Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation…Swatches and Review

Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation in BE-1 and OC-2…a perfect pairing.
The Japanese brand, Koh Gen Do (pronounced, “Cope Get Dough”) features a variety of innovative, high definition foundations to suit every need.  While I have tried most of them, including the Moisture Foundation (in #123), Aqua Foundation, Triple Lightning Foundation (in BE-1 and OC-2) and Maifanshi Powder (and intend to share swatches and reviews soon!), this post focuses on the Aqua Foundation, which, in comparison with popular Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, is more liquid and sheerer in texture.  
Whenever I take pictures of product outside, Jethro gets madly curious and must stand in front of the lens!

According to the Koh Gen Do website…

Aqua Foundation is made with the deep sea waters of Rausu, Japan.
It balances the conditions of ions on the skin surface with rich minerals and nutrients.These minerals are close in composition of the human body which makes it easier to absorb and moisturize efficiently.



True ‘luster’ can only be seen on skin that is brimming with moisture. We achieved the proper balance of moisture to bring you this truly lustrous look. The golden ratio of 45% water, 35% emollients, and 20% powder combined for the perfect balance. Too much moisture does not provide coverage. Our goal was to create a beautiful lustrous skin with a translucent finish with enough coverage, even throughout the long, harsh film shots.


The effective use of light is crucial for a beautiful skin. Especially uneven surfaces that cannot be covered with makeup are mostly erased by light effects. We focused on the unique Strobe Illuminator formula with RGB Powder Technology.
Silicons and polarizing pearl pigments used in makeup emit light that are unnatural. In the studios when shooting, this will create shades of pores. Covering your skin surface with a film of light will bring you the natural translucent look.
The RGB Powder Technology uses the effect of the RGB color model (additive primary color model). Having this effect, in other words covering your skin with this thin translucent layer, will minimize pores and imperfections for that satin-smooth skin… under any light.



Sounds magical, right?

The Aqua Foundation features 1.01 ounces of product housed within a frosted glass bottle with a pump.

I love that this foundation does not contain fragrance, mineral oils sulfates or parabens while still providing SPF protection!

The sheerness yet buildability of the foundation enables it to be applied with a brush, sponge or even your fingers.

BE-1 is suitable for NC 20 skin with yellow undertones.
I first ordered OC-2 last summer when my skin was around an NC 30.  It has a lovely golden undertone! 
I own the KGD Aqua Foundation in BE-1 and OC-2…I originally ordered OC-2, which was great for my NC 30 summertime skin and later purchased BE-1 which is considerably lighter in tone thereby working well in the winter.  The Aqua Foundation has sheer to medium coverage and a luminous finish (think, Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk with slightly better coverage and lasting power).  Even though this foundation retails for $62, thereby making it quite an investment, I love that I own two shades, which allows me endless mixing possibilities to suit my needs all year long.
While it is sheerer than other foundations I use regularly (By Terry Cover Expert and Rouge Bunny Rouge Milk Aquarelle), I prefer it when I seek lighter coverage and a glowy look.  Currently, with my late-spring skin, I mix one pump of BE-1 with one pump of OC-2 for a perfect NC 25 shade with golden undertones.  I first apply the Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Makeup Color Base Primer in yellow and then use my Sephora Airbrush to blend the Aqua Foundation into my skin.  I don’t usually set this with powder, but may use some Sunday Riley Pressed Powder in #125 as a touch up about halfway through the day.
It has coverage sufficient enough to even my skin tone and conceal any minor imperfections, while still remaining light enough to look like basically real (albeit, refined) skin.  It is scent free, lasts about 8 hours (with primer) and my sensitive skin has had no negative reactions!
Side by side…BE-1 and OC-2.

