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10 Best Tried and True Japanese Liquid Foundations in 2023 (Hair and Makeup Artist-Reviewed)

10 Best Tried and True Japanese Liquid Foundations in 2023 (Hair and Makeup Artist-Reviewed)

What does it take to have beautiful skin? A lot of it starts down at the roots: skincare, diet, genes. However, some of it is surface-level: makeup and, specifically, foundation. And out of all the foundation that’s out there, liquid—high-end and drugstore—is prized because it’s both versatile and hydrating.

So in order to tap into those beauty secrets, we ordered the 10 most popular Japanese foundations from Japan’s e-commerce giants (such as Amazon, Rakuten, and @cosme), including products from Shiseido, THREE, and IPSA, and tested them all. We also consulted with an expert who looked for the following:

  1. Coverage
  2. Durability
  3. Feel

This is how we tested and found the most exceptional Japanese liquid foundations.
Last updated 06/15/2023
Akemi Kibe
Expert
Hair and Makeup Artist
Akemi Kibe

Akemi Kibe is in charge of hair makeup for actresses and models in numerous beauty and fashion magazines. She's gained the support of many models for her trendsetting makeup techniques for creating a natural, laid-back vibe.

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mybest US Editors
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mybest US Editors

mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

Why Should You Get a Japanese Liquid Foundation?

Why Should You Get a Japanese Liquid Foundation?
If you’ve been keeping up with beauty trends at all these past few years, then you’re probably already looking to get on the “semi-matte finish” and “dewy skin” bandwagon. And the easiest way to join is through using a liquid foundation. Liquid foundation also offers better coverage than other foundation types and is less prone to smudging.


It’s right in between powder and cream foundations and, by virtue of being liquid, maintains a good balance between hydration, coverage, and longevity. It’s also versatile; with a liquid, you can achieve a no-makeup look, or you can look like you’re ready for a night of clubbing.


Japanese liquid foundation is especially good for keeping you hydrated during the colder, dryer months. They're often formulated with moisturizing ingredients to not just let your skin appear healthy, but actually get some moisture.


Even members of our oily-skinned crew turn to liquid foundation during fall and winter! So as the skies become grayer and the chill starts setting in, more and more brands are turning out new products—just another sign that liquid is here to stay.

Akemi Kibe
Hair and Makeup ArtistAkemi Kibe

Liquid foundation has a smooth texture and blends with the skin well. Since it also spreads really well, it can easily cover up your skin-related concerns, making it great for beginners!

How to Choose Japanese Liquid Foundation

Our three experts provided us with valuable insights on how to choose a liquid foundation.

① Think about What Kind of Finish You Want

Think about What Kind of Finish You Want
Most liquid foundations come out to a dewy finish. You can also look for products with a no-makeup look or semi-matte finish.


Basically, the more watery a liquid foundation is, the more natural of a look you’re going to get. On the other hand, if you’re looking to cover blemishes and pores, you’re going to want something more creamy.


Dewy liquid foundations are best for those who want their skin to appear well-moisturized, healthy, fresh, and youthful. However, be warned that some products may result in your face looking greasy, and may contain oils.


Matte liquid foundations are best for making the skin look smooth and clean by evening out any imperfections. On the other hand, matte foundations are more obvious that you've got makeup on, so they're not the best for creating a no-makeup look.

② Pick out a Foundation that Matches Your Skin Color

Most Japanese foundation is made for Japanese skin, so note that the makeup palettes we offer are going to be lacking for other skin tones. In any case, when you try out makeup, don’t do it on the back of your hand. Do it on your jawline—where your face meets your neck. Here are some other things to keep in mind.

Know Your Undertone

Know Your Undertone
The thing about net-shopping is that you can’t try anything on, which is, unfortunately, the best way to test for color. The next best way to find out what shade of makeup to buy is to know your undertone

If your veins are blue, you have a cool undertone; if they’re green, you’re warm; if they’re in between, you’re neutral. Most Asians—and by extension, many Japanese foundations—have warm or golden (often referred to as ochre) undertones.


In Japan, people with very pale skin tend to do well with beige or neutral undertones. In general, it seems that if you burn under the sun, you’re likely to have cooler undertones. On the other hand, if all the sun does is give you a nice tan, you probably have warmer undertones.

