Kao Sofina Primavista Ange was launched in 2013 as a sub-line of Primavista, and the launch lineup featured Powder Foundation UV (Long Keep). In 2018, Powder Foundation (Long Keep) was released and it replaced the original version. (The new version does not have “UV” in its name.) Even though the original version is not one of my favorite powder foundations, it works decently well for me. I decided to try the new version, and today I will be comparing the two.
Kao Sofina Primavista Ange Powder Foundation (Long Keep) (花王 ソフィーナ プリマヴィスタ アンジェ パウダーファンデーション (ロングキープ)/ 花王 蘇菲娜 Primavista 漾緁 輕妝綺肌長效粉餅進化版, 9.7g, refill with sponge 400 TWD (approximately 10.69 GBP, 13.32 USD), case 200 TWD (approximately 5.35 GBP, 6.66 USD)) was released in Taiwan in fall 2018. (The Primavista Ange line is not available in Japan.) It is designed to be used dry. (It is not a two-way foundation.) Four shades are available, and the shade names are the same as those of the original version. (Please refer to the shade chart in the review of the original version.) The shade I chose is OC 05.
There are some similarities between the two versions. They have the same luminous matte finish, and they have the same level of coverage (between light-to-medium and medium). (The level of coverage is sufficient for me, but I would prefer a slightly higher level of coverage.) They both cover minor imperfections fairly well, but I wish they could cover redness slightly better. Shade-wise, I don’t think there is a noticeable difference between the two OC 05 shades of the two versions. Both darken minimally over time.
On the other hand, there are some differences between the two. The new version feels more emollient (silkier and creamier) and is easier to spread. It also offers more pore coverage and creates a flattering soft-focus effect. It offers very slightly less shine control, but the difference is not very noticeable.
What is more noticeable is the difference in staying power. (For your reference, I have oily skin.) While the new version has a good staying power on my forehead, nose and cheeks, some patchiness starts to develop from around the eighth hour of wear (with no blotting or very gentle and careful blotting before that) in areas where there are substantially more facial moments (such as the area around my mouth, which is not oilier than other parts of my face). Then, the patchiness gradually becomes more and more noticeable. This is in line with the line’s claim (an eight-hour staying power (according to the information from the official Taiwanese website of Primavista Ange)), but I haven’t experienced this kind of noticeable patchiness with the original version after eight hours of wear.
In addition, the new version does not offer protection against UVA or UVB. The original version contains 9g of powder, and the new version contains 9.7g of powder.
The foundation case of the new version is fairly similar to that of the original version. The new case features a lighter pink shade and it still has the filigree details. The main difference is that the base of the new case is pink and transparent. This gives the case a fresh feel.
Overall, I personally marginally prefer the original version. (Also, objectively speaking, the original version should suit those with combination or oily skin (the target customers of this product) slightly more.) I do like the speedier application (due to the smoothness and the silkiness of the powder) and the soft-focus effect of the new version, but it seems that the additional emollients that make the powder silkier also make it less long-lasting on me. The new version is certainly more than serviceable, but I wouldn’t go for it when I need a foundation that is able to stay reasonably intact for more than eight hours.
Related posts:
Stash Focus: Primavista Ange Liquid Foundation UV (Long Keep)
Stash Focus: ZA Airy Flawless Powder Foundation (2018 Renewal)
Stash Focus: Jill Stuart Everlasting Silk Powder Foundation Flawless Perfection
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