The challenge with Koh Gen Do foundations in general is to get an accurate color match…unless you live near a Barney’s or the Sephora in NYC, you simply must guess what is the best shade for your skin (and the shade descriptions online are not stellar, I might add!).  The images below feature some popular shades for reference.  
The PK shades are definitely suited to those with rosier/pinker undertones and the BE (at this point, there is only one BE) and OC (OC 1, 2, and 3) shades cater to those with yellow/golden undertones.  I like to think of BE-1 as the “great neutralizer” since it neutralizes redness and is also a utilitarian offset for foundations that, at some point in the year, may be too dark on their own.  PK-3 is a newer shade (released earlier this year) and tends to lean more towards a true light-to-medium beige with neutral undertones (as opposed to obviously pink or yellow undertones).

A mixture of equal parts BE-1 and OC-2 on the face in outdoor lighting.  This was picture was taken at the end of a long day of teaching…it lasts for well over 8 hours with primer, but does get a bit “glowy” with time!

A mixture of equal parts BE-1 and OC-2 freshly applied in indoor lighting.  Note the more matte finish that comes with a fresh application.  I am also wearing a bit of Rouge Bunny Rouge Bronzer in Netherway Cove and the Spring 2012 Laura Mercier Lip Print in Nude Pink with a dollop of Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Orange Tulip (fast becoming a new favorite!)



Bottom Line:  Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation, which comes in eight shades, offers SPF 15 protection and sheer to medium buildable coverage that gets more luminous as the day goes on.  It can be applied with a brush, sponge or even fingers and seems to just “melt” into the skin after a few moments, making its texture virtually imperceptible to the naked eye.  The science, quality and innovation behind this foundation make it a worthy contender!

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Comments (37)

  • Kate Reply

    Hi Beauty Professor!

    Based on your swatches, and the fact that we have very similar skin color and tone, I ordered a bottle of the Aqua Foundation in BE-1. I have been wearing the OC-2, but found it was getting a little dark and unnatural looking. Your recommendation of mixing the two together works like a charm! I can adjust the color accordingly, and it looks much more natural now. I am totally in love with this foundation, and have worn it every day since purchasing it, which is high praise indeed. Thanks again for all the foundation swatches you post, as well as coverage of harder-to-find brands.

    Also, I have been loving your lip posts and choices. I am also drawn like a moth to a flame to pale pinks and nudes. Whenever you like a lip color, I know I will, too! In fact, I purchased Le Metier's lip color in Miami based on your review, and absolutely loved it.

    Thanks again!

    Kate

    June 4, 2012 at 3:55 pm
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Hello Kate,

    Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. I am thrilled to hear that we have such similar skin tones and tastes in lip color and that you find my swatches helpful! It is indeed a perfect duality to own both BE-1 and OC-2…it allows for endless mixing possibilities as your skin changes in shade throughout the year. I have a few swatch heavy reviews slated for posting this month that you might be interested in…KGD Moisture Foundation and the KGD Triple Lightning Powder. Keep your eyes peeled ; )

    I am also so glad that you like Miami! What other nude/pink lip colors do you love these days? I am afraid that my addiction to pinks and nudes will fuel this blog for a very long time : )

    Thanks for being a wonderful reader and I look forward to your comments in the future!

    Warm regards,

    –The Beauty Professor

    June 4, 2012 at 5:35 pm
  • Kate Reply

    Hi Beauty Professor,

    I pretty much wear a nude lip every day. Sometimes I convince myself that I like darker colors, but in the end I always come back to the nude lip. I know a lot of people think this look is overplayed, but I always end up with a smoky eye and a nude lip. Darker eye colors look good on me since I have light green eyes, and they just pop if I wear a darker color. Speaking of which, your post that featured the Armani Eyes to Kill eyeshadows will no doubt inspire me to purchase one. I have heard such great things about them, and the two colors you featured were perfect for me.

    Back to the nude lip…some of my current favorites are Tom Ford Lipcolor in Nude Vanille, MAC's Viva Glam Gaga 2, Edward Bess lipcolor in Pure Impulse, Sundown and Nude Lotus, Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Bare Pink, Le Metier de Beaute's Lip Creme in Creme de la Creme, and YSL's Rouge Volupte in #7 (I can't remember the name).

