One of the perils about reading and depending on online product reviews is that quite often, most reviews are raves about favourite products; so when you come across a product review of something you’re looking for, 90% of the time, it’s a rave (or it could be sponsored 😛 ). I’m not assigning blame to anyone. Heck, I myself often only post raves on my blog because that’s what gets me excited to share. Not much fun whining and moaning about a product you hate right?
Ok, actually yes, it’s a lot of fun, especially when you really REALLY hate a product 😀
But my point is that we really do need a more balanced selection of product reviews out there, because then I wouldn’t have been bloody suckered into trying this lemon.
For some reason, I’d been curious about this particular product. I love foundation and as much as I rave about the ones I like (and there are TONS!) my roving eye is always out there, looking for something else to like. And for some strange reason, 3CE Glossing Waterful Foundation came into my foundation-seeking radar. The plethora of positive press out there doesn’t help me, naturally.
The problem was that 3CE (3 Concept Eyes – I know, it’s a weird name that should have set off my spidey senses) isn’t a brand you can walk into a counter and buy. I don’t even know where it’s sold locally, and only knew that it was available online at a webstore I boycotted, so that meant I had no access to this.
However, as luck would have it, I spotted a selection of 3CE products at my hairdresser, and the price was far lower than what I’d get online, so I decided to finally assuage my curiousity once and for all. Well, let me just say that I’m glad I scratched that itch. In fact, I scratched it so hard, I bled (or my wallet did) 😛
I don’t know much about 3CE except that it’s a cosmetics brand from Korea. That again, should have placed me on high alert because I’m not personally a fan of Korean makeup. They just rarely work for me. 3CE is owned by Stylenanda, which, from what I can tell, is a Korean fashion brand, and that is the extent of what I know.
At the outset, I have to say that I liked the packaging of the Glossing Waterful Foundation (even if the name makes no sense).
The product comes housed in a lovely, solid, frosted glass rectangular bottle, that is unique. It’s compact and solid and has a nice heft to it.
The name should give you an idea of the texture. This is a liquid foundation that has a lightly more liquid texture, hence the dropper style dispenser.
To be honest, I didn’t find the texture to be any more watery (or waterful, as 3CE will have it) than other liquid foundations I already own. Lunasol Skin Modeling Foundation (my HG! There’s a new upgrade coming soon!) for example, has a much lighter and more liquid consistency and comes in a lovely pump bottle that minimizes mess. It is also a far superior product, in case you’re wondering. Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation too has a very runny, liquid product that again, is superior in performance to this 3CE one, and that too, comes in a useful pump bottle.
By comparison, the 3CE Glossing Waterful Foundation actually feels a little more creamy than the 2 others I’ve mentioned. That’s fine. Texture is a personal thing.
But you might probably realise that I dislike this product, and that has primarily got to do with the way it performs. Or doesn’t perform, more likely.
I’d read about the Glossing Waterful Foundation being sheer. I’m fine with sheer foundation, but I do expect that a sheer product can usually be built upon and that’s where this one fails. The product is so sheer as to offer little, to no coverage. When I build it up, It feels heavy…. and still offers no coverage.
3CE Glossing Waterful Foundation Milk Ivory Swatch
I could wear a BB Cream or even a CC Cream and get better coverage than this one. When daubed on the hand, it seems to offer a hint of coverage (it’s without blending out) but on my face, nope. Nada. I’d forgive it, if it would maybe even out my skintone or neutralize redness, but nope. Nothing.
Coverage aside, the other thing I disliked is the texture. Although it gives the impression that it has a lightweight texture, this foundation has a tendency to just sit on your skin and look glossy. Not a healthy, dewy glow; more like a ‘I-just-got-in-from-the-hot-sun’ sweaty, greasy gloss. See that gloss in the swatch above? It never really goes away. Looks nice in photos maybe (Oh look at my lovely dewy skin!) but in real life, hello roti canai grease! 😛
I tried setting it with powder (didn’t work) or even using the NARS Light Reflecting powder which has a lovely way of removing shine while adding a glow and even that didn’t work. After a couple of hours, I just looked like a sweaty mess, and this was just by sitting in an air-conditioned office. It’s even more interesting when you note that I have normal-dry skin, so I daren’t imagine it on those with oily skin.
For me, I actually feel it sitting on my skin and it reminded me of the many reasons I hated wearing liquid foundation in the first place. That strange, heavy feeling, coupled with zero coverage and a greasy glossy look overall just put me off this product so badly, I’ve only used it twice. That’s once more than I ever need. Ugh.
