Here it is! My new favorite finishing powder! And no – I’m not just saying this because I’m a consultant. I genuinely love this powder, and I’m here to show you why.
My Skin & Typical Makeup Regimen
Before I get into the review, I want to give you an idea of what my skin is like and the products I typically use. Â I know not everyone’s skin is the same, and therefore it won’t react to every product like mine does. However, if you have skin similar to mine, this review will give you an idea of how the powder will probably perform for you.
I have pretty balanced skin, though it sometimes leans on the slightly more dry side, and I typically prefer to use a hydrating makeup primer before applying liquid foundation. Lately I’ve been using Tarte’s Illuminating Primer with Makeup Forever’s HD Foundation. Under my eyes I use an illuminating concealer of some sort, and then I’ll apply my bronzer, blush, and highlighter. My last step before spraying my face with a setting spray is applying this powder very lightly with a large powder brush (usually I use the Mary Kay powder brush or the Real Techniques blush brush).
Packaging
This product is packaged in a clear plastic tub with a black, plastic, screw-on lid. The container seems pretty durable, and I think it looks classy sitting on a vanity with the pretty MK logo on top of the lid.
The one thing I LOVE about the packaging is that the sifter has a rotating/locking lid. Â This means if you keep this in your makeup bag in your purse, and this container gets flipped upside down, not all of your powder is going to get stuck on top! I was a dork with mine unfortunately, and I forgot to shut the sifter… soooo most of my powder now sits on top of the sifter. But that was my fault, so I can’t blame the packaging for this one. It’s still completely usable, but I just have to be a tad more careful with it to make sure powder doesn’t fly everywhere.
Pricing/Value
This little tub contains 0.39 oz of product, and it costs $16 if bought at full retail cost. Â Â That averages out to about $41/oz. I know this probably seems like a lot, but lets take a look at the Bare Minerals Mineral Veil. Â This is the only other translucent, loose finishing powder I’ve used, and it’s basically supposed to do the same things as the Mary Kay powder (set makeup and blur any imperfections).
The Bare Minerals Mineral Veil comes in similar packaging, although as you can see from the picture it’s a bit smaller than the MK version. The BM Mineral Veil comes with 0.30 oz of product, and it costs $20 (that averages to nearly $67/oz).
Now, the ingredients of the two powders are very different, so perhaps this is why BM is more expensive… I don’t have really any idea. I just know that both powders work pretty similarly for me, and the Mary Kay powder gives me more for my money.
Ingredients
This list is pasted directly from the Mary Kay consultant website:
Ingredients |
Mica , Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate , Nylon-12 , Magnesium Stearate ,Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate , Caprylyl Glycol , Potassium Sorbate ,Phenoxyethanol , Chlorphenesin , Silica , Hexylene Glycol , Tetrasodium EDTA |
Claims/Benefits
Also taken directly from Mary Kay’s website:
Translucent. Sheer. It’s every woman’s perfect shade.
- One universal powder eliminates the need for shade matching.
- Feels weightless, natural and velvety soft on skin.
- Controls unwanted shine all day.
- Provides a sheer, invisible finish on every skin tone to set foundation.
- All-new formula contains light-scattering properties designed to help soften the appearance of imperfections for a skin-perfecting finish.
My Experience & Thoughts
While the powder looks white in the container, it doesn’t show up white at all on my skin. I make sure not to douse my face in powder and totally cake it on mind you, but I honestly can’t see the powder on my face once it’s applied. I’m an NC 20 shade-wise (meaning fair skin w/golden or yellow undertones), so I’m pretty light. I can’t vouch for how this looks on dark skin yet, but for ME, it’s definitely translucent.
The powder also feels very light on my skin, and when I rub it between my fingers it feels very soft and finely milled. I don’t really have oily skin so I can’t vouch for any oil absorbing properties, but I do know that this powder doesn’t seem to dry my skin out  which is a plus! My skin is very easily dried out by powders, and it’s why I’m unable to use really super mattifying powders like Rimmel’s Stay Matte. However, I can comfortably wear this powder all day without looking my skin looking cracked like a desert. It sets my makeup very nicely, and I do notice a slight blurring effect on my skin.
SOOOOO, so far this powder has delivered on its claims for me. I’m really enjoying it, I’ve used it every day I’ve worn liquid foundation. I haven’t been able to find any faults with it, but I haven’t used it personally on any other skin tones. Once I do that I want to supplement this review 🙂
I would definitely give it a try if you’ve been looking for a nice finishing powder. Remember that Mary Kay offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so it can always be returned if you don’t like it.
Please let me know what your experience with this powder have been like! I’m curious to know how people with other skin types/tones feel about this powder 🙂
Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day!