REVIEW: TONYMOLY BCDation vs BCDation all master


Last September, TONYMOLY introduced the BCDation all master, a revamped version of the original BCDation foundation. It's marketed by the company as an improved version that is "air light".  To be honest, I had never tried TONYMOLY foundations before this and Hyuna's commercial ad for the BCDation all master was what convinced me to go out and buy it.  Hyuna can sell anything to me! ^o^ 


When I was at an authorized reseller of TONYMOLY's, the sales associate actually urged me to purchase the original BCDation over the all master version.  She advised that it was better, but since I had already convinced myself that I needed the all master version (I blame Hyuna for this) I ignored her advice and went for it over the original.  Fast foward a few weeks, I got curious about the original BCDation and I headed to the newly opened TONYMOLY official store in Aberdeen Centre, Richmond, BC (for all you west coast Canadians) to pick up the original version. To save my readers the trouble of paying twice for the same foundation product, I've prepared a comparison of the new version (BCDation all master) and the older version (BCDation), providing pros and cons of both products.  I have also provided swatches under direct sunlight and natural indoor light for both foundations in order to provide accurate as possible visual comparisons:


- Under direct sunlight (unblended) - 

 - Under direct sunlight (blended) -

- Under natural light indoors (blended) -

BCDation all master 


This foundation has SPF 30 PA ++ and claims to provide an "air light base but perfect" coverage.  It comes in only one shade that TONYMOLY claims will suit everyone.  NOT TRUE.  If you are darker than a NC25, this foundation will not match your skin.  I have pretty fair, Asian skin with yellow undertones and this was already a bit light for me.  As such, I always colour correct with a slightly darker setting powder on top of the foundation.

As for coverage, this provides very good, high coverage in my opinion.  It fills in pores, fine lines, and wrinkles well and lasts FOREVER on my skin.  I swear, this foundation - when applied correctly - lasts all day and all night, even if you are going out for the night (dancing, clubbing, bar hopping,  and whatever it is young people get up to these days).  I love how FLAWLESS it makes my skin look. Like porcelain. Love. Love. Love. 

BUT - and there's a pretty big but here (heh, no pun intended) - this foundation is quite difficult to work with, especially on dry skin or poorly exfoliated skin.  If I have even one small tiny patch of dry skin or if I haven't completely exfoliated like crazy and moisturized my skin by applying every face oil and cream like a maniac before using this foundation, it will literally highlight every dry spot or irregular texture on my skin. So if you suffer from any of these skin problems, proceed carefully when prepping your skin and use a good primer! 

Other issues are its thick texture, it sets (dries?) quickly on my skin (but without looking matte, so I still get a nice dewy look), and doesn't quite deliver on the "air, light base" part of its claims on the bottle.  Although it's got a bit of a mousse-like texture as if the foundation has been aerated before packaging, the foundation is still thick when going onto the skin, and because it sets/dries quickly it is difficult to blend.  I have to apply it to my skin with a beauty sponge/blender very quickly to get that smooth, flawless look.  If I wait too long, it becomes patchy and delivers uneven coverage.  However, this aspect - quick setting/drying and thick in texture - is also probably what provides the amazing, long lasting coverage I love about this product SO much.  

Full Ingredients (click to enlarge): 

Although I have acne prone skin (think painful, cystic acne and clogged, ugly pores), none of the ingredients in this product have caused any break outs. Woot! 

BCDation (Original formula)


As mentioned earlier, this is the original formulation of the product, but it comes in two shades - No. 01 Pink Beige and No. 02 Natural Beige.  I chose No. 02 natural beige since I have yellow undertones to my skin and redness around the nose and cheeks I want to cover up.  I find that foundations with a hint of pink tends to highlight any redness I have. 


As with the other version, BCDation has SPF30 with PA ++. A scan through its marketing materials shows that its focus is on moisturization more than coverage.  After testing this product, I would agree that this product lives up those claims.

In testing, I found that the coverage is medium, but buildable.  I also noticed that it requires touch ups around the 5 hour mark, but I usually just use a powder to do that when I'm out.  It does a moderately okay job filling in pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, but I often found myself reaching for my Benefit POREfessional to fill in the larger pores and smooth out any irregularities on my skin. 

