For those who like powder foundation (like I do), here are my choices from the low, mid and the higher end of the price spectrum. I use these 3 brands interchangeably almost every day :D
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Revlon Beyond Natural 2 Way Foundation (RM69)
An everyday 2 way foundation that works so well for me, I don’t even look at any other brands in the pharmacy anymore. Get it when it goes on sale and best of all, it comes in refill pans so you save even more. Read the original review here.
Save-ish
I Nuovi FaceFix UV Powder Foundation (RM98 powder RM30 case)
Yet another everyday powder I love for its (almost) flawless skin effect that it gives me. I’m on my 2nd pan already and I love travelling with this one, because it gives me a slightly better finish than Revlon but is less fragile than travelling with the Splurge option of Shu Uemura! Read the original review here.
Splurge
Shu Uemura Face Architect Glow Enhancing Powder Foundation (RM125 powder RM50 case)
Definitely a splurge, but one that is ultimately worth it (for me). I use this one on days when I want a powder foundation finish that will last on me, and that gives me crazy flawless skin on which to build the rest of my makeup. Also one I use when I have to impress ;) Original review is here.
So, have you tried any of the above and if you have, what’s your verdict? :)
Paris B
Save and Splurge is where I show you 2 similar items by 2 different brands that I have tried. They may not work quite the same way, but it’ll offer you options for your wallet for a similar effect/product. Do note however, that it is based on products I have tried, so whilst there are many save and splurge options out there, these are my views. You can find more under the category of Challenges.
Availability: Revlon at most major pharmacies, I Nuovi at Sasa, selected Parkson stores and the I Nuovi boutique, and Shu Uemura at most major department stores and the Shu Uemura boutiques.
Umm… question… what about P&J? Where does it rank between the options you’ve shown above? :P
Its definitely a splurge but as I noted in my review of the Shu powder, I prefer Shu Uemura because the color match is better. P&J was a touch pink for me.
I’m medium tanned. All pharmacy foundations hates me. I usually found that most neutral tone was too gray or white and tanned was too orange for me and I had to stay far far away from Asian skin tone foundation. Even when I found the match in the store, when I went out, it always look gray on me. I’ve tried brightening/whitening/lightening range before (oh my foolish days) just to find a shade that suits me but the wrong colour always shows (especially when its a hot day)
Now, I’m using MAC Studio perfect NC42 (RM35 case and RM125 foundation) Totally happy with it and it doesn’t breakout on me. It went okay when I’m flushed from the heat and I get a lot of compliments (and appreciative stares) which is very rare especially since I only wear the powder and a gloss for university.
So far, I’m now willing to splurge more on foundation. Its really a good investment; I could always go to pharmacy for blush, eyeshadow and lipsticks but not foundation.. No-no!
Whilst I tend to agree, I also believe that its useful knowing there are lower end options that might work and if it works and one can save a little, why not? :) I do tend to use the higher end foundations myself. I do find they give a better base to work on but thus far, Revlon has given me the closest approximation to a high end foundation without the high end price tag :D I guess having skin that is pretty neutral toned either way helps :)
out of the 3, i only got Shu’s. That’s like love! It last even I got pretty oily skin and yes it gives a very nice flawless look! And I think as the day goes by, the foundie actually looks better!
Definitely splurge on foundie cuz it either makes or breaks ur makeup!
You’re actually right. The Shu foundation does seem to look better as the day wears on :)
whilst I am willing to splurge on higher-end foundation, I am not so willing to spend on the powder case >.<
LOL!! Yes! The only consolation is that the case lasts unless we are very lucky and find a cheaper case in another brand that fits. But it just doesn’t quite do it for me :)
Bought the I Nuovi one recently at their sale but am yet to try it out (thanks to reading reviews like yours)! So far, ZA’s 2-way foundation is working wonders for me. I am very much a fan of liquid foundations, but have gotten lazier since I switched to powder foundations. The Revlon one is damn expensive though for a drugstore brand. But their Colorstay liquid foundation is the love!
Am trying a make-up diet for my face by using tinted moisturiser more often. Haha.
Oh the I Nuovi is awesome! I still haven’t tried ZA despite the many raves. I think it might be because I never found a proper colour match. I do tent to agree that the Revlon one is pricey compared to the other brands but thus far, it has the best approximation to a high end foundation in terms of texture (for me anyway) :)
I’ve a question here. Is Shu Uemura foundation good for acne prone skin? Currently I’m using Studio Fix and it breaks me out like crazy.. :(
I don’t know if the Shu Uemura foundation will break you out. Some people have reported breakouts but a lot depends on your skin and you can’t tell till you try it unfortunately.
My vote goes to LAura MErcier…!!!!
I’m a big fan of their foundation esp on “bad face day” …totally love their Silk Creme Foundation & Tinted Most. Stila aint bad, and I like Benefit Foundation Faker too if my face aint that “bad” that day… Haven tried Shu, but I was told Chanel Pressed is the holy grail of all Pressed Powder…. but for RM200++ , still considering…
Hmm… I haven’t tried Laura Mercier foundations though I’ve heard a lot about their tinted moisturizer. Perhaps i should give it a go even if tinted moisturizer isn’t quite my thing LOL! A friend tried Chanel but didn’t think it all that great. I’ve tried a Chanel powder foundation but it turned me orange so I’m not so keen on trying again!
I love Shu Face Architect. I have not used drugstore powder foundations in a while, so I cannot comment what they are like these days. But I’ve read some good things on the L’Oreal one (think it’s True Match?).
There is a new True Match foundation coming out I think. I do find that the L’Oreal one feels grittier compared to Revlon which actually feels quite smooth and fine milled. Hence the price I guess ;)
I love my powder foundations, though I’ve only tried 2 so far. My first was Stila, and then the L’oreal White Perfect Pearl that I won from here (the shade matches my skintone!) ^^
This post is useful as I’m still on the lookout for the best foundation for me, and it’s good to have a summary of what has worked for you from drugstore to a higher end brand.
The Stila one looks a bit cakey applied and has almost non-existent mattifying properties on my skin, and the company has pulled out of Msia anyway. White Perfect Pearl applies really nicely and manages to look pretty good throughout the day, and I’ve hit pan. Applying it with a heavier hand though makes my face look horribly cakey and it stains upon contact with fabric, which gets embarrassing sometimes :(
Glad to know you found this one useful :) I only picked the ones I liked from each category – guess my perception might be a bit skewed in terms of prices LOL! I think the L’Oreal powder is a bit thick to start with but staining is a pity! Better avoid white clothes while wearing it eh?
A good foundation does wonders though, and if a particular brand works and the price is not too exorbitant that it’s out of reach, it’s a worthy splurge ;)
You’re absolutely right – you need a good foundation before anything else on top of it looks good ;)
hi paris,
what about maquillage powder foundation? which one give better result?
I’ve never tried Maquillage foundations so I can’t compare. Thanks!
There isn’t anymore of the Revlon Beyond Natural being sold. ;(