Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation...Swatches and Review!

Koh Gen Do undoubtedly is famous for their foundations.  Last week, I covered the merits of the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation, and this week, I am happy to share my impression (as well as some light-to- medium skin tone swatches!) of the Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation.  

Here are the details for the Manfanshi Moisture Foundation according to Sephora's website:

What it does:
Maifanshi Moisture Foundation provides the superior buildable coverage of a cream with the natural-looking, sheer finish of a liquid foundation.Koh Gen Do's "hero" product for more than 20 years, this formula is created with advanced technology from Japan taking three times the amount of time normally taken to make a foundation. Two types of light-reflecting powder particles work together to diffuse fine lines, pores and uneven skin surfaces. It's also formulated with finely milled 100% mineral pigments that are specially coated for a color-true effect and moisturizing botanicals to support the skin for long hours of wear.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
The formula, suitable for all skin types, contains 60% water and 10% mineral pigments that are encapsulated in a highly filtered botanical oil of 30%. This golden ratio keeps the skin moist without the feel of oiliness, so you can look flawless with long hours of wear. Each Moisture Foundation shade is formulated for specific skintones.

For pink undertones - 001, 012, 002, 013, 023, 003
For yellow undertones - 112, 113, 123
For dark tones - 301, 302, 303 

Designed to be suitable for high definition situations, the Maifanshi Moisture Foundation comes in a squeeze tube that holds .71 ounces of product.  The fact that this very small quantity retails for $62 may be a deterrent for some, right off the bat!  I, however, was lured by the lore surrounding this makeup and bought a tube of #123 earlier this year.  As I have previously mentioned, getting the correct color match for Koh Gen Do foundations can be tricky since one of the only places to see the product first hand is Barneys.

#123 is a light to medium beige with neutral to yellow undertones...I found it to work well on my skin in both spring and summer.  I included some shades that immediately lighter and darker than #123 for reference...what is great about the moisture foundation is that it can be mixed to achieve the perfect shade.  For example, I wear #123, but should my face get darker, I could add a smidge of #310 to deepen the tone.  It truly is like mixing paints in art class!

KGD Maifanshi Moisture Foundation swatches in the shade.

This foundation yields sheer to medium coverage and needs some setting powder to solidify its presence and lasting power.  It is build able, but even after a couple of light layers, I wouldn't say that it is full coverage in nature.  When followed by a powder to set the product, it does indeed last all day, even in humid conditions! I like to use my fingers when applying a dime sized amount on my face; because of the texture of the product, I do not recommend using a brush to apply...it will soak up too much of the precious foundation.

Swatches in direct sunlight.

Bottom Line: Although quite pricy for the amount of product in the tube, Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation is excellent for those with sensitive skin who desire light to medium coverage and a natural, lasting finish.  I am glad that I have it in my foundation arsenal, but because it takes a bit more time to apply (fingers and blending instead of my trusty Sephora Airbrush), I use it sporadically.

Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation in #123 with a light dusting of KGD Triple Lightning Powder in OC-2 (to be reviewed soon!)