Review + Swatches: The 245-peso Vice Cosmetics Duo Finish Foundation
Since its grand launch in 2017, Vice Cosmetics has firmly established itself in the local celeb beauty brand scene with a resounding pak! Last year saw a major focus on tarush-colored pouts with a line of moisturizing matte lipsticks, the Philippines’ answer to Kylie Jenner’s lip kits, some juicy-looking lip tints, and a glittery collab with stylist-to-the-stars Bang Pineda. Let’s not forget that the brand also got ‘cheeky’ with the Aura collection of powder blushes, highlighters, and contours!
This 2019 sees Vice Ganda looking to cover his bases with the launch of the Duo Finish Foundations (P245 at Vice Cosmetics counters). These powder-funda compacts are formulated with SPF 25, and can be applied wet or dry. But the major hurrah moment? The line presents an impressive eight shades to suit all Filipino skin tones, from tisay to morena. And here we are with swatches and a review!
The packaging is standard Vice Co. with the metallic pink finish. To put it bluntly, the plastic material doesn’t have a premium feel as the material is lightweight and feels a little brittle, especially the bottom part housing the pan. I would take extra care not to drop it. But I do appreciate the huge mirror inside.
The powder is very finely milled. I was happy to note that even when put in contact with a damp sponge, the makeup doesn’t harden or clump up on the pan. Application is smooth and even, with sheer to light coverage and a matte finish when used with a dry sponge. Even with several passes, it doesn’t look cakey! It reminds me of my favorite Maybelline Clearsmooth All in One Powder Foundation in that regard. When applied with a wet sponge, the coverage is improved and comes across as light to medium. However, it is not enough to cover up blemishes, hyperpigmentation, or redness, so a separate concealer would still be needed.
Wearing Chesa
There is also the matter of the somewhat patchy application I get when using a wet sponge. I have to take extra time to blend everything in properly, and this makes the layers prone to migrating or coming off entirely. As such, I prefer using this dry as a setting powder, or by itself as a sheer foundation. While there is no pore-minimizing effect, a smoothing primer can take care of that.
I find that it lasts up to 2 hours in this summer heat, and get up to 3 hours in an air conditioned room before my skin becomes shiny and requires a retouch. I already have dry skin, so I recommend that those with oily skin use this with a mattifying primer.
Swatches, from left: Chesa, Tisay, Putinamez, Kinesa, Moreyna, and Flawlessa
Finally, let’s talk about the wide color selection that we don’t normally see offered by local makeup brands. The eight shades come in warm and neutral tones for fair, light, medium, and deep skin:
Tisay - a fair neutral beige
Chesa - a fair golden beige
Putinamez - a light warm neutral
Kinesa - a light honey beige
Moreyna - a medium golden beige
Shade ni Vice - a medium honey beige
So Pinay! - a deep golden tan
Flawlessa - a deep bronze tan
My NC15-20 skin can work with both Tisay and Chesa, with Tisay being the closest match and Chesa adding a healthy, sun-kissed coloring to my pale complexion.
Have you swatched or tried Vice’s Duo Finish Foundation? What are your thoughts on Mamang’s foray into complexion cosmetics?
