Earlier this year, I reviewed Powder Foundation UV (Long Keep) from Kao Sofina Primavista Ange, a base makeup line developed for the Taiwanese market. (The line is not sold in Japan.) The products are formulated to appeal to those with combination or oily skin who need to cope with a warm and humid climate. Besides the powder foundation, I also purchased Long Keep Base UV and Liquid Foundation UV (Long Keep). (I rarely use primers or liquid foundations, but I was curious about them.) Today I am reviewing Long Keep Base UV.
Primavista Ange Long Keep Base UV (25ml, SPF 25, PA++) is one of the two primers from the line. (The other one is Moisture Keep Base UV (SPF 15, PA++), which is mainly for hydrating the skin.) It is designed to even out the complexion, control shine and prolong the wear of the foundation. (Primavista also has Long Keep Base UV (SPF 20, PA++), which is available in Japan, but I haven’t tried this one.)
In this product, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate provides UVB protection and zinc oxide provides UVA protection. It does not contain parabens, fragrance (parfum) or other scenting agents. It contains alcohol, but it is not loaded with it and it does not irritate my skin.
The product has a milky emulsion consistency. While it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and it spreads reasonably well, I was expecting a more liquidy consistency similar to that of Sofina’s Very Very UV Cut Milk, which some of you might still remember.
It has an off-white pink tone and it doesn’t contain any shimmer. It itself has a semi-matte finish and it creates a satiny finish when worn over my day moisturizer (currently Olay Essentials Complete Care Sensitive Day Fluid SPF 15). It evens out and brightens up the complexion, and I am able to use slightly less foundation to achieve the desired coverage. (I tested it with Primavista Ange Powder Foundation UV (Long Keep) and ZA Perfect Fit Two-Way Foundation.) The look (right after the foundation application) is also less powdery and more natural.
It can increase the pore coverage of your foundation (minimally) and make the foundation stay fresh and in place for longer, but make sure you stick to the “less is more” rule. If you over-apply it, the foundation can even slide into pores as you apply it. (Also, if I use a primer that has full-spectrum sun protection (which this primer has), I decrease the amount of day moisturizer (with full-spectrum sun protection) by about 1/4.)
The main appeal of this product is supposed to be shine control. However, for me, it doesn’t really show any of it. (It doesn’t delay the appearance of shine.)
Overall, even though this primer does offer some benefits, they are not substantial enough for me. Therefore, it is an extra step in my morning routine that is not really necessary. In terms of combating shine, I still go with the combination of a powder foundation for oilier skin types, a matte setting powder and Starbucks napkins.
In Taiwan, Primavista Ange Long Keep Base UV is priced at 350 NTD (11.65 USD, 6.98 GBP). The Primavista Ange line is available in many drugstores in Taiwan.
Related posts:
Primavista Powder Foundation Moist Touch
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