Review: Physician's Formula Mineral Wear™ Talc-Free Matte Finishing Veil

What They Say: "Ultra-lightweight powder for the ultimate finishing touch to your makeup! Bathes skin in minerals, smoothing out its appearance with a soft focus finish. Can be worn alone or over other Mineral Wear™ face products to gently absorb shine, minimize the appearance of pores and enhance staying power of makeup. Flow-through system automatically delivers powder through brush to eliminate mess and contamination."

Jamie’s Thoughts: Hmm, where do I start? I like the concept of this product – particularly its self-contained and convenient packaging (mirror included in the cap). Sadly, the product falls flat on execution. It took me about 10 minutes just to get the powder through the brush, and onto my face. Once that was accomplished, the brush itself was stiff, making application brisk and uncomfortable. The powder was effective enough (my matte surfaces stayed that way for about 2-3 hours), but who wants to stand around for ten minutes whapping themselves in the face? Not this girl. I cannot recommend this product.

Retail Price: $11.95 (available at your local drugstore and physiciansformula.com)

Delush Rating:

BECCA Pressed Shimmer Powder

What They Say: "Becca Shimmer Powders have ultrafine particles of shimmer (mica) to deflect light and illuminate the skin, helping to create the look of naturally radiant skin. The fine shimmer is not overly glittery making it perfect for day or night with a luminous finish that's subtle rather than shiny or greasy."

Jen's Experience: Maybe I just don't understand this product. It says that it's powder, and the applicator definitely looks like it belongs with a pressed powder, yet when I try to wear it (much like I would a powder bronzer), it looks like I have sunburn. The color I'm using is Princess, which is labeled for Fair to Dark Tan skin, so you would think it would be possible to have a nice, subtle glowy effect, but if there's a way to do that over a large portion of my face, I never figured out how to do it. That said, if I use a small enough amount, it makes an awesome, really natural-looking blush. I still don't see much in the way of shimmer, but the color works very well with my fair skin in that context. So, what I didn't get in this shimmer powder, I gained in a totally wearable blush.

Retail Price: $34.00 (Sephora)

Rating: (As a blush)

Review: Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Loose Powder

What They Say: "For extra sensitive or breakout-prone skin!
- Minimalist formula helps reduce irritation and breakout.
- Offers the performance and coverage of a foundation with the blendability and natural finish of a loose powder in one easy step.
- Innovative sifter lid helps contain mess.
- Brush snaps in place for ease of use and convenient storage.
Hypoallergenic. Fragrance-free. Oil-free. Talc-free. Non-comedogenic. Dermatologist approved."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Back in May of this year, I reviewed this talc-free mineral formula in compact powder form, and while I liked how the powder worked on my skin, I wasn't completely thrilled with the harshness of the applicator brush.

First of all, as far as wear goes, this loose powder form does it all. It softly mattifies my complexion without looking cakey or dry, maintains the look for hours, and doesn't turn color on my skin. (I tested both the Creamy Natural and the Buff Beige and found that the slightly darker Buff Beige magically pulled off an invisible coverage. So don't be afraid to buy two to test at home if you can't decide in-store and take back the shade that isn't perfectly right - they are used to getting cosmetic returns and most likely won't give you any difficulty. The right shade really does make a difference in how you feel about the product!)

I also think the packaging is pretty ingenious. The little applicator brush pops into a clasp inside the inner lid, which hinges up to reveal the powder and then pops easily shut when you're done to keep any mess inside.

I only really have two issues with this product. First of all, I still think the application brush is a bit too stiff and might irritate very sensitive skin (which is ironic since the formula is geared toward those with that skin type). The other slight issue is that this isn't really a container you can easily stash in a purse for touchups. Granted, I needed very few using this. And there are always oil absorbing sheets for carrying along as well. I suppose for a loose powder it actually travels relatively well if you need to bring it, because it's all in one container - brush and all!

Overall, a great powder for the price.

