Long lasting makeup for oily skin - Innisfree Long Wear Cushion

Recently I've tried my first BB cushion, Laneige Pore Control and even though the BB itself didn't work for me, I enjoyed the experience of using cushion. Handy compact and easy application - I was eager to try another product of this type. This time I reached for Innisfree, mostly because of the "long wear" name.

Product description: A long-wear cushion formulated to keep the skin smooth and bright for a long time. This foundation reduces the appearance of pores, discolourations, and imperfections and ensures a perfectly flawless complexion every time. SPF 50+ PA+++.

The foundation contains:

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - offers multiple benefits for ageing skin- can improve skin's elasticity, enhance skin's barrier function, help erase discolourations, and revive skin's healthy tone and texture.
• Citrus Unshiu (Satsuma Mandarin) Peel Extract - rich in carotenoids, coumarins, limonoids  and flavonoids, has anti-oxidant properties. Promotes proliferation of fibroblast cells ("colagen factories"), thus enhances skin's elasticity. Prevents dark spots and skin darkening by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase (enzyme responsible for hyperpigmentation).
• Orchid Extract - has anti-oxidant, skin regenerating and brightening properties. Contains minerals such as calcium, copper and iron, that help to keep skin nourished.
• Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract - it's a powerful antioxidant, protecting skin cells from the damage caused by free radicals. It is also known to reduce skin swelling and help soothe and condition sensitive skin. 
• Camellia Japonica (the Japanese camellia, known as Tsubaki in Japanese) Leaf Extract - Camellia has been known for it's conditioning and anti-ageing properties since ancient times, mostly used as an oil extracted from flowers. Camellia is rich in fatty acids (Palmitic and Omega-6) and anti-oxidants. Thanks to Omega-9 has great penetration power, permeating deep into the skin and enhancing cell growth to give skin support and flexibility. Camellia is very effective in retention and enhancement of skin moisture.
• Opuntia Coccinellifera (Prickly Pear Cactus) fruit extract - rich in vitamins (A, B, C) and antioxidants, has skin soothing and firming properties.
• Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract - has antibacterial and sebum controlling properties. Promotes healing process and skin regeneration, also regulates melanin production. Great in treating acne and/or scarring.
• Adenosine - helps prevent wrinkles, reduces UVB sun damage, increases the production of elastin and collagen reducing skin sagginess and improving tone.
• Rice powder and corn starch - absorbing excess of sebum from skin.
• Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit or Flower Extract - A fragrant floral extract excellent for use on sensitive, irritated skin. 
• Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract - contains vitamins A, C and E, antioxidants and  essential phytonutrients - lycopene, beta-carotene and bioflavonoids. Has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Promotes skin regeneration, however should be used with caution on sensitive skin. 
• Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Extract - has ability to improve circulation, which leads to more healthy and vibrant skin. Has sebum-controlling and moisturising properties. 
• Volcanic Ash - rich in Sulphur, which has antibacterial properties. Sulphur is one of the main proteins needed for the structural integrity of the skin, supports synthesis of Collagen. Thanks to it's ability to protect against toxins Sulphur slows down ageing process. Volcanic ash contains minerals and has powerful purifying properties - being able to absorb up to 10 times it's own weight, it will soak up impurities, toxins and excessive sebum from skin. 
• UV filters: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (physical) and Octinoxate (chemical).

Ingredients: Water, Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Trisiloxane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Hdi/trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Niacinamide, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Glycerin, Orchid Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium Edta, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Lecithin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Mannitol, Mineral Salts, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract, Boron Nitride, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Stearic Acid, Silica, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Adenosine, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Isostearic Acid, Isopropyl Palmitate, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Extract, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propanediol, Volcanic Ash, Iron Oxides (ci 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Fragrance 

Ingredients analysis [HERE]

Innisfree cushion is simply designed, ivory compact with single refill already placed inside and ready to use. The refill contains 15g of foundation. Many cushions comes with additional refill, but not this one. The foundation is available in three colours: #13 Light Beige, #21 Natural Beige and #23 True Beige. I've got shade #13, which turned out to be very similar to my Laneige cushion:

The colour is the only similarity - Laneige's foundation is a bit thicker than Innsifree and against the manufacturer promises it's definitely NOT suitable for oily skin. Innisfree, on the other hand, turned out to be great for oily skin.

First of all, this is my first Asian foundation that promises to be matte and really IS matte. Whatever the weather, I don't need mattifying powder any more. It's not 100%, dull matte, it looks natural, but it's matte enough to look good even on the tip of my oily nose. Secondly - the lasting power. As the manufacturer description promises, this foundation really stays put for a long time. It doesn't oxidise, doesn't get patchy, doesn't change colour. It does disappear during the day a little bit, but just a little bit. After 12 hours it's still there (when blotted every couple of hours). The best part is that it's performing well with any type of background - both with primer or sunblock or on bare skin. It covers pores and evens out skin tone, tones down any redness.

