We Tested the 10 Best Japanese Powder Foundations in 2023 (Hair and Makeup Artist-Reviewed)

IPSA's Powder foundation N has an incredibly light feel to it. Not only does it conceal redness or hyperpigmentation, but also pores and wrinkles, too. Since it spreads well, it helps create smooth, even-looking, flawless skin.

In the smudge resistance test, this product got a full score. It didn't smudge or come off at all, despite spraying artificial sweat and applying friction, making it great for those who sweat a lot, or for summer activities at the beach or pool.

Almost all our testers commented positively on this product, saying, "It's the perfect size to carry around," "It gives a nice, smooth finish," and "It has a very soft and airy feel to it, and it doesn't look caked-on at all." Considering how this product earned high scores across the board, this is definitely our top recommendation for powder foundations.

Shiseido's d Program Medicated Skin Care Foundation (Powdery) is formulated with tranexamic acid to help brighten the skin. The curved container fits comfortably in the hand. Additionally, its thinness and lightness make it useful for carrying around. We also liked how it has a wide mirror inside, making it useful when reapplying on the go.

The more layers you apply, the better the coverage becomes, making it easy even for beginners to use. Its matte finish doesn't have any powderiness to it, making it great for creating an elegant, natural finish.

This product earned a full score in the smudge-resistance test, refusing to smudge or budge even when artificial sweat or friction was applied. Overall, given how it produces a neat finish without requiring advanced skills as well as it's packed with convenient features, this is a great powder foundation for beginners.

e'quipe's SUQQU Glow Powder Foundation is a dewy foundation that covers various concerns from redness to large pores, all the while looking like you have no makeup on at all. The way this product makes your skin glow makes it great for those who want to add natural-looking depth to their faces.

Not only did it barely smudge when our artificial sweat was applied, it also withstood friction with ease, meaning that even if you wipe some sweat off, it won't smudge, and it is less likely to transfer even if you wear a facemask. Since it blends with the skin well, it's useful on busy mornings or for quickly touching up your makeup.

When it came to the feel of the product, our testers commented positively, noting that "it can be applied smoothly without feeling powdery," "it's easy to open and close," and "it has an appealing, luxurious design" This product is great for its refined dewy finish and excellent durability, making it a product worth trying for all.

POLA's powder foundation is formulated with moisturizing ingredients like mineral marine extract. 

While its unique marble palette wasn't exactly intuitive for beginners, we found that its excellent adherence and minimal powderiness was a huge plus. Following the instructions on the official website, the powder blended quickly to the skin, so we recommend checking it out before you use it.

This product earned high scores in the coverage and smudge-resistance tests. Its four marbled colors help even out and brighten your skin, giving a healthy and youthful impression. 

Offering great coverage, this powder is best for those who want to conceal blemishes or areas of concern. It also repels moisture and friction, making it ideal for beach or pool days.

ORBIS's Cashmere Fit Foundation is formulated with royal jelly extract as a moisturizing ingredient. Its lid closes with a satisfying click, and its great adherence both contributed to how great this product felt to use. It spreads smoothly and easily across the skin, making it easy to handle for beginners, too.

Since a little goes a long way with this powder foundation, you're less likely to end up with a caked-on look, which is perfect for those who want to highlight their natural skin as well as for those who want a no-makeup look.

This product earned a full score in the durability test, as it didn't smudge or come off when artificial sweat and friction was applied. It's great water repellency makes it perfect for those who enjoy water activities, too.

Albion's Primp Powderlesst was formulated to be used during autumn and winter. In our coverage test, it was able to provide even coverage without looking thick, earning it a high score. This powder foundation looks natural even when multiple layers are applied, making it easy to create a neat finish.

This product earned a full score in the durability test, refusing to come off at all after spraying moisture and applying friction. This makes it perfect for those who want your makeup to last all day. 

Our testers commented positively on the product's feel, stating that "it has a smooth and light texture," and "its lid is easy to open, making it easy to take out the sponge."

Kanebo's Coffret D'or Foundation Nudy Cover Long Keep Pact UV is formulated for durability. While it didn't blend into the skin as well as other products, it had a moist feel to it, making it great for those with dry skin.

It repels water and sweat well and withstands friction excellently, so you're less likely to transfer your makeup to a facemask and is also great for summer activities. 

This powder foundation offers great coverage without looking caked-on, and it effortlessly allows you to create elegantly smooth skin. This product is perfect for those who want to create a calm and collected vibe, as well as for those who want to create a no-makeup look.

Kosé's Cosme Decorte The Skin Powder Foundation left our testers divided in its feel. Some testers commented negatively on its container, noting that the lid didn't close tightly, while others praised its feel, commenting that "its smooth texture is easy to apply on the skin without feeling too powdery" and that "it blends into the skin quickly."

However, it earned an indisputably high score in the coverage test, neatly covering up blemishes and pores while delivering a light finish, making it ideal for daily use. It also adds clarity to the skin, creating a youthful appearance. 

In the durability test, this product withstood both artificial sweat and friction, making it great to use when there's high humidity or during the hotter months.

This powder foundation by makeup artist Shu Uemura is available in nine colors. While we were concerned about how easily the refills fell out of the case, we liked its small and lightweight case, which made it easy to carry when you're out of the house.

Withstanding moisture and friction, this product is perfect for the beach or pool. It also neatly covers up pores and fine lines, creating even and smooth skin. This product also doesn't go on thick, making it easy for anyone of any age to use. This product is best for those who want to highlight their natural skin.

Brilliage's powder foundation comes with highlighting powder and blush. This powder foundation is resistant to both moisture and friction, making it useful when you want your makeup to stay put for a long time.

It also earned a high score in the coverage test, concealing small red spots and blemishes. It also blended onto the skin smoothly, allowing beginners to create an even finish. 

However, our testers were mixed about its feel, with some commenting how they like how "a little goes a long way," as well as the fact that the product doesn't feel too powdery. Meanwhile, others thought that the container was pretty large and would take up a lot of space in their makeup bag.