Za • Two-Way Foundation SPF20 PA++ • Foundations

rated 3.6(123 reviews)

Average Rating.3.6
Would buy this product again.67%
Package Quality3.7
Price2.5
Ingredients

rated 3 of 5 littleEyee on 4/7/2004 12:09:00 AM more reviews by littleEyee

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Either i've grown fairer, or the new shade #22 is a tad darker than the old vers. Awgh!! Been using Za for awhile now..on-off.. always come back to Za (tried Ettusais, maybelline, clinique) because of the price and convenience..doesn't cause major break-outs, but that's abt all.. can't see any other benefits to using this 2way cake. Doesn't control shine, doesn't last, and what light diffusing quality???!!? Will re-purchase only because of the above-mentioned plus points of cost and convenience.

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* christineneogoh on 4/4/2004 4:50:00 AM more reviews by christineneogoh

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This powder is easy to use and doesn't give a cakey finish. It goes on smooth however by the end of the day, it sorta oxidises but It's really cheap!

Update 29 Oct 2011:
I have been having issues with flaky skin with oily spots recently. My regular routine of applying my clinique / Mac foundation followed by my trusty Sana Powerstyle 2 way foundation didn't seem to work anymore. Upon application of these products, I noticed that I had spots where the make up sticks while other spots didn't. So I decided that I should try out 2 way cakes instead.

I have been on a quest to try to find the BEST powder foundation for my current skin condition recently. Prior to buying the ZA 2 way cake, I have tried MAC's Studio Perfect powder which, to my dismay, also turned out like what happened to my usual routine. I remembered my love for this powder when I was young. I managed to buy one in N22 which matches my NC25 skin tone.

I love the new case which is in metallic pink! It comes with a huge mirror and the case feels sturdy. Next up, the powder didn't feel smooth to touch, however, when used wet, the powder goes on smooth and even. No spotty / patchy looking skin! I am in LOVE! Oil control isnt fantastic though and it will oxidize a bit even with skindinivia spray. However, I didn't use this powder for touching up as it will definitely cake big time. So I brush on the Sephora mattifying powder and the result is smooth velvety skin :) a result which I was unable to find with other powders.

I will definitely use this during my lazy : problematic skin days.

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rated 4 of 5 pinkrusty on 3/4/2004 5:51:00 AM more reviews by pinkrusty

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I dont use makeup on a regular basis, but when i do, its always Za 2-way cake in #21.

This product is so easy to use; it can be applied on face with a wet or dry sponge. I always use it with dry sponge. I find that it goes better on skin that is lightly moisturized.

I really like sheerness of this product and helps to even out my skin tone. It looks very natural and doesnt scream "pancake!" to the world. There is some light-diffusing property that gives me that glowy/dewy look (achieved with light moisturizer underneath). This product doesnt clog my combo/oily skin (YAY!) and I dont feel greasy or suffocated by it. Touch-ups are such a breeze because the compact mirror is huge! =)

This is a really great product for a drugstore brand. The best part is the yellow-based tones that are suitable for asian skins (unlike other brands like maybelline, L'Oreal, CG etc). I would buy this over and over again ... until i have more $$$ to *upgrade*

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rated 5 of 5 jienie on 2/20/2004 4:03:00 AM more reviews by jienie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I’ve tried so many products before, but this one really delivers.
My face is somewhat oily and I often breakout. But with this powder I can never go wrong. Good coverage, no breakouts, plus it stay longer. I LOVE this powder. I even recommend it to my sisters, friends, and they really like this to. They said this brand very different from what they have had before. Go and try it girls!

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rated 1 of 5 pixelstars on 1/5/2004 12:07:00 AM more reviews by pixelstars

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Worst foundation I've tried. Made me break out and its too coarse.

The only good thing about this product is the price but considering the quality, I wouldn't use it even if it's free.

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rated 5 of 5 BoAlove on 12/29/2003 6:58:00 AM more reviews by BoAlove

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Over time I've tried numerous foundations, from L'oreal to Maybelline, Wet 'n' Wild to Whitia, but I still say this tops over them! It gives a fabulously sheer, radiant & flawless, yet natural look. Goes on velvety & smoothly too! Doesn't stay on very long though, & there is a need to blot after a few hours. But in this wretched Singapore humid weather, who's complaining? (I have normal to oily yet sometimes sensitive skin) Didn't clog my pores/caused any breakout. TIP: Apply this foundation lightly, with medium coverage on the cheeks only, & then blend at jawline towards neck. Finish off with a touch of the non-pigmented Canmake Micro Loose Powder in 02/03 on the cheekbones & neck area for a shimmery & bright finish.

