Review | Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion SPF 50+ PA+++

New to the Laneige base makeup collection is Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion SPF 50+ PA+++.

My curiosity was aroused by the name which alludes to comfort and my interest was further piqued when I finally saw the preview sample.

An all-in-one product which offers whitening, sun protection, sweat-and-sebum resistance, soothing sensation and prevents makeup from fading…

– Laneige

According to the brand, the product features the following:

• White Plus Renew Complex for a skin brightening effect.
  
• An elastic network of high molecules resistant to sweat and sebum form a barrier on the surface of makeup.
  
• Spherical powder to control sebum production and minimize shine.
  
• Skin-hydration technology to increase moisturisation by 30 percent with each application.
  
• A special powder puff to remove excess sebum.

White Plus Renew Complex is the key ingredient in the Laneige Snow series that helps inhibit melanin synthesis by arresting the generation of melanin at its roots.

As for me, I found the concept quite novel. A sponge bed steeped in a blemish balm emulsion, the porous nature of the sponge holds the liquid well and allows for an even pick-up of the product. When applied with the flat puff that comes with the compact, it feels cool and refreshing upon contact with the skin.

It goes on seemingly translucent but builds up surprisingly well for a light product. I’d say it has sheer-to-medium coverage. It can obscure my spider veins but not cover my spots. It’s almost a tinted moisturiser but more than that, given its ability to cover certain facial flaws.

The broad sun protection is much welcome, especially in Singapore’s blazing heat. Its all-in-one feature (sunscreen/skincare/base makeup), characteristic of BB cream, is reinforced with its lightness of texture and perhaps, for some, the unusual presentation. :)

When I first wore it with moisturiser, I ended up looking somewhat greasy by the end of the day. When I use it on its own these days (sans moisturiser or even other prep products), it keeps well; holding up fresh for a good 5-6 hours at least, on a hot and humid day. Quite remarkable, really! Certainly, it has the ability to control sebum production and minimise shine.

I had concerns about not having moisturiser beforehand but it works for me, plus this multi-purpose product has skincare properties inclusive of moisturising ones, so I don’t fret over this. If you prefer having a barrier between the product and your skin, you could always try a light moisturiser or primer.

I’m not too fond of the fairness of the shade I’ve tried (21 Natural Beige), though this is no fault of the product – when before I used to clearly be MAC NC20, I’m actually darker than that now.

Don’t be fooled by its seeming depth but I’d peg Natural Beige as a suitable shade for skin tones that veer towards MAC NC20 and NC25, as well as Japanese shades in the 02, 20 ranges. It’s also suitably Asian-toned, beige without being too yellow or too pink. I’ll probably need to take a look at Sand Beige and Brown Beige, the other two shades in the range.

In Singapore, this unique blemish balm retails at S$59 and comes with a saturated sponge/cushion refill.

Image source: Laneíge Singapore