Review: The Body Shop Oil-Free Foundation

I'm back.  And what better way to celebrate my comeback to beauty blogging than to post a review!  Today, I pay tribute to my most used foundation these past few non-blogging months... the body shop's oil-free liquid foundation in 03!

The Body Shop Oil-Free Foundation, SPF15, in 03, 30mL

bought at less than 1200php, TBS counters

website tag: $23

Website says:

Best if you want to: Perfect and balance skin while minimizing pores with a lightweight, shine-free formula.

Best for: medium to full coverage, oily and combination skin

What it is designed to do:

• Special blend of minerals and high performance spherical powders work together to achieve all-day balanced coverage.
• Sunscreens provide a medium level of broad spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreens to help protect skin.
• Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that help smooth, soften, condition and protect skin for improved radiance.

Product swatches compiled from the body shop's website
I just don't know why they jumped from shade 04 to 06

When I first tried this on (used my fingertips), I had to take it off since it melted really ugly on me like my other foundations.  I coudn't blame the product; our country's summer 2010 was one HOT summer.  And so I stashed it hidden.

Officially a couple: TBS oil-free foundie + wet sponge
On days I want the au naturale feel, I reach for
this tandem to even out and liven up my skintone

I was about to sell it on ebay when I remembered about how wet sponge application can change the course of most foundation's finish.  And I wasn't disappointed.  The Body Shop's Oil Free Foundation is now among my HG's!  This liquid foundie in a light plastic bottle travels with me!

What I love about It: 

• no break-outs on everyday use
• it's among the few foundies I found a perfect skintone match with! 
• very lightweight and sheer if applied using wet sponge/brush
• no clumping/caking when layered on to achieve a fuller coverage (just make sure to wait till the previous layer dries up before another application)
• doesn't settle into pores and fine lines
• SPF 15
• comes in a very light plastic container you can carry around easily
• the pump and the fullness indicator

Uh-ohs:

• I have combination oily skin and it can dry up parts of my jawline with the wet sponge technique (antidote: more moisturizer on that area, it works so far)
• ugly finish without wet sponge/brush technique (try it)
• it doesn't have the most pleasant scent
• can be considered a bit pricey for those who are on a tight budget

A few more things I'm raving about The Body Shop's Oil-Free Foundie are its efficient pump and fullness indicator.  The pump dispenses the amount of product equal to the pressure of your push, it never failed me.  The fullness indicator is something new to me and I totally love the nothing-goes-to-waste concept by pushing all the product up till you drop.

Fullness Indicator:  I never noticed that it was actually one until I've used up the product a month after.

UK beauty magnate, The Body Shop, didn't fail me on their oil-free liquid foundation I'm happy to say.  On days I want good coverage plus a healthy glow, which is practically everyday, I reach for this prod as a face base.  I set it with my usual mineral powders and I'm more than good to go!

I'm so happy with this purchase (I got it 10% off the rack! weee!).  I'm happy too that I'm back to beauty blogging with a great product to review.  I'm actually glad I gave it another shot before putting it up on sale.  The body shop's oil-free foundation is totally a good investment I wouldn't hesitate to do a repeat purchase on!