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rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* chi77 on 12/22/2003 8:17:00 PM more reviews by chi77

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I've decided to reedit this review. I rated this "1" several months ago. Now I'm changing it to a "5". I think it's the improvement in my skin that's making this 2-way look brilliant now. One advice - if you want to apply any 2-way foundation, always make sure your skin is properly hydrated and use a good base prior to 2-way. It does help a lot!

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rated 5 of 5 anazc on 12/19/2003 8:24:00 AM more reviews by anazc

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Shade number 23 matches my skintone almost perfectly. I use it more as my pressed powder, but when I do use it with a wet sponge, it does not cake at all. Does not clog my pores, does not cause any breakouts, and pretty good coverage. I love the packaging, though a bit big - but the huge mirror inside is a big BIG advantage! **update: I purchased a new refill and found that shade #22 now matches me. Hmm

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rated 4 of 5 thedramaqueen on 11/30/2003 4:10:00 PM more reviews by thedramaqueen

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I first bought this product in Hong Kong 2 years ago in my neverending quest for a foundation/powder that matches my yellow toned skin. I really like this duo foundation. It initially looks powdery on but once it settles I have a very even flawless look that is a perfect match to my skin tone. I use the sponge and apply it without wetting. It only takes me a minute to put it on and it is great fot travelling (no spillage of liquid foundation). I use it on casual days a lot when wearing minimal makeup; for work days when I use a liquid foundation that gives heavier coverage, I use it to touch up my face during the day. I have not been able to find it in the States so I buy several refills every time I go to Hong Kong.

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* SnOw_baLLs on 10/28/2003 6:17:00 AM more reviews by SnOw_baLLs

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Black    

a really good drug store foundation! my very first foundation when i first started using make up...up till now, im still using it as one of my foundation! it provides good coverage and doesnt make my face oily that fast unlike some other foundation that i tried..

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rated 5 of 5 gerl18 on 9/10/2003 9:08:00 PM more reviews by gerl18

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

i just bought it yesterday. and im wearing it now. smooth on application and provides medium coverage. can cover on uneven skintone but fairly cover on red acne scars. its light and looks natural though. im testing it wheter it will caked and last long. and i dont know whther this can cause breakouts. UPDATE: 20/09/2003 THIS FOUNDATION REALLY COVERS ALL MY FLAWS (PIMPLES,SCARS). I LIKE TO USE IT WITH WET SPONGE BECAUSE IT WILL GIVE A FULLER COVERAGE. THE LIGHT DIFFUSING THING IS SO GOOD THAT IT WILL MAKE MY FACE FLAWLESS IN EVRY LIGHT ANGLES. I EVEN GOT COMPLIMENT BY MY BOYFRIEND. THE COLOUR #23 IS A BIT DARKER THAN MY SKIN BUT IT BLENDS WELL ON THE SKIN AFTER THAT. I'M MMM A BIT ON THE FAIRER SIDE. THE COLOUR ALSO IS GOOD FOR ASIAN SKIN AS IT IS TOTALLY YELLOW-BASED. AFTER ONE WEEK OF USAGE, THERE ARE NO NEW BREAKOUTS. MY SKIN IS SENSITIVE AND OILY AND WILL HAVE A LOT OF BREAKOUTS WHEN NEW PRODUCTS ARE USED. BUT NOT ZA. THE ONLY THING IS THAT THIS MODERATELY CONTROL MY OILINESS. BUT ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT I WILL BUY THIS AGAIN AND AGAIN. THIS IS WAY BETTER THAN MY LOREAL QUICKSTICK WHICH IS VERY VERY OILY AND TOO WHITE AND PINK FOR MY COLOUR. QS EMPHASIZES MY PORES AND DON'T LAST LONG. ZA LAST VERY LONG FOR MORE THAN 8 HOURS. =)

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* Natashia on 9/1/2003 4:53:00 AM more reviews by Natashia

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Actually I find the new packaging so sleek and nice, no wonder I recently managed to get them at half price at Watson...what a great deal!

The foundation is on the thicker side, but still manages to look really natural and radiant. The sponge is of good quality too. Find it very value for money. Have repurchsed it so many times. Be sure to choose the correct colour or it will look very obvious its the wrong colour coz its quite thick.

