Jun 24, 2015

Samples | AMOREPACIFIC Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50


AMOREPACIFIC Color Control Cushion Compact




I do not enjoy dealing with samples (sample packets and foil pouches, to be exact), but this time we are talking about a relatively new product that piqued my curiosity to a certain degree. (Well, I added it to my preliminary wish list a while ago.) 
This one came with my recent Nordstrom order, and I must say it was legit. I mean, I felt like trying it on my face as opposed to tossing it into "the sample grave". I guess I do not like anything that doesn't come with proper container of a sort, but I can see AMOREPACIFIC has made an effort to help us at least "learn" about this cushion compact. The whole experience matters when it comes to beauty products. Yeah.



I don't intend this post to be a full review, because it wouldn't be fair. I just figured that we all could use some more swatches on the internet, so here goes.





The sample pack contains 104 Tan Blush and 106 Almond Blush, and both have pink undertones.
204 Tan Gold and 208 Amber Gold supposedly have yellow undertones.
(But who could guess from these strips?)


This tiny puff is rather lovely in my opinion. 
Although it is ridiculously small to function properly, it seems the company did try to include "the whole experience" in this sample pack. 
This dark blue colored applicator that absorbs very little product yet dispenses evenly isn't really new since it has been around for years even before this cushion compact trends, but nonetheless essential to apply the unique liquid formula. 


As I suspected from the name - Tan Blush, it was much darker than my skin tone. Bummer.


Tan blush isn't all that pinky, though.
As you might have guessed, Almond Blush only touched my arm for swatching purposes.



I still went ahead and applied the Tan Blush on my face somewhat expecting the color would adjust itself. It did not betraying the product's claim to "color control". For what it's worth, the color wasn't completely foreign once it set. 
Good thing is that I really liked how it applied on my face. It had the light and cooling sensation and wasn't all that sticky as I had worried. Most of all, I loved the application didn't interfere with my sunscreen layer not to mention it would double as a touch-up compact with an effective sun protection. 
On top of the color mismatch, I wasn't crazy about the strong powdery floral scent it had. It was the same cosmetic smell I remembered from a decade ago, which was shocking. (Then I felt a bit nostalgic.)

AMOREPACIFIC is marketed as a luxe brand here in the U.S., and basically is the motherboard of Laneige, Mamonde, IOPE, Sul Hwa Soo, etc.  The finish and the wear of this foundation makes me feel even more curious about Korean cushion compacts in general, and at this point my mind is set to try one from either Laneige or IOPE. 
However, it makes me wonder how they came up with these color selections. For example, the Laneige BB Cushion Compact is available at Target (quite reasonably priced, I might add), but they also come with the similar color range that looks limited. From what I've seen and compared, these selections are completely different from what's available in Asia. Which is only natural to think about it, but I still find myself in the same dilemma even after this Korean pharmaceutical giant has landed in the U.S. 
I am afraid my first cushion compact would have to be obtained from an oversea online source, yet again.


Have you tried cushion compacts marketed in North America? 
How do you find their color selections working out for you?




© Lenallure. All Rights Reserved.