Setting aside price and brand for a moment, this foundation seems to be a decent all-rounder without any major flaws. Let me break it down:
1. Coverage:
I had high expectations, but it's not exactly mind-blowing. It covers minor imperfections adequately, but struggles with larger blemishes or redness.
2. Longevity (and darkening):
The staying power itself isn't bad - your skin won't get overly oily. However, I'll address the darkening issue later.
3. Texture:
Despite its reputation as the ultimate matte foundation, it's not quite that extreme. It applies well even over just a couple layers of toner and one moisturizer. It's certainly not drying (though not particularly hydrating either).
4. Color:
If you're after a brighter look, shade 23 should work, while 22 is good for a more natural finish. It lightened my complexion by about half a shade (for reference, I match Ink Lasting 21N).
1. Price:
Honestly, if we ignore the price, it's a decent foundation. But factor in the cost, and things change. It's definitely not worth 70,000 won. I'll explain why below.
2. Coverage:
If you're buying this solely for coverage, remember you'll still need concealer. Look for something cheaper with good adherence instead. This doesn't cover everything, though I'd rate its coverage as medium-high. Still, Clio's concealer cushion beats Estée Lauder hands down.
3. Darkening:
This issue alone knocked it down to 3 stars. Maybe I chose a shade that's too natural, but it really lacks that brightening effect. It darkens after about 4 hours, and I was shocked when I saw my face outside. I even splurged on expensive Makeup Forever powder thinking it might help, but I'm still not sure.
4. Skin Appearance:
It's not terrible, but it's not pretty either. It might not sit well if your skin texture isn't great. Oh, and it doesn't cover pores very well.
If you've got money to burn and just want a foundation without major flaws, go ahead and try it - just make sure to choose the right shade. But if you're on a budget and don't have great skin, I wouldn't recommend it. I especially advise against it for acne-prone skin looking for coverage - you're better off investing in a good concealer (speaking from experience).
