(Coffret D’Or Beauty Lasting Pack UV& Lunasol Skin Fusing Powder Foundation)
I have also tried the matching primers. I will review how the primers work with the foundations later on. The following comparison is based on the foundations worn without the primers (and right after my Olay daytime moisturizer/sunscreen).
Basics
– Lunasol: SPF 20 PA ++, 6 shades, released in spring 2007
– Coffret D’Or: SPF 24 PA ++, 7 shades, released in spring 2008 (March 1st)
Finish
Lunasol gives a luminous and almost glowy finish, while Coffret D’Or has a predominantly matte finish with subtle luminosity. Neither has visible shimmer.
Texture
Lunasol feels very pleasingly soft and velvety, while Coffret D’Or is slightly drier (but not chalky).
Coverage
Lunasol gives a very good above-medium coverage and successfully covers minor imperfections and redness. Coffret D’Or has a slightly below-medium coverage. In terms of how the coverage maintains throughout the day, both have a good staying power.
Pore Coverage
Lunasol has a relatively good pore-diffusing ability mainly due to the exceptionally velvety texture that adheres to the skin very well. Coffret D’Or’s pore-concealing ability is satisfactory but not outstanding.
Shine Control
All along, it seems Lunasol is winning. However, Coffret D’Or’s sebum-controlling ability is so impressive that I prefer it to Lunasol overall.
First of all, with Coffret D’Or on, it takes noticeably longer for my oily skin to appear visibly shiny than it does with some of my favorite foundations, like Sofina Raycious (earlier versions) and Shiseido ZA. Also, after gentling matting out the shine, the face looks nearly as matte as when foundation is first applied, which is not always the case with most foundations I’ve tried.
As for Lunasol, the soft powder (which has an almost-moist feel) does not seem to absorb sebum very well. The luminous and glowy finish makes the shine look more pronounced as the day goes on. Also, the face still looks somewhat shiny after I matte out the shine.
Between the two, I prefer Coffret D’Or for its exceptionally good shine-control ability. For me, the finish can look a little dry during the first hour of wear. But after that, the finish looks natural for the rest of the day with little maintenance. If you have combination or oily skin or if you live in a warm climate, Coffret D’Or is worth considering.
However, if you have dry skin with no issue of excessive sebum, then Lunasol’s soft and velvety powder will probably suit you better and give you a beautifully luminous finish.
With the primers:
(Coffret D’Or Beauty Lasting Veil UV& Lunasol Smoothing Makeup Base)
However, for me, the huge drawback is that the shine-control ability considerably lessens, which is very disappointing.
Lunasol’s Smoothing Makeup Base (no sunscreen factor, with some alcohol) is designed to diffuse the appearance of pores. It is slightly thicker than Beauty Lasting Veil UV but it is still easy to apply. It goes on almost completely sheer and does not have shimmer.
When worn with this primer, Lunasol’s smooth and velvety texture remains but the finish turns slightly more matte. Even though I don’t think the primer and the foundation worn together conceal pores better (then the foundation alone), the primer does seem to help control shine to a small extent.
While I would see Beauty Lasting Veil UV as a moisturizing primer for those who think Coffret D’Or is too dry, Smoothing Makeup Base seems to be for those concerned about Lunasol’s lack of shine-control ability.
Overall, in terms of the four options (two foundations with/without the primers), I would still prefer Coffret D’Or worn without primer. The winning attribute is definitely the outstanding shine-control efficacy.
Related Posts:
(spring/summer 2008 base makeup lineups)
Coffret D’Or
(loving the look of the loose powder)
SUQQU
(known for good-quality foundations)
Anna Sui
(very tempted to pick up the loose powder compact)
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi PJ!
I am very tempted to try the Coffret D’or now, I’ve also just reviewed the new Esprique Precious foundation and compared to the Lunasol as well, it looks like we have similar feelings about the Lunasol. I wonder how the Coffret D’or will compare to EP.
Yin
Wonderful comparison of the two foundations! While I’ve never been able to try (or even find) the two brands, if given the opportunity, I’d definitely want to try out Lunasol!
I really like the idea of a foundation that will give me a fresh and dewy face for spring :)
thanks for this excellent review!
Grayburn
Hi YM,
I have read your review on Esprique Precious and Lunasol. I enjoyed it!
I think I would be tempted to try Esprique Precious’ new powder foundation just to see how it compares with these two and my ZA Two-Way foundation.
Thank you for dropping by! :)
Hi Nilla Cookie,
Thank you very much!
I think both are good-quality foundations. But I suppose they suit people with different skin-types. I have an issue with sebum and shine, so, in this case, Coffret D’Or suits me a lot better. But Lunasol in itself is a very nice foundation that has good coverage and lasting ability.
Do let me know what you think if you get to try either or both of these foundations!
Thank you for leaving your comment again! :)
Hi Grayburn,
You are very welcome! I am glad you enjoyed it! :)
Thank you for visiting my blog again! :)
Hey PJ –
I definitely think that I might want to try it. Now I just have to find out where to buy it, either in the States or online!
