When we think of Korean cosmetics, what comes to mind are the cutesy packaging like the popsicle-shaped gel tints from Etude House, or character-themed makeup collaborations such as the Innisfree x LINE FRIENDS series. But one K-beauty brand is going a different route and is taking inspiration from the iconic Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo. While you might expect the brand to come up with brow-related products (since Kahlo was known for her signature thick unibrow), it’s the packaging of their foundation compacts that’s actually influenced by Kahlo’s bold paintings and art in this collection.
The limited-edition Frida Kahlo x MISSHA Original Tension Compact comes in five skin tones and four foundation formulas. The Intense Moisture formula keeps skin hydrated and includes ingredients such as olive oil, jojoba seed oil, ceramide and hyaluronic acid, while the Perfect Cover formula is said to provide high coverage that is long-lasting. The Natural Cover formula gives a natural finish, needless to say, and lastly, the Tone-Up Glow formula includes brightening and anti-aging properties. And you know how the Koreans take their SPF seriously. Packed with SPF 37, you can go about your day while protecting your skin from harsh UV rays.
But let’s be honest, the exciting part has to be the packaging. There are four designs available and if you’ve seen Kahlo’s work, you will find the yellow deer against a backdrop of red flowers and green leaves to resemble one of her paintings – The Wounded Deer. And while everyone is only obsessed with flower crowns now, Kahlo was already wearing them way before our time. What a legend. Her love for nature and colourful prints including Aztec designs, are translated into the packaging of the compact foundations. Even the sponge provided comes in foliage and flower designs, and if you are alert enough, you will spot her pet monkey on the sponge applicator! To complete the full package, the compact also gives off a flowery scent, although we’re not sure if it smells just like the fresh blooms from Kahlo’s garden.
Although the compact foundation was launched in Korea early this year, it wasn’t brought in to Singapore, sadly. However, the collection will drop on misshaus.com on July 13th and while the site does not ship outside of the US, you can engage the help of travelers via Airfrov or use a parcel forwarding service. The compact foundations are also available at kollectionk.com with prices ranging between $27.44 and $30.35 and testerkorea.com for US$15.93 each. Both ship worldwide. Even if you don’t wear Korean cosmetics, it’s one that will make every makeup guru gladly buy, just for the design.
Frida Kahlo x MISSHA Original Tension Compact, available at kollectionk.com for $27.44-$30.35, and at testerkorea.com for US$15.93.
Header image: @missha.official