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rated 5 of 5 fuxxy on 8/30/2003 9:55:00 AM more reviews by fuxxy

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

i love this foundation. well, i actually didnt like it at first. found that it is too powdery and makes me look kind of 'fluffy'. but after trying it the second time round. i found that it takes a while for the foundation to settle on to your face. making it really smooth looking and radiant! i've finished my #32(pink based) in the old formula. i just got #22(yellow based) today. its the perfect colour match for my skin tone. luckily i didnt spluge on the clinique foundation i was eyeing! best as it gives a matte glowy fnish and has SFP. will definately repurchase. but i hate the new casing! its a greenish blue! >.< yucks.

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* stefie2104 on 8/12/2003 4:10:00 AM more reviews by stefie2104

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

The quality is very good for drug store brand. I love how it looks, very natural, especially after it sets. Another plus point, the coverage is good (I've some blemish & pimple marks)and not too thick.

My colour is 21. I don't like the case, gets dirty very fast (White), so i use my Chanel dpf compact case with Za refill.

I bought my during a promotion, buy 1 for 1. Very reasonable.

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rated 2 of 5 wildorchidfaire on 6/8/2003 12:21:00 PM more reviews by wildorchidfaire

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I had this one before....gave it 2 chances; EMPHASIZES large pores. Not good! :( Didn't feel that it was as smooth as the other drugstore products. I actually prefer maybelline to this.

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rated 5 of 5 vonvonne on 4/14/2003 6:51:00 AM more reviews by vonvonne

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is definitely a keeper! Firstly, this doesn't break me out and the coverage is quite good. Secondly, the price doesn't break the bank and the packaging is pretty cute. Thirdly, the light diffusing particles does show up a little on me. I felt the effect was like the SK powder, it gave me a slight "glow". Love it! I'm lucky I found a suitable shade in this, no. 22. I'm a FFF/MMM, and I think no. 21 will probably suit a LLL/FFF. Fourthly, used with the sponge or with a large powder brush, both were ok 'cos I didn't end up looking cakey. But I felt bare using the brush as the sponge picked up a lot more product and provided a lot more coverage. However, oil control properties are moderate but it made up for it with staying power. I've had no problems with this lasting the whole day. Even when I touch up, this still looks natural and non-cakey. Love this!

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rated 4 of 5 InMyWorld on 1/11/2003 9:14:00 AM more reviews by InMyWorld

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

LOvely light texture, jus right for me.provides gd coverage and glides on smoothly on my face. gd for touch up and does help to control shine a little (i hv combi skin btw) Great tt it doesnt leave me looking cakey.

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* xcocox on 12/10/2002 12:55:00 AM more reviews by xcocox

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Probably the most talked about ZA product

[Packaging]

Wow, the huge mirror in this rectangular compact is amazing! you can see your entire face and that really help even in arranging ur hair. But you will have to compromise that for the size. The normal compact is white with the za yellow & blue strips running in the middle. One of the reason why i kept trying out Za product is becuz of the packaging. They have all my fav colours! =P Sometimes, they have the special edition that's of glittery translucent casing. (similar concept in ettusais but ZA started it first)

[Quality]

Rather good stuff, does hv some sebum control and i always use it dry with a brush (lightweight finish) than the more polished look using a wet sponge. But it's still not sweat resistant (which product is in this hot humid singapore weather?)
[Overall]

I tried this once when i'm 16 and bought it away after 3 years. My opnion about it remains but i realised each time that i never did manage to find my exact shade. =( will give it a third shot if they expand the range and i manage to find my exact shade

check out www.za-ny.com for more info & read all my other reviews!

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rated 3 of 5 ranma on 12/3/2002 9:37:00 AM more reviews by ranma

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

the powder was too coarse and i looked over made up when i was wearing it. definitely won't buy this again.

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rated 1 of 5 kismis on 10/1/2002 5:09:00 AM more reviews by kismis

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Argh!!! This broke me out badly!!! :'(
This 2-way was something I thought could be worn more as a casual, easy-on foundation and hence bought. It was rated in a local womens' magazine as the top foundation preferred but I don't like this product.
No dramatic radiance, smooth look or complexion change really, unless you count how it changes colour and can make one look patchy (?!?!) midway through the day-definitely a BIG reason to stay away from it.

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