I’ll let you know if I do get to test it :)
Hi Nilla Cookie,
There are several sites that you can purchase Japanese cosmetics items from. Two that I have shopped from and would recommend are Adam Beauty (www.adambeauty.com) and Ichibankao (ichibankao.com). Both carry Coffret D’Or and Ichibankao carries Lunasol.
Both sites take PayPal and deliver internationally.
I shall leave you to browse then! Do let me know if you have any other question.
Thank you for stopping by again! :)
Hi! I bought the Coffret D’Or after your review. I live in Texas where the climate is especially humid and I have never found a foundation that would last even a few hours in a Texas summer, so I have high hopes for this one. I did stress a bit about picking the right shade (being my first japanese cosmetic purchase), but I love it. The shade looked too dark to me in the compact initially, but matched almost perfectly with my skin tone. Thanks for such an awesome review.
Hi e.marie,
Thank you for reading my blog! You are very welcome about the review.
I am really glad that you like the Coffret D’Or foundation! Choosing a foundation shade over the Internet can be so tricky, especially from a brand that you have not bought from before. I am relieved that the color matches your skin-tone, since it could have easily gone wrong.
I am quite tempted to buy the full-size myself, but at the moment I am eying the Coffret D’Or loose powder. I will certainly review it if I do get it.
Thank you again for visiting my blog. Hope to hear from you again soon! :)
Hi PJ, thanks very much for the review of the Coffret D’Or!
After you mentioned the wonderful shine control, I bought the foundation and the base and it is brilliant! I have bought loads of foundations and powders over the years and none have given shine control without looking too powdery in photos, but the Coffret D’Or is gorgeous in photos too! So happy! It lasts all day and people have said it is a lovely natural glowy look.
I’d really appreciate it if you could let me know any budge proof eyeliner and mascara, because I seem to get smudges after a full day.
Thanks again, and your site is wonderful.
Fi
Hi Fi,
It’s great that the Coffret D’Or powder foundation has been working for you. I am glad my post could be of help for you.
It is certainly among the best recently released foundations that I have tried (when it comes to suiting my own needs). Even though I am still sticking to ZA Two-Way Foundation at the moment, I would certainly consider buying a full-size Coffret D’Or refill if I feel like using something different.
As for eyeliners and mascaras, I am afraid I haven’t tried a lot to have much experience. (Also, I tend not to have problems with eyeliners and mascaras smudging.) But I am wondering if you have tried the cream eyeliners from MAC or Bobbi Brown. They seem to be quite popular since many people like how long-wearing they are. Also, I have used YSL’s Volume Effect Faux Cils Mascara. It is not a water-proof mascara but I personally find it very long-wearing. (If you haven’t come across my post on it, it is under my “Mascara” category in my “Read by Topics” list on the side bar.)
I hope it helps a little.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts again, and keep me posted if you have any other question. :)
Hi PJ,
I’ve reached the bottom of the Coffret D’or foundation now, and am not sure how much longer it will last. Although, having looked at your really useful and interesting post on making a new foundation tray out of almost finished ones, it might last a while longer! I’m going to get another one, but am wondering whether I should stick with the same one, or buy the new autumn foundation that Coffret D’or has released, as it is a lot colder now in the UK! Have you tried it at all?
Thanks for your advice!
Hi Fi,
It’s great that the Coffret D’Or foundation is working well for you! :)
I haven’t tried the new autumn 2008 one, but my friend Betsy at Autumn Masquerade has tried it and has written a great review, which you can read here.
It seems that the new one offers more coverage but has less shine control. If it sounds like something you’d go for (and if you don’t mind less shine control in winter), then I would recommend trying it.
Hope it helps, and thank you for your comment again! :)
Hi PJ,
i am really new in all this.always get confused with loose powder, foundation, primer, 2 way cake.my current routine is clean, tone, sun block (with moisturiser), loose powder. any advise?
and i was told that SPF 15 is not enough for hot weather like singapore. true???
Hi Royatt,
My skincare and base makeup routine tends to be quite simple as well. It is very similar to yours, apart from the powder foundation that I apply before the loose powder. (I don’t usually use a primer or a concealer.)
I think if you are happy with your routine, there is certainly no need to apply more items.
As for the SPF protection, SPF 15 is the minimum (regardless of the part of the world we are in). If, every single day, you apply a moisturizer/sunscreen with SPF 15 and ingredients to protect against UVA (which is indicated by PA in Japanese products), you shouldn’t really worry too much. (Health-wise, UVA protection is a lot more important than UVB protection.)
But if you are concerned about getting sunburn or a tan (and if you sometimes spend a lot of time under strong direct sunlight), you can consider using a product with more SPF. I think a product with an SPF of 25 or so should be relatively sufficient in this case.
