For my first product review of 2014, I will continue my Stash Debut series and share my thoughts on Sofina Primavista Ange Powder Foundation UV (Long Keep).
(image from www.urcosme.com)
Primavista is the name of one of Sofina‘s base makeup lines. For spring/summer 2013, Sofina launched Primavista Ange as a sub-line of Primavista. Launched exclusively in Taiwan, the line is designed specifically for the Taiwanese market. (The line may be available elsewhere is Asia now.) The products are formulated to suit those with combination or oily skin who need to cope with a warm and humid climate.
(from Kao Corporation via YouTube)
The line was launched with a primer (Long Keep Base UV (SPF 25, PA++)), a powder foundation (Powder Foundation UV (Long Keep) (SPF 20, PA++)), and a liquid foundation (Liquid Foundation UV (Long Keep) (SPF 25, PA++)). For fall/winter 2013, another primer (Moisture Base UV (SPF 15, PA++)) was launched. I will review Long Keep Base UV and Liquid Foundation UV (Long Keep) later, but today I am focusing on Powder Foundation UV (Long Keep).
Powder Foundation UV (Long Keep) (SPF 20, PA++, case sold separately) is claimed to offer good shine control, pore coverage, and lasting power. It is designed to be used dry, like most of the other powder foundations from Sofina. (It is not a two-way foundation.) It is available in four shades, and I went for OC 05.
(image from www.sofina.com)
The foundation has a luminous matte finish that looks naturally smooth and polished. Considering that it is a powder foundation designed for those with combination or oily skin, I think the texture of the foundation is quite silky and smooth.
Its level of coverage is between light-to-medium and medium. It covers minor imperfections reasonably well. However, I think the shade would cover redness better if it had more yellow undertone.
Its strengths are its good pore coverage and lasting power, and it also offers decent shine control. It darkens very minimally throughout the wear, and it doesn’t turn cakey or patchy or settle in pores overtime.
Compared with ZA’s Perfect Fit Two-Way Foundation (my current favorite), it has slightly less coverage and it covers redness less effectively. (They offer similar pore coverage and lasting power.) Overall, I still prefer ZA’s Perfect Fit Two-Way Foundation.
The biggest issue I have with this foundation is the range of shades. I chose OC 05, which is the darkest shade of the four, but it is still about one shade too light for my light-to-medium skin tone. I can still wear this shade due to the natural coverage and finish of the foundation itself, but I would prefer a slightly darker shade.
I like the case of the foundation, which has a girlie and feminine feel. It features stripe, filigree, and lace details, but it doesn’t look over-the-top.
Overall, Primavista Ange Powder Foundation UV (Long Keep) does cater to the needs of those with combination or oily skin. Its positive attributes remind me of those of the earlier versions of the powder foundation from Sofina Raycious (available from 2000 to 2008). (The later versions were a little too glowy for me.) However, I think the range of shades is quite limited and I hope at least one or two darker shades will be added to the lineup. I also think some of the shades should have more yellow undertone.
In Taiwan, the refill of Powder Foundation UV (Long Keep) is priced at 400 NTD (13.32 USD, 8.08 GBP) and the foundation case is priced at 200 NTD (6.66 USD, 4.04 GBP). The Primavista Ange line is available in many drugstores in Taiwan.
Updated on August 13th, 2014:
Read my review of Primavista Ange Long Keep Base UV.
Updated on May 6th, 2016:
Read my review of Primavista Ange Liquid Foundation UV (Long Keep).
Related posts:
Sofina Primavista Powder Foundation Moist Touch
Foundation Face-Off (5): ZA Skin Beauty vs. ZA True White Plus
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