IT is so hot that I can probably say that this is the hottest summer of my life, surpassing the one that I spent in Cambodia decades ago. It is so hot that I have hardly touched my favorite liquid products. Even the sunscreen I have been using is a cushion. I have not used highlighter in a bit and if you know me, you would know that that is unusual. There are days when I don’t want to use makeup at all.
I would say the recent launch of Vice Cosmetics Duo Finish Foundation was timely because while it was already summer, the temperature had not yet gotten to the point that you would not want to wear any makeup at all.
I was slightly hesitant to try the product because I have had shade matching problems with drugstore face bases before, which would usually be too pink. But no, I was told, there was going to be a color for the wide range of Filipina complexions. I was matched to Moreyna, which I thought was the darkest but again I was surprised that it wasn’t. It’s the third to the last shade with two other shades darker.
Before I properly reviewed the product, I decided to test it for a few weeks in this scorching heat. What do you know? Moreyna is still slightly dark on me. I could wear it when I wanted to look tan. Otherwise, I was a shade lighter. But let me get back to that later.
Vice Cosmetics Duo Finish Foundation is a powder foundation in the brand’s signature pink casing. It comes with a sponge. According to Rhoda Campos, one of the brand’s owners and a beauty experts, she prefers using it with the sponge than a brush. The name Vice is embossed on the powder, which is soft and finely milled.
So the eight shades—Tisay, Chesa, Putinamez, Kinesa, Shade ni Vice, Moreyna, So Pinay! and Flawlesa—are divided into light, medium and dark. The first two are light, of course, and the last three are dark.
I was matched to Moreyna but I realized I was wearing a darker foundation that day. I actually prefer Shade ni Vice for normal days. I love how the darker shades are perfect for olive tones. No flashback whatsoever.
The powder, when applied dry, gives light coverage, making it perfect for summer. Applied with a damp sponge, it offers medium coverage. It can be worn alone or over a liquid product. I prefer it worn alone.
The powders are cruelty-free and US dermatologist-tested, offer light to medium oil control, and have SPF 25. I would still wear a sunscreen under it, though, given this heat.
I wore the powder for two weeks and didn’t break out. I think Vice Cosmetics’s first foray into face bases is a success. I love how Vice Cosmetics and other Filipino beauty companies are churning out more and more wonderful products for Filipina skin.
Vice Cosmetics Duo Finish Foundation is available for P245 at Vice Cosmetics kiosks, Watsons, SM Beauty and Robinsons and Landmark Department Stores.
Image credits: @VICECOSMETICSPH