    Needless to say, I am SO excited about some of those new RBR lip glosses. Rahat Lokum sounds perfect. I don't own any RBR, which is a shame, because it seems like every person who uses their products raves about them.

    I truly enjoy your blog and look forward to your entries! Thanks again for posting such great swatches.

    Kate

    June 5, 2012 at 3:32 pm
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Hi Kate,

    I love the nude pink lip more than any other shade as well. We have a ton of lip color preferences in common! I have given up on trying a darker lip…a classic red does nothing for me but make me feel like a clown : ) Tom Ford's Nude Vanille is lovely…I tried Spanish Pink and even that was too dark! Sundown and Blush Allure are my favorites from the Edward Bess line and I think that the YSL #7 you speak of is "Lingerie Pink." I totally plan on procuring Rahat Lokum and hope it is all I think it will be!

    Thanks for sharing your favorites and let me know what you think of the GA Eyes to Kill shadow if you end up buying it…I bet that #15 would be perfect on you!

    Enjoy the week,

    –The Beauty Professor

    June 6, 2012 at 5:53 am
  • Kate Reply

    Hi Beauty Professor,

    Just a few questions about the Armani Eyes to Kill eyeshadow….I saw that you had both #15 and #2. How do you use #2? Do you use it as an all over color, or in the crease, outer v, etc? It seems like such an unusual color. Do you pair #15 and #2 together?

    Oh, and one more nude lipstick I like…the Burberry Lip Mist in Nude Honey.

    Thanks!
    Kate

    June 6, 2012 at 9:05 pm
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Hello Kate,

    Great question! I use #15 almost every day as a single wash of color on my lid and under my lower lash line. #2 is a very deep black with fine red flecks and I find that it is way too intense to wear the same way that I use #15.

    When wear #2, I usually apply it along my upper lash line with a very fine shadow brush and add just a bit along my lower lash line (like I would use a black pencil). Any more than that and it looks over the top, especially for daytime : ) I haven't used #15 and #2 together but will try to upload a photo with that combination very soon so you can get an idea of what that might look like!

    If you can get your hands on #15 (it can be ordered at GA online but can sometimes be difficult to find at the GA counter), I highly recommend it. I think it would fantastic with your light green eyes!

    The Burberry Lip Mist in Nude Honey is so pretty…have you tried Burberry Cameo? If so, what did you think? Recently, I bought La Prairie's lipstick in Almost Pink (review to come soon)…it was obscenely expensive but definitely in the color family we both prefer : )

    Best regards!

    –The Beauty Professor

    June 7, 2012 at 5:09 am
  • Kate Reply

    Hi Beauty Professor,

    You know, I thought about getting Cameo or Cameo Pink for a long time. I own two other lipsticks….Nude Cashmere and some darker color that I bought in a moment of insanity when I thought I wanted a darker lip. Lol! I even thought about getting the gloss in Cameo or Cameo Pink. But for some reason I never ordered it.

    I have always wanted to own a LaPrairie lipstick. However, because of the price, and the fact that there is no LaPrairie counter anywhere near me, I never pulled the trigger. But, now that you have recommended a shade (and I trust your recommendations!), I may just order one.

    Actually, the product that I am totally lemming now (again, thanks to you!) is the By Terry gloss in Honeymoon Kiss. It looks so pretty. I know I will end up ordering it. Sometimes I worry about glosses because my lips are pretty pigmented, and a lot of glosses end up looking the same on me. I have even tried wearing foundation on my lips to mute my natural lip color. I wasn't kidding when I said I like a pale lip…ha!

    I am looking forward to seeing the LaPrairie color in Almost Pink. I have seen positive reviews of LaPrairie's lipsticks, but they were always in darker colors.

    Also, thanks for the info on the GA Eyes to Kill #2. I usually line my upper and lower lids with some darker color, so #2 should work well.

