Now, when I say the words holiday makeup, I can almost hear us women part like the red sea. One half embracing the mini skin ‘vacay’, and one half spend an extra 10 minutes in departures sorting their 100ml foundations from their contouring concealers.

Let’s stop right here. This two-dimensional taboo has no right or wrong, and lucky for us debaters, there’s a sun-shining light at the end of the tunnel!

One thing we all have in common, is that when we’re jetting off to our dream destinations, we want to look and feel great! So why should we change our usual daily cosmetics for products that aren’t necessary targeted to our skin concerns and surroundings?

Great ingredients and personal preference are important factors that help avoid those slippy makeup fails and if you haven’t heard already, Shiseido have listened to our complexions and have developed a scorcher of a foundation and suncare fusion.

All hail the intricately developed Shiseido UV Protective Foundation collection, designed to withstand sun, sea, sand and sebum, and created with a range of skin types and textures in mind. Melt proof makeup really does exist and by golly are we grateful. *High five Shiseido*.

Opting for an SPF that’s sebum and water resistant is key when you hit the beach.  We can feel safe in the knowledge that our coverage and SPF won’t slip, as the whole foundation range contains a whole range of hardworking complexes. To put the cherry on the cake, we’ve now got 25% off the full range until Monday!

The Airbrushed Sunshine Shield

Shiseido UV Protective Compact Foundation SPF30 in Medium Ivory

This broad spectrum protector shelters your complexion from UVA/UVB rays with an SPF level of 30. This non-comedogenic Shiseido UV Protective Compact Foundation SPF30 formula (doesn’t blog pores) is packed full of antioxidants to nourish your skin, reducing enzyme activity (dark spots and wrinkles) whilst giving your skin a silky touch and matte finish. Surprisingly, it feels a lot lighter than your usual, bog standard SPF whilst providing more protection for your skin too! If you like the ‘no makeup makeup look’, you can feel confident that with a sweep of this flawless finish powder, your skin will look naturally mattified and your tone becomes more even. Think beach to boat beautiful.

The Seaside Safe Guard

Shiseido UV Protective Stick Foundation SPF30 in Fair Ivory 

A tinted SPF is not unheard of. In fact over the past couple of years, switching your regular SPF to a fancier tinted version has become increasingly popular. With its easy to apply (not to mention sand resistant) twist up applicator, the Shiseido UV Protective Stick Foundation SPF30 has to be the easiest water resistant SPF we’ve EVER seen – broad spectrum protection meets blendable brilliance! The creamy texture naturally camouflages into your skin, creating a beautiful, dewy finish. Like your skin, but better.

The Poolside Protector

Shiseido UV Protective Liquid Foundation SPF30 in Medium Ivory

If, like me, you can’t resist a dip in the water to cool off, the melt proof Shiseido UV Protective Liquid Foundation SPF30 foundation is completely the one for you.

The transfer resistant formula doesn’t feel cakey at all. The texture feels fresh to touch whilst revealing a gorgeous, dewy finish. Its ‘very water resistant’ formula makes it ideal for a day of fun-filled water sports or a 2 minute trip on the banana boat with the girls. The lightweight UV protection will become your best beach buddy, defending your skin from ageing, feeding your skin with antioxidants and *science bit* hydro-restoring FX complex Bio-Hyaluronic Acid, which provides hydration in spades. The super-easy portable container makes it so easy to re-apply – there’s even a special little case for the sponge to prevent it from getting sandy!

I don’t want to block my pores, which one is best for me?

All Shiseido foundations are non-comedogenic, so they won’t clog pores or cause blemishes. All textures will provide you with lightweight, super SPF protection!

What finish will work best for my skin?

All of the Shiseido foundations contain broad spectrum protection and skin-to-kind ingredients, but the different textures will suit different skin types.

Sensitive – The zinc oxide contained in the Shiseido UV Protective Liquid Foundation is a lot gentler than the ingredients found in chemical SPFs. It’s also PABA-free. Para-aminobenzoic acid can cause skin allergies as it has to be mixed with synthetic materials to be fully active. The main ingredient that PABA has to be mixed with is alcohol, which is known to cause allergic dermatitis in some people.

Dry – Radiant finish foundations work best with dry skins to emulate a naturally flawless complexion. The Shiseido UV Protective Stick contains ProfenseCEL to hydrate your skin whilst providing anti-oxidant protection.

Blemished/Oily – The Shiseido UV Protective Compact is oil-free, which prevents breakouts. The non-comodogenic formation also ensures pores don’t get blocked and a mattified finish is provided all day. However, if coverage if more your thing, opt for the Shiseido Liquid Foundation to give you a bit more confidence.

Mature – All foundations contain broad spectrum protection as well as Exclusive Super Veil-UV 360TM, an anti-aging complex. It’s all down to the texture that you prefer.

I don’t like the feel of heavy makeup!

Great news! None of the Shiseido foundations feel heavy on the skin, they’re designed with a lightweight texture to contain maximum protection benefits whilst offering different coverage variations to suit your personal preference. The next question you’d need to ask is which finish you prefer. If you like a matte, soft texture, then the UV Protective Compact Foundation SPF30 is the one for you. The UV Protective Stick Foundation SPF30 has a creamy texture with dewy finish for those with drier skin, and the UV Protective Liquid Foundation SP30 has a non-greasy texture and radiant finish for all skin types.

Why would I wear any of these over my usual SPF?

Good question. As well as broad spectrum coverage, all formulas are water/sebum resistant. They all contain Zinc Oxide which is kinder to skin than most ingredients in a chemical SPF. As well as offering us that extra little bit of coverage when bearing all in our swimsuits!

Can I use them for my next holiday?

All of the Shiseido foundations should be used up within 18 months. So if it’s a year or so to the date from your last getaway, you’re in luck! Also, they’re great for everyday wear when you come home. Everyday aggressors and dull, dreary days are still huge concerns to our complexions!