The "Two-Layer Method" for Both Pore Coverage and Shine Control: The Design and Use of CeraLabo's Two New Face Powders

Beyond simply reviving a much-missed pore-covering powder that had been discontinued, the brand has also developed a new colorless powder dedicated to shine control. It proposes a base makeup technique called the "two-layer method," in which the two powders, each with different properties, are layered together. The brand's developer explained in detail the thinking behind paring back ingredients with sensitive skin in mind and the goal of a finish that stays beautiful over time.

The previously sold "Ceraneige Natural Fit Powder" combined a low-irritation formulation for sensitive skin with strong pore coverage, and it had many devoted users. However, around the year before last, production suddenly became impossible to continue due to issues with the manufacturing plant's machinery. Because the product relied on a specialized manufacturing technique, it was extremely difficult for other manufacturers to reproduce an equivalent, and the brand was forced into its first-ever "unavoidable discontinuation."

Afterward, many users strongly requested that it be brought back, and the developer was also a devoted user, so redevelopment began. Rather than simply resuming production, the aim was "a better feel on the skin, a simpler ingredient list, and a more affordable price." The "R" at the end of the product name stands for "Returns."

The biggest change from the previous product is a significant reduction in the total number of ingredients. The count was cut from 24 in the old version to 16 in the new one, eliminating unnecessary additives. This is based on the idea that fewer ingredients reduce the risk of skin problems.

The powder contains no UV absorbers and no zinc-based ingredients such as zinc oxide or zinc chloride, and it is also free of tar dyes, dyes, plant extracts, fragrance, essential oils, ethanol, fluororesins, and silicone resins (such as trimethylsiloxysilicate).

The way it covers pores and fine lines is also carefully designed. The plate-shaped pearl and glitter agents used in typical radiance powders reflect light in a straight line, so when applied over uneven pores or wrinkles, they can actually make shadows and imperfections more noticeable.

For this reason, the new powder is built primarily on soft-focus powders such as spherical "polymethylsilsesquioxane," which scatter light in all directions. The formula avoids the harsh sparkle of plate-shaped powders and naturally blurs uneven texture. In addition, while based on talc, synthetic fluorphlogopite, and titanium dioxide, it combines lauroyl lysine, derived from the amino acid lysine and giving a silk-like feel, with hydrogen dimethicone and silica to provide sebum-absorbing effects.

When a powder specializes in pore coverage, it inevitably needs a certain amount of skin-toned (beige) pigment. Colorless powders have limited ability to hide uneven pores and discoloration, yet adding color can affect the shade of the base makeup or make the finish too matte, losing radiance. This was the dilemma.

"Ceraneige Natural Reflector" was born from the idea that "pore coverage can be left to the beige Fit Powder R, and a separate colorless powder can be made specifically for shine control and finishing."

What sets this product apart is that, while it is a clear type that adds no color, it preserves the skin's natural luminosity without relying on pearl or glitter. By using a higher proportion of plate-shaped mica than Fit Powder R, it maintains a natural, silky radiance, while lauroyl lysine delivers both a soft, airy texture and sebum control.

Because it is completely free of glitter and pearl, it doesn't look overly made-up, making it easy to use for men's makeup and natural-style makeup as well.

Typical heavy-duty shine-control primers and powders often rely heavily on zinc oxide, fluororesins, silicone resins, and similar ingredients. These have the property of strongly locking down sebum, but they tend to cause dryness or be difficult to remove with cleansing.

Natural Reflector and Fit Powder R adopt a mild sebum-absorbing design that does not use those ingredients. Rather than completely blocking sebum and leaving the skin dry and parched, the aim is for the powder to absorb secreted sebum in moderation and turn it into a natural radiance.

According to the developer's own testing, about 10 hours after applying makeup, the skin settles into a luminous, porcelain-like finish as the powder blends with sebum, looking better than right after application, and it does not break down into a greasy mess.

With this renewal and new launch, the pricing and case specifications were also revised. The old Natural Fit Powder cost 3,400 yen for the powder itself (13.5 g) and 1,900 yen for the compact case, for a somewhat high total of 5,300 yen (tax included) when purchased as a set.

For the two new products, costs were reduced and prices have been brought down significantly.

• Ceraneige Natural Fit Powder R (refill, 13 g, with puff): 2,300 yen (tax included)
• Ceraneige Natural Reflector (refill, 14 g, with puff): 2,300 yen (tax included)
• Dedicated compact case (shared, with identification stickers): 1,100 yen (tax included)

Buying a case and refill together comes to 3,400 yen (tax included), nearly 2,000 yen more affordable than the previous product. The case opens vertically and has been made slightly more compact than the old model. Because the case is shared between the two products, identification stickers are included so you can tell them apart.

The video demonstrated specific steps for finishing base makeup.

1. Applying foundation
   On skin that has been prepped with a sunscreen primer, use a brush or sponge to blend foundation or concealer thinly and evenly. If you want a quick finish, simply layering the powder directly over the primer can still provide sufficient correcting effect.
2. First layer: Fill in pores with Natural Fit Powder R (tinted)
   Using the puff, gently press the powder onto areas where uneven or enlarged pores are a concern, such as around the sides of the nose and on the cheeks. Even with generous application, it is unlikely to look cakey, naturally blurring pores and creating a semi-matte finish. The key is to avoid areas where you want to keep radiance, such as the high points of the cheeks.
3. Second layer: Control shine and add a veil with Natural Reflector (colorless)
   Layer it with a brush or puff over the areas around the nose where pores were filled, as well as areas prone to shine such as under the nose, the T-zone, and the tip of the chin. Adding a colorless veil sets the first layer of powder while creating a silky finish that feels smooth on the surface with a subtle glow from within.

Layering powders from different manufacturers can sometimes cause poor adhesion, but because these two products share similar base ingredients, they are said to be highly compatible, rarely clumping or creasing when layered.

Each can also be used on its own: Fit Powder R when you want to hide pores, and Natural Reflector when you want to control shine while keeping a natural radiance, allowing you to choose according to your skin concerns and goals.