Leading beauty and cosmetics website Luxola invited me to review any three products from their 4000-strong beauty inventory. On the lookout for a new signature foundation, I was more than happy to oblige. Here is what I tried…
What is Luxola? Luxola is the #1 destination for beauty in Southeast Asia (located in Singapore.) The company stocks over 4000 products, from skincare and makeup through to brushes and tools. Carrying many cult and hard-to-find brands. Free shipping to Australia when you spend over $40.
We have secured an exclusive promo for BWA readers. Enter BLX-BREAKFAST at checkout to receive 15% off your first order! Some exclusions apply. Valid until end of March 2015.
1. Edward Bess Complexion Correcting Mousse Foundation $102.62
This is an ultra-lightweight foundation with a souffle/mousse-like texture which glides onto the skin beautifully. This foundation seems to spread for miles from just a tiny application, and the ‘Expert Blending Brush’ (included with the product) is excellent for buffing the product into the skin and around difficult areas such as the hairline.
The Edward Bess Complexion Correcting Mousse Foundation dries quickly, leaving a velvety (almost powdered) finish that is super-soft and matte. For a medium-full coverage makeup it feels completely weightless with zero “mask” feeling you so often get with lower-grade full coverage foundations.
The product contains silicone to smooth out imperfections and advanced colour corrective pigments.
The Pros: Luxurious and beautiful packaging. Fantastic brush. Weightless feel. Lovely texture. Creates a very even coverage. Spreads amazingly. Great for oilier skin.
The Cons: I personally don’t like foundations with silicone. It is faintly possible to see the product in the pores at very close range (although probably imperceptible to others.) The colour was lighter than I would expect from a “light” foundation, I would recommend for anyone to go up a shade. The matte finish is not my preferred finish, however if you love the “porcelain look” then you’ll love this.
Score: 6.5/10
2. Duwop Foundation of Youth $45.81
This is a dewy, light to medium coverage foundation with built in applicator brush. The foundation is fragranced and provides a good coverage for everyday/weekend wear. The Duwop Foundation of Youth is relatively thick at first but eventually blends well either with the fingers or a sponge.
Containing anti-oxidants and marine-based emollients, this is a highly moisturising foundation that leaves skin feeling supple and healthy, with a natural shine minus shimmer, sparkle or glitter. The built-in brush dispenses and spreads the product.
The Pros: For dry skin such as mine, this product is a godsend! The dewy finish livens up skin and gives a healthy, moisturised effect which I love. It feels good on dry skin and does not seem to get drier as the day goes on. The “fair” colour matched my fair skin accurately, and I did not feel the need to build up the shade by excessive use of powders and bronzers. The accessible price and overall product design makes this a great foundation to throw in your bag and not worry too much about!
The cons: The brush applicator is a little awkward, and does not blend well at all. It could also breed bacteria. It is difficult to disperse the product accurately, although this is easily circumvented by using fingers and sponge. Oily skinned people will prefer a more matte foundation, I feel this could create shine for oily-skinned people throughout the day, especially in summer.
Score 7.5/10
3. Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation $73.30
This is a mineral makeup cream foundation which turns into a liquid foundation when applied. An incredibly fine-textured foundation that blends well to create a light matte-satin finish. The Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation is definitely a light coverage foundation – it creates a smoothed, perfected version of your own skin. It feels lovely to touch although drier than I would expect from a “moisture foundation.”
I tried the 012 which is light coloured, and probably just a little too light for me, although works very well mixed with a darker shade, or applied as a light highlighter. Although it is super-light coverage, I have been using this product around the eye area in lieu of a concealer.
The Pros: I love the general fineness of this formula. Soft satin finish on the skin, if a little more matte than expected. Good as a subtle highlighter. Hygienic fuss-free tube design.
The Cons: Basic packaging and low volume for the price. More of a skin perfecter/natural highlighter than a robust daily foundation. Not as moisturising as expected.
Score: 7/10
All products were supplied for review by LUXOLA, and can be shopped through the links above.
IS NIP + FAB (KYLIE JENNER’S FAVOURITE) WORTH THE HYPE?
WRINKLE ATTACK! WE REVIEW SKINCEUTICALS, STRIVECTIN & DERMALOGICA
17 Comments
I havent even heard of these brands! Thank you so much for the informative article 🙂
I’ve been using the same tinted moisturiser for years and must test out something new soon.
Black Sea – is that the same as Dead Sea?
I like the sound of the Duwop foundation, but foundation is really something that you have to try before committing to purchase.
The Black Sea one’s sound very interesting.
Glad you all found this helpful! I hate surprises / disappointments when I buy a new foundation so hopefully this has been beneficial. I’ll be doing more roadtests soon xx
First time hearing these brands.
I like beauty product roadtests.
great tested
I agree with Bella, the pros and cons are helpful
Thank you, I find the pros and cons particularly helpful.
wow, over $100 for a foundation. That’s more exy than Estee Lauder.
The correcting mousse foundation looks good 🙂
excellent write up Vanessa!
Loved reading these reviews on these fancy products.
Nice products
Oh thank you for testing these! I’d seen the Edward Bess foundation online and had always wondered what it was like.
Thank you! xx