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| Above: The Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation comes in a glorious red-hued glass bottle. |
A few months ago, Koh Gen Do released their newly reformulated Maifanshi Aqua Foundation; this gorgeous, light formula, which retails for $62 and comes in seven re-numbered shades, is designed to mimic the freshness and glow of post-facial skin (swatches of the original formula HERE). From the stunning red-tinged glass bottle to the perfectly calibrated pump dispenser (two pumps does the trick for me!), this formula provides buildable sheer to medium high-definition coverage that leaves the complexion balanced and radiant. I dare ask, what’s not to love?
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| Above: All shades of the Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation, on the cusp of being swatched! |
Here’s what Koh Gen Do has to say about the product…
 012 |
 002 |
 013 |
 113 |
 123 |
 143 |
 213 |
Created to mimic the optical reflectance of a post facial treatment, the new technically advanced Aqua Foundation series finishes the skin to look brighter and healthier for an ideal natural finish. With radiance in mind, the Aqua Foundation is infused with a RGB powder that enhances the natural tone of the complexion for a brighter and poreless skin texture.
A Key to Giving the Impression of a Perfect Complexion
Ingredients: WATER, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, DIPHENYLSILOXY PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, ZINC OXIDE, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, PEG-9 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, MICA, DIGLYCERIN, SORBITAN SESQUIISOSTEARATE, PHYTOSTERYL/OCTYLDODECYL LAUROYL GLUTAMATE, GLYCERIN, SQUALANE, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, SEA SALT, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, ACRYLATES/POLYTRIMETHYL SILOXYMETHACRYLATE COPOLYMER, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SILICA, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, STEARIC ACID, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, ALUMINUM DIMYRISTATE, NYLON-12, TALC, ZIRCONIUM DIOXIDE, TOCOPHEROL, LAUROYL LYSINE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, ISOSTEARYL SEBACATE, ZINC MYRISTATE, ALUMINA, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, GLUCOSYL HESPERIDIN, MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, BETULA ALBA BARK EXTRACT, KJELLMANIELLA GYRATA EXTRACT, ALPHA-GLUCAN, ALGAE EXTRACT, ALPINIA SPECIOSA LEAF EXTRACT, GLUCOSYL CERAMIDE, HYDROLYZED CONCHIOLIN PROTEIN, ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8, IRON OXIDES
Kindly scroll on for shade descriptions, a plethora of swatches in various lighting situations as well as a closeup of my match, #213 and images of the formula on my face…
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| Above: Swatches of all shades in intense sunlight. |
Shade Descriptions (based on my experience):
1. 012: Very light pale beige for fair skin with neutral to pink undertones (@N/NW/NC10-15)
2. 002: Very light beige for fair skin with neutral to yellow undertones (@N/NC 15)
3. 013: Light beige for fair to light skin with neutral to pink undertones (@N/NW 20-25)
4. 113: Light beige for light skin with yellow undertones (@NC 20)
5. 123: Light beige for light/light-medium skin with neutral to yellow undertones (@N/NC 25)
6. 140: Medium warm beige for medium to medium-tan skin with golden undertones (@N/NC 30-35)
7. 213: Light beige for light skin with true yellow beige undertones (@NC 23-25)
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| Above: Swatches of all shades in the shade. |
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| Above: Swatches of all shades in the shade. |
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| Above: Swatches of all shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Swatches of all shades in moderate sunlight. |
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| Above: Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation in #213. |
I was privileged to receive a full-sized bottle of the Maifanshi Aqua Foundation in #213, which is the best match for my NC 23-25 skin. It is closest in tone to the BE-1 in the original formula, though in my experience, it is a bit more beige in tone which adds to its overall depth, making it slightly darker than BE-1; I am pleased with this change as BE-1 was excellent in terms of undertone but always was a bit too light on me on its own, ultimately requiring me to mix in a drop of OC-2 to achieve the perfect shade.
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| Above: The foundation bottle is replete with a sturdy pump that dispenses the perfect amount of product every time. |
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| Above: #213 in the new formula is very similar to BE-1 in the original formula. |
Texturally speaking, this formula is sheer, though, in my opinion, not as sheer as the previous formula. It is fluid in nature (as its moniker would imply) and delightfully unscented. When applied over primer (either the Koh Gen Do Makeup Base in Yellow or LMdB Peau Vierge), I find that two pumps buffed into the skin with a damp Beauty Blender is sufficient to provide light-medium coverage over my entire face.
