VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun Pact SPF50+ PA++++

Where I got it

I have been looking for a sunscreen compact for a while, but I always just add to cart and end up removing it from my cart. I finally decided to go for this one by VT Cosmetics and I ordered it from Stylevana along with other products. This compact was NZD $23.29.

What I got

I picked up the VT Cosmetics Cica Essence Sun Pact SPF50+ PA++++ (10g). Perfect for on-the-go use, this mineral and chemical sun cushion offers SPF 50+ PA++++ sun protection alongside various skin care benefits. Formulated with Cicahyalon™ comprising cica ingredients, hyaluronic acids and green propolis extract, the sun cushion soothes and hydrates skin while producing a subtle tone-up effect. The infusion of collagen and peptides improves skin elasticity for a plump appearance.

Ingredients: Purified water, titanium dioxide, phenyltrimethicone, dimethicone, butylene glycol, ceresin, dipropylene glycol, ethylhexylmethoxycinnamate, isonylisononanoate, phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, tri Decyl Trimellitate, C12-15 Alkylbenzoate, Diisostearyl Malate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Yam Root Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Diethylaminohydroxybenzoylhexyl Benzoate, Kelp Extract, Distea Dimo Hectorium hectorite, C30-45 alkylmethicone, alpha-bisabolol, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyltriazine, zinc oxide, C30-45 olefin, caprylyl glycol, glycerin, fragrance, polyglyceryl -3 polydimethylsiloxyethyldimethicone, 1,2-hexanediol, aluminum hydroxide, triethoxycaprylylsilane, ethylhexylglycerin, VP/hexadecene copolymer, dimethicone crosspolymer , stearic acid, pentaerythrityltetra-di-t-butylhydroxyhydrocinnamate, adenosine, ultramarine, chromium oxide green, yellow iron oxide, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, centella asiatica extract, tocopherol, methyl propanediol, sodium high Alluronate, Propolis Extract, Collagen Extract, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Artemisia Extract, Tripeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Copper Tri Peptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-2

How I find it

Let’s have a look at the packaging. I love the compact itself in a fresh-looking clear green case with all other components to be either white or pale green. It feels soothing and fresh. The actual product under the inner lid has a white base with green and blue swirls. From what I researched about this sun pact, it also contains 3-in-1 skincare benefits. 1. White – vitamin C for brightening care. 2. Green – Cicahyalon for soothing care. 3. Blue – Peptide complex and collagen for improved elasticity. This is essentially a sunscreen in a compact so it is a product for application on the go.

The first thing I would like to point out is that I would not use this as my only source of sun protection. I would still use a proper sunscreen of at least SPF50 after my AM skincare routine. This could be my makeup primer because it gives that tone-up effect and a nice finish. I would also take this in my purse or travel so I can reapply or top-up over my makeup.

The cushion it comes with is the same as you would get from a foundation cushion. The compact is a balm and you need to swipe over the balm to pick up the product. There is a visible mixture of all 3 colours on the cushio, but when applied to the skin, white shows up the most.

I tried using this with and without foundation and over foundation as a top-up. On first impression, I see an obvious white cast on my face, even with a light even layer. I do have light to medium skin tone (in western makeup), but I understand that my skin tone is actually medium/tan in eastern makeup (lol). I also had trouble blending this around the centre of my face, around my nose area especially. I need to use a pressing motion as well as swiping motion to blend it out evenly.

Without foundation I look like a ghost, I look like I piled on sunscreen that was developed in the 90s. It’s not even like I applied foundation 3 shades too light because this is just white, no skin-tone at all. I’d say it might be quite a common thing to see in Asia countries because we all want to achieve this pale-skin look. The fairer you are, the more beautiful you are. But I really cannot pull this off.

Next, I tried this underneath foundation to see how it works out. I tried a sheer coverage foundation and a medium coverage foundation to see how it compares. It’s still very weird on me and it just makes my base makeup a little cakey. The formular also moves a lot because it does not dry down at all so it was really difficult to use foundation over it.

Overall

Overall, I really dislike this sun pact as an overall sun protection on my face. With or without foundation, it just doesn’t work for me. I think I really don’t suit, or do not like that Asian tone-up effect because my skin tone is too deep and too yellow for it. I could only use this sparingly and maybe just in particular areas on my face – maybe under the eye area or high points of my cheeks.