Saturday 19 July 2014

Battle of the Powders

Despite having dry skin, I always set my foundation with a powder. Up until recently when I started delving more into loose powders, I had always turned to pressed powders due to the coverage they gave. They were just the icing on the cake to a flawless base. This also reduced the risk of foundation melting or transferring and increased the likelihood of my makeup still being intact at the end of the day. 

Following on from the face-off of the BB CREAMS and PRIMERS, it is time for the POWDERS to have a little showdown. I have four today to show you, all of which happen to be drugstore. 


Face of Australia Pressed Powder (AUD$11.95)
Bringing out this compact again gives me a feeling of nostalgia as it was my first ever powder, hence the filthy packaging. Initially, it offered smooth, light coverage but as you work your way through it, you start to find more rougher bits of powder but this did not affect the way it looked on the skin. The shade Tan is too dark for me (purchased in the early stages of my exploration of shades) so it comes in handy when I have a foundation that is too light. Besides the distinct powder scent, I would say it is a decent powder, but I have another one that I love much more.

Australis Fresh & Flawless Pressed Powder (AUD$12.40)
This is definitely one of the best products that an Australian brand has brought out. It is hyped up for good reason and is hands down my favorite pressed powder. The first time I swatched this in store, I was simply blown away by how amazingly soft and fine the powder was. It seriously blends into your skin, making it look silky smooth and provides impressive coverage. If I want to look exceptionally flawless that day, this is a product I always bring out. 

L'oreal Nude Magique BB Powder (AUD$26.95)
The priciest of the bunch, yet probably the most disappointing. This is the first time I have ever heard of a 'BB Powder' and I couldn't help but feel skeptical. It is smooth to the touch but is so soft that one swipe picks up way too much powder for my liking, even with the best brush. Another comment to make is that it could be more refined like the Australis. The end result after use is that my face looks too powdered and even dry. 

Milani The Multitasker Face Powder (USD$7)
The Milani Powder wins the award for the best imprinted design (until it wears away with use, that is). It is still a mystery to me as to why it is called 'The Multitasker' but it claims to give a 'natural matte finish without caking'. I would half agree with that; it does indeed do a good job at controlling oil and mattifying everything but I still find it a bit too powdery so it can look a bit cakey at times. I like it, but the completely matte and flat look is not something I often go for. 

australis deep natural face of australia tan loreal bb medium milani swatch swatches

What is your favorite powder?


19 comments:

  1. I absolutely love the Australis powder as well, definitely an Australian drugstore gem!

    Tasha // shiwashiful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Never seen any of these powders in my stores, not even the Milani one! My favourite powder at the moment is the Maybelline Dream Wonder powder. Sometimes I even just use that as a foundation since it controls my oil well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh really? They have yet to bring that one over here but it certainly sounds interesting!

      Delete
  3. I use the Australis powder too! I agree, so amazing & soft!! One of my favourites and probably the most affordable out of them all :)

    The Sunday Chapter
    Angela xxx

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love powdered foundations. I am using one from Germany at the moment (its name doesn’t come to mind though ha) and it is rad. I also love Nude by Nature

    Luc X
    www.skeeterandscout.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh I haven't tried Nude by Nature because they're a bit pricey for me but I can imagine they'd be good for sensitive skin.

      Delete
  5. Thanks for sharing! I do the same with certain powders to make the foundation work properly but recently I have had to put aside some powders that are too dark and beige for me! My complexion has been lightening a lot since I've stopped going out to the beach often and work indoors! My favorite powder is from a local singapore/malaysian brand ZA, I think I've used more than 15 refills the last two years, that plus a whole bunch of others at the same time! I love powder and it's my life saver here where the humid weather is always 90% and over! I would try to try some products from australis!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I saw ZA when I went to Guardian/or was it Watsons? I'll have to check it out!
      One day you should visit Australia and stock up on aussie goodies ;) x

      Delete
  6. Great post! I have still yet to try the hyped Australis and FOA powders, but after reading this post I'm running to my closest Priceline to pick them up this week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely get the Australis one! I prefer the FOA loose powder over the pressed one :)

      Delete
  7. Oh I so wish we had Australis here in the UK, it sounds like such a winner! xx

    Gemma | Miss Makeup Magpie

    ReplyDelete
  8. My favourite is the L'Oreal BB Powder in Light, but the pan in it is so shallow (especially for the cost!). I need that extra 'dryness' for my oily skin, works a treat! If you haven't already tried it, try out the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, that's my favourite affordable version :)

    Kate | themintedbeauty.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I suppose more powdery powders would work better for oily girls aye?
      I've heard a lot about the Rimmel Stay Matte, but not too sure how I'll like it because my skin is on the drier side. :) Thanks for suggesting it !

      Delete
  9. I really love the L'Oreal Nude Magique powder - barely visible when it's on the skin!
    Philippa // Time For Teal

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love the battles of the (name of a beauty product here). its such an interesting idea!

    Evi // Beneath the Glitter // http://www.evithefashionista.blogspot.ca/

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for reading! Your comments make my day.