In the world of make-up, nothing gets me quite as excited as a new foundation launch. I have more mascaras than I can count and finding a blush that melts into skin is (thankfully) the norm these days. Finding a good foundation, on the other hand, is a whole other kettle of fish.

Whether I’m struggling to procure one that matches my skin tone (and doesn’t oxidise) or being disappointed to see product sink into dry patches, I am a hard customer to please when it comes to base products. On average, I find them more mediocre than I do impressive, which is partly why I took a foundation break in the summer (the other part involved a primer so good, that I didn’t feel the need to apply it). So when Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF30 landed on my doorstep during this foundation hiatus, I didn’t expect to be wowed, but the brand proved me wrong.

Shiseido has been on a winning streak with foundation launches lately. Its Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation went viral for its butter-like effect on skin, and while I do rate that one, its Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF30 knocked it out of the park for me.

“I’m a beauty writer and I’ve never had so many compliments on my skin – thanks to this foundation”