The pure yellow beige tone of the #213, effectively evens out my visage and doesn’t oxidize, even after hours of wear. Speaking of which, the wear time of this formula is vastly improved. In the lovely original formula, I got approximately 5-6 hours of wear before fading set in; in the new formula, I easily get 7-8 hours before finding myself even thinking about the need for a touch up. This is, without question, where I think the new formula excels!
The finish is what I would deem a satin matte that gets glowier with wear, although, thankfully, it never degrades to unpleasant oiliness. I love how natural this looks, especially on days when I am going for the “no makeup makeup” look. Upon application, it refines pores and smooths uneven surfaces while it simultaneously renders itself completely invisible on the skin, thereby substantiating its formidable HD claims.
Below are some images of me wearing the Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation in #213 in both indoor and outdoor lighting…
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| Above: #213 in indoor lighting. |
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| Above: #213 in outdoor lighting. |
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| Above: #213 in indoor lighting. |
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| Above: #213 in outdoor lighting. |
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| Above: #213 in outdoor lighting. |
Bottom Line: The Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation formula is fantastic. Its sheer but buildable coverage truly gives the look of healthy, glowing, well-cared for skin. If you are looking for a light foundation with a radiant, lasting finish, then this well may be your answer!
My love for Koh Gen Do is no secret, as I’ve written about it on the blog many times over; the line is entirely innovative in its approach to high-definitition base products and skincare. In the nearly three years since personally discovering the line, I haven’t gone a day without using the brilliant Spa Cleansing Water and the Aqua Foundation Illuminator in Sheer Beige has been a daily staple since early November. I am excited to add the Maifanshi Aqua Foundation to my foundation rotation and highly recommend it to those looking for imperceptible natural coverage with a luminous finish.
**PR sample provided for review, however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. This post contains affiliate links as well unaffiliated links for your convenience; my disclosure policy contains additional details on how these work.
Comments (73)
beautiful and so natural on you.
Thank you, Anon! This foundation truly has a natural finish.
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much for posting swatches… your blogposts are some of the most helpful in the internet. I have never tried this foundation, but I might grab a sample next time I go to Sephora to see how it looks on my skin. And by the way, I love how it looks on you – your skin looks absoutely beautiful Xo
Hello Patricia,
I hope your Christmas was lovely! Thank you for the kind compliment regarding my swatches and pictures…I am honored. I highly recommend trying a sample of the KGD Aqua when you get the chance…it is wonderful on its own or even mixed with another more opaque foundation should you desire more coverage.
Have a fantastic weekend…xo,
–The Beauty Professor
You know I absolutely will check it out! You are one of the few people I trust when it comes to recommendations. Have a beautiful weekend as well! Much love, XO
Thank you ever so much, Patricia! Totally flattered!
xoxo and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
Gorgeous. What lippie are you wearing in those photos? Perfect pinky-peachy-nude for winter!
Thank you, Gabrielle!
I am wearing a combination of MAC Sweet and Sour Lipstick with MAC Pro Longwear gloss in Long Love Love.
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Lovely lady,
Merry Christmas to you and your family 🙂
What a lovely finish this foundation imparts on your skin, very natural indeed.
I am quite excited to see this review and accompanying swatches as the Australian website I found that sells Koh Gen Do, has this and I was immediately drawn to it from the description, but I couldn't find swatches online then low and behold you have delightful swatchs and a great review!
So thanks once again, I will be ordering this and the Aqua Foundation Illuminator as soon as I can after Christmas.
I hope you have fantastic Christmas and New Year and I look forward to reading what else you have on the horizon.
Also I never got a chance to comment on your Mirenesse post, I have tried the Marble Blush and it was really nice, and the Secret Weapon mascara that was really impressive.
The lip colour you got was perfect and the foundation sounded interesting as well I may just have to try both, especially the lip products.
Take care and talk soon
Julie xoxo
Hello dear Julie!
Lovely to hear from you! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well. I am thrilled that my KGD swatches have surfaced at the right time for you ; ) The formula is fantastic and I know you will love the Aqua Illuminator when you get it!
Thanks for your mention of my Mirenesse post…the line is a true delight and it's great to know that the blush and mascara are equally stellar. The Lip Bombs are wonderful…I can't wait to try them in other shades as well.
xoxo, enjoy the weekend and talk soon!
