La Mer The Powder in 01 Creme

Dr. Max Huber's spin-off, The Powder by La Mer (thanks to 三姐 for helping me procure this). 

Aside from the cream, this is (from their makeup line) La Mer's most raved product.

I got this in 01 Creme, Translucent has got the shiny particles, so if you don't like glitter on your face, beware like me and opt for Creme. 

Description and ingredients.

Brand overview.

The Powder info. 

Opening . . .

Frosted plastic case. White cap. Bulky. 

Small soft puff.

The 20 small holes were covered with sticker. 

Texture: Extremely fine. Dissipates like smoke in the air when tapped with brush. 
Color: Light beige with pink undertones.
Finish: Radiant, natural.
Oil-control: Yes. 
Coverage: Effect similar to translucent loose powders. May be built up to light to medium. 
Irritation: None. 
Overall: Lives up to its reputation. The best sheerly-pigmented loose powder I've tried.

Bottom of it.

NARS Loose Powder in Flesh

NARS Loose Powder has been the best in its category that I've come across. There were a few glitches down the road with my being matched to the wrong shade (Eden, two shades dark and too yellow-toned for NC20). As used cosmetics cannot be returned here where I live, one tub is sitting useless in the cabinet.) I did love the texture and coverage enough that I didn't mind investing in another one in my appropriate color, reviewed here as Flesh.

It comes in a black box, typical of NARS packaging. Most loose powders contain a maximum of 25g, and I was impressed with the hefty 35g content of NARS.

Removed from the box, behold the smooth curves of NARS Loose Powder's packaging. I was surprised that the surface doesn't feel as rubbery as that of their blushes. It actually feels smooth, although powder still clings to it easily. I found rubbing with a damp towel removes any smudges in a jiffy.

The powder comes with a mesh screen and a plastic sifter. In the picture, the mesh screen is put right on top of the powder, which is the recommended type of application for heavier coverage, since the sponge picks up more powder. 

Here is the more traditional type of plastic sifter. Beware for this does not fit snugly into the container. The sifter sits on it quite loosely and risks spillage. Since I prefer using the plastic sifter method over the mesh screen, I secured this sifter using Scotch tape on all sides. The loose powder cover is not a screw-top kind, but one that is pulled off the container. So it is actually as deep as the entire tub. To apply powder, I turn the lower container upside down right on top of the lid and tap some powder into it and put it on using MUFE's Kabuki Brush and MAC's 188 alternately.  

The puff is thin and feels like rough towel, unlike the fluffy soft cottony texture that come with most Japanese loose powders. I had no problems with this sponge when I used the mesh screen method. It gave even application and provided great coverage.

The NARS website recommends Flesh "for light skin tones to compliment pink tones or to correct yellow tones." Although it is not a perfect match, I find that this shade is nearest my NC 20 skintone among the six shades sold (aside from Becca, to my knowledge NARS has a most excellent selection of loose powder shades). The shade is a tad leaning on the pink side, but this is fine because I find that it neutralizes my yellow tones. It also blends into my natural skintone in a few minutes.

This powder also mattifies my face very well, and quickly at that, considering I use a sticky suncreen (Vanicream SPF60) directly under it. The sunscreen is one that I cannot take out of my regime because it was prescribed by my dermatologist as part of my rosacea treatment. It was for this reason that I had to hunt for a loose powder that can "tolerate" and set this unforgiving sunscreen. Another concern I had was aside from my already oily face type, this sticky Vanicream sunscreen speeds up oil production on my face. Aside from looking for a loose powder that can set/mattify the sunscreen right after application, I also had to find one that controls oil. Luckily, NARS Loose Powder really does help control oil for around 4 hours for me, which I am quite happy with. 

Although I am more used to translucent shades of powder, I do like the sheer opacity that Flesh provides. The pigments in this powder are enough to diffuse pore size, cover minor blemishes and redness, while still retaining a natural look. I daresay I haven't been touching my foundation and BB Cream since I started with NARS Loose Powder because not only does it provide coverage, it also does not feel as heavy and is not as pore-clogging as foundation. It provides me with what I look for in base makeup perfectly -- light texture, coverage, and oil control. More importantly, it did not break me out.

More information about this powder from NARS' website:

"Triple milled into a light silky texture, Loose Powder provides sheer, natural coverage to set makeup, soften color and smooth the texture of the skin for an overall radiant complexion. The ultra-smooth formula blends undetectably to absorb excess oils and maintain fresh looking skin with an imperceptible finish. Use to set foundations, wear alone or lightly layered over Primers to enhance a natural complexion."

And when I do use this to set foundation, the finished look is immaculate but still natural. 

The bottom.

The ingredients above; the website also states that this powder is enriched with Vitamin E. (Can't make it out on the ingredient list though.) Overall, I would recommend this loose powder to pretty much everyone.  

Lunasol Shining Face Color Palette in Natural Bronze EX 03

This review is probably two years overdue, but I am hoping that it may be of interest to bronzer enthusiasts and Lunasol fans.

