Shu Uemura Lightbulb Fluid Foundation and Sponge Set Review, Photos, and Tutorial

The Shu Uemura Lightbulb Fluid foundation has officially launched in the United States, so I am very excited to share this review and tutorial today! My lovely friend Leanne sent me my very first bottle of Lightbulb all the way from Singapore, where it launched first. All of my favorite Asian beauty bloggers were raving about it, so I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype and could actually provide perfect coverage with 12 hours of moisturized comfort. 

The Lightbulb Fluid has a "multi-glow oil complex" and is, hence, not oil-free. The secret to the fresh reflective dewiness is a blend of non-allergenic, non-comedogenic mineral pigments and liquefied pearls suspended in a macadamia oil-infused base. Lightbulb is best on normal to slightly dry skin. If you have combination skin and do not mind a more luminous complexion, then give it a shot. Oily skin will have to prep with primer, powder down with a mattifying compact, and blot throughout the day to keep shine at bay. On my normal skin, however, the Lightbulb provides a natural glow with easily buildable coverage and wears for a solid 8 hours on my normal skin before my T-Zone requires a blot! I only need two pumps for truly full coverage. It photographs beautifully and has a slightly airbrushed look. Dry skin most likely will want to skip powder to maintain the integrity of the beautiful luminosity.

Shop the Lightbulb foundation HERE and use the promo code LIGHTRAE to score 15% OFF + free shipping on all Shu Uemura orders!

I do find that it tends to settle into larger pores at the end of the day, so even if you do not have oily skin, try using a primer for the smoothest base possible. Also, I usually prefer to use my fingers for a more natural application with a dense foundation formula like Lightbulb's, but I recommend sticking to the included sponge. This hand-finished lightbulb shaped sponge was designed specifically for tapping and creating a glowing finish with the fluid foundation, but I do wish it was black or even red. White sponges are nearly impossible to keep pristine even with lots of TLC. Despite that issue, I do find that the smaller, pointed end of the sponge can effectively control (aka minimize) the radiance factor. If you are interested in Lightbulb but are wary of excess oiliness, just apply the foundation with the pointy Side B. Check out the tutorial below!

Now, Leanne first sent me (as a gift) Shade 554 Medium Sand, which has the ideal golden undertone for me. It matches my forehead perfectly and will work well with my summer tan, but 554 is currently one to two shades too dark for the rest of my face. Clearly, I need extra sunscreen on my forehead and perhaps a hat to rectify this problem!

Shu Uemura's team matched me to Shade 574 Light Sand, which suits my winter coloring better. I found that 574 oxidizes a full shade up after 30 minutes, so there is no need to be intimidated by how light it looks in the glass bottle. This shade has slightly more of a peach undertone as opposed to 554's golden undertone, so it is fabulous at brightening up and revitalizing my eye and cheek area! 

TIP: Give the Lightbulb foundation a full 30 minutes to oxidize to its true color. 574 looks a bit ghastly on me at first, but it warms up beautifully and evenly.

MAKEUP WORN [in video]:

Shu Uemura Lightbulb Foundation in 574 

Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte in 7YR Medium Light 

Laura Mercier Face Brush Angled Kabuki 

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard 

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil Cartridge in 202 and Holder 

Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Blusher in Rose Quartz 

Shu Uemura M Soft Brown 851 + P Light Beige 812 Eyeshadows [mixed & blended over lids]

Shu Uemura Lasting Gel Pencil Eye Liner in M Brown 02 

Shu Uemura Stretch Xtreme Precise Finish Waterproof Mascara 

EM Cosmetics Lip Gallery Lipstick in Cuddle Up Pink 

Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited in PK 50 C 

Ardell 120 Demi Wispies False Eyelashes

Shirt:
H&M [old]

Nails:
Dior Blossom

Earrings:
House of Harlow White Sunburst Studs

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