Does it have any cons then? So far the only major con is efficiency. I use for about a month now, almost every day and while £5 tube of BB cream can last for good couple of months, in this case I already have to "look" for my foundation at the edges of refill, as the middle seems to be already drained out. Another con is lack of sebum control, even though product is clearly aimed for oily skin. It's actually pretty neutral towards sebum, it doesn't control it, but also doesn't increase oil production. Another con is lack of additional refill - you need to buy refill separately, what makes this cheap cushion a bit more expensive. For comparison, Laneige Pore Control costed £23 for compact with refill + another refill, so about £10 per refill, while Innisfree costs approx. £14 for compact with refill and extra refill costs approx. £10. Se even though we think that we are buying cheaper product, we don't really, Innisfree value is similar to Laneige. The significant difference is that Laneige is just prettier, more elegant. Innisfree's compact looks just cheaper than Laneige, even though it's not really...
On the other hand some may find lack of extra refill as a advantage, if you wouldn't like the foundation you wouldn't have to worry what to do with another refill.

Speaking of refills, I had to tell you that Innisfree startled me a little bit. From what I saw on "cushion blog" My Asian Skincare Story, most of the cushions has opening in compact bottom, through which we just push out the refill. That solution is used in my Laneige cushion, so I was expecting something similar from Innsifree, but surprise! The bottom of Innisfree pact is solid:

For a moment I thought that you simply cannot change the refill and you have to buy the whole thing over and over again. But no, I saw the refills on e-Bay. So maybe I got some tester version or something? Turns out that you have to lever the refill underneath the hinge of protective cover. It's a bit stubborn on the first time, but then it gets easier. Don't use your nails though, as you need to put a bit of force into it and I'm sure the nail would just brake. I used a screwdriver :P

Price:  approx. £14 on e-Bay.

Pros:
+ finally foundation that promises to be matte and really is matte
+ long lasting wear, stays put even for 12 hours
+ nice colour
+ good, buildable coverage
+ high SPF

Cons:
- the amount of foundation doesn't last for long, which makes it a bit expensive
- no extra refill included
- no sebum control (but it also doesn't increase sebum production)

Summary
At the moment it's my favourite foundation. Even though it runs out rather quickly, I still recommend it as worth trying, especially if you are looking for something matte.

What if you prefer dewy over the matte?
Innisfree created two cushions at the same time, which are opposite to each other. The opponent of matte and sebum-resistant Long Wear is Water Glow Cushion, which moisturises skin and leaves dewy effect.

 

Which one you would go for?

My first ever cushion! Laneige Pore Control BB Cushion Review

Some time ago the BB Creams market was hit by new type of product - BB cushion, a little sponge soaked in BB cream with specially designed applicator, hidden in handy compact. On the beginning I wasn't much interested in the idea, as I prefer to simply apply my make up with my fingers, also cushions are more expensive than the casual BB creams. Then I came across My Asian Skincare Story blog, also unofficially known as a "cushion blog" - thanks to reviews posted on this blog I finally decided to buy my first cushion.
I couldn't make my mind for a long time - there is so many cushions to choose from. My natural impulse would be to start off with something cheap, just to see if the whole "on the go" conception of the compact will suit me, but MASS blog was tempting me with middle range and higher end products. I was torn between three cushions: Iope Air Cushion - known as a "mother of BB cushions", so it just seems to be the right choice; VDL Beauty Metal Cushion - because MASS blog owner was recommending it as suitable for oily skin and Laneige Pore Control  - because if it there is "pore" in products name I automatically feel urge to have it ;) as you can see my "pore" obsession won and I bough Laneige cushion.

Product description: Matte version of Laneige BB cushion offering neat finish, without shine. Contains Pore Purifying Complex™, which purifies pores and helps to control secretion of sebum and Soft Focus Powder, which covers enlarged pores and uneven skin. Long-lasting make up without  turning dark or sticky feeling.

In the ingredients list we can find the Neem tree leaf extract, which has antibacterial properties, brightening arbutin and skin-normalising salicylic acid. The full list of ingredients you can find [here].

The cardboard box contains compact, leaflet and air tight packed additional refill for the compact. Single core of the cushion (refill) contains 15g of BB cream, so altogether we got 30g of foundation.
While unboxing my cushion I quickly understood what is that whole "cushion boom" about. The compact is just so damn pretty, so pretty I feel like buying another few and decor my house by just placing them here and there. Seriously, any room with this compact displayed gets +5 points to style.

In the compact I found the applicator sponge, all ready to use, settled on protective flap. Under the flap there is BB soaked-sponge, protected from drying out by special sticker.