    Thanks!
    Kate

    June 7, 2012 at 4:00 pm
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Hello Kate,

    I do like Cameo a bit better than Cameo Pink just because it is lighter. The color of Cameo is beautiful…it is definitely peachier in nature (as opposed to pure pink or nude) but sometimes that formula dries out my lips (I am really sensitive), which is disappointing.

    The La Prairie Almost Pink is wonderful…it is sheerer than some of the creamier lipsticks I usually go for but I am enjoying the change…I will try to review and post swatches soon before you take the plunge with that investment ; ) I totally recommend Honeymoon Kiss…it has a bit of shimmer that leans toward frost so it really does lighten up the lips which I love.

    Today at Neiman Marcus, I bought the Le Metier de Beaute Lip Cream Duo in "Tickled Pink" which includes two glosses: Two Lips and Mum's the Word. Two Lips is an amazing pale peach pink with great opacity and Mum's the Word is a very bright (and darker) pink that came with the pair : ) I will probably only wear "Mum's…" with a lighter color over it but I cannot say enough good things about Two Lips…creamy, pale and long lasting. Review to come soon!!

    Glad to hear that you think that the GA #2 will work well…enjoy!

    Have a great weekend,

    –The Beauty Professor

    June 9, 2012 at 5:07 am
  • Kate Reply

    Hi Beauty Professor!

    Well, I took the plunge and ordered Honeymoon Kiss. I am so excited!

    Also, I wanted to tell you about my latest lipstick obsession. I recently received Bergdorf Goodman's Fall Preview 2012 catalog. The cover model is Natasa Vojnovic and she is also featured in the center spread called "Opening Act." She is wearing some extremely pale lip color that makes her lips look very close to the color of her skin. I am DYING to know what lip color the makeup artist (Rie Omoto) used. It is really striking. I may do some digging to see what it is.

    Next up on my makeup purchases will be GA Eyes to Kill in #15 and #2. So excited!

    Kate

    June 14, 2012 at 7:33 pm
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Hello Kate!

    Congrats on your Honeymoon Kiss order…I think you are going to love it! Do let me know your thoughts once your receive it.

    Just looked up the Bergdorf "Opening Act" spread and completely agree with you about the loveliness of that lip color…it is pale and looks super creamy. If you find out what it is exactly, I must know!

    I think you will love the GA Eyes to Kill…the lasting power is superb. I just got back from a week in Palm Beach and wore #15 everyday…it managed to persevere through the humidity and frequent dips in the pool!

    Warm regards,

    –The Beauty Professor

    June 14, 2012 at 11:21 pm
  • Kate Reply

    Hi Beauty Professor!

    I received my Honeymoon Kiss yesterday and I love it! I love the duochrome sheen it has, and I also love the formula. While it doesn't make my lips as light as I like, I have been layering it over Tom Ford's Nude Vanille and it looks lovely. I am really impressed with this formula, which I find to be not too tacky, but doesn't slide all over my lips.

    I ended up sending a Facebook message to Rie Omoto, the makeup artist for the Bergdorf spread (hello stalker alert!). I have not heard anything back, but will let you know if I do. I found that if I layer the Burberry Lip Mist in Nude Honey over Edward Bess' Nude Lotus, the color is similar.

    It looks like you have a bunch of exciting features coming up, and I can't wait to see them! Glad you had a relaxing trip to Palm Beach. I have always wanted to go there.

    Kate

    June 19, 2012 at 3:42 pm
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Hello Kate!

    I am so glad to hear that you love Honeymoon Kiss…the formula is unparalleled and I am sure that it looks stunning over Nude Vanille. The Nude Honey/Nude Lotus combo sounds like a good dupe for the Bergdorf spread lip color…I will have to try that : ) Do keep me posted if you hear back from Rie!

    I am neck deep in photo editing for my upcoming posts and will have them up soon! Thanks for your kind words about my trip to Palm Beach…it is a completely unusually lovely place…so lush and green and peppered with palatial mansions. Unreal.