Go One Shade Lighter if You Have Oily Skin

Go One Shade Lighter if You Have Oily Skin
Do you know how bananas darken over time? Turns out foundations do this too, in a process known as oxidation. Ingredients in foundation can react with humidity and the oils on your skin, turning your makeup into an unflattering shade of orange. 

If you have oily skin, your foundation is more likely to oxidize; that’s why it’s usually safe to go a shade lighter.


Liquid foundation is particularly susceptible to sebum, so you need to be extra careful when picking one out. Of course, if you go too light, you’re going to look too pale. Never stray more than one shade away from your true skin color.

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10 Best Japanese Liquid Foundations

Now to introduce the 10 best Japanese liquid foundations available online. They were ranked by how well they did on our tests.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Shiseido

d Program Medicated Skincare Foundation (Liquid)

Shiseido d Program Medicated Skincare Foundation (Liquid) 1枚目

A Liquid Foundation That Balances Coverage With Clarity

2

ACRO

THREE Flawless Ethereal Fluid Foundation

ACRO THREE Flawless Ethereal Fluid Foundation 1枚目

A Light and Smooth Liquid Foundation

3

Shiseido

Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Foundation Matte

Shiseido Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Foundation Matte 1枚目

A Water and Friction-Resistant, Semi-Matte Liquid Foundation

4

Kanebo

SUQQU Nude Wear Liquid

Kanebo SUQQU Nude Wear Liquid 1枚目

A Liquid Foundation that Neatly Covers Up Pores for a Creamy Finish

5

Shiseido

Maquillage Dramatic Jelly Liquid

Shiseido Maquillage Dramatic Jelly Liquid 1枚目

Soft and Smooth, Easy-to-Spread Texture

6

Kao

Primavista Natural Glow Lasting Liquid Foundation

Kao Primavista Natural Glow Lasting Liquid Foundation 1枚目

The Perfect Liquid Foundation for Overnight Trips

7

Shiseido

Majolica Majorca Milky Wrapping Foundation

Shiseido Majolica Majorca Milky Wrapping Foundation 1枚目

Unparalleled Durability With a Natural-Looking Coverage and Tone

8

Shiseido

Integrate Pro Finish Foundation

Shiseido Integrate Pro Finish Foundation 1枚目

Liquid Foundation With a Clear, Brightening Finish

9

Clue

Whomee Liquid Foundation

Clue Whomee Liquid Foundation 1枚目

Neat Coverage Without Looking Heavy

10

IPSA

Retexturing Foundation

IPSA Retexturing Foundation 1枚目

A Liquid Foundation that Balances Coverage and a Natural Finish

Product details
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No.1

Shiseidod Program Medicated Skincare Foundation (Liquid)

d Program Medicated Skincare Foundation (Liquid) Image 1
d Program Medicated Skincare Foundation (Liquid) Image 2
d Program Medicated Skincare Foundation (Liquid) Image 3
d Program Medicated Skincare Foundation (Liquid) Image 4
d Program Medicated Skincare Foundation (Liquid) Image 5
d Program Medicated Skincare Foundation (Liquid) Image 6
Reference price
$28.78

A Liquid Foundation That Balances Coverage With Clarity

d Program's liquid foundation is formulated to be gentle, and prevents acne and rough skin. It helps condition redness and blemishes, as well as minimizes the appearance of pores to create a flat base, making your skin look more clear.


Our testers loved how easy this was to spread, allowing even first-time users to have a neat finish. This liquid foundation also got a perfect score in the durability test, resisting the artificial sweat we sprayed as well as friction, making it perfect for hot summers or for playing sports.


Our testers commented that it doesn't feel sticky but still feels moisturizing, and that it was easy to adjust the amount of liquid dispensed. They were also fond of how the product has no discernable scent. This liquid foundation was an all-around winner, making it our top choice for liquid foundations.

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No.2

ACROTHREE Flawless Ethereal Fluid Foundation

A Light and Smooth Liquid Foundation

THREE's liquid foundation is formulated with various plant-based oils like argan oil. Thanks to its ability to condition while creating the appearance of makeup-free skin, this liquid foundation is perfect for creating a natural look.


The bottle itself is slightly on the heavier side, but you only need to apply a tiny amount of force to dispense the liquid. Our testers were thrilled with how the texture of the liquid was similar to lotion, being light and non-sticky. Although it does have a scent, it's subtle enough that those who aren't fond of scented products should feel comfortable enough using.