The sponge seems very orange and rather dark, but the BB cream itself is very bright. There is four shades to choose from:  #13 True Beige, #14 Pink Beige, #21 Natural Beige, #23 Sand Beige. Usually I go for #21, but I've read that Laneige's cushions are quite dark, so I choose #13 in this case. It turned out that I made a good choice, it has nice light beige shade:

as you can see Laneige's #13 is darker than Missha's #13, but still brighter than Missha's #21. It also has different tone, not as grayish as Missha.

Now for the cushion itself. I must admit that I haven't read the description on the Laneige website before I bought the cushion, but I assumed that product offering pore control will be suitable for oily skin, since most oily skins have problems with enlarged pores. After checking the description for this review it turned out that my assumption was correct - product is designed for porous AND oily skin. But only in theory - in my opinion this product description is completely inaccurate.

First of all, this BB cream definitely isn't matte. Not even a little bit! It offers typical for BB creams dewy effect. I must say I'm not that surprised really, I already came across a few BB creams that were supposed to be matte, but they weren't. Normally I just apply a little bit of mattifying powder and life goes on, however with this product it's not that simple - Laneige doesn't like to be mattified. Any attempt to apply even a little bit of powder on top of Laneige ends up in an immediate cakey effect. In general this BB likes to roll up in wrinkles a little bit, but after any attempt of mattifying it my face seem to be consist of pores and wrinkles only. Yuck.

The other issue I got with this product is lasting or I should say a complete lack of lasting. It starts to cake after about 5 hours, after 8 hours what I got on my face is much closer to rice pudding or semolina than to a foundation. Moreover, it tends to slip off some places on my face and build up in others, creating spots and patches. The spots are not such a big deal, all you have to do is rub them with your finger to spread the foundation back again, but at work I don't have time to check myself in the mirror every 15 minutes, so I don't know for how long I've been looking like spotty cow in front of my customers and that annoys me to bit. First thing I thought that the fault of this foundation wearing so badly was my sunscreen - I already got one BB cream (Holika Holika) that is alright applied on bare skin, but turns into disaster applied on the top of the sunscreen, so the second time I skipped my sunscreen before the cushion. Unfortunately result was exactly the same. "What a dumb bitch I am" - I thought to myself, since I haven't done my microdermabrasion treatment for a long time, so my face was a dead skin cell cemetery, no wonder then that the foundation looks cakey. I've done my microdermabrasion and the next day applied my cushion with expectations raised. No luck again - although I do think it caked a little bit less, still my makeup was in unacceptable state after 8 hours. Oh well, I thought, maybe it's one of those BB's that can't be without primer. So on the day four, I applied it on the top of Innisfree No Sebum Primer (review coming soon) - cake, again! I blamed the Innsifree this time, in general this primer is a little bit weird, so I thought that it was the primer that spoiled my makeup this time. On the day 5 I used Laneige Skin Veil base, now this time it has to work... Nope. Cake and spots were laughing at me in the mirror. On the day 6 I finally admitted that I won't make friends with this cushion, no matter how hard I try.

In my opinion, against the manufacturer statements, this cushion is definitely not suitable for oily skin and I got a feeling that on other skin type it could perform better. It looks nice for some time after application, the colour is just lovely. The coverage is just about right, evens out the skin tone and cover some imperfections and blackheads, but looks natural. It's buildable if we need more coverage and lightweight, you won't feel it on your face. The application itself is quick and easy, although some areas are tricky to reach, like the "corner" between your nose and cheek. It has high SPF 50 PA+++, but bear in mind that you don't apply enough of it to achieve true SPF50 protection, so separate sunscreen is advisable.

Price: £23-28 on e-Bay, I bought if for approx. £23 on Tester Korea.

Pros:
+ nice shade
+ coverage is perfect, evens out skin tone, but doesn't create mask-like effect and looks natural
+ gorgeous, pretty, fabulous packaging
+ easy and quick application
+ high SPF50 PA+++
+ compact is suitable for other Amore Pacific cushion refills, like Iope or Hera

Cons:
- rolls up in winkles
- doesn't last for long, gets cakey and patchy
- no promised by manufacturer sebum control
- against manufacturer description it's not matte
- any attempt to mattify it with powder makes it look very cakey and ugly

Summary
There is quite a lot of positive reviews about this product in the Internet and I don't think it's utterly useless, I think it's just nor for me. I regret buying it, mostly because it's not cheap, actually is the most expensive BB I've bought so far. Yes, it is pretty and handy, but I don't fancy paying double or triple the price of normal BB just for the pretty packaging. For comparison, one of my favourite BB - Tony Moly Dear Me Petite Cotton costs only £5 and lasts on my face for the whole day. I don't like wastage, so I'm not gonna throw the cushion away, I will use up the current refill for some quick go outs, when I will be able to get back home before it gets all cakey and patchy. But I won't attempt trying to use the second refill, so I have send it to someone else. We shall see how dry skinned person finds it :)