Hope it helps, and let me know if you have any other question. :)
Hi PJ,
reading yr blog really makes me want to try all these lovely new products. But the more i read, the more i get confused again cos everything seems nice to have. haha……
one more question.
why do u still need loose powder after powder foundation? Dont powder foundation already give u a “finished (matte) look?
the reason i use loose powder is bcos the sun block are too shiny.
Hi Royatt,
You don’t have to use a loose powder after a powder foundation, but I find that using a loose powder (or a pressed powder) really helps the powder foundation last even longer. Also, it helps my oily skin stay matte for longer.
Powder foundations do tend to create a finished look, but it is not always a matte look. The finish of some powder foundations that I have tried is actually quite luminous and glowy. It can suit those with dry skin, but it doesn’t really suit those with oily skin.
Thank you for your question again! :)
Hi PJ,
I love your blog so much especially the series you wrote about Japanese foundations. I am trying to look for a powder foundation to buy, but I have a question and hope you can give me some insight. Do you apply powder foundations with a wet sponge, or can you only do that to powder foundation that says 2-way? I have also read that a lot of Taiwan bloggers use liquid foundations before they put on powder foundations, which I assume they use it dry. So how can you tell which powder foundations can be used wet?
Thanks for your advice!
Hi Meltykiss,
Thank you for reading my blog! I am happy that you enjoy my posts on Japanese base makeup. :)
Most powder foundations from Japanese brands (and western brands) can be used wet unless otherwise indicated. (For example, Raycious powder foundations were only supposed to be used dry.) As for me, I almost always use a two-way foundation dry, which usually helps build coverage and pore-concealing efficacy. (Using a two-way foundation wet generally creates a more natural finish.)
Indeed, some people use a powder foundation after a liquid foundation (although it is not really necessary in some cases). The combination of the two foundations adds extra coverage, and the powder foundation is basically used sparingly as a pigmented pressed powder (and is used dry).
I don't normally use a liquid or a cream foundation, so I don't usually combine the two. But I did try using my ZA Two-Way Foundation on top of Paul & Joe's Light Cream Foundation due to its low coverage.
Hope it helps, and let me know if you have any other question! :)
Hi PJ, I just read this and I might have to try the Coffret D'or foundation! Well… since we don't get Esprique here :)
Hi Paris,
I think Coffret D'Or's Beauty Lasting Pact UV is among the best powder foundations I have tried in terms of oil control. If oil control is something that you look for in a foundation, then I think it is certainly worth looking into.
Thank you for your comment again! :)
Hi, I just came across this review while searching for info on the Skinfusing ingredients. Thanks for the great review, it sounds like exactly what I am looking for!
I was wondering if you know of an etailer that sells the sample or trials sizes of this, like the ones in your picture above? Thanks.
Hi Ginny,
I am glad you find this review helpful! :)
I am not really aware of any on-line seller that regularly carries samples of Japanese foundations. But it might still be worth checking eBay regularly just to see if someone might be selling them.
Thank you for your question! :)
Hi
Would these suit oily acne prone skin?
Hi,
I think Coffret D'Or's Beauty Lasting Pact UV should suit those with oily and acne-prone skin.
Thank you very much for your question! :)
Do u know any close store that have those pwder in sacramento? And i really like the japanese powder.
Hi Shizukii,
I am sorry, but I don't really know if there are stores in the Sacramento area that might carry the two foundations. But do let me know if you are interested in purchasing them on-line.
Thank you for stopping by! :)
Hi there! Lol here I am, after half a year, drooling after this review XD
I'm after a foundation with great oil control. My skin is only oily on the nose area, and I have a lot of trouble trying to conceal the shine that appears after an hour/hour and a half. The other areas are pretty normal/sensitive. Do you think that Coffret D'Or's foundation could work with me? Or there's a strong possibility of getting a chalky, dry texture on other areas other than the nose?
Thank you, and sorry for bringing up an old post like this!
Hi Inês,
I am sorry for my late reply!
I think Coffret D'Or's Beauty Lasting Pact UV might be able to work for you. I am supposing so because a friend of mine has dry skin and she is able to use this foundation in spring and summer. If you are concerned about the drier parts of your skin, you can probably try wearing a moisturizing primer under the foundation.
If you decide to try this foundation, do let me know what you think. I hope you will like it! :)
Thank you for your question! :)
Hi PJ :-) I've come across this wonderful review (very late) and now I really would like to try the Coffret d'Or. It's hard to figure out my shade over the internet though. I'm quite fair with warm undertones – MAC NC20. Do you think BE-B in the Coffret d'Or would be a good match? Thanks!
Hi Faerie_Bel,
Thank you very much for your kind words!
I am afraid that I am not very familiar with foundation shades from MAC. But, if you have a warm undertone, I think OC-B might be more suitable for you than BE-B. (OC (Ochre) shades are generally warmer than BE/BO (Beige/ Beige Ochre) shades.)
Hope it helps, and thank you very much for your question! :)