In our durability test, this liquid foundation stood up to artificial sweat and friction, meaning it's also less likely to stain face masks.

No.3

ShiseidoClé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Foundation Matte

A Water and Friction-Resistant, Semi-Matte Liquid Foundation

Shiseido's Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Foundation Matte is a liquid foundation that is formulated to withstand sebum. While some may not be fond of the glass container, our testers liked how a single push of the pump was enough to dispense the perfect amount for them. They were also fans of its smooth and easy-to-spread texture.


This product earned high marks for coverage and durability. It was capable of covering redness and blemishes without looking like there's tons of makeup caked on. The finish of the foundation also wasn't too matte, and left just enough of a natural-looking shine on the skin.


This product proved to be durable against moisture and friction, making it ideal for situations where you have to leave your makeup on for extended periods, or if you plan on wearing a mask.

No.4

A Liquid Foundation that Neatly Covers Up Pores for a Creamy Finish

SUQQU's liquid foundation is available in 12 colors. It fills up pores and fine wrinkles to create a natural sheen and smooth-looking skin without requiring advanced techniques.


This liquid foundation got a full score in the durability test, repelling the artificial sweat. It also withstood friction, refusing to rub off.


Our testers gave several positive comments about this foundation, saying "its watery texture makes it easy to apply evenly," "it blends amazingly well with the skin," and "it feels perfectly moist." This foundation is great for those who plan on wearing a mask for extended periods, thanks to its durability and moist finish.

No.5

ShiseidoMaquillage Dramatic Jelly Liquid

Soft and Smooth, Easy-to-Spread Texture

Shiseido's Maquillage Dramatic Jelly Liquid is an unscented liquid foundation. While some of our testers found the foundation to make them look a bit more pale than they'd have liked, this foundation did manage to provide ample coverage without looking too thick. Moreover, it also adds a moist-looking sheen to the skin.


In the feel test, our testers responded positively to how this liquid foundation has a soft texture that makes it easy to spread. Moreover, it blends well with the skin and isn't sticky, making it great for those with oily skin. 


In the durability test, it withstood artificial sweat and friction, meaning that even if you wipe your face with a towel, it's unlikely to rub off, and making it great for the summer

No.6

KaoPrimavista Natural Glow Lasting Liquid Foundation

The Perfect Liquid Foundation for Overnight Trips

Kao's Primavista Natural Glow Lasting Liquid Foundation specializes in durability against sebum. In the durability test, it absolutely did not budge against our artificial sweat. There was also no color loss even when applying friction, so this liquid foundation earned full marks.


The foundation has substantial coverage, with some testers saying that they definitely feel like they're putting on foundation.  The more layers you apply, the more its coverage increases, so the trick is to apply light, thin coats to get a natural finish.


Its compact size naturally makes it light to carry. We also liked how it has a watery loose texture, making it easy to spread and blend with the skin.

No.7

ShiseidoMajolica Majorca Milky Wrapping Foundation

Unparalleled Durability With a Natural-Looking Coverage and Tone

Shiseido's Majolica Majorca Milky Wrapping Foundation is a product formulated for durability. In our durability test, it was just as durable as Shiseido claims it to be, withstanding moisture and friction. It's the perfect summertime liquid foundation, and is great for masks, too.


While its light texture allows it to be spread easily, its coverage was pretty average. If you have particularly darker blemishes or red spots, you might find this to be lacking in coverage. However, it does have a good amount of toning properties, so it can help brighten dull-looking skin.


Still, with our testers commenting on how it was mostly scentless, and the fact that they appreciated how firm the lid was, this liquid foundation earned an overall positive score.

No.8

ShiseidoIntegrate Pro Finish Foundation

Liquid Foundation With a Clear, Brightening Finish

Integrate's liquid foundation claims to offer a clear, bright finish. In our coverage test, it managed to provide a neat, uniform finish without looking too heavy. It's a watery liquid, which makes it easy to blend with the skin, and applying multiple coats will also increase its coverage if you find it to be lacking.


We liked how it was durable and resistant to moisture and friction, making it great not only for the summer or for engaging in sports, but also for those who tend to touch their face frequently. 


This liquid foundation also earned high scores in the feel test. Our testers liked how light and compact the product is, making it easy to carry around. They also liked how quick it dries is while preventing the skin from drying out, and how it strikes a balance in terms of finish between smoothness and moistness.

