If you ask my what is the most important in my make up routine, I will tell you it is creating a good skin. If you are blessed with good skin, lucky you.
Do not fret if you aren't (I know, those pimple scars, dark spots, shine blah blah). All you really need to do is pick a base such as tinted sunscreen, BB cream, CC cream or foundation.
I received a bunch of New CyberColours Black Label foundations to test and review a while back.
Black Label Essence Foundation Series was launched some time last year September. It consists of an array selection of foundations meant for different skins and purposes. All Cyber Colors Black Label Essence Series are formulated with a blend of precious herbal essences such as
Ginseng extract - Promote skin cell renewal, boost skin regeneration, strengthen skin structure and maintain skin elasticity.
Cordyceps extract - Provides antioxidant functions, helps slow down raging, brightens up dull complexion and keep skin healthy and young.
Reishi extract - Enhances micro-circulation, hydrates and smoothens skin
Angelic extract - Work at a deep dermal level to promote blog circulation and enhances metabolism, leaving skin soft and tender.
This means you are actually taking care of your skin while you're using these make up. It is said to tackle uneven skin tone, dehydration, oily skin as well as other skin problems.
All Cyber Colors Black Label Series are packed in a black box with green and red glitters. The products itself have shimmers on them too. The downside is it will look quite gross when remaining foundations transfer onto the bottles.
Start with Black Label Essence UB Moisture Base SPF 35 PA++ prior to application of any foundation. It contains soft bright powder and micro lasting powder. It glides on skin and a thin layer is effective in locking up moisture, smooths out fine lines and coarse pores. As advised, this should give a matt finish. Make up is said to last longer and true to its initial colour the entire day. I am not sent this to try so I cannot comment much here.
Other than the sparkly glitters that captured my heart, Cybercolours powder foundation also comes with a velvet pouch. I can't even. Now I no longer have to deal with ugly scratches on my make up even when I tosses them into my bag.
The sponge that comes with this powder foundation is thick and of good quality. It picks up a good amount of powder every single time. Easily cleaned with a sponge cleaner (Daiso Detergent) and does not break apart in a few washes.
The downside is it will take a little bit longer to dry as the sponge is thicker than many complimentary sponges available in the market. Just wash it earlier and leave it overnight!
Cybercolours powder foundation is pretty compact and small. It does not take up a lot of space and it is easy to carry around.
I will say this is a light coverage foundation. (ie if you use it on it's own). If you have more prominent scars or pimples, throw on some concealer before this and everything will be so much better.
Not so good as a powder base if you're looking for something that is more suitable for dry skin or something with higher coverage. I prefer my base product to give me enough coverage so that I can omit concealer on any spots and scars. However, it does a pretty good job in oil controlling and I really really love how light it feels on my face. I don't like to use it on its own but it is really great on top of any base. Very convenient to carry around as well. You can consider this as something in your make up pouch.
Rating: 7.5/10
Cyber Color Black Label Essence UV Liquid Foundation SPF 18 PA++
What: Liquid foundation
Suitable for: All skin types
Great for: Base make up
Size: 28 mL
Price: $55.90
Colour available:
01 Ivory
02 Natural
03 Beige
Promises:
- Infuses ski with nutrients and moisture
- Prevents melanin production and pigmentation
Packaging
In a pump bottle which I appreciate. Very easy to control the amount you need. It has the same blue-green glitters. It is pretty light hence it is travel-friendly.
Stars: ★★★★★
Consistency
Spreads effortlessly and does not dry up quickly. You will have sufficient time to blend it nicely before the foundation sets.
Stars: ★★★★★
Lasting power
Can get oily after 4-5h of wear; blot if necessary.
Stars: ★★★★☆
On skin
Slight glow but it dries quite matt as well. The feeling of it on my skin is amazing as well despite a heavier coverage.
Stars: ★★★★★
Finish
It gives a semi-matt finish. I suggest you dust a thin layer of powder on top of this to set it and gives your skin a nice texture.
Stars: ★★★★☆
Coverage
Higher than what the powder foundation provides. It is more of an medium coverage foundation and you can build it up to a mid-full coverage easily by applying more layers.
You can still see a really dark spots/scars.
Stars: ★★★★☆
Oil control
It might last a really long time but the oil-controlling properties is not something I can hype about. I notice my face is somewhat oily after around 6 hours of wear time. The foundation does not melt or anything though, the oil just sits on top of it.
