Tuesday 29 August 2017

Diorskin Forever Perfect Cushion SPF35 PA+++ Review



I bought this cushion a month after I fell in love with the Diorskin Forever Foundation SPF35 PA+++ (If you’re interested in the review, click here). I thought it would be great if the liquid foundation comes in a compact and more travel-friendly packaging, CUSHION! And they really did! I was simply thrilled by the fact that I can fasten my morning make-up routine, touch up anytime/anywhere and be able to travel with it.
I’ve been trying this cushion for more than 4 months on and off. Also, I’ve used this cushion daily for the past 1 week. So I guess it’s time to do a full in-depth review to serve some justice for the brand or for my money! LOL XD


Packaging:

Diorskin Forever Perfect Cushion SPF35 PA+++ at Taiping Lake Garden (Malaysia)
Hmm…. The packaging for this cushion is not for every cushion’s lover LOL. The Diorskin Forever Perfecting Cushion has the simplest, most classic Dior look to it.  At least to me, the cushion’s packaging is the BOMB! Even though it’s made of plastic but it looks expensive and classy! It has the Diorskin Forever series’ dark blue as the base colour and the word ‘DIOR’ imprinted in silver. The applicator puff included feels very dense, thicker and bouncy (Pros and Cons). It’s also very gentle on the skin. The puff grabs product evenly from the cushion but I somehow felt that it soaks up too much product and dispenses very little on the skin. (I understand it’s never easy to make a good cushion’s puff)  



Claims:

It stays to the claim quite perfectly EXCEPT a few in RED
1) 16 hours wear (Slightly less than 9 hours)
2) Luminous matte finish
3) Fresh, fluid texture
4) Weightless
5) "Air Cushion" technology (retains the quality of its pigments and the benefits of its skincare ingredients each time it is opened)
6) "Colour-Lock" technology/colour doesn’t change (Half a shade darker BUT not obvious)
7) Refine texture day after day (“Poreless Effect” Skincare Essence)

Overall, satisfied with the performance based on the claims.


Ingredients:

I’m quite surprised that the formula/ingredients in this cushion is slightly different from the liquid foundation. But with less irritants and comedogenic agent which is a good thing!

Possible Irritants:
Petrolatum, PEG-100 Stearate, Yellow 5

Comedogenic:
Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol

Are the ingredients skin-friendly? Not so. But it doesn’t cause me any obvious break out. Just be aware if you’re allergic to any listed above. So far, I’ve not heard of any online reviews complaining about severe break out after use.


Texture:

As claimed, very fresh, fluid-like base product. Not sticky at all and sets quickly on the skin! (Quicker than the Liquid Foundation version) Glides on smoothly with the puff and never appear streaky despite being a matte finish. I’ve tried applying it with a Flat Kabuki brush but not the best way to apply though because it took away a lot of the coverage.
Tips: Apply using the puff provided and apply part by part!


Coverage:

Overall coverage is medium and buildable up to medium-to-full coverage.
Is it possible to build up to full flawless finish? I don’t think so! It’s obviously more sheer compared to the liquid foundation formula and it’s as expected of a cushion compact. This is definitely a very daily type of foundation. So NO high expectation of coverage from it.
I’ve break down a few concerns below where coverage is needed and how much can this foundation cover:
1)      Acne: 60%
2)      Redness: 80%
3)      Hyperpigmentation: 60% (Darker acne scars)
4)      Texture skin: Refine by 60%
5)      Pores: 70%

Shade: 030 (Medium Beige)




Finishing

The finishing is as claimed to be Luminous Matte (Not satin though) finish even after it is let to set on its own! (But I do feel that it’s more matte and more luminous than liquid formula) I’m extremely impressed with the formula to be honest. It does leave the skin slightly tacky even after set but does not appear slippery. (Good for Dry skin) It doesn’t transfer as much as liquid foundation formula when touched so skipping setting powder is possible!