No.9

ClueWhomee Liquid Foundation

Neat Coverage Without Looking Heavy

Whomee's liquid foundation is capable of covering various blemishes, spots, and other skin concerns without looking like you've put on too much. Its smooth texture also makes it easy to spread, making it ideal for beginners as well.


This product was rated highly for its durability, repelling the artificial sweat we used, and only minimally rubbing off when we applied friction. However, if you find yourself sweaty when using this, don't rub it off, and instead just pat the sweat with a tissue.


This liquid foundation also earned high scores in the usability test for its lightweight container, making it suited for travel, as well as its non-sticky formula. Because this liquid foundation dries quickly, it's also great for when you're in a rush.

No.10

A Liquid Foundation that Balances Coverage and a Natural Finish

IPSA's Retexturing Foundation is formulated with various moisturizing ingredients such as lemon extract. While some of our testers commented that the liquid doesn't dispense neatly, others commented on how just a small amount is all you need to spread it our evenly, and that it's easy to see how much foundation is left in the bottle.


This product was praised in the coverage and durability test, it smoothly covered up pores and blemishes while creating a natural, youthful look. Furthermore, we found that it withstood our artificial sweat, and rubbing it didn't result in a major loss of color.

How We Tested The Liquid Foundations

We gathered 10 popular Japanese liquid foundations from Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping and tested them for their coverage, durability, and feel.

Test ①: Coverage

Test ①: Coverage

First, we tested the most important aspect in liquid foundation: coverage.


We had a tester apply all of the liquid foundations, and we then had three Japanese women in their late twenties to thirties check the finish. We then had them rate each product on a scale of 1 to 5, with products that offered good coverage and a neat finish earning a 5.

Test ② Durability

Test ② Durability

Next, we tested how durable each product was.


We applied each liquid foundation to artificial leather and sprayed them with artificial sweat. We then  dragged a weight wrapped in a tissue across the liquid foundation to check how much color was lost. Each product was rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with products that resisted both the artificial sweat and friction earning a 5.

Test ③: Feel

Test ③: Feel

Finally, we tested how each product felt to use.


We had three Japanese testers from the mybest editorial team try out each liquid foundation to check for how they felt, and had them give scores on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being products that were easy to use.

How to Use a Liquid Foundation

When it comes to using a liquid foundation, there are a few things to remember, like how to prevent liquid foundation from getting smudged as well as how to choose a sponge. Keep reading for more details!

Prevent Smudging With Good Skincare and a Proper Base

Prevent Smudging With Good Skincare and a Proper Base

When it comes to preventing liquid foundation from smudging, it's not just a matter of how you apply it that makes a difference. By making sure you have a  proper skincare routine and use a proper base makes a world of a difference in how well the foundation adheres to your skin.


Steps:

1. Soak a cotton pad in moisturizing toner and tap it against your skin to let it get absorbed.
2. Apply an emulsion or cream by warming it with your hands as you apply it, and continue to blend it into your skin until your skin feels moist.
3. Warm up your base makeup with your hands to soften it, and then apply it to the skin, and press it down with your palms.
4. Apply the liquid foundation in a similar fashion to the base makeup.

Choose a Fluffy and Porous Sponge for a Better Finish

Choose a Fluffy and Porous Sponge for a Better Finish

When applying liquid foundation, it's better to use a sponge rather than a brush. Sponges can not only pick up excess sebum from your skin, but by tapping a sponge against your skin, you can increase the foundation's adhesiveness.


Moreover, it's best if you choose a fluffy, porous sponge, rather than a smooth and dense one. This can help prevent any splotchiness, creating a neater finish from all angles.

Akemi Kibe
Hair and Makeup ArtistAkemi Kibe

As long as you get a sponge that's fluffy and porous, it's fine to just pick up a cheap one; it'll work just as well.

Top 5 Japanese Liquid Foundation

No. 1: Shiseido | d Program Medicated Skincare Foundation (Liquid)

No. 2: ACRO | THREE Flawless Ethereal Fluid Foundation

No. 3: Shiseido | Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Foundation Matte

No. 4: Kanebo | SUQQU Nude Wear Liquid

No. 5: Shiseido | Maquillage Dramatic Jelly Liquid

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When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

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