintessential light nude beige hues in existence, he By Terry Velvet Rouge in #01 Lady Bare (swatches of every shade + review HERE) is a perfect compliment to the slightly smoky, bronzy eye created by the Burberry palette. I adore this creamy, ultra-pigmented liquid lipstick more each day; it is not drying and lasts for hours!
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| Above: A swatch of Lady Bare in direct sunlight…creamy, pigmented and not the slightest bit sticky, this is the creme de la creme of liquid lip color. |
Images below reflect the Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation, Burberry Complete Eye Palette in Dark Spice and By Terry Velvet Rouge in Lady Bare…
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| Above: Taken in front of a window. |
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| Above: All shades of Dark Spice (with the exception of the charcoal hue) blended on the upper and lids…I combined the two brown shades (in the middle) and added the lightest shade up the browbone for a seamless transition. |
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| Above: Neutral never gets old. |
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| Above: Prior to the fishtail, wearing a green James Perse Tee, black cape (similar one HERE), Hudson Collin skinny jeans and gray Frye boots…hanging out with my brother, Jasper (he’s so big now!) + Jethro before getting on the road. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: For those of you that adore the (Kanebo) Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation as I do, I hope you found this post useful! Have you tried this version yet? Both the Sensai foundation and Burberry Dark Spice Palette (to say nothing of the By Terry Velvet Rouge!) are undeniably luxe options and their value increases exponentially when one considers their suitability for everyday use.
Good things ahead including a November Favorites video (better late than never), my Tom Ford Lips and Boys (!), a Holiday Gift Guide and some new product spotlights!
Have a beautiful weekend…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
** Some PR samples provided for review (the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.
© 2012-14 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (26)
That's a seriously gorgeous makeup look-the dogs are so cute!
Thank you, Jessi!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Rachel, I ordered 2 Sensai cellular performance cream foundations in natural beige and I am so happy with the color and formulation. I put the LMdB Peau Vierge anti aging complex on my face first and then apply the foundation. It is working really well on my 48 year old skin!! Any suggestions to combat fine lines and wrinkles would be much appreciated. Have a great day, Rosina
Hi Rosina,
Thanks for the great news…so glad that the combination is working for you! I am working my way through the testing of some really great anti-aging skincare this month and will be posting on it soon!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
As always, I love your review! If you could only choose 1 foundation, what would it be?
Thank you so much, Anon!
I wish I could answer your question definitively, but alas, I cannot. I would say that the Sensai would rank in my top 3, however!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Your hair, sorry but I have a bit of an hair envy.I am all about hair and foundation…
Need to try the Kanebo foundation finaly. It is easy availeble here in Germany and good to hear that the formulation is the same and it´s tested and approved from our beauty prof.
Greetings from Germany
Susanne
Hi Susanne,
You are too sweet…thank you! Yes, I encourage you to try the Sensai if you can…it is marvelous on every level!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Gorgeous eye shadow palette. I used to use Kanebo's Cellular Performance range but it became impossible for me to find their products readily available so I just forgot all about it. This foundation is looking deeply into my eyes. I may have to order it.
xxxxxxx
Hello!
Thank you…isn't that palette to die for? I hope the foundation finds its way into your hands soon ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I like the look you created. I think that By Terry lip is spot on.
Thank you, Clever Girl!
Still loving BT Lady Bare ; )
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP. I love love the fishtail! Being a hairstylist I would love to see your hair in person. Beautiful, and I wouldn't change a thing. Color is gorgeous n natural. U sure take good care of it. I'm very happy the sensa is stl very good. Do u think its a little bit more glowing? Or same. Looks great in pic. NEVER enough base!!! My new selections are Shu lightbulb, dior star and gonna try d&g per your recommendation! 🙂 xoxo
Hello Lynn,
Thank you so much! I would love to see you (and for you to see my hair!) in person sometime…what fun we'd have!
I haven't found that the Sensai is anymore glowing than the original, at least in my experience!
Keep me posted on your base adventures, my friend!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Not to mention the new C. Tilbury. We've been busy no?? Love trying new foundations.
Yes!! That one is a great casual formula for me ; )
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I love your makeup, and am so excited to see that KS formula hasn't changed. I have one more bottle left, so I may be ordering some from Harrod's in a few months. Also I LOVE LOVE LOVE it when you post about your outfits. You have such a fantastic sense of style. I would love it if you continued to show your outfits in future posts!
Hi MG!
Thank you so much…yes, the KS seems exactly the same to me. Thank you for the outfit posting encouragement…it is always great to hear that the details are appreciated! Will try to do more during this Christmas break when my husband can take pictures for (of) me ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP! So my sad update 🙁 it seem the Shu liquid lightbulb in 564 is too light and too yellow for my skin. I know it is the neutral choice but even after mixed with some of my favs, it doesn't work. I do love the finish tho. I'm gonna call again and see if I can get a darker cooler choice or go with the oleo compact instead. Their number system is confusing and I know they will lean more yellow and light. But I'm not giving up! Thrill ofc the hunt right?! Xo have a great week.
Hi Lynn,
I am sad to hear this…bummer! I strongly suggest the Oleo Compact if you are looking to make the switch…do keep me posted, my friend!
Here's a word on the Shu numbering system via Karla Sugar:
The first digit tells you how pink or yellow the foundation is (1 is the most pink; 9 is the most yellow; 5 is neutral). The second digit goes from black to white. A second digit of 0 has the most black/is the darkest; a second digit of 9 is the lightest. The third digit tells you chroma — whether the undertone of the foundation is blue or violet. In the case of the Cream foundation, all shades end in 4.
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thankyou so much! Alot like the numbering system we use in haircolor! 🙂 Does help alot. In that case 554 might work! If not, it's on to the oleo compact!
But of course…happy that is helpful! It is like haircolor numbering…great comparison! xoxo and talk soon, my friend!
–The Beauty Professor
Yay! I've been looking so forward to this post and it is as thorough and descriptive as ever – not that your reviews ever disappoint on either count. You look beautiful (that braid!). Thank you for taking all the risk out of a not-inexpensive trans-Atlantic online order.
Hi Suzy,
Thank you…that is great to hear! Thanks also for the kind words about my braid…always happy to help mitigate online ordering risk whenever I can ; )
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
I'm so glad to hear this formula is almost identical to the original cream foundation as it is one of my favorites. I was wondering if you have ever tried the kanebo sensai fluid foundation and if so what you thought about it. Thank you!
Hello Anon!
Isn't it great news…it was a completely thrilling discovery to me, too! I have tried the fluid but find the cream to perform better on my skin overall. That being said, I have swatches of every shade of the fluid on my blog!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor