K-Beauty Finds: Three W-Lab bestsellers that are like IG filters - in real life
We can’t seem to stop raving about K-beauty; there’s always a new brand to discover or much-raved about product to try out! We’ve definitely been impressed with the stuff that we’ve tried so far and some of us have even discovered HGs from these SoKor imports. Today, we’re trying out bases from W-Lab, whose 3D Face Shading Stick earned top raves from our editor Liz. The brand is apparently known for their base products so we’ve been looking forward to trying more of their stuff. We got our hands on three of their bestsellers so read on and find out if you should add these on your must-buy list!
The W-Snow CC Cushion (P1,050 via Althea Korea) is the most premium of the brand’s four cushion compacts because it has the most benefits: SPF 50+++, hydration, blemish coverage, cooling sensation, airy touch, anti-aging, and whitening. The compact is a lovely matte white and comes with a tight seal to preserve the product before first use. I actually had to make an effort to peel it as it did not come off easily! Marielle awarded this as Most Comfortable To Wear in her cushion compact showdown and I have to agree with her observations.
The texture is light, runny, and easy to blend. You can also really feel the cooling effect upon application! It does not offer full coverage but you can build it up on the areas with extra redness or darkness, like under the eyes and sides of the nose.
Bare skin (left) and after applying the CC Cushion (right)
In the photo above, I’m wearing Shade #23 in Snow Beige with no concealer or setting powder. It is not an exact shade match as most Korean cushions come in lighter shades but I can make W-Lab’s #23 work for my NC35-40 complexion. I like that it brightens up my face and lasts an entire day on my dry-normal skin.
The Lovely Face Cream (P880 via Althea Korea) promises a fair skin tone, smooth and long wear, and sun protection. It comes in a single shade, which is a pale, light pinkish beige.
While it does brighten up my normally yellowish skin tone and covers the redness of my face, the shade is much too light for me. I have to color correct it with a darker powder if I want to be able to use it. The formula has a somewhat thick consistency and tends to emphasize dry areas.
Bare skin (left) and wearing Lovely Face Cream (right)
The formula might be better for oily skin types, and the shade is definitely more suited to fairer skin tones. It can also be used as a color corrector and instant brightener for yellowish skin tones before applying foundation.
The White Holic Cream (P640 via Althea Korea) promises immediate whitening, a natural look, blemish coverage, and moisturizing properties. The texture is almost watery, and I admit that I was initially scared by how it came out from the tube looking so white!
Applied Whiteaholic on my left hand
Upon application though, it gave an almost translucent finish to my skin. It did not cover like the Lovely Face Cream but created a soft, almost IG filter-like finish on my face. It reminds me of sheer, whitening lotions that moisturize the skin and make it look instantly brighter with just one application.
Bare skin (left) and wearing Whiteaholic (right)
Overall, I am happy with the three W-Lab products and I understand why they are bestsellers from the brand. I also did not break out from using any of the three products. I would choose the W-Lab White Holic Cream over the Lovely Face Cream though because it fits my dry skin condition better. I also often find myself reaching for the W-Snow CC Cushion for days when I can’t be bothered with concealer and powder application!
Have you tried anything from W-Lab? What you recommend we try next?