–The Beauty Professor
Wonderful swatching again…I really like their Maifanshi line but I wish they would make the new 013 shade with a pinkish undertone a bit deeper. The 213 really look luminous on your skin
Thank you, Birkinbagbeauty! I agree that the pink tones are not as present in this new formula…hopefully they will expand shade offerings to meet the needs of their rosy toned customers ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
If, like me, you are trying to find your old colour match (in this case OC1), this FAQ on Sephora is helpful in terms of trying to figure out how the reformulated colours correspond to the old:
I'll share what I've learned because I've been playing (struggling!!!) with samples and can hopefully save someone else from having to recreate the wheel.
At the beginning of the switch, KGD had a handy chart up relating the old and new colors on it. KGD took it down, and I can only assume it's because the new colors aren't really exact matches.
I can't include the link, but this is what the chart showed:
(colors listed from lightest to darkest)
Pink shades are:
012
002 (PK-1)
013
Ochre shades are:
113 (OC-1)
123
Beige shade is 213 (BE-1)
The new OC-2 will be introduced shortly.
They showed 013, 113 and 213 to be the same level of darkness but with different tones.
I mixed PK1 and BE1 and both of the new shades are definitely different. You'll see someone else's review said the new OC1 is now too pink for her. For my coloring, the 002 (PK-1) is now too light and the 013 is too pink. I only had a tiny sample but 113 may actually now be a good color for me and it was definitely too yellow for me before.
For any Moisture Foundation users:
these shades are a little pinker. I can wear MF in 013 but the AF in 013 is too pink for me.
I hope this helps a little!!
sulfate[ Austin, TX ]
http://www.sephora.com/aqua-foundation-spf-15-pa-P294006?skuId=1572254&icid2=Koh_Gen_Do_Editors_Picks%20_P294006_link#askAndAnswerTab
Thank you so much for sharing these details, Sulfate…definitely a helpful addition to this post!
xoxo and blessings in the new year!
–The Beauty Professor
Hi,B.P. hope your Christmas was wonderful. I am excited to report that I got 3 muji boxes for Xmas!, I absolutely love them. I wouldn't have known about them if it wasn't for you! Thank you so much for finding and posting the best beauty items in the industry. I really like the k.g.d foundation & will order 213 with the sephora gift card from my client. I wanted to tell you I bought the Trish McEvoy correct & brighten on a whim & needed help with the dark circles the holiday season brings. I am pleased with how long it lasts & does not crease & hydrates. I was going to order the By Terry but will use this until gone. Also ordering the K.G.D illuminator. Thanks again for all your hard work & swatches! xoxo
Hello dear Lynn!
What a delight to hear from you…my Christmas was wonderful, indeed and I hope the same for you. Congratulations on your new Muji's…they are such a great product for makeup lovers like us and the only downside I can ascertain is that they are easy to fill and thereby addictive ; ) Thank you for your kind comment on my posts…I love searching out incredible beauty products and truly appreciate your encouragement and camaraderie in my quest. Thanks for the tip on the Trish McEvoy concealer…I haven't used anything from that line in quite awhile and just may have to try it! I think you will love the KGD aqua illuminator and foundation…both are definitely getting a lot of use in my household ; )
Have a fantastic rest of the week and talk soon, dear friend!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Ahh sounds so much like sth I would love to try.
I am using MAC studio fix NC15, armani maestro 2 (match quite well after mildly oxidized/melting into skin), lasting silk #3, vichy derma blend 15opal, suqqu frame fix cream foundation #002 (a tiny bit darker than I usually like but still relatively good match). Would you recommend 002 or 113? Thank you!!!
Hi Yukari,
Thanks for your question…I would suggest #113…it is a pale yellow (closest to Suqqu #002) and since the formula is fairly sheer, it blends into the skin nicely!
I hope that helps…xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Dear Beauty professor,
I'm so excited that you have swatches of the new formulation! You helped me last time to choose the right shades for the Aqua and Moisture foundation. And now I'm almost down to the bottom of these, love them! Now I want to thy the new Aqua. I'm very close the By Terry Light Expert 3 cream beige in skin tone. I'm approx. a NC20. And right now I mix the old Aqua foundation BE-1 with a bit of the Maifanshi moisture 112 to tone down the greenness in BE-1 and get more coverage.
