Image via Shu Uemura

Today I wanted to introduce you to a new foundation I've been testing from one of my favorite brands, Shu Uemura, that comes out next month. As I alluded to in Part One of our humble little mini-series, it's like the 31 flavors of foundation, because it comes in so many shades. The reasons for this are two-fold: One, you're guaranteed to find one that will work for you. Two, Shu is betting you might be willing to buy more than one in order to layer colors to "re-sculpt" your face. Check it out...

Shu Uemura Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation already seems to be a hit overseas, so fans here in the States are eagerly awaiting this launch. It's certainly a skin-friendly formula in all the right ways: It's lightweight, contains Shu's signature hydrating, mineral-rich deepsea water complex (40 percent in this case), and incorporates what they call a "Multi-Smoothing System," technology that helps make for an exceptionally refined, smooth finish. It breaks down thusly: Optical smoothers minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, cover-fit particles reflect light, and sperical gliders within the formula enhance spreadability for a more even application. These factors also make it perfectly suited for building the product to give more coverage, or performing some tricky tricks in order to shade areas of the face (think Kevin Aucoin thinning noses and adding cheekbones via assorted foundation colors in Face Forward).

Now, if you are seriously interested in painting on different layers of makeup to alter your bone structure, be my guest (here's a how-to cheat sheet). You are a far more ambitious gal than I. On the other hand, if you're just looking for a not tooo outrageous ($42) foundation that looks great on your skin, look out for this at Shu Uemura counters later this summer and go try it for yourself. I think you'll like it.