The foundation itself feels quite light on my skin, unlike the BCDation all master, but it also doesn't last as long.  Despite that, it is quite moisturizing and would be suitable for people with dry skin, but less suitable for oily skin types.  If you have excessively oily skin, this foundation may separate more quickly on you, so keep oil blotting papers on hand or oil blotting powder! 

Full Ingredients (click to enlarge):

As with the BCDation all master version, this original version hasn't caused me to break out nor has it clogged my pores.  A huge bonus for my acne prone, troubled skin type! 

Verdict?

Both are good foundations but I feel like TONYMOLY ended up targeting a very different skin type and consumer need when reformulating the product in the all master version. 

+ The original BCDation is best for people looking for medium coverage, moisturization, and a second skin feel to their make up, whereas the new all master version is high coverage, does not provide moisturization, and feels heavier on the skin.  
+The original is better for normal to dry skin types with few blemishes while the new version is better for oily skin types, skin prone to blemishes, and for someone who wants a foundation that can last through anything.  

I will keep using these products though, because depending on the season, my skin can be oily/dry and dare I say it, even normal on a good day. Also, for big nights out or big events, I prefer the BCDation all master because it provides such amazing long lasting coverage that fills in all my imperfections.  For every day wear, I prefer the BCDation original since it isn't as heavy and gives me a more natural finish and look.  

After reading my review, which one do you want to try? Let me know in the comments! :)


Efficacy
Price
Formulation
Design
Total
TONYMOLY BCDation all master
4/5
4/5
3.75/5
5/5
16.75/20


Efficacy
Price
Formulation
Design
Total
TONYMOLY BCDation 
3.75/5
4/5
3.75/5
5/5
16.5/20


You can purchase these products at the following, trusted e-shops: 
W2Beauty** - $25.48 USD (includes shipping) all master
Koreadepart - $16.11 USD (shipping extra) all master
Koreadepart - $15.30 USD (shipping extra) BCDation
RoseRoseShop - $15.41 USD (shipping extra) ON SALE from $19 USD all master

**If you are a first-time buyer at W2Beauty, you can enter in my sponsor code 25809502 when you register an account, and you'll receive a $5 discount towards your first order!


8 comments:

  1. I think I would want to try the original, especially because my skin is going to get drier in the next few months. Thanks so much for making this comparison, I think it will help out a lot of people! <3


    www.kimkine.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think I might have samples for both of these. After reading this review I am very curious to try them out

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  3. They're definitely pretty good foundations for what is essentially a Korean drugstore brand. I'm definitely pretty pleased with both of them and will continue using them :) I hope they'll work for you as well and let me know which one you end up liking most!

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  4. Thanks Kim! :) Glad you found the review helpful. I've been reaching more for the original these days since the winter has turned my skin into the Sahara desert ... no joke! Flaky patches everywhere! :(

    ReplyDelete
  5. I might grab this bcdation :D I've been obsessing over korean beauty products a lot and this might be a great addition to my collection! My only concern is the shade...i'm afraid it will be too light for me :s

    http://toomanybiases.blogspot.pt/

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's such a shame that TonyMoly has little to no options for anyone darker than a NC 15 or NC 20!! I'm sure a lot more people would be purchasing its products if they expanded the number of shades offered. I don't know why Korean skincare companies don't do that since so many of these brands have been trying to break into the Western markets for a good while now.


    I have a sample or two of this bcdation, if you want I can mail one through the post to you to try! :) Let me know skinandbeautystory@gmail.com


    If you end up getting it I'd love to read a review of it on your blog and see what your thoughts are :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. yeah, that's the major problem for me with bb creams :( I'm not very tan, i'm quite average (probs around NC 25 depending on the season) so i'm on the borderline.


    Omg, that is so nice of you!! Thank you for the offer, but you don't have to bother with that :D You are so kind~


    Thank you!! I'll let you know if I do end up buying it and make a review ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you so much for this very helpful review I'd like to try some tony moly products and considering buying these two :D

    ReplyDelete

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