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Nichido Final Powder vs BYS Matte Finish Loose Powder

I have been trying to search for a cheaper alternative for my Clinique Blended face powder. I think I found it! And it only cost me a small fraction from the usual amount I spend for my loose powder.

Goal: Cheaper, will blend and won’t cake on my liquid foundation, will stay put even under a hot summer day in the Philippines, won’t break me out, will last at least few hours, would only require few touch ups and plenty enough to last me a couple of months

Skin: Combination and oily skin

As much as I love my Clinique blendable powder so much, it was pretty expensive so I wanted to try out any drugstore brands that could serve as a cheaper alternative. So, I went to do an internet research and found quite few brands that offer loose powders for affordable prices. I found Nyx, Maybelline and a local brand Nichido (I was really curious with the Nichido powder because everybody is raving about it). I immediately went to SM North Edsa in search for the powders I found in the internet, unfortunately, I was only able to find one that fit my budget of 500 pesos (Nichido powder). So, I decided on picking BYS in case it has better formulation than the Nichido powder.

Packaging wise, they are pretty similar. Both have a clear body and black caps, with white text printed on the top. The Nichido powder significantly has more amount than the BYS powder. According to the packaging, the Nichido final powder has 25 grams, and the BYS powder only has 12 grams. The price is also significantly different. The Nichido only cost me Php 150 pesos (approximately US$ 3) while the BYS cost me around Php 400 (approximately US$ 8).

When I was buying the Nichido powder, to be honest, I was kinda suspicious that it will work on my skin tone because it was very pale in color. I was worried that it will be just like those white oil control powder that Korean brands sell as finishing powder to their BB creams/cushion (they sort of create this white mask on my face whenever I top it on my liquid foundation). It was also so cheap that I have this preconceived notion that it will not work like or as close as my Clinique powder would. It also contains specks of glitter that I thought will reflect light, and therefore will not be flattering in photos. I did swatch it on my hands, and it disappeared when I blended it out with a finger on my skin. I picked out “Creamy Glow” on recommendation by the sales lady.

At the BYS counter, I picked up their matte finish loose powder. The sales lady insisted that it is better than the Nichido one because it is matte and it doesn’t have the specks of glitter that the Nichido powder has. I notice that they have more shades than Nichido and it appears that they have colors that can cater for darker/morena skin which appealed to me more than the Nichido. I swatched it and like the Nichido powder, it disappeared in my skin. I notice that it was also darker in color than my Clinique powder so I was kinda expecting that it might make me look tanner than usual. I picked out “Sand Beige” as recommended by the sales lady.

When I got home I immediately compared my Clinique powder with the other two (Top, Middle, Bottom: Nichido Final Powder in Creamy Glow, BYS Matte Finish Powder in Sand Beige, and Clinique Blended Face Powder in #02 Invisible Blend). As shown in the picture, my Clinique powder is a bit yellowish in undertone (which is usually an indication that it will blend quite well with foundation and might offer some coverage), while the Nichido is paler in comparison, with the BYS powder being darkest in color out of all of them.

I actually tested each of the powders using my usual skin care and makeup routine. Since it is also summer here in the Philippines, I thought this will be the perfect time to test any makeup longevity and whether or not it will cake.

Skin care routine and foundation: Current moisturizer (The Face Shop Le March The Therapy Anti-Aging No Shine Hydrating Cream), Sun Block (Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence), Primer (Revlon Photoready Pore Reducing Primer), Favorite Foundation (Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer in True Beige), and Setting Spray (Maybelline)

For Day 1, I used the Nichido powder.

I do admit, I think I overdone it a little bit in this picture. I didn’t remove some of the excess powder using a brush when I applied the Nichido powder using a damp Beauty Blender. 

The Nichido powder results are as follows:

Blend-ability: Very blendable (although I have to admit it is not that reflected in this picture) but it does adhere to the foundation quite well. It even keeps your foundation’s color (I was pleasantly surprised by this because not all powder does this)

Coverage: does not cover anything because it is translucent when it gets blended out

Longevity: It stayed for me for hours with very little touch up needed. Again, I was pleasantly surprised. I tried it under a hot summer noon and it still stayed intact with minor cracking on my sweatiest facial areas. It doesn’t look horrible like other powders would be after many hours at work. 

