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!

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.

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.

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).

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...