Retail Price: $9.95 (in drugstores and superstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating:

Review: L'Oreal True Match Powder and Blush

What They Say: “True Match Powder precisely matches your skin’s texture and tone and coordinates perfectly with True Match Makeup, Blush, and Concealer. Micro-fine powder provides versatile coverage: blot shine, blend all over for a natural finish or build for more coverage. Wear over True Match Makeup or alone for a flawless look. Exclusive triple-refined formula makes it possible to match your skin’s texture. Never looks chalky or cakey. Oil-free and non-comedogenic. Available in 24 skin-true shades.” “True Match Blush flawlessly complements your skin’s texture and tone and coordinates perfectly with True Match Makeup, Powder, and Concealer. Opti-Match technology creates uniquely true-to-life shades that flawlessly complement your skintone and undertone to perfection, leaving you with the most natural flush of color imaginable. A unique Opti-Blend formula provides a skin-true texture that blends smoothly, never looks chalky or cakey. Stays fresh and natural-looking hour after hour. Oil-free, vitamin-rich, and non-comedogenic.”

Toya’s Take: I have made no bones about my love for the L’Oreal True Match line. I think L’Oreal has really hit on something – the feel of the products is elegant and stands up to the more expensive department store brands and the color options are beautiful. As a woman of color, that is very important – few foundations/concealers are made to really address our skintone issues, not even the lines that are supposedly formulated for women of color. I have used L’Oreal True Match Foundation, Super-Blendable Powder and Concealer in Neutral 8 Cappucino and Neutral Medium/Deep to much success. Having always used Neutral and been pleased with it, I decided to try the Warm option of the same “deepness” level and see if I could tell a difference. Well, I can … and I am blown away. The Neutral, like I said, was great. But, with the Warm option, not only did it “match” my skin … it “replicated” it. It’s not just the color that was matched, but the tone. It’s the same brown in color, but also achieves the same “goldness” that’s naturally present in my skin, sans make-up. Y’all, I am impressed. I cannot say enough. There are no words. L’Oreal has me in their fan club for ever, just on the strength of the True Match line. Speaking of which …

While I was in front of the True Match display, I decided to try the L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Blush. Each “tone/level” has a blush designed to go with it. I bought the Warm 7/8 Soft Sun shade and I love it! It gives a nice warmth to my cheeks, without looking “blush-like.” For a workday or a weekend when you want to look fresh and natural, this is a great product. It is now a staple.

Retail Price: $9.99 each

DeLush Rating: (for both the blush and powder)

Review: Laura Mercier Shimmer Loose Powder

What They Say: “This weightless powder imparts a soft, gentle shimmer that’s flattering on everyone. It never looks harsh or artificial, even during the day and doesn’t add additional color.”

Toya’s Take: I am in love with this product! It has come highly recommended from other beauty mavens, so I knew I had to have it! Unfortunately, Sephora only sells it online, not in the stores, but I was in King of Prussia Mall (heaven!), so I was able to walk over to Neiman Marcus and pick it up at the Laura Mercier counter.

The powder lives up to the hype. It works as a beautiful bronzer for all complexions and a wonderful, shimmery blush for brown-skinned women. It adds a soft, luminescent glow to the skin and feels positively silky going on – it’s the smoothest powder I’ve ever felt! It’s marketed as a setting powder, but I wouldn’t really use it all over, unless you don’t mind having a faint glow on your entire face. However, when brushed lightly across cheeks, forehead, nose and chin (like you would with a bronzer) you instantly look fabulous. Be aware, though, that, contrary to what “they say”, the powder does add just a bit of color, in the case of “Sun Dust”, a coppery hint that I think is quite lovely.

