Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation and Brush review [and Perfect Rouge RD514 Dragon applied]

When passing through Heathrow's Terminal 5 back in November I bought the new Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush and Perfect Refining Foundation and was happily surprised when received as a gift a mini Perfect Rouge RD514 Dragon.

Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation, Perfect Rouge RD514 Dragon and Brush

I've been using the brush and the foundation regularly for the past few months and I am as much in awe of these products as when I first tried them. 

I'm sure you will have heard that the Perfect Foundation Brush is small. Well, it really is small, just look at the picture above. The handle is roughly the same size as the handle for the Shu Uemura face brush #18. I personally like this size for face brushes because I enjoy having control over the application. The bristles are synthetic, cut in an angled shape. and very densely packed. Use the brush to buff the foundation into the skin and blend, blend, blend away. It really does give a wonderful finish, but you have to be patient and buff the foundation section by section (that's the downside of more control in application).

I find this brush works the best with liquid foundations, it will absorb quite a bit so it needs regular washing (at least once a week) but it's the best brush I found for applying liquid bases. It also works well with powder and stick foundations. In the picture below (right side) I've blended the perfect refining foundation with the brush. It gives a lovely finish, making the foundation super even, smooth and blended. It's my go-to brush for a polished finish.

Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation in 120 Natural Light Ivory

The Perfect Refining Foundation looks quite inconspicuous in the tiny rectangular plastic container (although it holds the usual 30 ml). This is a light, liquid foundation. But it's quite impressive the coverage this foundation has. It covers all redness, pores and roughness in my skin. It gives a very polished look, especially when used in conjunction with the perfect foundation brush. It lasts all day and doesn't oxidise on me (yeah!). Shade #120 natural light ivory is a really good match for my colouring (MAC NW20).

There's only two things that make me sit on the fence regarding re-purchasing this foundation: it dries quite quickly so applying it has to be a swift job (meaning I have to be awake to use it) and it looks almost too perfect. I need to try it with a damp sponge to see if I can achieve a more natural look.

Below I'm wearing the Perfect Refining Foundation applied with the Perfect Foundation Brush and only a bit of bronzer on the face. The lipstick I'm wearing is the Perfect Rouge RD514 Dragon - fabulous red shade, long lasting and comfortable although not the most moisturising lippie. I prefer to wear it over lip balm and lip liner for lasting power without flaking lips.

Shiseido Perfect Rouge RD514 Dragon