Mattifying: It is mattifying and helps your foundation to be intact. I only had very minor shininess on my cheeks, nose and forehead. It works even better than my Clinique powder in this department. 

Color: It does give a little bit of a white cast. However, you can easily fix it by brushing off excess powder after using a Beauty Blender and with a bronzer. I also notice that it doesn’t oxidize like other drugstore powders I used before. Also, very little goes a long way with this one (very budget friendly if I might say).

Baking not Caking: Thank God it is not caking like pressed powder does! And when I tried baking (which I didn’t do with my Clinique powder because it has the same color as my skin), it was freaking amazing. It kept my under eye makeup intact.

Messy Packaging: The supposed powder stopper or sifter does not inhibit the fall out of the product. A lot of the powder falls out whenever you open it.

Fragrance: It does have fragrance but not too much. It might be a concern with other people with sensitive skin.

Breakout: No breakouts at all.

For Day 2, I used the BYS powder.

I looked sad because I am. I was really disappointed with the BYS powder. At first it blended well, although it was a little bit darker than what I’m used to. However, after a while, it settled on my fine lines and textured skin. Because it is mattifying, it made my skin look drier than it should be. So yeah, it was a bad makeup day.

The BYS powder results are follows:

Blend-ability: Definitely blend-able using a Beauty Blender sponge

Coverage: Does offer a little coverage compared to Nichido most probably because of the pigment

Longevity: It does lasted me for hours on a hot summer day but because of how it appears on my skin I was hesitant in putting more for touch-ups

Mattifying, too mattifying: It is mattifying, too much to be honest. It settled on my lines, imperfections that should have been invisible under my foundation. It helped that I used setting spray to let my skin appear more hydrated. I don’t think girls with dry skin will like this formula.

Color: Darker for my liking. Their range does not have my color. It also oxidizes on my skin.

Texture: I notice that the powder tends to stick together to create very small powder balls (whenever I open the lid). Whenever I use a damp Beauty Blender it has a tendency to stuck together like a press powder. I’m not sure why it does, maybe it has something to do with the formulation.

Fragrance: Smells a bit like old makeup.

Breakout: No breakouts on this one either

Overall, I liked the Nichido powder more than the BYS one. I have been using it for the past few days and it has worked for me more than the other drugstore powders do. I’m definitely going to repurchase it. If Nichido can offer a yellow toned powder, or offer more color range I might even replace my Clinique powder with their powder. 

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The Best Liquid Foundations for Oily and Imperfect Skin

If you are an oily girl like me, definitely you can relate to the struggle of finding the perfect liquid foundation. Although a powder foundation is perfect for an oily skin, most of the time they don’t cover the blemishes we hope would just disappear. Concealers also work well with liquid foundation compared to the powder one, which is why I instantly switched from a powder to a liquid one. 

Disclaimer: I don’t own the pictures. Unfortunately, I don’t take pictures of the foundation I use. 

1) Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation 

I discovered this foundation when I was looking for a foundation that could last longer in a humid weather regardless of my oily face.

Longevity. This foundation lives up to its name ‘colorstay’. I usually commute for 2 hours going  to the office and I stay at the office at around 8 to 9 hours a day. I commute back going home for another 2 to 3 hours. Imagine how long my day is! But, it still stays intact even during a hot summer weekday. As I have said, I do have a oil problem but what is good about this foundation is that it does not slide of the oil and stays put. To control the shine and oil, a good oil control powder would do. To remove it however is a feat, you will have to use a makeup remover first before washing your face. It is a sort of a waterproof foundation.

Application. It is a bit messy to apply because it does not have a pump. You would have to control your foundation with your fingers so you can control the amount of product you will use. If you happen to have an empty foundation bottle with a pump, I suggest you use it (to make it portable as well). You can also use a foundation brush to make it less messier. However, a small amount goes a long way with this foundation.