Retail Price: $34.00 (at lauramercier.com and sephora.com as well as select department stores)

DeLush Rating:

Review: Bella il Fiore Make Me Over Mineral Powder

What They Say: "Bella's make-me-over finishing powder leaves the skin looking radiant and refreshed. Gently infused with lavender oil and natural sunscreen, this mineral powder hides imperfections and fine lines for a youthful glow that's as easy as a brush stroke away. Available as a setting powder, bronzer, pink shimmer and gold shimmer."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I tested the setting powder, bronzer, and pink shimmer versions of Bella's powders. First of all, there's one thing that applies to all three: it's kind of hard to control how much powder gets on the puff and how evenly. Now, I didn't find this a problem with the setting powder or the pink shimmer so much as the bronzer, which is dark enough that you definitely don't want to get any on your face in a big splotch. Unfortunately, that's what happens pretty easily with the way this dispenser and puff work, so I had to be EXTREMELY careful when applying it and then be careful again when trying to smooth it out without going over areas again and making them even darker.

The setting powder, because it is of course lighter, is much easier to work with. I would say if you are very fair this won't work for you, because of the tint. Used sparingly though, this creates a nice, even look with lasting freshness for medium-fair to medium skin tones. As far as I can tell it only comes in one shade.

The pink shimmer powder (also when applied sparingly) is a fabulous highlighter. Added to the upper cheekbones, brows and temples and you've got a subtle glow. If you're more fair, use the pink. If you've got tan or darker skin, use the gold.

Retail Price: $25.00 (bellabeauty.net)

DeLush Rating:
Bronzer
Setting Powder
Pink Shimmer Highlighter

Review: Skin Alison Raffaele Transparent Finish & Transparent Finish To Go

What They Say: (about Transparent Finish) "Transparent Finish setting powder is completely invisible when applied to the skin, either over liquid makeup or by itself. The clarity of this unique oil and fragrance free product makes it suitable for all skin tones and skin types. Unlike traditional translucent powders, Transparent Finish never looks ashy on darker skins, never settles into fine lines on dry skin, and never turns orangey on oily skin." (about Transparent Finish To Go) "Now you can take it with you! An ingenious little brush that holds just enough Transparent Finish loose powder in its handle for ease of application and convenience. To dispense the powder directly into the "super-goat" cashmere soft bristles, remove the cover, push back the brush guard, turn upside-down and gently shake. To refill the brush, simply unscrew the bottom cylinder."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Don't let the fact that this powder is pure, BRIGHT white scare you off - it really IS nearly invisible and very sheer on your skin. The normal pot of powder is easy enough to manage; just give it a small shake with the lid still on, set it down and tap the top of the lid, then carefully open. There will be plenty of powder resting in the sift-through inner lid for you to use. This cuts down shine right away with no powdery buildup and is so superfine that it's ideal for setting makeup (and would even be the perfect consistency to set red lipstick like the pros tell you to).

For touchups in one incredibly easy and compact travel size, the Transparent Finish To Go powder-containing brush is great for tossing in your purse before you head out the door. The brush is quite soft and doesn't irritate skin. I had some sporadic trouble getting the powder to shake out into the bristles at first. I found the best method was to tilt it upside-down and lightly tap the tube on the back of my other wrist. I also thought that once the powder-filled end wasn't quite as full it distributed a bit easier...so I think that it's best not to fill it to the very rim initially.

Overall, the formula itself is an excellent face powder. Though this isn't going to cover up or disguise skin imperfections alone, that's not what it's meant for. It WILL set whatever you use to create a perfect look for several hours, and eliminates oil for a while without adding cakey-ness as you touch up during the day. I'd say that the regular pot is a nice investment if you have the money, because you really do get a lot and it should last a good while. If you have a bit more to spend and really like the idea of having something as easy and mess-free in your purse as this innovative all-in-one brush, go for it. Remember, you're paying for the brush as well in this case, which is of a high quality and contributes to the higher cost.(The only thing is, if you used a compact with pressed powder, you'd have a mirror AND shine control...but it's up to you to decide what you like.)

