(Paul & JoeLight Cream Foundation in 03 Clair)
But, occasionally, mostly in winter, I am tempted to play with liquid or cream foundations. At 26 pounds in the UK (around 51 USD), Paul & Joe‘s Light Cream Foundation (SPF 15 PA ++) would be a little too expensive as something to experiment with from time to time. But when I saw it at 13 pounds during the winter sale after Christmas last year, I decided to take it home.
I have used it for quite a few times, and here are my thoughts:
Texture & Consistency: The name “Light Cream” is not a very accurate description of the consistency, but almost in a good way. It is actually a lot more fluidy than many liquid foundations I have tried. I tend to go for a light and liquidy texture rather than a creamier texture, so I am very happy with the smooth double-cream consistency.
Slip & Blendability: There are some quite liquidy foundations that don’t have enough slip and dry too quickly to be blended evenly. Not this one. Out of all the liquid/cream foundations I have tried, this one probably has the best slip. It spreads and blends so easily that it feels like a smooth moisturizer.This is by far the best aspect of this foundation.
Finish: It imparts a luminous sheen, without any visible shimmer. Even though the finish is not overly shiny, I’d still set the foundation with a matte loose/pressed powder. (Also, please note that this foundation is not formulated to control shine.)
Coverage: I have come across a couple of reviews of this item where users praise the good coverage. But I suspect that this observation is based on the comparison with other Paul & Joe foundations, as the brand is known for sheer and ultra-natural foundations. I would still describe Light Cream Foundation’s coverage as light (not even light-to-medium).
Pore Coverage: I have very rarely come across a liquid/cream foundation that gives the pore coverage I want, and I always use a loose/pressed powder afterwards for that purpose. So I didn’t expect much. But because it has a superb texture and slip and it adheres to the skin well, the pore-diffusing ability is fair.
Lasting Power: Due to the sheer coverage, it is not easy to tell how good the lasting/staying power is. Considering the coverage does retain for a good number of hours, the lasting power appears to be relatively satisfactory.
Even though this foundation has an exceptionally pleasing texture and slip, it falls short on coverage. After using it for several times, I actually decided to use it more as a primer and then use a powder foundation to gently add coverage and matte out the shine. For me, this item works the best this way.
(Light Cream Foundation was replaced by Light Cream Foundation N, which is why this original version was being reduced. Currently it is not available at UK Paul & Joe counters anymore. But, several authorized on-line retailers still carry it. Please check the shop list on Paul & Joe’s global website for details. Some shops ship internationally.)
Related Posts on Foundations:
Foundation Face-Off – Lunasol vs. Coffret D’Or
Foundation Face-Off – Chanel vs. SUQQU
Related Posts on Paul & Joe:
Paul & Joe Face Powder
(another Paul & Joe acquisition during the sale)
Loving Japanese Brands – Paul & Joe
(my take on Paul & Joe)
Japanese Brands Available in the UK
(and where to get them from elsewhere)
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
Thanks for your consistent coverage of Japanese cosmetics! I typically check on cosme.net for product reviews, but can only go by the points/ranking as my Japanese comprehension is absolutely unreliable.
Paul&Joe seems to be quite popular for base makeup (fndn, primer), but I’m a little worried about the moisturising effect. I’ve combination skin, and tend to get rather shiney esp in the summer months when the weather here becomes quite tropical. Would you recommend this product for me, and if not, could you point me the right way?
Ideally I’d like a tinted moisturiser (fewer layers = less time), but I can’t seem to find any reviews on cosme. Are they called something else, are they clumped under foundation, or do the Japanese simply not use them?
Cheers,
ashan
This sounds wonderful! I always have a problem finding a good foundation, but this sounds like it might be perfect!
Hi Ashan,
You are very welcome, and thank you for visiting my blog!
You might have noticed that many Japanese brands don’t have tinted moisturizers. But obviously they (mostly from western brands) are still sold in Japan.
I was on Cosme.Net and I saw Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer being categorized under “cream foundation”. Perhaps this will help a little bit.
Paul & Joe is indeed known for its base makeup. But, in the case of Light Cream Foundation, I am not sure if I would recommended this to you if you have an issue with shine and if the weather where you are can be quite hot sometimes. This foundation’s good slip and emolliency is largely due to various plant oils. They are things you don’t need if you want your foundation to combat warmth and humidity.