Longevity (Day Diary):

Day Tested: 23 August 2017 (Wednesday)

Weather: Sunny (34°C) and rainy in the afternoon

Activity: Doing household chores indoor & outdoor (Full-on sweat mode)




Overall, very satisfied with its longevity considering it a cushion product. Beside the timeline, I’ve 
also included a few concerns regarding the longevity below (I’ve Oily Acne-prone skin):

1)      Oil control
  • Fresh &matte for 5 hours
  • First blot needed at 6 hours
  • 7-12 hours: Blotting needed depending on weather/activity 
2)      Caking Up
  • YES especially upper lip and chin area (after 8 hours)
  • Cake up at the corner of the nose (after 8 hours)
3)      Dry Patches
  • NONE
4)      Settling into pores/fine lines
  • NONE
5)      Colour Change/Oxidised
  • Colour remains same for 8 hours
  • 8-12 hours: Become half a shade darker


Recommendation:


All skin types even acne-prone. Great for oily skin type. Not so for super dry skin since it's more matte and might dry out the skin throughout the day. 

Slightly sceptical about the ingredients but so far no new-forming acne/breakout. 
Highly recommended for those searching for natural-looking finish but still wants MATTE-ness for oil-control. 


In Conclusion:

An all-rounder cushion for oily skin which I'm extremely amazed.

But is it a good alternative to the Diorskin Forever Foundation SPF35 PA+++ (liquid foundation formula)?
Somehow felt it's better considering greater oil-control property! Only downside is the caking up on my T-zone area. 

Is it a good cushion for touch-up?
NEVER! Most likely because it has a matte finish and sets too quickly. Touch up will looks slightly cakey and dry.

Is it good for a daily wear? 
Definitely YES! But limited wear time. (about right for working hours of 8 hours)

Pros:
a) Pretty Classic Dior Packaging 
b) Nice and more luminous & more matte finish 
c) Natural medium coverage for daily use
d) Oil-control: Up to almost 6 hours (AMAZING!)

Cons:
a) Caking up on T-zone (after 8 hours)
b) Coverage isn't enough for textured, acneic, hyperpigmented skin
c) Strong fragrance (which might affect some individuals)

Tuesday 22 August 2017

Diorskin Forever Foundation SPF35 PA+++ Review


Diorskin Forever Foundation at one the earliest man-made lake, Taiping Lake Garden 

I know I’m a little too late in reviewing this product but it’s seriously too pricey that I really needed time to save up in order to purchase.
The reason (more like an excuse) for buying is because I felt that my Holy Grail Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation is too matte, full coverage for an everyday look and wanted to search for an alternative. The Diorskin Forever line claims a 16 hours luminous matte finish which seriously caught my attention. In order for a foundation to looks luminous & matte & long wearing at the same time on my super oily skin is completely IMPOSSIBLE! Of course I felt challenged! (Just an EXCUSE! XD) 
Let’s see if I love this very highly raved product from so many bloggers worldwide from US Influncers like Jaclynn Hills, Jeffree Stars to Korean Influencers: BambiGirl.

(Clicked on the names to be link to their videos regarding this product recommendation)  


Packaging




The liquid foundation formula comes in a very sleek and heavy matte frosted glass bottle with the Dior signature-designed dark blue cap. It also comes with a pump dispenser which I’m really thankful of. What I really like about the pump dispenser is that it dispenses a very appropriate amount (neither too much or too less), very easy to control and feels solid. [Refer picture in subtitle "Texture"] But the problem with pump dispenser is some of the products will be caught up at the opening and solidify. (So do remove the solidified part before applying on the face)


Claims
To be completely honest, I’m very surprise that both of them are truly compatible to their claims. (YES to ALL except one)
   1) 16 hours wear
   2) Luminous matte finish
   3) Flawless Complexion (Almost)
   4) Unprecedented Comfort
   5) Refine texture day after day (“Poreless Effect” Skincare Essence) *Can’t really tell
   6) Shine-control (Up to 5 hours for Oily skin)
   7) No mask effect/second skin-like (“Wear Lock” Polymer)
   8) Sunscreen of SPF35 PA+++ (BUT I NEVER rely on foundation's SPF)

*Out of so many claims listed below, one which is the skincare benefit “Poreless Effect” is still not yet appreciated. (Probably because I don’t use every day)


