little white truths

This was available as one of Sephora's 100 point perks for a while, so I took the opportunity to grab it because I don't have a lot of setting powders and I want to try more. I haven't found an HG one yet and to be honest the ones I've used generally do the same thing: they reduce shine (therefore reducing the look of texture like open pores) and take away that tacky feeling left behind by my tinted moisturiser, so my powders blend better.

Note I have dry skin so I'm not too concerned about oil control, and the two big things I look for in a setting powder are: one, it doesn't dry me out or make me look older; and two, it smooths the look of texture.

While this powder does tick those boxes, I'm also not wowed by it and I think it's overpriced for what it is. More on why below.

Make Up For Ever claims/product details:

• This industry-recognised luxe finishing powder sets the foundation and slightly mattifies skin without changing its natural contours
• Made of 100 per cent mineral silica, it softens the appearance of imperfections, fine lines and pores, and completely evens out the complexion for a glowing, radiant look
• Translucent, dermatologist-tested and talc-free formula 
• Does not dry the skin
• One universal shade works for all skintones
• Lightweight, silky texture 
• Ultra-fine formula adds a soft-focus effect for a flawless finish
• Can be applied over foundation or worn alone
• Non-comedogenic with no animal testing
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• RRP $53 AUD for 8.5g, but do shop around (it's currently half-price at Sephora Australia)

This little pot might only be 1g in size, but it's lasted me a good six weeks of (almost) daily use.

The packaging of this sample is handy because it does come with a sifter lid and I'll likely keep it so I can use it for travel in future.

Note this is one of those powders that's so finely milled that it puffs up into the air when you open the lid, so definitely proceed with caution.

Verdict

This product is ok but I don't love it.

It's a standard white setting powder that's finely milled and it does work well enough for setting my concealer and also taking away the tacky finish left behind by my tinted moisturiser. Yes I'm dry so too much setting powder is rarely a good idea, but I do like using a tiny dusting all over my face because that helps my powder products blend better.

What I do like about this powder is that it's super fine so I can use the smallest layer if I want to, without looking too dry. I also like that it does have a soft-focus effect (so that claim is true), meaning it smooths out the look of pores and makes my face look a bit less textured.

What I don't like about it is that it leaves a white cast, no matter how little I use. This is the first setting powder I've ever used that has turned my face white, so I'm not sure what's going on there.

Also, if I don't use enough of this, my powder products don't blend as well - but if I use even a hair too much, things turn very powdery, very quickly, so I look like I've been chalked.

Worth noting is that I recently opened my RCMA No Color Powder, which I haven't tried before. For a few days running I applied this MUFE powder to one side of my face and the RCMA one to the other. And you know what? The RCMA one is better, hands down.

While they both do the same thing in terms of setting my makeup, smoothing out the look of skin and helping powder products blend, the RCMA one doesn't leave a white cast (even if I use more of it) and it also doesn't make me look dry/powdery if I use a little too much.

On top of that, the RCMA one is a hell of lot cheaper so I'm not sure why you'd opt for this one - unless of course you're allergic to talc (which the RCMA one contains).

All in all, I don't hate this product but I don't love it either and I definitely wouldn't buy it. I really don't think you need to spend this much on a setting powder, but I haven't tried the fabled Laura Mercier one yet so maybe I'll end up eating my words, if I ever give that one a go.

Ok but not for me.