The global base makeup market is seeing growing demand for lightweight,
natural-looking skin. Instead of traditional foundations that provide heavy,
full-face coverage, a new “Foundation-Free” look has emerged as a key base makeup
trend—offering the lightweight, hydrating feel of skincare while subtly perfecting
the appearance of the skin’s natural texture and imperfections.
However, a closer look at many Foundation-Free products reveals a common approach:
starting with a sunscreen base and adding color pigments to enhance coverage. This
is where the challenge begins.
Sunscreen formulas, particularly those relying on organic UV filters, can leave a
substantial film on the skin even after being applied, which may result in a sticky
finish. Yet despite this heavier feel, the desired level of coverage is often
difficult to achieve, while the ability to visibly blur blemishes and pores can
remain limited.
In other words, products started with sunscreen to achieve lightness, but often had
to compromise on coverage and skin-perfecting performance.
OTCM took a fundamentally different approach to these questions.
Color-Prep is an O/W (Oil-in-Water) foundation-based makeup base—not a
sunscreen-based formula. By starting with a foundation structure, OTCM tackled the
long-standing industry trade-off between coverage and hydration through the precise
design of coverage powders and the overall formulation structure.
The result is a base that delivers the light, fresh feel of a watery formula while
maintaining foundation-level coverage and skin-perfecting performance.
point 1
A Different Starting Point - An O/W Foundation, Not a
Sunscreen
While many existing Foundation-Free products start with a “sunscreen + color”
approach, Color-Prep was designed from the ground up as an O/W foundation. The
difference is clear from the very first touch.
The
limitation of a sunscreen base
A sticky feel caused by the UV-filter film that remains on the skin even after
application, along with limited coverage and minimal skin-perfecting
effects.
Color-Prep’s
approach
Retaining the fresh, hydrating feel unique to an O/W system while quickly setting
on the skin for a comfortable, non-sticky finish.
A comfortable feel so lightweight you may forget you’re wearing makeup, combined
with a natural finish that lets the skin’s own texture shine through.
That is why Color-Prep starts with the true identity of a water foundation.
point 2
Lightweight Feel Meets Coverage — AQUA-TITAN
The biggest challenge of a water-based foundation is the trade-off between
hydration and coverage. As a formula becomes lighter, it becomes more difficult
to
evenly incorporate enough pigment to achieve sufficient coverage. On the other
hand, increasing the pigment content for higher coverage can compromise the fresh,
watery feel.
Color-Prep overcomes this challenge with AQUA-TITAN, an advanced TiO₂
dispersion technology that enables TiO₂ to perform effectively within an O/W
system.
Pore & Imperfection Coverage:
Fine particles create a thin, even layer over the
skin, naturally smoothing the appearance of pores and imperfections
without feeling heavy or suffocating on the skin.
Watery Feel Maintained
High coverage without sacrificing the fresh,
hydrating feel.
Fast, Non-Sticky Setting
A fresh finish without the heavy, lingering feel
often associated with sunscreen-
based formulas.
While conventional W/O (Water-in-Oil) foundations tend to cover imperfections with
a thicker layer, Color-Prep takes a different approach—a thin, lightweight layer
that delivers precise, seamless coverage of pores and imperfections.
Higher coverage should never mean a thicker or heavier-looking finish. With the
combination of AQUA-TITAN and SFGEL-S, Color-Prep is designed to address not only
skin tone but also the texture of the skin’s surface.
“Thin yet even. Lightweight yet refined.”
Rather than simply covering the skin with a thick layer, Color-Prep preserves the
skin’s natural texture while creating a smoother, more refined finish.
point 4
TINA Technology for an Even Skin Tone Over Time
Another challenge for watery base makeup is maintaining an even skin tone over
time.
Sweat and sebum can cause the powders to become wet, which may lead to darkening
and uneven-looking coverage as the makeup wears.
Color-Prep is formulated with TINA color powders (Yellow/Red/Black), featuring a
natural Zinc Stearate coating technology. This helps control darkening caused by
powder wetting and reduces powder clumping on the skin.
It’s not just about a lightweight application. Color-Prep is designed to maintain an
even, fresh-looking complexion over time.
point 5
Base Makeup & UV Protection in One Step
At the heart of the Foundation-Free and minimalist beauty trends is the desire to
simplify unnecessary makeup steps.
However, layering sunscreen and foundation to achieve a lightweight base can
compromise the fresh, comfortable feel you’re looking for.
Color-Prep combines makeup and UV protection in a single formula, designed to meet
U.S. OTC requirements while aligning with global standards.
No separate sun-care step needed. One product, one step, a complete base.
Point 6
OTCM Introduces the Next Generation of Water Foundation
“Not just as lightweight as sunscreen, but as refined as a foundation.”
While conventional Foundation-Free products started with sunscreen—leaving behind a
sticky feel while compromising on coverage—Water Fit Color-Prep starts with an O/W
foundation base, delivering both hydration and coverage.
Fresh, fast-setting feel without the stickiness of sunscreen
Precise coverage of pores and imperfections with fine, lightweight particles
A thin, lightweight finish that leaves skin looking smoother and more refined
An even skin tone that lasts, with reduced powder wetting and unevenness
UV Protection in a single step
Water Fit Color-Prep sets a new standard for lightweight base makeup.
Experience the next generation of Water Foundation, designed to deliver both
hydration and coverage in one effortless step.