    Take care and talk soon!

    –The Beauty Professor

    June 20, 2012 at 12:30 am
  • ekirii Reply

    Hi! I saw that your blog is one of the very few to review the KGD foundation. I'm about a NC30 in summer so I'm thinking of getting the OC-2, but just case it's too dark, do you think it would be okay to mix with another foundation like Lingerie de Peau or RBR?

    October 18, 2012 at 8:05 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Ekirii,

      Thanks for the comment! I am so glad that you found Beauty Professor! With regards to your question, if you are a true NC30, then I think that OC-2 will be your best match for sure. Also, if you find it to be too dark, the KGD Aqua formula is such that mixing it with something a bit lighter (like RBR or LdP) will just fine…it is sheer and weightless and plays well with others ; )

      Take care and keep in touch!

      –The Beauty Professor

      October 19, 2012 at 12:16 am
    • ekirii Reply

      Hi Beauty Professor,

      I just wanted to drop by and say that based on your recommendations, I got the OC-2 and have been wearing it for just under a month now. I LOVE it! Hitting HG status for me, such that I haven't even really touched my other foundations. Thank you so much!

      Now I have to decide on which is the best winter shade for me because I love it so much 🙂

      Thanks once again,
      Bonnie

      January 7, 2013 at 3:07 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Bonnie!!

      Thanks so much for the update…it always warms my heart to hear that a recommendation was helpful!! I am thrilled that you are enjoying OC-2…if you are open to sending me a picture of you wearing it, I would love to add it to this post to help readers on a similar quest (since I don't have any of myself wearing just OC-2). If not, I completely understand as well ; )

      Take care and have a lovely week…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 7, 2013 at 6:02 am
  • Vincent James Reply

    Hey there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely enjoying the information.

    October 20, 2012 at 10:56 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thanks for stopping by, Vincent…glad you are enjoying my blog!

      Take care,

      –The Beauty Professor

      October 21, 2012 at 3:11 am
  • Jan Reply

    Hi Beauty Professor,

    I think your skin looks its most beautiful with this foundation out of all the pics on your blog! I'm a bit nervous to try it, however, since I can't really afford to get two different colors to mix together. I'm pretty pale, have bluish veins, and normally wear tinted foundations in fair to light. Do you think there is a match for me with this foundation? Thank you! –Jan

    February 17, 2013 at 5:57 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Jan,

      Thanks for the sweet compliment!! If you are as light as you describe, I am guessing that you could get away with OC-1 (so sorry it's not pictured!) which is a fair to light beige with neutral undertones. Another route to go would be the BE-1, which is very light (see swatches above) and has yellow undertones. Since this foundation is sheer, I think either one could be a good fit!

      Just in case, I suggest ordering this from Sephora (if at all possible) since their return policy is very reasonable…otherwise, you are welcome to send me a pic via email and I can give you a more certain opinion!

      Warm regards,

      –The Beauty Professor

      February 18, 2013 at 2:48 am
  • Ellen Reply

    I purchased the PK-1 based on your swatched from Sephora's website. The product I received is closer to your swatch of BE-1 than the beautiful swatch of PK-1. I'd venture to say there is very little pink in it at all! Its a very light, slightly yellow beige. The coverage, when applied with a sponge is negligable, so the color match is not so important, but between the wrong color and the very minimal coverage, I think it is going back. And I thought your description of it as a longer lasting Luminous Silk was perfect, because Luminous Silk has a lot of fragrance, and this product has none! I also find that Luminous Silk, despite its name, has a rather matte finish. Am I crazy?? What do I try next? Also, what powder do you use to set your foundations, I find that my tried and true Clinique Blended Face Powder in Transparency Neutral has lost its glow, and is turning the color of my foundations a little yellow, orange. What to try next?