You write that the new Aqua have a bit more coverage and maybe with this it will not be necessary to mix with the Moisture Foundation. So I was thinking of either to choose;
1. New Aqua in 113 (but I've heard it's a bit pink?)
2. New Aqua in 113 and 213 to mix.
3. New Aqua in 002 and 213 to mix.
What do you think you be best?
One Koh Gen Do question more;-) I really like the RMS living- the very clear and silvery direction of highlighting it gives, but doesn't last long enough on my skin. Have you seen/tried the new Aqua Foundation Illuminator in IL00 white? Does this also gives that very angle like quality to the skin?
Love your site with all the hard to find brands! Have a nice day.
xoxo,
Diana
Hello Diana,
Thanks for your kind words and question! In light of your perfect shade match with the By Terry #3, I would suggest a mixture of the #213 with either the #002 or the #113. It will just depend on the depth you want. In the right proportions, I think either combination will give you the NC 20 shade you want! #213 is just a hair darker than the old BE-1 so I think it is a good start for you either way!
I hope that helps…xoxo and keep me posted,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor,
I'm also trying to shade match myself in the new Aqua. I'm a NC15-18. I could use the BE-1, a bit too dark and beige green but I liked the true yellow. I also used the OC-1. I have the Maifanshi moisture foundation in 112, which works okay, but i wished it was more yellow. The new formula Aqua in 113 looks very light and yellow in your swatches, which would be perfect for me. But when I read reviews on the internet, people are complaining that it's too pink now and dark compared to the old formula in OC-1. What's your opinion about the 113?
So I'm thinking that to achieve a light yellow nc15-20 depending on the time of year I could mix the 002 and 213 or the 012 and 213. What do you think? The 002 looks just as dark as 113 just with another tone of course. So maybe the 012 and 213 would be the best choice. Ohhhh I'm confused!
Hope you can help me, all the best to you. Your skin looks great with it on.
Xo, Lea
Hello Lea,
I am guessing that you will find success with the 012 and 213…the combination of the light (012) and slightly darker and very yellow (213) should give you the potential for the perfect mix for your skin!
I hope that helps and thanks for your kind words ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, Beauty Professor.
I've been enjoying your blog for several months now. I've learned a lot and bought several great products based on your reviews. I broke my second bottle of Maestro while on vacation. Since then I've been using Sunday Riley's Effortless primer. My husband actually prefers me without make-up(God bless him), but I still want something a bit more on some occasions. I'm a 5 in Maestro and 02 in Guerlain Lingerie de Peau. I've also been matched to YSL's touche éclat foundation in BD12(I think). I was wondering if you thought the aqua foundation would be a good choice for a barely there look and, if so, what color you would suggest.
Thanks so much,
Jaimie
Hi Jaimie,
Thanks for the kind comment…so glad you found your way here! If you are looking for a glowy, barely there look, then the Koh Gen Do Aqua is an excellent choice! Judging by your current matches, I think that #013 would be a good shade option.
Hope that helps and keep me posted…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for your help with the color match. It's so hard when trying to buy blindly. It came in this week. The color was good, but I think I may go back to Maestro to feel like I'm getting a little more performance for my money.
Thanks again, Jaimie
Thanks for the update, Jamie…the foundation search is always a unique adventure for each individual!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Dear Beauty Professor,
I need your help for a color match!! I am Asian and I was matched with 013 for the Koh Gen Do moisture foundation. After reading your review, I am in doubt that if Sephora has matched me with a wrong shade because it is pink undertones?? Aren't most Asians have yellow undertones?? I really don't know. I am matched with Cle de peau silky cream foundation 020 and Dior capture totale foundation in 021. i want to get the koh gen do AQUA foundation now, but duuno if i should get 013 or 113 or other color even?? oh, also i saw on sephora website, their version has spf 15 but i have seen another one with spf 25…which one is the new version??
thank you so very much!! hope you are having a great getaway!! =)
Hello!
If you are finding a good match with CdP O20 and Dior 021, then I would suggest the KGD Aqua in #123, which is very close to both shades. The new Aqua version (linked in this post) has SPF 15!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much! !
My pleasure!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
This was SO incredibly helpful..Thank you so much!!! You are gorgeous.
