Looking Good, Feeling Great - Makeup - Face Powders?

I'm still searching for a decent face powder. I don't like cream or liquid foundation so I usually just use some powder to even out my skin tone. My problem is that so many of them leave that "powdery" look on your face, they're often too thick and sometimes "cakey." Right now I'm using a mineral powder from Maybelline that I bought because someone told me that the mineral powders are much more light and sheer, well not this one! I don't like it much :(

I only have 2 requirements, I want it to be a pressed powder and it also has to be something I can pick up in the drugstore (meaning pretty inexpensive) I just don't have the money to spend $20 or more on Bare Escentuals or other brands like that. Anybody have any that they use and like that are quite sheer?

Also for those of you who use pressed powder do you apply it with a brush or spongy pad? Just curious if using a different tool would also help me get that sheer coverage that makes people think I don't wear any makeup! :p

I know you asked for pressed powder, but I highly recommend Alima cosmetics. They have a hundred different shades and even do custom mixtures. I use their foundation brush (which is very dense and buffs as you apply) and it goes on perfectly every time. It is extremely finely milled, so no overly powdery, cakey look. Though some amount of powderiness is inevitable with powder makeup, I just use a damp sponge to blot here and there and it looks perfect. I used to use liquid foundation for the coverage, but I loove this. Samples are only $1.50 for a decent sized jar.

I know you said you wanted to keep it less expensive, but for the money, I still like my BareEscentuals. I wear it really light, and the container I bought has lasted me 14 months so far. I expect to get through the summer with it. What I really like about it is that it doesn't get gloppy when I sweat - I can't feel it's there. And, even more important (to me), it's the only thing I can wear (besides REALLY expensive Prescriptives) that doesn't tick off my skin.

I only use face powder. I've never used liquid - I could never find the right shade, and it always looked fake on me.

I've used probably all of them out there, that you can buy at a drug store. I like both pressed and loose powder - I just buy which ever is on sale or clearance. The best stuff I found was rice powder, and it was on clearance for $1, and I should have bought more. http://www.palladiobeauty.com/ricepowder.htm I found it online, just never ordered any. But that stuff was great. It was the exact shade I needed, and I loved it. I cried when I used it for the last time! :)

Right now I'm using Almay pressed powder - in the yellow case, Clear Complexion. It has a zit fighting med in it. I've tried NYC loose mineral powder, like a knock off of the whole bare minerals stuff. It was ok. It came with a cute little brush. I haven't tried the Cover Girl or any of the other 'mineral powders' but I'm sure they are good too.

I use whatever comes in the compact.

Best mineral make-up on earth, hands down Smoky Mountain Minerals (http://www.smokymountainminerals.com) I was a BE user for years but...honestly the color was never quite right for me & the "buffing" to apply it only to have it look "shimmery"...was honestly more trouble than it was worth. Not to mention, BE can be pricey.
SMM does not need to be "buffed" into the skin because it does not contain Bismuth Oxycholoride like BE does. The result is even, flawless skin...doesn't even look like you're wearing make-up. It is also about ½ the price of BE...they offer discounts all the time....and best of all, FREE shipping!:carrot:
As far as a powder you can purchase in a drug store that doesn't cost an arm & leg....I'd say Wet N Wild, Natural Wear. Its a pressed mineral powder. Available in Wal-mart and less than $5. It's fragrance free, hypoallergenic & dermatologist tested. I bought the 821A Natural shade...however, they have other shades available as well. It comes with a sponge "puff" for application.

thanks for the suggestions! I'm thinking of trying out the Smokey Mountain Minerals (although they only have loose powder). I was at their site and it looks like everything is on sale right now. The powder is on sale for only $9, that's cheaper than maybelline and loreal at the drugstore! Anyone else here ever try Smokey Mountain Minerals?

I have a Max Factor color genius pressed powder in my purse that I really like. I apply it with a puff, but find using a brush actually works better.

If you ever do get the money and want to try a foundation/powder that is really great, I suggest MAC Studio Fix. I just started using this product this year and I swear I can't imagine using anything better. It is light, covers my imperfections, and wears for a really long time. I love it!

A little off topic here, but how do you find the "right" shade? I've never worn foundation or powder, a swipe of mascara and a touch of eyeliner has gotten me this far. My mom was shocked that I don't wear any face makeup, which makes me think I should or something. Ha, I don't even know how to put it on - the only experience I have with it is from theater pancake makeup, and I certainly don't want to go out in public sporting that look. Suggestions?

The best way to find the right shade of make-up is to ask an expert. Go to a major department store and as someone who works at the MAC, Bobby Brown, or one of the other counters to help you find the right shade. If you have a Sephora store near you go there and ask. Trust me most of these people (unless they are jerks) will have no problem helping you at all. You don't have to buy a product to ask for a little guidance.