    May 29, 2013 at 5:09 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Ellen,

      Thanks for your comment. I am so sorry to hear that your PK-1 was more yellow than expected…strange! While it isn't a true pink, it is definitely more neutral than yellow (like the very pale golden BE-1) so it is odd that it didn't appear that way once received. My swatches came directly from sealed sample packets (e.g., no chance for the shades to oxidize, fade or degrade) sent to me by Koh Gen Do itself so I can definitely attest to their shade accuracy! I don't think that you are crazy to feel that the GA Luminous Silk is not particularly luminous…I find that it doesn't even dance in glowy territory until I've worn it for a few hours; it is relatively matte upon initial application. If you are looking for glow, I cannot say enough good things about the Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Creme Foundation (full review to be posted soon!). It has medium coverage and a skin-like luminous finish that somehow manages to last the day. Also, this particular formula has a fair amount of pinkish options (though I embrace the neutral to yellow "Natural Beige" which is a perfect match for my NC 23-25 skin). It can be picked up at Neiman Marcus! Powder-wise, I am loving the NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder…it is translucent and mattifying, but also gives a lovely glow = perfect!

      I hope that helps…take care and let me know what you end up doing…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      May 30, 2013 at 5:56 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    Dear beauty professor

    Thank you for the big work you're doing. It's very useful when I want to try a new product!

    I really want to try the Koh gen do aqua foundation, maifanshi moisture foundation and their triple lightning foundation. I can only get their products online so I need some help for the shade matching. I've tried the By Terry sheer expert 3 cream beige, and this shade is very close to my natural skintone. This foundation didn't work for me because of the perfume and silicones in it, I have atopic dermatitis and very reactive skin with flaky areas plus a bit of redness. Do you have suggestions for the Koh gen do shades which is close to the By Terry 3 cream beige? I'm open to mix shades to get the right shade!

    Hope you can help me.

    Kind regards
    Diana

    June 23, 2013 at 11:49 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Diana,

      Thanks for your comment! If By Terry #3 Cream Beige is a good match for you right now, then I suggest the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation in BE-1, Manifanshi Moisture Foundation in #113 and Triple Lightning Foundation in BE-1. BE-1 is a fantastic pale yellow shade and #113 is a light, yellow-based beige. You could probably get away with the OC-1 as well, but it is a little more neutral than the BE-1, which has the pale yellow tones inherent in the #3 By Terry.

      I hope that helps!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 23, 2013 at 9:12 pm
    • Anonymous Reply

      Hi again

      Thank you very much for your advice and fast reply! I appreciate it very much. I will take your advice in trying the be-1 shade. And in the moisture maybe both the 112 and 113 so I can mix. I will update you when I get the products how they work out for me:-)

      Kind regards
      Diana

      June 24, 2013 at 3:33 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hi Beauty Professor

    I was about to order Koh gen do yesterday at Barneys.com but they can't send the shade 113 to my country, don't know why. But there is no problem with getting the shade 112 and 123, do you think I could get away with mixing these two shades?

    xoxo
    Diana

    June 25, 2013 at 10:26 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Diana…thanks for the update! That is so strange that they won't send #113…I've never heard of such a thing! The good news is, this foundation mixes beautifully, so you should be able to achieve your perfect match with #112 and #123!

      I hope that helps…take care and do keep me posted!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 25, 2013 at 8:29 pm
    • Anonymous Reply

      Dear Beauty Professor

      I received my Koh Gen Do products. I'm totally in love with the aqua foundation, it's the first foundation that doesn't accentuate my dry eczema areas. I like the coverage level and finish, it looks very natural. The shade be-1 works really nice for me right now, looks greenish on the hand but covers redness perfectly. I'm a bit lighter in the winter, maybe the oc-1 could work for wintertime. I've heard it's a bit lighter?

      I still have to test the moisture foundation more to see how it works. The shade 112 is a tiny bit too light right now, but with a drop of 123 it's good.

      Thank you for your help, so I didn't end up with wrong shades.

      xoxo
      Diana

      July 7, 2013 at 11:49 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Diana,

      Thanks for the update…I am so glad that BE-1 is working for you right now and that you love the formula! Yes, OC-1 is hair lighter (and more neutral) than BE-1 so it could be the perfect shade for you in the wintertime.