At this juncture, I should mention that I love light coverage, natural looking foundation. I don’t wear full coverage, heavy bases but I do expect some level of colour neutralizing and coverage in a liquid foundation. It should feel light on the skin, be sheer enough for skin to show through, yet cover bits that need coverage. So, for those who says that this gives you natural coverage, for me, it doesn’t. It just makes me look greasy and that is not natural. It just makes me look like I need a lot of blotting paper. This isn’t cheap, so spend your money on something far superior elsewhere.
I must note however, that if you are a sweet young 20-something with already perfect skin, with no blemishes, and no pigmentation and are riding the K-pop wave, you may like this. But if you are, why the heck are you wearing foundation?! Just wear a tinted moisturiser or BB Cream or heck, go bare-faced. I would, if I had that sort of perfect skin 🙂
IN A NUTSHELL
3CE Glossing Waterful Foundation hails from Korea and is a lightweight liquid foundation that comes in a dropper style dispenser. It does have a slightly heavy texture. While the packaging looks quite lovely, that’s where the loveliness ends for me. As a foundation, I find it sorely lacking in coverage, even when layered, and the texture ends up a heavy, greasy finish on my normal-dry skin. It never gets better, even when I try setting it with powder. There are 4 shades available, and I wear Milk Ivory, which is an ok colour match, but only because it is so sheer, I don’t think it really matters. For me, it was a waste of money that I could have put to a much much better foundation.
PROS: Nothing. Ok, that’s harsh – nice packaging
CONS: Pricey, Poor coverage, Greasy finish, Sits on skin
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who has perfect, blemish-free skin
The box didn’t have a lot of information, but here’s the ingredient list that I found online:-
Water, titanium dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, phenyl Trimethicone, butylene glycol, hydrogenated Polydecene, glycerin, dimethicone, hexyl laurate, ethylhexyl olivate, niacinamide, Disteardimonium Hectorite, magnesium sulfate, mica, zinc oxide, alcohol, talc, camellia/moringa seed oil, adansonia seed extract, arvense extract, cranberry fruit extract, olive leaf extract, japonica flower extract, fructan, lauroyl lysine, hexarosinate, tribehenin, Sorbitan isostearate, calcium stearate, hydrogen dimethicone, lecithin, iron oxides.
I didn’t show how this looks on me, apologies for that, because I just didn’t feel like wasting that sort of time on such an inferior product. I’m not the only one feeling a little duped by all the positive press this product receives online. Shopgirl too has similar complaints to mine, and I wish I’d read it before I bought mine (I might still have bought it but at least I’d have been better informed)
I bought mine at RM95 which is cheaper than the online price of RM108 (regular discounts on that website not withstanding) but take my word. Save that RM108 and just top up a little more to pick up the Lunasol or Urban Decay foundation if you really want something lightweight, that performs like magic on your skin and makes you look amazing – even toned and glowing naturally, without looking like a greasy mess. I love those 2, among others, and I’m not even sponsored to say so because I bought them with my own moolah, as I did with this ugh! dud /headdesk
Have you tried this foundation and do you like it? Is there anything else from 3CE worth trying?
To be honest, I think this ends my curiousity and experiment with 3CE as a brand. One dud, that’s all it took. But I am of course, curious to know if it’s just me, or if you love this foundation and got it to work, one way or another. Or perhaps there’s something else in the brand that’s worth looking at? Share! 🙂
Paris B
3CE Glossing Waterful Foundation comes in 4 shades Price: RM95-RM108 | US$31 for 40g Availability: 3CE website (ships internationally) and if you do an online search, you may turn up other online stores locally and abroad
Fiona says
I think Muse by Watsons is / will be carrying 3CE. Won’t be trying this anytime soon 😀
Paris B says
Ooh really? Finally someone is picking it up LOL Not that i’m that keen to try anything else to be honest. Bleh.
Sheila says
Is this another Maestro dupe? I keep seeing foundations with droppers so I just assume they’re all kinda similar. I like that it has a bunch of fruit extracts and seed oils in it though, but too bad it doesn’t sit well with your skin.
Paris B says
It seems to fit that pigeonhole, Sheila 🙂 Well, there are a few brands coming with similar dropper-style packaging these days, so it will be interesting to see how the ones from Dior and Bobbi Brown will fare. This one was a dud 😛
Sharon says
Thanks for the review, Paris. My hand was itching when I saw this brand in one of the shops in one well known shopping mall in Penang. Now I can save my monies for others. Hoping to hear your thoughts on the new Urban Decay concealer comparison to NARS Creamy concealer.
Anis says
OMG YES! I second this, was just about to beg for the same review haha. Please do a comparison between the UD and Nars concealers, I’ve been looking everywhere for the best concealer for my stubborn dark circles. 🙁
I don’t even consider looking at bases from Korean/ Japanese brands because they never make colours dark enough for my skintone yech. I am also strangely annoyed by the name, like what does Glossing Waterful even mean?
