Back when I was in University, when I was getting into Japanese cosmetics I would spend hours just browsing different products. Palgantong Theatrical Powder always popped up. I never took the plunge to purchase, despite all of the raving reviews.
Fast forward to last October, when I was shopping in Tokyo, I saw this and grabbed it immediately.
The history of the brand is rather interesting. As per their website, Palganton means "Red Box". The brand is know to be "born in Korea, grown in Japan".
Taken from Beauty and Minerals website:
With over 5 million units sold in Japan, this loose powder is a big favourite among Korean movie stars with the flawless finish it gives the face, when worn on top of foundation/makeup!I'm really glad I picked this up, because it has become my new favourite setting powder.
Product description taken from Beauty and Minerals website:
Key ingredient is Ceramin from UK, in which the particles are half the size of other particles commonly used for loose powders. It reflects light, evens out the texture and skin tone, and still makes your makeup look natural and effortlessNow from the Beauty and Minerals website, it said the key ingredient is 'ceramin'. I tried searching up what this ingredient is and nothing comes up. Unfortunately for me, I don't read Japanese so I cannot for the life of me find out what this ingredient is they speak of. It could easily be a misspell, as Google is suggesting 'ceramic' instead, which would be extremely concerning. If anyone can read Japanese and they're curious, the ingredients are listed here. (linked from Amazon).
Packaging
I like the packaging. I didn't realize it came in a larger container as this was the only one available. This is a mini travel size and it comes with a puff for easy application on the go. Since I use this at home, I use a brush instead. I'm not a huge fan of the packaging for home use just because it's difficult to get the product out. I try to shake it out of the holes, but as it's a loose powder, it does fly everywhere. I can't tip it over as it'll dirty up the mirror.
I don't really understand how the puff is supposed to help with picking up powder as well since it doesn't seem like it holds much. For travel, you'd still have to tip it over for the powder to come out, thus still causing a mess. For travel, I would prefer to use a compact instead.
Product
Despite my nit picking over the packaging, the powder itself is amazing. It's a very fine powder that blends in beautifully. I can apply multiple layers, it doesn't cake up and still looks really natural. The power is light but doesn't give off any whitecast. This honestly looks so amazing on my skin. It evens any uneven skintone. My makeup looks better after applying this. It really is like second skin. Dare say, I like this even more than my Skinfood peach setting powder!
However, as much as I love this powder, the longevity isn't great. While my oils eventually shine through no matter what mattifying product I use, I feel like this one doesn't last as long. Within a few hours my oils are seeping through. Though it is important to note, that I don't retouch my makeup at all once I apply it in the morning. I'll use blotting powders throughout the day but I never have powder with for reapplication. By the end of the day, my makeup still looks great, doesn't break apart or sit into any cracks of my skin. I may be a little oily, but overall my makeup is still looking fine.
Overall thoughts
I've been using this for the past couple of weeks and I'm really enjoying it. While on one hand, it's not very long lasting and my oils show within a couple hours. But damn it, my skin looks so freakin beautiful when I wear this!
Once the summer rolls around I'll switch this out with my Skinfood setting powder. That one has slightly more longevity even if it is just an hour or two. But I'll continue using this as my daily setting powder and on simple/no makeup days. This would be better suited for me during the winter.
Even if you have oily skin like myself, I would still recommend trying this. The price is really good and it looks so amazing on the skin. I can really pack this powder on and I don't have to worry about it looking to powdery or cakey.
I purchased this in Japan for about... 800 yen + taxes? So about $9.38 CAD + taxes. It's not available through Amazon.ca but Amazon.com sells it through their distributor Dodo Japan for about $13.99 USD + free shipping.
What is your favourite setting powder to use? Would this one be something you'd be interested in trying?
Summary
The Good
- Very fine powder
- Does not offer any whitecast
- Blends in beautifully
- Not cakey
- Looks really natural no matter how much is applied
- Very affordable
The Bad
- Not too long lasting for oily skin during the warmer months
- The travelling package not very practical. Can be a little messy
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