This is the second post in my little extra series about my favorite products--the ones that fall into the failsafe, can't-live-without-it, worth-every-penny, Holy-Grail-of-Beauty-Products category. (See the previous one on
NARS Pore-Refining Primer.)
My post on the
NARS Primer focused on what you put
under your foundation and concealer to make it stay put and stay flawless throughout the day. Today, I'm going up a couple layers to what I put
on top of my primer, concealer, foundation, blush, highlighter, etc. for a finishing touch to mattify any shine and "set" my makeup.
Make Up For Ever came out with a "High Definition" line a couple years back, and while I haven't fallen in love with the foundation, I really like their translucent finishing powder, the
HD Microfinish Powder ($34,
Sephora). It's made of 100% pure silica, and it really does seem like it's geared toward people who are on high-definition camera as it gives the skin a really lovely, soft, matte finish without ever caking or looking too "done." It subtly softens fine lines and blemishes, too. While my makeup can look a little slippery once I get my moisturizer, primer, concealer, and foundation on, this powder seems to set the whole look nicely, all while looking reasonably natural.
I've been using this product for several years now and have gone through a couple full-size jars. The great thing they've recently added is packaging that's much more conducive to travel. Instead of the crazy tap-into-the-cap-and-hope-for-the-best design of yore, it has a fine mesh inside the middle of the package, and the lid closes tightly over the mesh to prevent spillage. In the several months I've been hauling the new package around--I touch up a few times each day because of my oily skin--I've had no spills or near-disasters with it, which was not really the case before.
Small note of caution: use this powder sparingly (you really don't need a whole lot), and especially so if you'll be in a lot of flash photos. I've noticed that flashes can sometimes pick up the silica particles and give the face a ghostlt-looking pallor if this stuff is loaded on. (Bonus: using sparingly means a $34 jar should last a nice, long time--always a plus in my book!)
Do you have any amazing products you think I should try? Let me know--I love experimenting!
Note: I was not compensated in any way for this product review.