Paris B says
2 requests for the same thing, how not to agree, Anis?! Haha… Ok I’ll work on the comparison post between the UD concealer and the NARS one. It’ll take me a little while but I’ll get it up. And you’re right about the poor shade selection for most Korean/Japanese bases. I find that the Koreans are the bigger culprit, with only 2-3 shades at max. The Japanese are usually a bit better. RMK has a good selection and they are really good! Ooh and don’t get me started on the name. Engrish anyone? 😛
Paris B says
You’re welcome, Sharon. I’m glad to have saved you money LOL! 😀 I’m trying out the UD concealer as we speak and I’ll be sure to compare it to NARS when the time comes.
Jasmine says
But I really love 3CE lipsticks and lip lacquers! They are really good, very pigmented and lasting!
Paris B says
Thanks for the recommendation Jasmine. It seems like the lipsticks and lip lacquers are highly raved so maybe that’s something I might look into in future 😀
Coco says
Such a shame, the bottle is so beautiful x
Paris B says
My thoughts too, Coco! 🙂
Ee says
Hi Paris,
Korean makeup and skincare are a rage here in China and I must warn you that there are lots of fakes circulating in the market. If you can’t get it at in the malls or credible site, my bet is, it is probably fake. Haven’t used anything by 3CE before but heard that their eye make up is pretty good….;-p
Paris B says
Thanks for the warning Ee. I did read somewhere that there were some fakes for the 3CE lipsticks and concealers. I guess the foundation isn’t popular enough? LOL I think it’s possible but after confirmation by a few other readers who share the same sentiments as me, I’m quite sure this isn’t counterfeit 😀
Firn says
Aww I would have happily let you try a sample since I do quite like the texture (moist enough for my dry cheek skin).
I find that applying foundations with a BeautyBlender gives a much thinner sheerer layer than brushes do. I only use this for nights out at the theatre, so I don’t have to contend with textural issues as much as if I wear it during the day over my thick layer of sunscreen. 🙂
I can’t wait for the new Lunasol foundation! I find the current one goes a bit patchy and is more difficult to blend on my dry areas, hence why I bought this 3CE one.
Paris B says
It is moist, I’ll give it that Firn. Pity it just didn’t work for me 🙁 Ooh and I’m curious about that new Lunasol foundation too. I mean, the previous formula was my HG so how much better can it be?! 😀
Firn says
I’m hoping it will be a more refined version of the 3CE foundation 😉
Evan says
I totally agree with you on this Paris! I hate it myself as well. Greasy oily sweaty mess you become when you wear this, along with my super oily skin. Its just a disaster waiting to happen.
Frankly I would use the Urban Decay foundation compared to this because of its skin care properties. Regretted buying it!
Dislike!
Paris B says
Oh whew! It’s good to know I’m not alone in disliking this with a vengeance, Evan! I totally regretting spending my money on this too. Tsk tsk tsk!
Lily says
My cousin seems to like her 3CE foundation but she’s about 10 years younger and can get away with wearing no foundation 😛 Sorry to hear this doesn’t work for you. I haven’t tried anything from this brand but since my expectations from a foundation is similar to yours, I know to avoid this now. By the way, have you tried By Terry’s Densilis foundation? It’s awesome 🙂
Paris B says
Haha yeah, I think the young ones with really good skin will love this. It gives that dewey look that is all the rage (although I just think oily 😛 ) But yeah, personally I’d skip this and wait for the new Dior one. That one intrigues me. I hope it doesn’t disappoint! Oh and I haven’t tried the By Terry foundation. I keep meaning to try their Cover Expert but their shade selection is a bit strange so I keep putting it off, because it’s just too expensive a mistake you know >.<
ShopGirl says
I honestly felt my heart seize when I saw through your Instagram feed that you had purchased this, Ms.P.
You obviously know how I feel about it.
It’s a shame that this was the product you picked up considering your rare jaunts with K-cosmetics. Hope it doesn’t turn you away from Korea for good.
For example, I can only say good things about Korea’s Dr. G’s BB, example. I’ve had a 11 year relationship with it.
Paris B says
Apologies for the seizure, SG but seriously, there are a ton and a half of raves for this out there. Who are these people with perfect skin and why are they using foundation?! LOL 😀 But yeah, curiousity got the better of this cat. I do remember you liking that Dr. G BB and I was meaning to check it out. I just have to brave myself to step into a Sasa store!
Charlene says
Hi Paris,
Have u tried Laneige cc cream?
Paris B says
Hi Charlene, nope I haven’t. I didn’t even know they had one LOL! 😛
Robert c. says
Have to say, am not a fan of Korean-ish makeup as well. Their “Glow” translates to me as “oily-mess”. I watch these K-dramas and all the while thinking that the actresses should blot or powder their whole face or something.