A little off topic here, but how do you find the "right" shade?

Basically, if the shade is the right shade for you, it should not look like you are wearing make up.

If it's supposed to look like I'm not wearing makeup, then why wear it?

If it's supposed to look like I'm not wearing makeup, then why wear it?

Because there's a difference between bad skin (in the eye of the beholder of course) that looks like you're not wearing makeup (because you're not) and bad skin that looks great (because you're wearing makeup), but doesn't look like you're wearing makeup (because it's really good stuff).

Because there's a difference between bad skin (in the eye of the beholder of course) that looks like you're not wearing makeup (because you're not) and bad skin that looks great (because you're wearing makeup), but doesn't look like you're wear makeup (because it's really good stuff).

:bravo:

SMM Testimonials:
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Smoky-Mountain-Minerals/Testimonials.html_

I know you said you wanted to keep it less expensive, but for the money, I still like my BareEscentuals. I wear it really light, and the container I bought has lasted me 14 months so far. I expect to get through the summer with it. What I really like about it is that it doesn't get gloppy when I sweat - I can't feel it's there. And, even more important (to me), it's the only thing I can wear (besides REALLY expensive Prescriptives) that doesn't tick off my skin.

I like the BareEscentuals, but not in the summer because I find that if I perspire in the least and touch it, I get white streaks...

thanks for the suggestions! I'm thinking of trying out the Smokey Mountain Minerals (although they only have loose powder). I was at their site and it looks like everything is on sale right now. The powder is on sale for only $9, that's cheaper than maybelline and loreal at the drugstore! Anyone else here ever try Smokey Mountain Minerals?

I haven't yet but I just visited their website, and ordered the 24 piece Full Size XL kit; I emailed first and begged nicely for a Promotion Code and got it! Current code is july409 and it took off $16.49 from $54.95 so that sold me, along with the free shipping! :D

I know this thread is a few weeks old but I will let you know how I like it.

Glad to hear you ordered from Smoky Mtn Minerals....I don't think you'll be disappointed. I just wanted to mention, remember....you don't have to "buff" like you do with BE and other mineral makeup brands:) Also, if you find you ordered your foundation too light or too dark (I did this on my 1st order...I ordered barely light, which ended up being too light for my skin)...you can order their color corrector for foundation that is too light or too dark. I ordered the darkener, added a few pinches (a little at a time), shook it up and it solved the problem without returning anything:) The corrector is only $5.95 and they always offer discounts & FREE shipping!
Looking forward to hearing how you like it!

Go check out the Mineral Make Up Mania forum. There are WAYYY better mineral make up brands than Bare Essentials- BE just has the best marketing. I don't like the shine that comes from adding Bisumuth (a skin irritant for some) that BE has. There are a lot of brands that are less expensive but better quality. I really like Pure Luxe. Everyday Minerals is a low-cost but nice product. The forum has a listing and reviews of all the different types/ companies.

Glad to hear you ordered from Smoky Mtn Minerals....I don't think you'll be disappointed. I just wanted to mention, remember....you don't have to "buff" like you do with BE and other mineral makeup brands:) Also, if you find you ordered your foundation too light or too dark (I did this on my 1st order...I ordered barely light, which ended up being too light for my skin)...you can order their color corrector for foundation that is too light or too dark. I ordered the darkener, added a few pinches (a little at a time), shook it up and it solved the problem without returning anything:) The corrector is only $5.95 and they always offer discounts & FREE shipping!
Looking forward to hearing how you like it!

I meant to go back and find who it was that recommended Smoky Mtn Minerals... thank you! I ordered the 'light' tone, hope that's right, but if not I'll do as you suggest. I love playing with makeup but I love good results too so I hope this is what I've been looking for, for so long.

i won't feel bad about hijacking this thread since it kinda was quiet anyway...but JerseyGyrl, did your SMM arrive in separate shipments? I received the envelope of products yesterday, but the brushes aren't in there...well a baby kabuki brush was, but not the eye brushes or long-handled one that is in the picture of the kit...I did send them an email yesterday but was just wonderin'....

I am excited about trying it all today! I am "self-policed" enough that first, I am gonna work out...then shower...THEN try the makeup :D Not even opening the jars yet. Of course maybe it's my incentive to work out...'no play until after work is done' :rofl:

Fox, I do not like heavy liquids or creams on my face either. I have found that the tinted SPF's are really great. Merle Norman makes one but it's a little pricey. I am using one now I found at Walgreens called Organics. It was less than $5 and I am very happy with it.

i won't feel bad about hijacking this thread since it kinda was quiet anyway...but JerseyGyrl, did your SMM arrive in separate shipments? I received the envelope of products yesterday, but the brushes aren't in there...well a baby kabuki brush was, but not the eye brushes or long-handled one that is in the picture of the kit...I did send them an email yesterday but was just wonderin'....