So glad to hear that and thank you so much!!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor,
I really enjoy reading your blog. I found it very informative. I want to try out the the Koh Gen Do aqua foundation and suqqu cream foundation but I don't know which color will work for me. Recently I have been using the Revlon whipped cream foundation in buff. I really enjoyed the formulation and color match for my Asian skin. What color would you suggest? Thank you in advance.
Hello!
Thanks so much for your kind words. I would recommend #113 in the KGD Aqua and 002 in the Suqqu Cream…both are close to the Revlon Buff!
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you very much for replying, that helps a lot. Merry Christmas!
Wow! So happy to have stumbled upon this blog!
I was wondering if you could help me try to find a colour match. I wear Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in shade B10, Armani Luminous Silk in #3, Nars Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc (bit too pink for me) and am NC15 in Mac. 012 or 002 hmmm…
Hi Laura…I would suggest #002!
I hope thaht helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
can u help me to find colour match too, i wear chanel vitalumiere aqua shade B20, Make up for ever face &body shade 32? how about charlotte tilbury foundation what colour match for me? , which one better? CT or Koh gen do?
thank u so much for helping me 🙂
I love the Koh Gen Do, Anon, and highly recommend it! I think you could be shade #113 or #213…I hope that helps!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello, I know this is an old topic but…. I have a bottle of the old Aqua foundation in BE-1 and it matches perfectly. I love the green tinge beige. I also had an old bottle of OC-1 and it was too dark. They say BE-1 converts to 213 in the new formula but it looks darker than the old BE-1. What shade in the new formula matches to the BE-1. Thank you very much. I really appreciate your blog and look forward to your new posts! Cathy
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for the question…yes, 213 is a touch darker than the old BE-1. I would suggest 002 as a good alternative and you could always mix a touch of OC-1 in if you need a bit more depth!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you! You are so sweet! I know you are busy …but thanks for taking the time to help us fellow girls out in our color selections!
Cathy
Hello BeautyProfessor/Rachel,
Ive on a new holy grail foundation hunt. There arent any koh gen dou counters near where i live so I'm frantically trying to decide between shade 213 and 123, and would be very thankful if you could offer some advice?
I am a chanel aqua b30, ysl le teint touche eclat bd40, nars sheer glow punjab, giorgio armani lsf 5.5, mac nc30, bourjois healthy mix serum 53, benefit hello flawless champagne.
My personal preference is to appear fairer than tanner, as I like the way it looks on my skin.. but not overtly so that there's a discrepancy between my neck and face.
2 other questions if you have time to answer:
1. Do you still love the revlon colorstay whipped? If yes, how would you compare it against kanebo sensai cream foundation? Or is there no comparison haha.
2. any thoughts on the alleged fact (on MUA) that tom ford perfecting traceless foundation has the same formula as bobbi brown long wear even finish foundation? I was planning on placing it on my bucket list.. but MUA is pretty discouraging 🙁
Thank you so much in advance!! Ive been a silent reader and video watcher for more than a year now.. and am now trying to expand my higher-end foundation range (very slowly as Im a student). I love bases so much like you do and am planning to purchase the KGD illuminator with the aqua foundation. I have just bought the astalift foundation and cant wait for it to arrive in the mail!
Thank you for blogging so earnestly about foundations. When i read your blog, it feels like there's someone out there who understands the thrill, joy and hunt of trying out all the foundations in the world.
Sincerely and love,
Elaine
Hello Elaine,
Thanks for the kind comment; I am glad that we share a mututal affinity for foundations! With regards to your question, it sounds like #123 is a better match for your NC 30 skin. #213 is close, but I suspect it will be a smidge light for you (as it also is for me in anytime but the dead of winter!).
Also, as drugstore foundations go, the Colorstay Whipped is still a great option, but the Sensai version has better ingredients, a beautiful skinlike finish (the Revlon is a touch more matte) and is well worth it overall!
Finally, while I've heard murmurings of the Bobbi Brown/Tom Ford correlation, all I can say is that I consistently have a better experience with the Tom Ford formulas (in both the stick and tracless perfecting). The color match is better, the coverage is superior and the wear time is longer.
I hope that helps…take care and do keep in touch!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you very much for the detailed reply! (: Looks like I'll be purchasing the Sensai & Tom Ford foundations after KGD… can't wait!!