Color Range. The foundation has a limited range of colors available for Asian skin. I have a sun kissed skin with a yellow undertone. I find that most of the best foundations are imported and have colors that would mostly be compatible to their customers from their home countries (e.g. bb creams from Korea). I find that this foundation has the same problem as other brands. 

Coverage. This is a medium to heavy coverage. If you have acne problems like me and are trying to hide the dark acne scars (or red acne marks), this is definitely one of the best foundation to hide imperfections. When I used this foundation, I was able to save up on concealers because you don’t need one (yes, it does hide the bags).

On Photos. It does give off a white mask (which is a let down). I think it was because the color I got was not really that close with my skin tone, and because of the  SPF content. I remember it was Warm Golden/Golden Beige. I would advise if you are going to use the foundation, look for a settling powder with a yellowish or warmer color. A bronzer can also help in making the foundation match your skin tone.

Overall Feel. It can feel a bit heavy on the face but tolerable. 

Cost. It is not as cheap as the local brands, but it is affordable. I remember I bought my first bottle at around Php 895 in SM. 

2) Loreal True Match Liquid Foundation

This has to be my HOLY GRAIL of foundations. Affordable, Accessible, Lots of colors to choose from to match your skin tone, coverage is workable and has a considerable staying power, and it looks great in pictures (looks Au Naturel especially if you use the concealer and powder from the same range). I would pick this foundation over MAC every time (I had a horrible experience with Studio Fix, I’m sorry MAC fans). 

Longevity. I will give it 6 to 7 hours before I really have to do a touch up of my makeup (usually with a powder). I find that it does stay matte on my eyes (especially if I use a concealer) and in some parts of my face even after 7 hours. However, I have to forgive it on my T-zone, it’s like an oil refinery there. I don’t use primers because I want to prohibit myself in using so much on my face (I don’t want it to be more sensitive or to breakout) except if it is part of a skincare regimen like a moisturizer or an eye cream. Unlike the Revlon foundation, cleaning your face is a breeze even with a gentle facial cleanser.

Application. There are two kinds of containers for this foundation, one with a pump and one which does not. The pump of course is more ergonomical than the bottled one. The small bottle kind has the same problem as Revlon Colorstay. It does live up to its name as super blendable, no matter how much product you put on your face you can easily blend it to your preference. 

Color Range. Can I make it more obvious? I love it! It is very easy to find the closest color to your skin. I still use the W 4.5 or Fresh Beige until now. It has the right yellow undertone for a foundation. It does oxidize however (and it turns darker after a long day). You can get a lighter shade and it wouldn’t matter.

Coverage. I will give this a light to heavy coverage. Yes, it has a wide range of coverage because it is so buildable. If you are born with a perfect skin, you can use a small amount with your fingers to make your skintone equal in all areas of the face. You can also make it medium by putting more product on you face using your fingers. To create a heavy coverage however, you would have to use a flat foundation brush. To make a really flawless but natural look, use a concealer under eyes and on dark acne marks. (Tip: The small bottle without a pump has a creamier consistency than in the “Le Teint” or w/ pump type, therefore, a better coverage).

On Photos. It looks great and natural in photos, period. Evidence (yes I’m wearing foundation here):

Overall Feel. It feels light on the face no matter how heavy you went for coverage.

Cost. Like the Revlon Colorstay Foundation, this foundation is not cheap as local brands but can be considered more affortable than higher end brands such as MAC, Bobbi Brown and Make Up Forever. The cost ranges from Php 800 to Php 1,000. SM Dept. Stores have frequent sales on this brand so watch out. From my last purchase, it fell from 800 to 600. 

Foundations and all, the secret to being perfectly made up is CONFIDENCE and a well moisturized face. Love your skin, even its imperfections. You will be surprised how your skin looks after thinking in this way (even shows in pictures).

P.S. I have tried other liquid foundations but these two were the best so far, with the second one as the best (at least in my experience). If you have a recommended foundation that I should try, please comment below. I’m planning to expand my horizons by using BB or CC creams so watch out on a future reviews about them.