Stars: ★★★☆☆
Suitable for all skin types
This is not drying for my skin. I think it will work well for combination to oily skin girls too. Dust a light layer of loose powder or equivalent to keep the face shine-free.
Stars: ★★★★☆
The Verdict:
The oil control is not as great as powder foundation but the matt finish it gives will not make you look like a shiny slick (don't worry if you're oily skin yo!). Coverage is fairly decent and it does not make you face look 'flat', if you get what I mean.
Rating: 9/10
Cyber Colours Black Label Essence Silky Loose Powder
What: Loose Powder
Suitable for: All skin types
Great for: Setting make up/light make up
Size: 6g
Made in: Japan
Price: $55.90
Colour available:
01 Lucent
02 Natural
Promises:
- Flawless finish
-Natural radiance
- Fresh and luminous throughout the day
Packaging
Typical loose powder packaging. One really nice thing is it comes with a plastic thing like this between the opening and the puff:
It is much more hygienic this way! Plus you will not get powder on your puff if it topples or stuff like that.
Stars: ★★★★★
Puff
Thick and very soft puff. It picks up a good amount of product. However, give it ample time to dry completely when you wash it.
Stars: ★★★★☆
Coverage
Very very minimal. Don't expect too much from a loose powder ya.
Stars: ★★★★☆
Lasting power
Cybercolour loose powder has impressive lasting power. It stays on for a really long time whether used on its own or as a setting powder.
Stars: ★★★★★
Oil-control
Rather good. I do not need to touch up even when I'm out for 6-7 hours.
Stars: ★★★★★
On skin
Like its powder foundation, the loose powder is very fine and it glides on without settling onto fine lines and stuff like that. I especially adore the finish it gives. Baby-smooth skin? Checked.
Stars: ★★★★★
The Verdict:
Do I really need to reiterate again? It does everything a loose powder needs to do. Use it with a big fluffy brush if you wish to keep the glow on your face. The powder is tinted hence it can take away the glowing skin look you're going for if you apply it with the puff provided. Oil control is really quite decent and I like how it makes my skin looks.
Rating: 9/10
Cyber Colours Black Label Essence Cream Foundation SPF 18 PA ++
What: Cream foundation
Great for: Base make up
Size: 30 mL
Made in: Japan
Price: $69.90
Colour available:
01 Ivory
02 Natural
03 Beige
Promises:
- Nourishing but not sticky
- Improves texture of skin
- Help skin appear firmer, more contoured and ageless
Cream foundations are rather hard to find in the market. Therefore, I was really excited to give this a try when I saw it.
Packaging
In a tub with a plastic separator. It comes with a spatula. There is a little slot to hold the spatula upright on the box itself. Practical and super considerate!
Though so, I cannot ignore the fact that this cream foundation is really messy to use. It tend to get all over the tub so I have to clean it every time after using. A pump or bottle will probably be much easier to work with.
Stars: ★☆☆☆☆
Consistency
Cream is definitely thicker than its liquid foundation. Slightly more troublesome to spread, just slightly.
Stars: ★★☆☆☆
Coverage
Probably the highest in the series. You can build it up to a full coverage.
Stars: ★★★★☆
On skin
It feels a little heavy on skin initially but once it settles, it feels like nothing again. Not sticky nor oily.
Stars: ★★★★★
Oil control
Similar to Black Label Liquid Foundation.
Stars: ★★★★★
The Verdict:
Quite an experience. Cyber Colours Cream Foundation is not very different from its brother; blends pretty easily like the liquid one. I usually use my hands for this but you can use the cream foundation with a sponge or brush. Coverage is the best of the lot. This is not bad
Rating: 8.5/10
Putting the cream and liquid foundation side-by-side, I can say...
Cream - thicker, higher coverage, more matt, pinkness base, harder to spread
Suitable for people who are looking for a higher-duty foundation
Liquid - lighter, medium-full coverage, semi-matt, yellow base, very easy to spread
Suitable for people who are looking for a evening or even everyday wear foundation.
Swatches
The liquid foundation is slightly, like 10%, more yellow than the cream foundation.
As for the powder foundation and loose powder....
Powder foundation - Higher coverage, easier to use, may appear cakey over dry patches, set make up well, good for touching up
Loose powder - minimum coverage, more troublesome to use, very light on skin, set make up well, not convenient to carry around
I know I talked a little too much most of you probably briefly scrolled through right! So..
Summary!
Pros
- Feels like bare skin when applied
- Generally long-lasting
- Different products for different needs
- Very natural
- Suits asian skintone well
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Only 3 shades available
- Fairly pricey