 

Lunasol's Shining Face Color in Natural Bronze (EX 03) was a summer 2009 limited release. It comes in Lunasol's signature bronze casing. 

Kanebo does not usually scrimp on Lunasol's design and materials, as can be seen with this palette. The first tier houses a very soft face brush. It lifts up to reveal a mirror of good quality.

The bottom tier keeps the face powder separated from everything else. 

Clockwise from top left: an off-white shade, a dark brown, a peachy rose, and a bronze-y light brown. All of them are shimmery and seem to be infused with a golden base. The two shades on the right vertical column are comparatively more pigmented than the off-white and bronze-y brown on the left.

 

The powder applies so sheer that there is almost no color payoff with a single swatch, as illustrated above. I can hardly make out any color except the shimmers. However, the colors can be slowly built up to achieve one's desired effect. I can say this is a versatile palette as the rose color can serve as a blush and the brown on the rightmost upper corner serves as the main bronzer because it offers the most pigment. The sheer bronze with the largest cut serves an all-over diffuser for the bronzer, while the cream shimmery powder on top lightens areas on the face.

I do love the huge plunger for opening the case.

It was quite tricky to use this palette, and I honestly did not enjoy it as much as I intended to. I find that most bronzers do not go well with my medium-fair, yellow-based Chinese skintone (NC 20), and unfortunately this palette isn't exempt. Applied too sheerly, I might as well not have put any on for I can't see the difference; applied a little more heavily and my makeup looks muddy. Otherwise, I am quite sure the light, beautiful shades of this palette will show up better on porcelain gals.

Pigeon Baby Powder (Pressed)

I've been reading a lot of good things about Pigeon's Pressed Baby Powder, especially the Japan release. The other variant, which is made in Indonesia, is available in two colors and comes in a mirrored compact. I shied away from these because I heard they caused breakouts.

The box is plain and looks medicinal. In fact, it states that this is a medicinal product. I am not sure as to what part of it medicates exactly, as the packaging is all in Japanese.

From the top.

On the side.

At the back, it states the product description, function, usage, and ingredients. I don't understand a word of it but I took my shot because this product is very popular for those with sensitive skin. Besides, if a baby's skin can handle it, I figured my intolerant skin surely could. The prices can't be faulted either; at P280 for a hefty 45g of product, this is a really affordable face powder for all the purported benefits and positive reviews it has been receiving. 

It comes covered with a clear plastic.

The round compact has a smooth surface. It closes and opens with a purse-like clasp. The white plastic cover is flimsy and had a thin layer of oil on it when I first took it out from its clear plastic wrap. I am not sure where this greasiness came from, but it was easily removed with some wet wipes.

The back side is equipped with a U-shaped part that I am guessing is for the easy dislodging of the powder pan from its case.

This compact holds no mirror. The only thing separating the sponge and the powder is a clear plastic cut-out. The sponge is very thin with a soft texture. Although it does not pick up powder easily, as the powder by itself is pressed on very hard, it gives more coverage than a brush would. 

There are more Japanese text on the separator for those who could understand.

Here is the powder in all its whiteness. It is a huge pan that I am not used to. The expansive circumference made it enjoyable to swirl a brush on or swipe the sponge to my heart's content. Honestly, 45g of pressed powder is a lot. Added to the fact that one does not need so much of this product to complete a powdered face, this compact can last for more than a year with every day use. The texture is very gritty; if you are looking for fine, silky smooth powder, then do not attempt to purchase. Also, I brought this powder along with me on a weekend trip, intending to use it solely for slight cover and as a mattifier, and after two days of using it, my skin totally broke out. My skin has protested into small and big pimples, rough and uneven surface. It has been two weeks of nightmare. 

I always wanted to believe that products that come with low price tags are actually worth keeping, but the more I test them, the more I end up inflicting self-damage. I learned that quality is usually compromised with cheaper products because they use worse ingredients. While expensive products aren't guaranteed to keep skin safe from breakouts, more often than not, through my experience, I get what I pay for. Yes, this Pigeon Baby Pressed Powder turned my ideal shade of translucent and kept my oily face matte for hours after application, but the unfavorable results that I had to suffer and pay for at the end of the day puts this powder on my beauty blacklist. It is only second to that vile tube of Vitacreme B12. My skin is still recovering from using these two products. Hypersensitive skin, stay, stay away from this powder!!!