Have not tried this foundation yet and I don’t think I ever will haha, even though I do love my bases. Oh and as Lily (ChloeAsh) above said, the by terry densillis foundation is amazing! Is it worth the splurge? Not really but if you love bases as much as I do.. haha
Paris B says
Haha that makes 2 of us Robert 😛 I’m very wary about anything that promises a glow because you know, in our weather, glow = sweat 😛 I think in Korean weather it makes sense. In the tropics, please blot! 😛 OH and don’t you start on By Terry! 😛
Su says
I really enjoyed your sark in this review! 😀 I definitely don’t read enough negatives reviews on things. I have tried a couple of 3ce products (not foundation or bb cream though) and I do like them! I like their gel liners, under eyeliners, cream blushers and watery lip glodd (the gloss doesn’t really last but the colours are so pretty)
Paris B says
Hehe, glad to have entertained, Su 😉 Thanks for sharing your thoughts on 3CE – and maybe I’ll brave myself to try the other products they have! They do seem to be highly raved for their lip stuff
Esther says
The glossy, oily-ish look may actually be intentional though – if I recall correctly, the \’mul gwang\’ (water complexion?) look is in trend in Korea at the moment, which is basically wet-ish looking skin which is supposed to translate into a hydrated, dewy look. Lots of times, it really just looks oily though.
Paris B says
Yep, I have no doubt it was to cater to the Korean makeup trend, one which I feel has its place in Korea due to their weather but which is rather misplaced here due to ours. But still, who am I to say. Maybe I’m just an old stodge haha! 😉
Sam Still Reading says
I like the name – very cute- but I would be supremely annoyed if I bought that! What awful coverage. Thanks for saving my money Paris – I like negative reviews as much as positive ones (and my wallet likes them more)
Paris B says
Haha I wish there were more negative reviews on products out there. But I understand that not everyone wants to bite the hands that feed them 😛 Or maybe just don’t want to waste time on writing about how they dislike a product. Still, it’s helpful isn’t it?!
Shasha says
I just attended a 3CE event where I was playing around with their makeup, and I admit, the packaging got me, especially the foundation. Very classy no doubt. Couldn’t agree more on the texture though, I did feel it was oily and lacks coverage :/ I hope their other products don’t disappoint as I do have them in my stash, but I’ve yet to give them a go. #fingerscrossed
Paris B says
Cute right, their packaging? It’s no wonder its popular although it’s not cheap! LOL 😀 I’m glad you agree with me about the texture. It helps to know I”m not a) alone and b) dreaming and c) prejudiced LOL! 😀 Will be good to know what you think of their products. Their lip stuff are highly raved!
Joan says
I understand the disillusionment with this foundation. I mean, in Korea they are known to cater to the young trendy women who probably don’t need that much help with their skin. Its only function is to add sheen…
HOWEVER, their lipsticks are amazing and universally flattering. I fell in love with both the creamy and matte formula… Review and swatches @ my blog
I’d say skip the eyeshadows though as they’re pretty hit and miss. The gel eyeliners I’ve heard good things about and I’m keen to try their blushers as they stand out front and center in a lot of the beauty looks they feature on the site.
Paris B says
Thanks for recommending the lipsticks, Joan. Quite a few others have told me not to give up on the brand so maybe the lipsticks will be the next thing to try? 😀 It was a pity about this foundation but maybe, as you have said, it works better in Korea maybe due to their skin or their climate and not as well here where its so hot and we’re so sweaty and oily all the time LOL! 🙂
Philippe says
Bummer, applying endless layers of this and getting the heavy cake feeling.. but none of the flawless coverage. I do like the bottle and dropper idea.. too bad the formula sucks.
Paris B says
Dior is doing something similar too and I hope that one doesn’t suck! 😀
kay says
Well…i second ee that you might have gor the fake one. Not saying your hairdresser did it purposely chances are they might not know it too. I saw it on groupn deal before but google search didnt show any record of stylenanda authorized oversea dealer (but that search was back in 2014).
Paris B says
Thanks Kay, it’s probable but I don’t think possible in view of the others who seem to feel that theirs fare the same way on their skin. I’m told by someone that we do have a local distributor based in Kedah. Perhaps it’s new, because apparently it’s now going to be carried in Muse by Watson’s so someone must have brought it in 😀
Dain says
People were raving about it on Luxola, and i was expecting it to be good since it is from Korea. After reading you review, I guess it wouldn’t suit me as I have an oily skin. Bummer!
Paris B says
To be honest Dain, even product aside, for the price, I think there are many better foundations out there to pick from. This didn’t impress me but who knows, it might work for you? I’m told it’s now available at Muse by Watson’s so maybe you can test it out and see? 🙂