Retail Prices: $27.50 - Transparent Finish(sephora.com), $42.00 - Transparent Finish To Go (sephora.com)

DeLush Ratings:
Transparent Finish Loose Powder -
Transparent Finish To Go -

Drugstore Favorites Week Review: Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Face Powder (With a Special Mention)

What They Say: "For extra sensitive or breakout-prone skin! Minimalist formula helps reduce irritation and breakout. Hypoallergenic. Fragrance-free. Oil-free. Talc-free. Non-comedogenic. Dermatologist approved."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I was at first glance very impressed with this compact, with its ample-sized pot of powder, hidden mirror, and included brush. Ironically, though this powder is made for more sensitive skin, I found the brush bristles to be really hard and too stiff to feel comfortable putting on my face. I'm one who often gets red, itchy irritated splotches when I use brushes that aren't soft, so if you have a similar problem you won't want to use the included brush. I instead used a powder brush I have in my makeup bag (the Sonia Kashuk Collapsible Travel Brush from Target - it's fabulous!) and that made the experience much kinder on my face. When you brush over the powder it kind of goes all over, I'm not sure why that is. But it's a slight annoyance because it just seems to fly everywhere if you're not careful.

However, the actual RESULT of the powder was a pleasant one. It gave me a nice, even finish and the warm-weather oiliness that I often get on my forehead and sides of my nose stayed under control for hours. The color (I used Creamy Natural) stayed true and didn't cake.

In my opinion, this is an okay option for those with oily and/or sensitive skin who want something specifically oil-free or talc-free. You can even use that little brush when you absolutely need to for touchups when you're out if you need to (though the thought makes me shudder). But if you apply it with your own higher-quality powder brush at home, you will be much happier with it.

Retail Price: $12.95 (at drugstores and superstores - their site even helps you out by aiding you in finding stores in your area in Canada or the U.S...Click Here)

DeLush Rating:

Get Sonia Kashuk's collapsible travel brush in Target stores. It's a wonderful inexpensive (I think around $9?) higher-quality brush than ANY drugstore version I've used. Her entire brush line would be worth a purchase if you're in the market for new brushes but don't want to spend $60 or more on a set.

Review: Shiseido Luminizing Color Powder

What They Say: "A remarkably versatile new powder compact that offers untold optical advantages. Each compact contains three different colors that can be used together or separately to achieve specific effects. Add radiance, color and dimension as part of your makeup look, or as a touch up."

Jen's Experience: My experience with this powder started out in the red. It sounds like in the description above that the product is a "compact", which to me implies a case with some powder and a mirror in it and a pouf. Well, to Shiseido, it means only the powder -- the compact and even the pouf must be purchased separately. (And, interestingly, Shiseido doesn't even make a pouf, I had to buy one from Sephora's line. So much for carrying the compact with you to do touch-ups. Who puts a powder brush in their evening bag?)

The powder itself is actually very good. When I put it on, even with the pouf, I can't see where I've applied it, only that that area of my face is no longer greasy, but in a very natural, radiant sort of way. It's effects seem to be long-lasting, too. Now that I've gone through the hassle of getting the compact and the pouf, it may actualy be worth keeping on hand!

Retail Price: $19.00/powder, $6.00/compact, $3.00/pouf

Rating:

New! Bibo Cosmetics Apparition Illuminating Face Powder

What They Say: "This shimmery gradation of color, from the palest pink to the deepest mauve, is perfect for highlighting. It creates a subtle, yet eye-catching highlight on eyes, nose or cheeks."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Let's be honest here...I'm not what you'd call a "huge" fan of shimmer typically. Therefore, I generally shy away from products that use that word. That fear was unfounded in this case, as it's really a barely noticeable faint sheen that adds quite a pretty dimension to your face. I love that I can swipe my brush over the highlighter shade for the browbone, upper eyelids, or above the cheekbones but can also use the pinkish-bronze colors to add some healthy glow. This superfine powder also has a fabulous texture that goes on incredibly smooth and looks flawless. It really does give you a radiant, polished look.

Retail Price: $25.00 (go to bibocosmetics.com for salon locations or call 800.456.9322)

DeLush Rating:

About Bibo: Bibo Cosmetics and Skincare is dedicated to celebrating modern beauty, which is all about individual style and a look that's fresh and real. ...Bibo stands apart through sophisticated packaging, lively colors, competitive pricing and is exclusively available at premier salons and select distributor stores across the country.

