The Skin of the Future: Diving Deep into Issy's Latest Base Launch
Filipino beauty brand Issy has recently launched an impressive 58-piece base and powder product line, showcased through a photo and video exhibit. This collection offers a diverse range of formulas and shades tailored to complement the various Filipino skin tones. I had the privilege of attending a pre-launch event two weeks before the official release, allowing me to provide a comprehensive review of most products from this collection. So let’s get into it!
Active Foundation
Issy introduces the Active Foundation (P699 / 30ml) with a bang. It's an oil-free formula enriched with skincare ingredients, designed for the constantly changing needs of the skin. With a spectrum of 27 shades—encompassing nine warm, nine neutral, and nine olive tones—there's something for everyone.
Having put it to the test for the past two weeks, I can vouch for its medium, yet easily buildable coverage that feels feather-light all day. Whether it's for quick touch-ups or enduring over 12-hour wears, the foundation consistently delivers a flawless, skin-like finish. Impressively, it holds up with minimal transfer, even without the added help of setting sprays or powders!
True Flex Skin Balm
Shifting to what I believe is the most intriguing addition to the launch: the True Flex Skin Balm (P599 / 18g). A first of its kind in the local beauty market, this multi-use complexion pot excels as a standalone base, a makeup primer with a blurring effect, and what I'd dub "heavy-duty" concealing. Its shades are thoughtfully designed to complement the 12 Active Skin Tint shades, simplifying the selection process.
With a sumptuous, velvety texture, the Skin Balm blends effortlessly. This is my first experience with such a versatile base product, and it's been an exhilarating journey discovering its potential. For now, I prefer to use it for undereye and spot concealing.
Here’s a quick look at the difference between their current base products:
Active Color Corrector
Building on their earlier color correctors, which were part of the Active Concealer launch, comes the revamped Active Color Corrector (P349 / 15ml). Setting this version apart is its unique sheer gel formulation. Available in four peach shades and one green corrector, it promises a lightweight yet richly pigmented solution for a more even skin tone.
I've mainly used this for my undereyes and have observed fewer creases compared to other products that typically settle into the fine lines. However, a word of caution: its fluid consistency coupled with the current packaging can be a bit messy. Handle with care!
True Flex Adjusters
Ever had a favorite base product that feels just a tad off in shade? The True Flex Adjusters (P349 / 15ml) are the answer! Armed with a basic understanding of color theory, you can harness any of the six adjusters to tailor your foundations to your exact skin tone. Much like the correctors, these come in a fluid gel formula. Their purpose is to adjust your makeup's color without drastically altering its original consistency or formula.
Some creative ways I've utilized these: I've employed 'Deep' for underpainting bronzer, mixed 'Pink' and 'Blue' to concoct my ideal purple blush, and used 'White' to intensify pigments, making them pop in my makeup looks.
To offer some perspective on texture, let's compare the corrector and bronzer shades from this launch to those from last year's Active Concealer release:
True Flex Perfecting Powder
Issy's latest in face powders is the True Flex Perfecting Powder (₱499, 8g). With its silky composition, it promises a refined, blurring finish. Featuring a unique dual-layer formula, you'll notice two distinct tones in the pan. These are intended to be combined, achieving the desired perfecting result. Catering to diverse skin tones, this powder is available in three shade variations: fair-light, medium-tan, and tan-deep.
Weightless Loose Powder
Also making a comeback is the well-loved Weightless Loose Powder (P499 / 9g, P199 / 1.5g). This is a reformulated version of their initial launch that now comes in more sleek packaging with a mirror and puff for easy application. They have retained the four variants including the translucent, mattifying, radiant, and illuminating finishes.
Also included in this launch is a kabuki brush that I am excited to try!
After two weeks of testing out these products, I highly recommend the Active Foundation for those of you who are looking for a base product that can keep up with our hot and humid weather in Manila. For me, this formula has found the perfect balance of longevity, coverage, and a lightweight feel.
The True Flex Skin Balm and True Flex Perfecting Powder are also great additions to your collection if you are looking for new formulas that work as they claim! The unique texture of the balm has been an exciting addition to my collection while the powder is a great choice for on-the-go touch ups! All in all, Issy has shared another great approach to skin that allows us to explore more products that work to enhance its natural beauty.
All of these products are now available on all of the Issy e-commerce platforms including Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and at LOOK. You can also keep an eye out for stocks at an Issy kiosk close to you!