This new year, forget heavy, mask-like foundations and embrace a more natural look.
Advances in technology mean that one no longer has to resort to opaque formulations in order to achieve an even skin tone. New, light-reflecting ingredients create the illusion of healthy, glowing skin. Foundation works with your skin, instead of trying to hide it.
Diva tests Lancome’s Teint Miracle Natural Light Creator – Bare Skin Perfection, and SK-II’s Facial Treatment Cream Foundation.
Teint Miracle Natural Light Creator – Bare Skin Perfection
The latest addition to Lancome make-up range is liquid foundation. It promises to light up one’s natural complexion and create the illusion of perfect, bare skin.
The colours in this new range were formulated for Asian skin tones, so one did not get strange orange or pink tones with this product. The good colour fit also helped to make the foundation look natural.
We liked its light texture and easy application. It can be applied with one’s fingers for heavier coverage, or with a sponge for a sheer finish.
Skin indeed looks radiant upon application. While flaws such as scars and pigmentation marks were not completely covered by Teint Miracle Natural Light Creator, their appearance was noticeably softened.
We liked its staying power – it did not cake despite a 12-hour day in the office, neither did it streak when we headed out for lunch.
Diva recommends: Lightweight and natural-looking – exactly what a foundation should be. Good for daily wear. It is available at all Lancome counters for S$66.
SK-II Facial Treatment Cream Foundation
SK-II’s latest make up offering is essentially a three-in-one product. It blends skincare with foundation as well as sun protection (SPF20, PA++).
The Facial Treatment Cream Foundation promises to create “a radiant translucent finish” and claims to keep one’s skin moisturised even after it has been cleansed off.
While the second claim is a lot harder to quantify, the foundation does impart a slight radiance to one’s complexion. The cream foundation also imparts a slightly thicker coverage than that of Teint Miracle, but is still rather natural-looking. Tip: To achieve a sheerer look, apply sparingly and blend well with a sponge.
We like the fact that this foundation has a reasonably high SPF – perfect for days when one has no time to apply another layer of sunblock before one’s makeup.
Long time fans of SK-II will also be charmed that the brand’s trademarked ingredient Pitera is present in concentrated form in this foundation. Those with slightly drier skins will also like the creamier texture of this product, even though it can be used by any skin type.
Diva recommends: Good coverage, adequate sun protection, and a hint of a glow. The slightly cumbersome mode of application (scooping out the desired amount using a provided spatula) may put some off though. It is available at all SK-II counters for S$109.