      The #112/#123 combination in the Moisture Foundation is great…well done on the mixing!

      Once again, so happy to help…have a lovely week and xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 9, 2013 at 12:38 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    I'm in the market for a new foundation (as my beloved Stila Natural Finish Oil-Free Makeup has been discontinued) and was considering the Aqua Foundation based on this review and others. However, on the Koh Gen Do website, it looks like the regular Aqua Foundation has been discontinued and they've replaced it with something called Maifanshi Aqua Foundation. Do you know if this is the same stuff, just a name change? Or is the formula different? The color system is different too, so I'd have no idea which one to get. You can still buy the old Aqua Foundation on Sephora and other places, but I'm loathe to fall in love with another doomed/discontinued product!

    At any rate, my skin is moderately oily, somewhat unevenly colored, and has large-ish pores. Do you have any recommendations for a foundation with medium coverage?

    Thanks!
    Amy

    p.s. I love your blog!

    October 3, 2013 at 7:21 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Amy,

      Thanks for your compliment and question…it is my experience that the regular Aqua and Maifanshi Aqua are the same…it just went through a subtle reformulation. Unfortunately, I haven't swatched the new shades yet (but should be soon) so I am hesitant to give you advice on it. This has light, buildable to medium coverage and a glowy finish…for medium coverage, I recommend the new Armani Maestro Compact Foundation…it is amazing on so many levels. I just reviewed it so take a peek!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      October 6, 2013 at 10:30 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hello,
    I'm NC15 with olive undertones, which shows off as a cool fair yellow skin, and i'm using shu uemura lightbulb foundie in 774, could you suggest which shades i should try since i can't do instore swatch 🙂 thanks!

    January 1, 2014 at 5:03 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello,

      I recommend BE-1 if you can still purchase it (they have recently reformulated and BE-1 is difficult to find!).

      Hope that helps…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 2, 2014 at 1:06 am
  • Lynn127 Reply

    Dear B.P, so sorry I haven't been on in a while. Happy belated Birthday & I'm glad u enjoyed the day with your beautiful family. I received the koh gen do in 213 but it was really too light & yellow. I tried to mix it with other foundations but didn't like it. I'm really confused on the new #system. I called sephora but the girl was kind of unsure but said 123 May work. I told her im nd 25-30 but like a neutral shade. What do you think? Your more knowledgeable than a lot of beauty specialist I've talked to. Hope your doing well. xoxo

    January 20, 2014 at 9:58 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Lynn,

      It is good to hear from you! Thank you for the kind birthday wishes! I am thinking that #123 would be your next best option. It is the shade that I wear in the moisture foundation and I find that it is approximately N/NC 25 or so. There are not a lot of choices in the neutral medium range but if I were you, that is the shade I would choose!

      I truly hope that helps!

      xoxo, my dear friend, and hope to talk again soon,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 21, 2014 at 1:47 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hi Kate!

    So you mentioned that this product can be applied with either a brush or fingers. Which would you recommend? I currently use NARS' Tinted Moisturizer and while I love it, I don't feel like it offers the coverage I want. I usually apply it with my fingers because I find that it blends better that way and I was wondering if this would be similar (with the lighter coverage or similar blending).

    Also, none of the Sephoras in my area sell Koh Gen Do so I would have to order online which makes it difficult for me to find a color match. I used to wear NC25 in MAC but I found it to be a little too yellow/dark for me. I think I'm personally more of an NC15 or so. What would be a close match in the Aqua Foundation?

    March 19, 2014 at 5:50 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello,

      I like applying this with a stippling brush or Beauty Blender…it gives light, buildable to medium coverage and has a lovely glow. I am guessing you could find a good match in the #213 in the new formula (it's about NC 20-23). I have swatches of all of the new formula on my blog!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 22, 2014 at 8:59 pm

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