Too Faced Born This Way Foundation Review

 I was pretty stoked when I heard Too Faced was launching its Born This Way Foundation on 7 August 2015 in Singapore. I have read and heard good reviews about it since its launch in the US, from my western counterparts through social media and the internet. I took a quick glimpse of the ingredients and saw that it contains good stuff for the skin. Hence, I was determined to purchase it as soon as it reaches my local shores.

After using this for some days, I decided to review this product which has made me pin for months.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua) (Eau), Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Isododecane, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Magnesium Sulfate, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Tribehenin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polysilicone-11, Propylene Carbonate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Cocos Nucifera Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract, Alcohol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Lecithin, Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hyaluronate, EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain/Peut Contenir (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

This oil-free foundation is medium-buildable-to-full coverage. Too Faced markets it as a foundation that acheive results of skin that "wake up like this". It promises to blur out your complexion imperfections and give you naturally radiant skin that people will think that you were born this way. #IWokeUpLikeThis #BornThisChio

Very catchy.

Anyways, here comes some swatches ( not done by me):

Picture credit: mybeautybunny.com/

Looks pretty pigmented eh? And above swatches are only a portion of the entire collection of 18 shades. You will surely find a shade match. So before you go "Gaga" about this like I did, let's look at some pictures of ME in it.

HALF FACE WITH FOUNDATION

(Left side)

Can you see the side with foundie is more even-toned and of a satin finish?

FULL MAKEUP FACE (Below)

I swear I didn't put any highlighter or edit/filter my photo!

READY TO GO. With a bang!

I really think my complexion looked extraordinary with this foundation on, compared to the usual dead flat matte foundation that I used to love slapping on my oily skin. Up to this point, you too must be pretty impressed by the effects produced by this foundie right? ( I certainly am, 'cos this is one base makeup that doesn't require photo post-editing, or MeiTuXiuXiu. HAHA. But you wouldn't know. HIAK.)

ALL GOOD ..................

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WAIT TILL YOU SEE THIS:

Click to enlarge image

After 10 hours of wearing this foundation, my face complexion become rough, with some tiny bumps (some red some flesh-coloured) developed!!

MY THOUGHTS
I was feeling quite sad...not because of the bumps on my face but because how this foundie has been so amazing with its smooth satiny finish - aging well throughout the day into a dewy Korean finish; how natural & well-balanced the coverage (covers tiny blemishes well without concealer) is; how the colour is a perfect match for my skin... and then BAM! comes this bad reaction at the end of the day, leaving my skin rough and irritated with some bumps. Although I wouldn't consider this a severe allergic reaction, but definitely something noticeable and something enough for me to stop using as a daily-go-to product.

Out of curiosity why my skin can break out from something that contains supposedly kind skincare ingredients such as coconut water, alpine rose and hyaluronic acid, I went to COSDNA to research on the list of ingredients. Not surprising, there is one high level comedogenic ingredient present -Ethylhexyl palmitate. However, according to Truthinaging.com, side effects are rare.

Therefore, I am slightly confused if my sensitive skin was being naughty, or that this product is really not worth my time. In any case, I guess I will try for another couple of weeks and update here again (if there're any changes to my opinions).


PROS:

1. Pretty packaging, bottle with pump dispensing right amount of product for the whole face
2. Product spreads easily - whether it's by fingers, brush, beauty blender or normal sponge.
3.  Excellent (layer-able to full) coverage, no concealer needed for slight blemishes
4. Natural, smooth & satiny finish upon application
5. Ages well throughout the day - turns to Korean-style dewy finish by end of the day
6. Good oil control. No splotches or sliding around.
7. Doesn't sink into fine lines.
8. Wide range of colours as compared to Korean brands.
9. The colour is a perfect match to my skin!
10. No setting powder required (yet not too dry for my skin!)

CONS:

1. No SPF
2. Might be a little drying for dry/mature skin.(Moisturizing well or priming prior to application should be ample though)
3. Causes breakouts for me, and probably for other sensitive skin as well.

OVERALL PRODUCT RATING:

And if you do not have sensitive skin or you don't mind taking the risk 

Although I really love how this product looks on my face, I really can't give a good rating due to the fact that it breaks me out. It's really a pity. Perhaps if I continue usage and my skin gets adjusted and thereby improve (and stop developing new bumps), I may come back to give a higher rating.
However, for now, let's just call a spade a spade. (Sorry, Too Faced, I really do love most of your stuff but...I just cannot rate any higher than this, at the moment.) 

OTHER INFORMATION
If you're still keen on getting it to try, Too Faced Born This Way Foundation is available at *Sephora Singapore stores.

*15% off all complexion products, including foundation, blusher and concealer. Valid until September 2015!