Ipsa Pore Less Retouch Powder in 01 Yellow Apricot

Ipsa was my first introduction to Japanese cosmetics. Ten years ago, I remember asking for free samples of Cleansing Clear Foam EX (now replaced by Cleansing Smooth Foam) when my mother hauled her Ipsa stuff from their Sogo counter in Hong Kong. My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed the smooth foamy texture and incredible fresh citrus scent while washing our faces that evening. Little did we know that opening those sachets would be the beginning of a decade-long affair with Shiseido's sister brand. To this day, Ipsa's cleanser is a staple in my regime. I've tried other Ipsa products over the years such as the Time Reset Essence, foundation, lipstick, and some face colors. Overall, none of them impressed me as much as their cleanser. It's still one of my favorite brands to date because I really believe in the brand's quality and also love their understated packaging which is also eye-catching in every way. I don't mind trying more of their products in the future, but would most probably skip the Pore Less Retouch Powder. Below are my thoughts.
This powder is described in the website as:

"A pressed powder that contains two colors in light and dark tones. Provides an excellent effect of minimizing the appearance of pores and produces a finish with a brush. The darker apricot ivory color makes pores less visible and the lighter color with Lively Pearls gives a vitalized look. Perfect for touchup. Instantly restores the initial makeup finish. *The compact is sold separately."

It comes in a square white plastic compact with an interesting circular depression in the center. I really like this kind of design. 

One of the highlights of the packaging is that it is a two-tiered compact. It is neat and hygienic, which are qualities I try to look for in makeup items. The first tier houses the brush applicator. The handle is made of aluminum and is well-made. While the bristles are soft, it didn't apply the powder evenly because of its flat shape. 

The second tier lifts up to reveal a mirror and the powder itself. The mirror gives a true reflection, but then again most good brands do excellent mirrors properly with no distortion of the subject. This powder caught my eye because there are two different shades in one compact. It is made so well the demarcation forms one neat line instead of wobbly ones found in most other products. The left side is supposed to be the "main" pressed powder with pore concealing abilities, while the right side is supposed to "vitalize" or subtly highlight parts of the face. The darker shade didn't conceal any of my unsightly pores, nor did the lighter color provide illumination. It hardly performed the basic functions of a pressed powder. It made my face look dry and dull, but also didn't control oil. I always ended up with a cake-y look with this no matter how light handed I was. Somehow, it just made my face look worse. Honestly I was expecting more from Ipsa, and am extremely disappointed by this product. Hopefully, I would encounter better product from this brand in the future.

Chacott Loose Finishing Powder

Chacott is a company that specializes in ballet outfits and is also known for its Loose Finishing Powder. The powder received cult status after it was included in cosme.net's annual rankings. Recently, I find loose powders to be an indispensable part of my daily makeup routine as it evens out the complexion, protects the skin, and keeps my oily skin matte without the heavy and clogging properties of most foundations.

Although it is quite hard to get hold of, my curiosity was piqued with the many positive reviews of this product on the internet. I ordered a 30g jar over at ichibankao.com including two powder puffs that are nothing to rave about.

This powder in 766 or OC02 as listed on the website is too dark for my NC20 skin. It was a bit disappointing as I thought it would be a correct match for I also use OC02 in Lunasol. 

Aside from the off-color match, the powder's quality is a desirable feature given the selling price in Japan. It is very finely milled, but not as silky as department store-brand loose powders. This is no cause for complaint as it is fine enough and does not cake on the skin or clump into rough bits. The color here looks much lighter than it appears. This shade would be perfect for NC25 up, I think. The oil control is also commendable. With this, I would usually start oiling up in 4~5 hours after application, which stretches my usual "oil-up" period quite a bit (1~2 hours).

I would gladly try out the lighter shade in 764 or the translucent one in 763 if I can purchase it in Japanese retail price. But I do not think it is worth spending another ¥2100 (price for no powder puffs included) yonder at ichibankao.com when the normal rate is only ¥1260. This is not to say that Chacott is of poor quality. In fact, it is very good quality for its regular retail price. Perhaps when I have the chance to visit Japan one day, I can finally stock up on more Chacott loose powders.

Awake Stardom Aqua Trans Powder in 02 Venus Sea

Reading about the imminent closure of Awake's Stardom line, I succumbed to a long-time wish: the legendary Aqua Trans Powder containing 77% water.

The gleaming red screw cover is a signature of Awake Stardom line's modern elegance. While most loose powders are housed in wide and low tubs, Aqua Trans Powder is slightly higher and more compact. The fern logo and "AWAKE" font add a very nice touch to the packaging.

There are five shades on the loose: 01, Moon Glint (pale yellow); 02, Venus Sea (translucent); 03, Sand Dune (light bronze); 04, Pink Sunset (pale pink); and 05, Sea Lavender (pale lavender). All have shimmer except 02 Venus Sea, which this post will focus on. Although a tad pale when applied, the powder blends into the skin seamlessly and assumes its natural shade in no time.

The cool feel of the powder definitely left an impression on me. That experience was a first in my history with makeup. It takes some patting for the particles to dissolve onto the skin. The powder provides moderate coverage. I found that using the included puff, compared to a brush, provides a more even finish. It won't cover pimples or blemishes, but it does minimize the appearance of pores. It also controls oil well (tested in air-conditioned environment). It does not cake or settle into pores, and the finished face is natural and smooth.

A plastic cover is provided to keep the powder from evaporating. The puff has also comes with its own protective case.

Below is a picture with some product still left in the tub. The powder is translucent with a tinge of pale yellow.

Overall, this powder delivers despite its revolutionary streak.