Moisture Rich Powder Foundation SPF 15 PA++

I received this foundation as a sample pan in B02, in surprisingly sweet plastic packaging with a similar iconic rose motif on the lid. It is the first foundation I have used that is in a pressed powder form, so this took a little more effort to apply than did cream/liquid and loose powder did. The sample came with a small face sponge, as the full size product would. Although I can’t judge the product for packaging, I can definitely say that the mirror compact with a small sponge compartment is a very efficient and ergonomic design, and makes this a great travel piece.

I can definitely say from sampling the product though that this gives surprisingly good coverage for how much work it might take to get product off the pan with the sponge, but perhaps this is a good thing because you only need a little for good coverage—any more than that, and you might risk drying or caking. I applied this foundation over Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer.

The finish of this foundation is soft, silky matte, a treat for those with combo to oily skin such as myself. Those with dry skin or dry-combo skin types or even just dry patches may need to moisturize prior to applying. True that this foundation does contain moisturizing properties! But I had dry patches around my mouth once during the trial that I was using this, and the foundation alone wasn’t moisturizing enough to smooth and conceal the patches; in fact, it accentuated the dry patches a little. So I smoothed a bit more of Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion over the patches to do the trick.

Overall I really like this foundation and feel very privileged to have been able to sample it, since it’s very expensive. It’s a good sheer- to medium-coverage foundation for all skin types given that you moisturize appropriately before applying it and apply conservatively. But I definitely recommend it for those who fall into the combination skin type and need a moisturizing and mattifying formula in one. I do NOT however, recommend this for those with sensitive skin, because the product has a strong discernible fragrance and may cause irritation.