I have noticed that Paul & Joe’s new powder foundation (Protective Dual Powder Foundation UV) has been getting fairly good reviews. It appears that it has good coverage and wears well. I think a powder foundation will probably work much better for you. (I tend to wear a powder foundation most of the time, as my face can get oily especially in warmer months.)
Thank you again for stopping by my blog and posting your comment. Hope to hear from you again soon! :)
Hi BeautyChick101,
It would be a good foundation for you if it suits your skin-type. (I’d think it would suit people with dry or very dry skin.)
Do let me know what you think if you get to try it. :)
Thank you for stopping by again! :)
Hi PJ,
Currently in Japan for 2 days for work… Went to the drugstores and tested the new Kate eyeliner (the one that has a straight end, rather than pointed). The colour comes off easily, but the line is too thick… I prefer a thiner line, so doesn’t like this as much…
Btw, is Sofina a brand available only in department stores?? I thought so, cuz I have never seen it in drugstores, but it seems like now Sofina have moved to the drugstores, and the counters in the dept stores have been taken over by Sofina est. Also all Sofina and Aube products in the drugstores are at 20% off… I wonder why…
Hello,
I have been popping in and reading your wonderful journal for a while. Thankyou for making it so interesting and informative.
Thanks to your review on lilac eye shadows I invested in the stage lights from Chanel instead of some in the newer ranges which although drew my attention at first because they were so pretty, When I tried them out I realised they were less virtueous than they appeared. I love your reviews on all the make-up and enjoyed seeing the Japanese adverts. I wish there was a decent magazine devoted to just beauty here in UK. Perhaps I will learn Japenese :0) Thanks again for a fab read. Hugs Chloe
Hi Kng Suan,
I wish I could be in Japan now, and thank you for telling me about the Kate eyeliner!
As far as I know, Sofina (Aube, Raycious, and all the skincare lines) has always been sold in both department stores and drugstores, and they are often discounted in drugstores. (Aube is regularly 25% off in some shops.)
Est used to be sold at Sofina counters in department stores, but it seems that it has its own counters now…
One thing I have been wondering is why there has not been any news about new Raycious items. Usually Raycious releases a new powder foundation (plus some other base makeup items) in March and the Sofina website usually has the information on the new items in early February. Since Sofina’s Alblanc is releasing a new base makeup line, I have been wondering if Raycious won’t be releasing new items…
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and observations again. Hope you are enjoying your time in Japan! :)
Hi Chloe,
You are very welcome. Thank you very much for visiting my blog! :)
I hope you have been enjoying wearing Chanel’s Stage Lights. Chanel’s items are pretty pricey, and I tend to save up my Boots points for them. I hope you like the finishes and that they complement your skin-tone!
I completely agree with you that we need a good magazine specifically on beauty here in the UK. I think the market is crying out for it. If it is well-edited, I am positive that it will be very popular.
Let’s see what happens!
Thank you again for reading my blog and posting your comment. Hope to hear from you again soon! :)
This looks interesting and I love the packaging. I was wondering what cream foundation is too before I read the comments.
Hi BeautyTalk,
I love the packaging too. :)
I hope you’ve found this post to be helpful, and let me know if you have any other question.
Thank you for reading my blog and leaving your comment again! :)
Hi again PJ :)
I’m looking at the Light Cream N foundation on Asos.com and am wondering if any of the shades listed are suitable for me. Do you have any clue what shades would suit an NC25 skintone?
Btw I’m excited to read your review of the Lunasol purple palette! I only bought the purple gloss for now…but you may change my mind :)
Hi ‘ * : . b | u 3 . : * ‘,
I was just checking the MAC website and Asos.com. I think you can probably go for Porcelain. There is a very slight possibility that it can be too light for you (it shouldn’t really be), but I hesitate to recommend Rose because it might be too peachy.
I hope you really enjoy Lunasol’s purple gloss. It looks so pretty, but I had to drop it from my shopping list because I do need to remain selective about what I buy makeup-wise. But I am still planning to get the purple palette and I will certainly share my thoughts after I have got it and tried it.
Thank you for stopping by again! :)