Ingredients Dissect
The ingredients are not so skin-friendly with lots of possible irritants and comedogenic agents. Well, I’m not surprise since I did experience new comedones (whiteheads) after each use and existing acne became slightly more raged. The UK Youtuber, MyPaleSkin does mentioned in her review video that this foundation has ruined her skin with severe breakouts. But, personally never had I experienced severe breakout though.
Possible Irritants:
“PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Linalool, Limonene, Butyphenyl Methylpropional, Acacia Senegal Gum, Citronellol, BHT, Zinc Gluconate”
Comedogenic:
“Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Stearic acid, Algin (Fragrance)”

Another downside is that fragrance is all over in the list which is also very noticeable during application and last throughout the day. (A fresh floral scent) 


Texture:

One Pump-Size (Shade 021)
Excellent Spreadability (Shade 021)
It’s a fresh, fluid, very runny, liquid-like texture without a tat bit of thickness to it. It glides on the skin easily and smoothly. I have no problems spreading the products with my fingers, regular sponge/Beauty Blender or Flat Foundation/Kabuki brushes. The only downside is that it sets quite fast on the skin since it has a watery consistency which is reasonably understandable.
Tips: Do NOT dot this foundation all over the face before blending. Apply part by part!


Coverage

Overall coverage is medium and buildable up to medium-to-full coverage.
Is it possible to build up to full flawless finish? I think it’s quite difficult and also you have pay the price of wearing a “foundation mask” where you will definitely look like you have tons of makeup on.
I’ve break down a few concerns below where coverage is needed and how much can this foundation cover:

       1) Acne: 70%
       2) Redness: 90%
       3) Hyperpigmentation: 70% (Darker acne scars)
       4) Texture skin: Refine by 60%
       5) Pores: 50%
     
    


Finishing







The finishing is as claimed to be Luminous Matte (Not satin though) finish even after it is let to set on its own! I’m certainly impressed with the formula to be honest. It does leave the skin slightly tacky even after set but does not appear slippery. (Good for Dry skin) It does transfer when touched so it’s better if you set it with a powder before you go on a date with a guy who loves white shirt! XD With the setting powder, it’s more likely that the finish is more matte but you can still see a tint of glow (Matte but NOT flat). Overall, a very natural, second-skin kind of foundation! 


*More pictures please refer the section "Longevity"



Longevity (Day Diary)

Day Tested: 17 August 2017 (Thursday)
Weather: Sunny (33°C)
Activity: Mostly indoor with air-conditioner + Doing household chores indoor & outdoor (I sweat and flush very easily)


Overall, very satisfied with the long lasting effect from this foundation. Beside the timeline, I’ve also included a few concerns regarding the longevity below (I’ve Oily Acne-prone skin):

        1)      Oil control
       ·         Fresh &matte for 3 hours
       ·         First blot needed at 6 hours
       ·         6-12 hours: Blotting needed               depending on weather  
        2)      Caking Up
       ·         None
       ·         Does NOT cake up at the corner of     the nose (Usually does)
        3)      Dry Patches
       ·         NONE at all
        4)      Settling into pores/fine lines
       ·         NONE
        5)      Colour Change/Oxidised
       ·         Colour remains same for 3 hours
       ·         4-12 hours: ONE shade darker



Recommendation

All skin types EXCEPT sensitive and acne-prone skin. I’m not a chemist but I’m still slightly skeptical about the ingredients in this foundation especially when MyPaleSkin and I personally had the experience of newly-forming whiteheads and existing acne getting angrier. Also, get at least one shade lighter than your own skin tone since it oxidizes. Not for those who are aiming for super full flawless coverage. Suitable for those who needs to just get through the 8 hours office time without touch-up. Not for more than 9 hours wear!


In Conclusion

An all-rounder foundation which I'm extremely amazed. But is it comparable to my Holy Grail, Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation? Not really but I would say it's 60% close! Is it good for a daily wear? Definitely YES!

Pros:
a) Pretty Classic Dior Packaging with a pump which dispense appropriate amount of product
b) Nice luminous finish and matte enough to control oil
c) Natural medium coverage for daily use
d) Longevity: Great for office hours (8 hours)

Cons:
a) Comedogenic (Refer to "Ingredients Dissect")
b) Coverage isn't enough for textured, acneic, hyperpigmented skin
c) Very obvious color change/oxidised by the end of the day
d) Not fragrance-free (which might affect some individuals)