Hi there, sorry for adding another question about colour matching but there's no koh gen do near me and i want to be able to buy the correct shade online. I have just run out of my HG foundation Chanel teint innocence in 20 clair/cameo and it's the only foundation i've ever used so i don't know my shade in anything else. However, I use the Bobbi Brown face touch up stick in 3 beige, i also have a MAC NC35 concealer that's too dark for me and a Guerlain lingerie de peau bb cream in light that's too light for me. I'm chinese with yellow undertones please help.
thanks,
sarah
Hi Sarah,
I recommend the shade #213…I hope that helps! I miss the Teint Innocence…that was an incredible formula!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Rachel!
As a fellow foundation junkie, I thoroughly enjoy your posts, especially now that you write for Neiman Marcus as well! This post in particular makes me lust even more over KGD Maifanshi Aqua, as I've been using KGD Moisture Foundation and LOVE it wholeheartedly.
The problem is, here in Indonesia we don't have KGD counter so I'm gonna have to order it online.
Would you mind helping me pick a shade?
I am Guerlain Tenue De Perfection #32 (Ambre Clair), Lingerie de Peau powder foundation 32, Diorskin Forever 021 (Linen), Koh Gen Do Moisture foundation 113, C2 in Mac F&B, 120 in Makeup Forever HD, MAC Pro Long Wear in NC 25, and 52 in Borjouis Healthy Mix Serum.
Should I go with 123 or 213 in Maifanshi Aqua?
Thanks so much!
Hello Anon,
Thanks for the kind words! Foundation lovers, unite ; )
With regards to your question, #213 is closest to Dior 021 and KGD Moisture 113 but #123 is closer to MUFE 120 and MAC NC 25.
Hopefully those additional details will help you to find your way!
xx and keep me posted,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello again!
So.. Based on your take on the shades, I decided to get 213 and it is a perfect match. Thanks to you!
I also got the cheek color in PK 2 and adore it as much as you do. You might wanna try KGD Maifanshi Natural Lighting loose powder as well. It is absolutely gorgeous, especially paired with Maifanshi Aqua foundation 😀
So glad to hear it…thanks for the update and suggestion!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello,
great articles! i have been wearing MUFE HD in 117 -which is a perfect shade for me- for some time now and wanted to try Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation. Which shade would you suggest? (unfortunately there is none in the UK and i need to buy online)
Thank you !
Gabriela
Thanks, Gabriela…I would suggest #113!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi,
I need some advise. I have been wanting to purchase a KGD foundation for sometime but can't settle on a shade. I'm using Estée Lauder 1n1 (could have used 1c1 but preferred the neutral look) and Dermablend Linen. Could you make a recommendation on a suitable shade for me? It's so hard purchasing something sight unseen.
Thanks heaps
Joyanna
Hi Joyanna,
I would suggest 013 (for a more neutral to cool look) or 113 (for a bit more neutral to warm look); both shades are sheer and forgiving and I thin you could get away with either!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello!
I know this is an old article but I've been hearing so many rave reviews about this foundation lately and I'm having trouble figuring out what shade to choose! I'm currently using Giorgio Armani luminous silk in shade 5 (my current summer color) if there's no exact match I definitely prefer to look more pale than too tan with my foundation so if you have any suggestions for me I'd really appreciate it!! 🙂
-Marissa
Hi Marissa,
Thanks for the comment…I would suggest 013!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
You are so helpful! I love your blog so much! Can you please help me in choosing a color? Colors I currently wear that match me well are MUFE HD 120, Bobbi Brown Skin 2.5 Warm Sand, I mix Borgouis Healthy Mix Serum 52 & 53 and I mix Kat Von D Lock it 48 & 52 and finally I mix Tarte 12 hour Light Sand & Light Medium Sand. Based on these foundations or the mixes I have to create for myself which of these new colors would I be? Thank you!
Thanks, Rain…that is lovely to hear!