Tarte SPF8 Mineral Powder

What They Say: "Pssst...you with the shiny T-zone! Don’t hide that gorgeous skin under a thick layer of cakey powder. Simply send that sheen undercover with a few dabs of whisperlight provocateur powder. The soft mineral formula can be used with a brush for light coverage or a sponge for a more opaque finish. And don’t worry…your secret is safe with us!

Our silicone mineral based pressed powder fits perfectly into our provocateur powder compact and is available in 8 shades that compliment our smooth operator foundation."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I love, love, LOVE Tarte's pressed powder items (the eyeshadow, blush, and this powder) for their textures. They are of such high quality and fine consistency; they're not dusty like many less expensive options. I like to apply this powder with a puffy powder brush. Tap the brush lightly on the powder (a little covers a lot here), blow off the excess, and apply in a light swirling motion. It gives your skin a beautiful light-softening effect. Very polished, yet not overdone.

Also, I was sent the darling case along with my powder, but you will need to purchase it separately. If you plan on making this a staple in your beauty routine, it just may be something you want to get! VERY fun to pull out of your purse for touchups!

One thing to keep in mind if you have oily skin: This is my one complaint/caution. If you have extremely oily skin, this would not be your best bet. I have combo skin that gets a tad oily during the day on my forehead and cheeks. With this powder, I have noticed this a little sooner, but I just dab with a tissue in the bathroom. For me, it's still a great product, but if your skin is oily all the time you may want to try with caution.

Retail Price: $19.00 (tartecosmetics.com)
Provacateur Case: $20.00 (purchase here at tartecosmetics.com)

DeLush Rating:

Hard Candy Complexion Perfection in Oatmeal Cookie

What They Say: "A creamy-smooth, portable powder that leaves skin looking polished to perfection, yet glowing and natural. Classic Hard Candy mirrored compact has heart sponge applicator and features a white matte finish so you can tell the difference between the lip and eye quads in your purse."

Jen's Experience: I know that they dewy look is still popular, but I say, there's something to be said for skin that looks clear and healthy but isn't all shiny. There are many Saturdays that I skip the foundation and just apply my moisturizer (with SPF!) and some powder and go out for the day. Even though I haven't applied a bunch of layers, I still want to look great. That's where Hard Candy's Complexion Perfection comes in. I put it on over my moisturizer, and it provides great coverage and a nice golden glow, which hides all my little imperfections and makes my skin look healthy and warm. I have had a little bit of a problem with the blending, but I also think I went a shade too dark. Next time, I am going for the Sugar Cookie, which is the same shade as my Hard Candy Hint Tint. I have little to complain about though; I just take one extra look, blend out the edges, and I have great looking skin for hours.

One more plus? The great container is small enough to fit in most of my tiny purses, so I can carry it from work to out on the town with no trouble at all.

Retail Price: $15.00 (HardCandy.com)

Rating:

Anna Sui Face Powder

I was in the market for some new face powder, but everywhere I looked, it was all the same. Then I saw Anna Sui's face powder in her awesome and totally feminine container with the cute purple puff, and I knew I had found the one.  [Attention Marketing Groups:  You win. I am a sucker for your packaging gimmickry.  Please, keep it coming.  Thanks for listening.]

From the Sephora website: "A face and body loose powder makeup for soft radiance in expected and unexpected places. Oil-absorbing powders control facial oils and keep colors true."

Jen's Experience:  Well, I do love the container.  It looks a lot nicer in the picture; actually, it's made out of plastic.  Still, it's pretty enough to keep on my bathroom counter and not stuffed in a drawer. 

Oh, and you wanted to know about the powder?   I like it.  I have gotten transparent powder with a big fat poof like this before and thought it looked like I had put flour all over my face.  This goes on very evenly with absolutely no need to blend, and it really does remove the shininess from my foundation, without completely robbing my face of moisture and life.  It doesn't change the color of my foundation like a lot of powders do.  It also works well with just moisturizer or just foundation primer.  I just wish it had better staying power. I guess that just gives me an excuse to buy her pretty blotting papers.

Retail Price: $33.00 (Sephora)

Rating: