I love messing around with foundation. A good base is truly one of my weaknesses, and it’s rather ironic, considering I had already found that elusive Holy Grail foundation. Yes, I have. Did it surprise you?
When you find yourself going back again and again to one particular product, especially for days when you know you don’t have time to faff about and experiment, you know you’ve found THE ONE. I did, and I have and I have told as many people as I can about it.
But then I found out not long ago that it was reformulated. WHAAAT?!
Let me just say I absolutely freaking hate it when something I love is reformulated. Sometimes, the brands get it right but sometimes, they kill it.
So yes, my holy grail foundation, which was the Lunasol Skin Modeling Liquid Foundation has now been reformulated to the Lunasol Skin Modeling Liquid Finish Foundation. I got quite antsy about it, and I took it on a very critical trial phase, because I just had to know if I should continue with my love affair, or just dump it and move on.
So, the million dollar question is, should I stay or should I go?
Happily, I’m staying 😀
Yes, I’m happy to report that the new Lunasol Skin Modeling Liquid Finish Foundation is every bit as wonderful as its predecessor was. In fact, I couldn’t quite tell them apart 😛
Packaging wise, they’re identical. The square opaque glass bottle comes capped with a sleek rose-gold cap. There is nothing to distinguish the old and the new, save for the name.
The new Skin Modeling Liquid Finish foundation is supposed to contain up to 55% water which makes this a water based liquid foundation. I had been told that the texture is lighter than the previous version (which was already very light on the skin) and more comfortable when worn. It is also fairly sheer, yet offers a semi-matte finish that lasts.
Similar to the previous version, I found that the texture is indeed sheer, but it spreads very easily, and despite its sheerness, the product veils skin quite prettily for a very natural finish. It covers redness, and if you layer it on the areas where you need it more, it can even mask blemishes or dark circles. It isn’t drying on skin, yet it lasts all day long for me, even if I don’t set it with a powder.
This Lunasol foundation is one I come back to time and again, when I know I have to put a good face forward and I want a product that I know works every single time. I wore this for 2 weeks straight, and it never failed me a single time.
I wear Lunasol foundations in the shade OC-01 which is the lightest, neutral shade available, and this is the swatch comparison to the old version, and to other foundations I wear regularly.
You may notice that there is almost no difference in shade or texture between the old and new Lunasol Skin Modeling foundation, so if you are using the previous version, you can quite easily move on to the new one with no issues.
The Urban Decay Naked Foundation in 1.0 is quite a similar match in shade, although it finishes off more matte than the Lunasol. Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet is the most matte in texture and has the highest coverage of the swatches featured here, followed by the Diorskin Nude which has more pink.
For a before-after comparison, here’s how I look with bare skin and with a layer of the Lunasol Skin Modeling Liquid Finish foundation in OC-01 (just 1 pump for the whole face)
While pigmentation isn’t fully covered up, the skin tone looked markedly more even toned, redness around the nose and chin (damn breakouts!) and the dark circles under the eyes are much more minimized and the countenance just looks better, doesn’t it?
I only use 1 pump for the whole face, using the 5 line method, and blending out with a flat top brush. The effect is fairly sheer, but there is sufficient coverage that I’m happy about it. If you want more coverage, a bit of loose powder to set does the trick. I sometimes forgo the loose powder 🙂
Testing this new version of the Lunasol Skin Modeling Foundation reinforces my opinion that the Japanese brands do make the best bases that I’ve ever used. They may not be the most innovative, nor may they have the best marketing in Western/English based media, but when it comes to foundation, they consistently turn out lightweight foundations that just work, beautifully.
So, despite the new name and formula, Lunasol continues to enjoy its exalted status at the top of my foundation heap. I’m not in love with the price (RM196 | 5000 Yen for 25ml), but if what you want is a very light foundation that is sheer, yet gives you the effect of naturally flawless skin, doesn’t dry out your skin, lasts for most of the day without turning oily, then take a look at this one. It’s underrated but deserving of so much more!
IN A NUTSHELL
The Lunasol Skin Modeling Liquid Finish Foundation is a reformulation of my holy grail liquid foundation, the previously named Lunasol Skin Modeling Liquid Foundation. From what I can tell, there is almost no difference in quality, texture or shade between the old and new version. It still has a lovely lightweight texture that spreads well on skin, with a lovely ability to cover up the necessary imperfections and even out skin tone, while maintaining a light and sheer natural skin-like effect. I’d maintain this as my holy grail foundation still. It ticks all my boxes and performs well. There’s nothing not to love, except the price 😛
PROS: Lightweight texture is comfortable on skin, Sheer yet gives good coverage on skin, Does not dry out the skin yet is long lasting, Natural effect, Not much is needed each time
CONS: Pricey
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who likes lightweight textured liquid foundation, that is sheer yet gives decent coverage on skin, Anyone who likes a natural looking foundation that is easy to use and light on skin and does not dry out the skin
I’m unable to provide an ingredient list as the box comes in full Japanese. It does say that it has SPF20 PA++ rating, but that doesn’t matter to me since I use a separate sunscreen product anyway (and so should you!) but I mention it in case you don’t like foundations with sunscreen. I don’t notice any flashback with this in photos, in case you’re wondering.
Have you tried my holy grail foundation and do you like it? Do you feel brands shouldn’t tinker with established formulations?
I know that my HG foundation sits well with some of you as well, which naturally makes me happy because it means I didn’t recommend you a dud! But when brands go round tinkering with known formulations, it sometimes bugs me because so often, it doesn’t work out. Happily, this one does, with no noticeable downsides! 🙂
Paris B
Lunasol Skin Modeling Liquid Finish Foundation SPF20 PA++ comes in 6 shades Price: RM196 | 5000 Yen for 25ml Availability: Kanebo counters
Adding this to my to-buy list. God knows why I need another foundation. I’m pretty certain I will like this. Your recommendations for foundations have always been spot on for me – helps we both have similar skintones and skin type 🙂
That adage – if it’s not broken, don’t touch it? That often applies. However, if we don’t innovate, we’re going to stay stagnant and dead. I’d say approach changes to formulations with a lot of caution, research and consultation. You don’t want to end up alienating your loyal customer base.
God knows why any of us need another foundation… yet we do LOL! I think you might like this especially for the coming Summer. It’s light yet stays put and still gives me the most natural look. The Japanese just know how to work bases, don’t they?
Oh my, I went to pick up the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless foundation when I was in KL in July and man did I fall in love. I did not expect it to be as light and yes, weightless, as it is and I fell head over heels with it. I was using my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser (which I hate) and I was just trying to get through it but ever since I tried the NARS, I just can’t stop myself from reaching out to me. The MUA told me it could be a bit drying and I’m not gonna deny, it does cling to some dry patches but my skin is weirdly dry (but still oily ugh!!!) lately so I don’t think the foundation has anything to do with it.
Haha hope you get your hands on the NARS one soon! I didn’t try that coz it did say it was more tailored for those with oily skin and my experience has always been that it’d dry me out to a husk! You know what they say right? If you can’t stop thinking about it, it’s time to buy it 😉
Ah Paris, you should be so happy! Hate it when the reformulated version sucks. I haven’t been wearing much foundation, but when I do, I find that I always reach for Koh Gen Do. I guess I really like it. But I do make a point to rotate my foundations every month. Right now, I’m trying to use up Dior Radiant Base which I find is enough to replace my foundation. I have a third of a bottle left. I’m dead set to use it up! 🙂
Eeps! I’ve been wanting to try Koh Gen Do! Heard loads and loads of good things about it. But the shade selection does stump me a little. Any ideas where to start?
I was waiting for your review ever since I saw the new formula at counters in Singapore!I did try a swatch and the saleslady confirmed that it is meant to be more matte than the old version? I did find it a little more difficult to blend out. Even the old formula can go patchy on my dry cheeks even with a makeup base underneath.I might have to try it over my heavier (oily) sunscreen to see if that will improve the blendability.
I didn’t notice it being any more matte than usual, Firn. But I do remember you telling me that although this works well for you, you did find it drying at times. I’m told this has actually more water so it’s more moisturising! Not sure really, but using a heavier sunscreen as a base is a good idea! 🙂
This looks gorgeous. I’m on a foundation kick as of late, and I would love to pick this up, especially since the exchange rate from USD to RM is so…favorable right now for Americans. (Sorry!! But maybe by spending ringgit I am stimulating the economy?)
Random question for you: I remember you tried the Caudalie glycolic peel mask a while back. Did you try any other formulas? I’m thinking of picking up the glycolic formula because my skin loves glycolic acid. But I’m also curious about the purifying formula, etc.
Hahaha I hope you waited, because the USD is now EVEN more favourable! Sigh… It’s a good foundation though. See if you can grab a sample to try first? As for your question, no I didn’t get any of the other Caudalie masks to try. Never got round to doing it. I’m still using the Glycolic one, but I hear the others aren’t as good. Don’t quote me though! 😉
Oh my, this sound fabulous and luxe! I’ve so far had the pleasure of trying a tinted moisturizer from Addiction cosmetics and LOVE it. I hope to try shadows or a base from Lunasol in the future! Love the texture and shades of bases from japanese brands.
Ooh I’d always wanted to try something from Addiction! Their products sound so amazing. For Lunasol, definitely try their base makeup. Very nice products. Blushes too. But eyeshadow I think it’s a pass unless you like the Japanese style of eyeshadow that is strong on shimmer and sheer 🙂
Hi PB,
Been exploring your new YT channel, great job!
Let me just say I share the same worries when I found out this is reformulated, since this foundation is also my HG. My counter lady only gave me the new version samples in cream form, which freaked me out. Moreover, the watery base has been discontinued! The absurdity and the horror!
However only today (yes I quit shopping >.<) I tried out Estee Lauder's Futurist Aqua Brilliance blah blah Foundation and I absolutely fell in love in front of the mirror and looked like a self absorbed fool at the counter. Coverage is sheer, light to medium and it gives such a nice sheen, a nice, controlled glowy sheen (not your Korean oily glow). Paired with EL's Double Wear Glow BB Highlighter, they really give a light reflective finish, that's modern and not your 90s Double Wear finish.
My questions are :
1) If you ever pop by EL counter, could you try it's Futurist Aqua blah blah foundation and see what your thoughts are? Price point is at RM169 for 30ml (EM Price). By the way I bought the old Lunasol Skin Modelling Water Foundation in Jakarta and it was only RM120 back in 2012. Oh lord the difference.
2) What would you recommend to replace Luansol Watery Base? I could feel the impending dread knowing this will be the last tube I'd ever have.
Hiya! Thanks for the YT support! 🙂 Did you manage to try any samples of this? I hear the cream version is very good too, albeit a little heavy for our weather here. And what? The Watery Base is discontinued?! Boo! Why oh why do brands do this to us?!
I haven’t tried the EL Futurist so thanks for alerting me to it! I haven’t tried any EL foundations since discovering their shade selection doesn’t suit my skin tone but you just can’t tell from range to range. I’ll take a look the next time I’m near a counter! As for the Watery Base, hmm would Bourjois Healthy Mix do the trick? It’s not as lightweight but it’s a good foundation at a good price 🙂
Aiks! Sorry for the late reply, I’ve been checking my gmail to see if you’ve replied, haha luckily I’m back on this site.
Healthy Mix foundation oxidizes on me. I bought the Bourjois pink primer (dewy version) and it just doesn’t work. There is nothing at all after application, can’t even work it enough to be a highlighter. 😛
Nevermind, I would just continue stalking your blog and window shop virtually through your blog! ^^
Oops! Maybe you accidentally unsubscribed to email replies? 🙂 Sorry to hear Healthy mix doesn’t work for you. I haven’t tried the primer (mostly coz I don’t usually use primers so I can’t be bothered) But I was at the Kanebo counter today and saw they have this tinted base that comes in a square bottle. It felt interesting, like a primer + tint, but the shade was far too dark for me. Otherwise, no, the range is definitely much smaller now!
Hi! I’m so glad I came across your blog! I’m planning to try out a foundation for the first time. I have dry skin and I’m acne prone too. Do you think that this foundation will offer me good coverage for my pimples without making me look all flaky? Thanks in advance!
Hi Serena, if you’re looking for coverage, then no, this isn’t the product for you. If you have flaky skin, I’d suggest first working on the problem of flaky skin to cure the problem. Otherwise, all foundation will make your skin look flaky. But if you prefer something with more coverage, try Nars Sheer Glow, Diorskin Nude, Shiseido Perfect Refining or Guerlain Lingerie de Peau.
Glad I came across this in search of a foundation. I have oily combo skin with the same skin shade as you, around NC15. Should I go for this or cle de peau radiant skin fluid? Please help me decide, thanks!
If you have the budget for it, I’d do Cle de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation. But if budget is a concern (this one is about half the price I reckon) then go with the Lunasol 🙂
Stumbled upon your blog as I was desperately looking for a replacement for my favourite foundation Diorskin Nude which has been discontinued.
Took your advice and tried both CDP and Lunasol. Love love love this Lunasol foundation! I’ve never seen my skin looking so naturally luminous and flawless.
But to my dismay it’s also been discontinued recently! Can you please recommend another similar (glowy, luminous, sheer but buildable coverage and pretty lasting) foundation? Can you also do a review for the new Lunasol Glowing Watery Oil Liquid? Thank you.
Hi Claire, thank you for sharing that the Lunasol foundation worked for you and I’m bummed that it’s been discontinued! That said, the Japanese do tend to reformulate their products every other year so it was probably due for a reformulation. I haven’t yet tried the Lunasol Glowing Watery Oil Liquid (It’s my first time hearing of it!) I will try to have a look at it one day. In the mean time, from the foundations I’ve tried recently, you can consider the YSL Touche Eclat Glow Foundation (glowy but not as perfect as Lunasol), Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Foundation, or even the Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion EX if you don’t mind a cushion type foundation 🙂 I’d go with the Shiseido one for closest match, then Sulwhasoo cushion but if those are harder to get where you are, then consider the YSL one 🙂