I would suggest #123 in this formula and I think you'll find it works well!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
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Hi there
I stumbled across your blog as I've been trying to figure out what my perfect match would be in the Koh Gen Do Aqua foundation. I am wavering between 123 and 143. I'm in my 40's and have been searching for my HG liquid foundation because I feel that my mineral powder is a bit too drying now for my aging skin. I was a NC35 for pressed powder in college which is a perfect match for normal skin (not tanned summer skin)and recently have tried a ton of foundations. to name a few that were an OK match but not perfect-Lancome Nude 140n, Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Beige 30(a little too light), IT cosmetics CC cream in light, Lancome Teint Idole 280 Bisque, Smashbox liquid halo HD in shade #3, Urban Decay naked skin weightless concealer- med-dark warm. I am chinese with slight yellow undertones and I tan, not burn. I have also been trying to figure out if for a BB cream Dr. jart premium in light/med or med/tan. Thanks for any help at all with my dilemma.
Hi Anon,
I would suggest #143 as #123 is closer to NC 25-27!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi there!
Just found out about your blog and how helpful you have been with matching foundations so I figured I'd ask. I use MUFE 125-y315 sand what color in KGD would I be?
Thanks so much in advance!
Rubina
Hello, Rubina!
I would suggest #123 (on the lighter side) or #143 (on the darker side)!
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hiya Beauty Prof!
Thank you so much for your post! Like many others here I've been attracted to this foundation by the reviews but without a retailer nearby me I have no way of sampling the different foundation shades. I was hoping you might be able to help…? I wear Chanel Viatlumiere Aqua in 30, YSL Touche Eclat in B30, Bobbi Brown Serum foundation in Beige and Estee Lauder Double Wear in Desert Beige (although slightly just a hint more pink than my skin). Which shade of the KGD would I be?
Do you know by any chance if the KGD is non comedogenic?
Thank you so much!
Danielle xx
Hello Danielle,
Thank you for the super kind comment! I would recommend shade #123 as your closest match!
I have found the KGD to be very kind to my super sensitive skin but cannot guarantee that it is non comedogenic.
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor, love reading your blogs, thanks for your review and swatches. I am really interested in KGD foundation, between the Aqua and Mani. formulation, which one in your opinion is more natural looking? Also would you please help recommend a shade for me? Asian skin with neutral and a tad yellow undertone, wearing Hourglass foundation in Ivory(the dark bottle formulation, near perfect shade match, amazing skin), Nars sheer glow in Ceylan (almost a perfect match just a teeny weeny to light, but the punjab which i was matched at sephora was way way too orangey/tan/dark), also Nars tinted moisturizer in Alaska light2.
I think I am prob a 113? but i could be wrong.
looking forward to your reply and thanks in advance.
Hello!
Thanks so much…with regards to your question, I feel that the Aqua is easier to work with and it looks so natural in a quick application! I, too, think you'll find a match in #113!
Hope that helps…XO,
–The Beauty Professor
hello,
I stumbled on your blog today and I've been loving your foundation reviews, especially the top 13 glowy foundations video! I've always hard a hard time choosing my foundation colours and i was wondering if you could help me find a good shade match in the koh gen do..
i currently wear giorgio armani luminous silk in 3.5 (what nc shade would you say this is? i can't find enough reviews of it online)
diorstar in 23 is too dark and peachy for me
nc30 is a bit darker than my skin tone
nars creamy concealer in custard is almost perfect on me..
i'd really appreciate you help and thank you in advance
aisha xx
Hi Aisha,
I think you'll be happy with either #123 or #213–both are light beige shades with yellow (but not dark peachy) undertones.
Hope that helps!
xx
–The Beauty Professor
Hi there:)
I know this is an older post but I have a few questions…
1) Any thoughts on how this compares in texture/formula to the Dr. Jart Black Label BB Cream? I have very sensitive skin, and BB creams are the only makeup I've worn, so something labeled "foundation" sounds a little scary!
2) If I have a sephora color iq number of 1Y03-ish, which color do you recommend?
3) Because I have sensitive skin, do you think the aqua foundation or the moisture foundation preferable?
Anyone with info or insight, please feel free to comment!
Thanks:)
Hannah
Hi!
I know this post has been around for awhile but I am hoping you can help me out. I have read ALL of the posts but no one mentioned any of the foundation shades I currently match. I am a NW25 (winter) NW30 (summer), Dior Airflash 302, Dior 4-ever Perfect in Rosy Beige, MUFE R370. Do you think any of the KGD shades would work for me?
I would really appreciate your help!
Thank you,
Amanda
Hello Amanda,
Thanks for the question…I don't see a current single match unless you were to mix 013 (with the rosy tones you need) with a bit of 143 for depth.
Hope that helps!
xx
–The Beauty Professor