Even though I now have my own online beauty store (dolltodoll.com), things are not going to change much. I still do use brands outside of those we carry, obviously, and will continue writing beauty product reviews that reflect my honest opinions.
And it’s about time – wayyyyyy past time, actually – that I do a detailed review on the Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation before you all give up on me. Lol! You guys cannot imagine how many emails I’ve received asking when is this review gonna be up. Thank you for your patience! 😀
So ever since I started using the Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation, I feel like going back to my reviews on Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation and Bourjois Flower Perfection Foundation and downgrade their ratings.
Not that they’re lousy, they were good in their own ways but had some elements I didn’t fancy so much – Healthy Mix in shade 52 was a good shade match but its oil control abilities didn’t quite make the mark; Flower Perfection had a nice matte finish and lovely fragrance but shade 53 was too light. I wrote them when I was using them and penned my honest opinions. That was way before the Perfect Foundation (literally) came to our shores.
I guess it’s not fair to go back and change their ratings now that the 123 Perfect Foundation has come along. We must always seek improvement, not dwell in the past! 😀
Easy To Blend; Dries Matte Not Flat
The Bourjois 123 Perfection Foundation is a medium-thick liquid that dries as a powder with a matte finish which I prefer. The slight powdery finish feels light on the skin, and does not look cakey or unnatural even when layered on. Two layers is the maximum I go, but one would usually suffice. It is quickly absorbed into the skin and gives a second skin sensation so that it feels light and comfortable to wear throughout the day. (Why does this sound just right for a sanitary pad advertisement?! BAHAHAHA!)
This natural-looking foundation also exhibits less tendency to oxidize on my skin. Bourjois 123 Perfection Foundation in shade 52 is just right for me (MAC NC20-25). I still wonder why the Bourjois Flower Perfection in shade 52 was so off the mark.
It became quite the perfect foundation for my Halloween costume this year though (more to come!).
With SPF 10. Shade 52 is also known as Vanilla.
This foundation would, however, not sit well for those with drier skin as it does not give the dewy look that people with dry skin often look for. For people with oily skin, or even normal-combination skin in Singapore (because of our hot and humid weather), THIS IS DOPE.
One grip I have with this foundation is that it tends to accentuate drier areas of the skin. Whenever I am nursing the aftermaths of a pimple growth, the area tends to flake and this foundation makes the flaking more obvious. Imagine what it will do to people with dry skin. @_@"
Great Coverage
Boasting 3 correcting pigments to sort out all imperfections - yellow to conceal dark circles, mauve to perk up dull complexions, green to soften any redness on the face - the first thought that came to find when I first saw it was 'REAL OR NOT?!'. Hahaha!
- Yellow pigments - for anti-dark circles
- Mauve pigments - for anti-dull complexion
- Green pigments - for anti-redness
I guess we have all become skeptical in this beauty world where most claims often remain as that - claims.
I was out of a good foundation, this looked promising and at S$34.00, I wouldn't say it is too expensive for a such an excellent product. I would even say this triumphs some more expensive foundations I have tried before.
The three color pigment correction isn't new to the market, I suppose, and there are other foundation products that also claim these but the difference is that the combination of these 3 elements in this foundation ACTUALLY WORKS.
People with flawless skin to start with probably wouldn't appreciate the power of this foundation. But I have terribly flawed skin and I CAN FEEL THE MAGIC.
I have all kinds of blemishes (read: What causes your acne?) - new pimples, healing acne scars, random dark spots, redness, dull complexion and dark circles. It may sound too good to be true in words, but this foundation evens out my skintone effortless without sitting in fine lines or enlarged pores. It is pigmented enough to cover imperfections but still makes the skin look completely natural afterwards. Sometimes I still do use an undereye concealer for targeted concealment.
Great Oil Control
I need to emphasize that this foundation exemplifies what all oily-skinned people want. Some oily-skinned beauties may prefer a dewy finish, some a matte finish. Whatever the preference in finish, we all need a foundation that helps in reducing the chances of us looking like a greasy roti prata.
When I have this 123 Foundation on, I don't find the need to set my face with MAC Blot Powder in Light (review) and neither do I find myself reaching for blotting paper during the day. This also lasts me through my dance classes. 🙂
Here's how the Bourjois 123 Perfection Shade 52 looks on my MAC NC20-25 skin.
Shade 52 just right for MAC NC20-25
Semi-blended
Fully blended
How To Apply Bourjois 123 Perfection Foundation
As in the title, this is the foundation that I would bring with me anywhere in the world, knowing I will always look good with it and also because pump bottles are always easier to use and more hygienic. I would wrap the glass bottle with bubble wrap because I'm anal like that.
I wore it every day when I was on holiday in Phuket this year.
No problems if you forget to bring any tools for foundation application because this applies well with fingers.
Easy-to-use pump bottle
But I'd always advise to use a brush or at least a sponge, for hygiene purposes and ease of application. I don't know, I just don't like to apply liquid foundation with my fingers; I'm fine with fingers for BB cream though. It's somehow got to do with the texture, I guess.
My Sigma F80 Kabuki Brush (review) has been my fondest foundation brush ever, but ever since I got started on the BeautyBlender, there's no turning back. Let's keep that for a separate detailed review, but for now, know that the BeautyBlender does wonders for foundation application and Bun Bun approves with two thumbs up. (Oh gosh, Bun Bun doesn't have thumbs!)
For a really high quality foundation that leaves your skin looking healthy and natural all day, give this Bourjois foundation a try.
Where Can I Find The Bourjois 123 Perfection Foundation?
Bourjois 123 Perfection Foundation retails for SGD34.00 and can be found at selected Watsons and BHG. They have 20% off sometimes! Somehow this seems unavailable on Amazon! Sorry I couldn't find any links to it. 🙁
You can find out more and purchase these products online by clicking on the links below:
BeautyBlender Single (dolltodoll.com)
Sigma F80 Kabuki Brush (dolltodoll.com)
Bun Bun rates the Bourjois 123 Perfect Foundation:
What is your daily go-to foundation? What is the one foundation you must bring along when you travel? Do you prefer a foundation with a dewy or matte finish?