Hmmmm...I don't understand why you didn't receive the eye brushes or the long-handled brush....usually everything comes together. If you sent them an email, they're typically very good about getting back to you & I'm sure they'll make good on it for you.
I am really hoping you'll like the products. Each morning when I'm using them & I look in the mirror when I'm finished, I am always very pleased. For years I used BE (and I am not here to bad mouth BE) but....honestly, the colors (and I tried several) just were not right for me. And, no matter how much I "buffed"...the foundation always looked shiny. Now with SMM, I don't have to buff & my DBF says "you don't even look like you're wearing makeup, even close up":) I adore this stuff! I hope you will too!

Well, JerseyGyrl, if you are wearing makeup in your avatar, then I must concur with your DBF. You look fabulous.

Well, JerseyGyrl, if you are wearing makeup in your avatar, then I must concur with your DBF. You look fabulous.

agreed!!

yesterday was my first day wearing the SMM, and YES I do like them :carrot:I can see that I need a little time to see what works for me, I should have ordered the next darker shade of foundation but I can do as you suggested about getting the corrector. For now I just blushed/bronzed a bit more. I really like how it looked, and it wore well - after applying, I went for a motorcycle ride (no full helmet, I wear a half helmet, so face is exposed), did errands, cut the grass (one hour outside) and another motorcycle ride; it wore very well, NO streaks. Late at night I scrutinized myself up close in the mirror (eek! :D ) and it was only at that close close view that I could 'see' the makeup.

I haven't heard back from them yet about the brushes but I'm not worried. I also want to tell them thanks, that there was a Kohl pencil eyeliner included that wasn't in the description, and that is very very nice. Went on s-m-o-o-t-h-l-y, no drag, and lasted for HOURS. Usually I would get 'raccoon eyes' from a pencil eyeliner.

I tried the black mineral eyeliner, and see that it is quite black, i need some practice with that. I used the bronzing powder as an eyeshadow and was happy with that, I usually use a taupe/brown eyeshadow so that was handy.

I cleared away all my other previous makeups to make room for the new stuff :) and I like how it takes up less space, also!

note to Admins - if I should split this off and make it a Smokey Mountain Minerals thread, out of respect to OP, please tell me so :)

I'm SO glad you're happy with SMM!!!:carrot:
As for ordering the wrong color foundation, I did it too, but....you can order the color corrector and fix it very easily:)
That kohl eye pencil is great! I'm not good with eyeliner's that are liquids...so, that pencil is a Godsend for me! The black mineral eyeliner does take practice & a light hand but, once you master it, its very nice also & it wears very well.
I'm sure you'll hear from them shortly about your brushes and they'll take care of it for you.
Again, I'm really glad to hear you're happy with SMM. The more you use it, the more you'll love it!

Well, JerseyGyrl, if you are wearing makeup in your avatar, then I must concur with your DBF. You look fabulous.

:o Thank you! My birthday is coming up in a little over 2 weeks....I'll be 48....so, anything that helps me look good, I totally embrace!:)

I'm SO glad you're happy with SMM!!!:carrot:
As for ordering the wrong color foundation, I did it too, but....you can order the color corrector and fix it very easily:)
That kohl eye pencil is great! I'm not good with eyeliner's that are liquids...so, that pencil is a Godsend for me! The black mineral eyeliner does take practice & a light hand but, once you master it, its very nice also & it wears very well.
I'm sure you'll hear from them shortly about your brushes and they'll take care of it for you.
Again, I'm really glad to hear you're happy with SMM. The more you use it, the more you'll love it!

I've already got a page open to the SMM site and am going to order the emu oil, mascara, and blue eye color :D The promotion code takes 30% off and with the free shipping, it is very reasonable, to me.

I had fun this morning, getting ready! I see that one can just go nutz with customizing one's colors. I mixed some Bronzer into some Veil and loved how that looked!

The pressed powder I love more than anything and will never switch from willingly is CoverGirl Trublend. It's light enough to not look caked on, but heavy enough to use without anything underneith. It's fairly new (a coupel years maybe) and I have been using it since I tried it for the frist time over a year ago. Plus, the shades really do "blend" to your natural skin tone. I love it!

I am OBSESSED with Bare Minerals. I know it's a little pricey at first but the containers last a long time, and the feel of it is amazing on my skin. I had a hard time with powders and liquids too, but this feels "just right" on my face.

*Katie

I don't know of any press powders that are good I guess it depends on your skin tone,but the one I use works pretty good and its not expensive at all it covers up but doesn't look cakey its loreal bare naturals I highly recomend it and a little goes a long way :)

A good solution is to use a kabuki brush with the pressed powder! It works very well, especially with L'Oreal True Match. I use CoverGirl concealer on any discolored areas and then buff the powder over my face.