Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Powder Play

It took me a while to figure out how I felt about Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15. It's my first foray into both mineral powder foundation and Laura Mercier products, and my expectations were pretty high given what I'd read about it (Courtney's post was particularly convincing, and it holds a 4.0/5 rating on MakeupAlley). I had tried it a couple of times at Sephora by helping myself to the jar and slapping on a decent amount to part of my face with my fingers, and each time it seemed to blend into my skin without caking and provide surprisingly decent coverage for a loose powder. After some deliberation (should I, shouldn't I?), I rationalised it wouldn't be an unwelcome addition to my base makeup options.





I chose Real Sand, as the shade up (Natural Beige) seemed too dark and orange-leaning. For my skin tone, Real Sand is a touch too light, but given the choice between too light or too dark, I'd go with the former. The finish of this mineral powder is brightening and almost glowy — I'm not sure whether it's entirely due to the SPF, but it definitely lightens the complexion. It's especially noticeable in direct sunlight when first applied.

I use the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to apply it, and it works well enough that I haven't wanted to try any other brushes. I find the loose powder quite fiddly, in that I periodically have to turn the jar upside down, shake it a little for a bit of the powder to fall through the holes, and then open it up slowly once it's back upright, making sure to position it flat so powder doesn't spill out. It also hasn't cut down the time I take to apply my foundation. It probably takes just as long, if not longer, than my liquid foundation, as I have to make special effort to dip my brush in the powder evenly, and buff the powder into my face so I have seamless, even coverage all over. It's easy to get too much on the brush (as you really only need the smallest amount on the tip), which means more blending if some parts of the face have more powder applied than others.

What's really impressed me has been the oil control, the coverage and the staying power. It doesn't get greasy and my face doesn't need blotting in the middle of the day, unlike my liquid foundations. There is slight shininess after a while around my T-zone, but it doesn't really bother me. The coverage that the powder gives is unexpectedly good. It really can cover up a whole array of imperfections and unevenness (short of large blemishes) while still making the skin look natural. It also lasts longer than my liquid foundations, which tend to slip off my face and fade by the end of the day. I like the fact that it feels completely weightless on the skin. There's none of the tackiness or dampness that can come with liquid foundation. I can buff this over my whole face, including over my eyelids, and it feels like nothing.

I still need to moisturise before using this, as I find that it can cake around the edges of my nose if my skin is particularly dry. I've primarily been applying it on the weekends if I'm going out, as I prefer the greater ease and speed of liquid foundation on weekdays. My only major complaint is the fact I don't think Real Sand is a perfect match for me, and the powder has a slight but noticeable whitening effect on my skin that I'm not convinced looks entirely natural. If there was the exact shade for me, and the loose powder was a bit less fiddly, I'd be completely enamoured.

53 comments:

  1. YAY you post about it! I must say that I agree with almost everything you pointed out. Love the lightweight feeling of it, love that it's easy to apply, and the coverage, but don't like that I can't find a shade to match me perfectly. And I wore it out a couple of times, but don't think I'm pulling off the slightly-paler face. :( If they came out with a shade that matched me, I wouldn't have anything else. I'd just buy this.
    I like to spritz the Avene Thermal Water or some sort of facial mist on after applying it. Like how MAC Fix+ is supposed to work. Do you ever do that?

    I don't think liquid foundations are easier to apply, probably because I started off with powders, I think they're about the same. I just prefer powders because they don't slip, and they don't fade as quickly or as obviously as liquid. Do you wear contacts? I find the area where my glasses rest on my nose tends to fade quicker than any other part of my face. I've learnt to avoid putting makeup there at all.

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    1. Also, I wish I had your skin. :p so much more face these days!

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    2. I don't spray anything over it - I only do that for when I feel my foundation is a bit cakey, overdone and flat. I find that it's already so luminous, even though it is a powder, that I don't need a dewy mist over it as well. I might try it though!

      I never use powder to do my foundation - until this one. Otherwise I just use pressed power to set my liquid foundation or for touch ups. Nope, I rarely wear contacts, though I obviously took them off here :p I find that area of the nose can also cake a bit, but it's not too bad (or noticeable).

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  2. Thanks for giving us your thoughts :) I have been wanting to try this out. It's definitely still on my to try list...
    x

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  3. This sounds like a great product, I think that I am going to buy it if they have a shade that is light enough for my pale skin. I like the idea of powder for summer, long lasting as well.

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  4. I think I want to try this foundation when my Bare Minerals runs out! I love the light coverage that powder foundations give :D

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  5. i have this product and i'm not impressed by it =(

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  6. I have been debating over this powder and chanel poudre universelle..I dont really have good luck with Chanel, so I think I'll get this one, and your review convinced me even more..
    As seen on the picture, your skin condition looks similar to mine, so I hope this one will work well for me too!

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  7. I love my Laura Mercier mineral powder. Has been using it for years and it is so impressive with oil-controlling. I don't like powder which is so thick that makes my skin so cakey. This one has enough coverage and have that natural sheen. Enjoy!

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  8. Your skin looks perfect, lady!! I have the pur minerals pressed powder foundation - I don't think it does the best of job. Have you tried the bare minerals loose powder? I have yet too...


    <3 Rubiiee

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    1. No I haven't - have you? I'm quite satisfied with this Laura Mercier one and I think it will last a decent amount of time, so I probably won't be trying it any time soon :p

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  9. Wauw it looks really nice on your skin, it looks natural, not fake.
    I like that! :D
    x

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  10. Although not the exact shade of your skin color look so natural and really great, although the use loose powder is tedious I think the effect is very good you accomplish. Glad to help control oily skin.

    Thanks for share sweetie~~

    Xoxo

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  11. I love your review about the LM powder. I actually own it in Natural Beige and do find that it may be too dark for me during winter. I'll probably test it again soon, after reading your review. Thanks for sharing! xx

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  12. I really like this mineral powder as it gives good coverage, has great ingredients and doesn't look fake or caky! Great review as always :)

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  13. I never tried mineral makeup but I have used powder foundations and having a nice brush to evenly buff it in is a must, I use the RT Buffing brush too!!! LOL Powder always takes more time to apply, at least for me, because like you, I really like to make it all as even as possible and if some areas have more powder over, it means more blendind time. I've heard many great things about Laura Mercier, but their price tag is way out of my range. I'm glad you like it, even though it's not 100% perfect for you. As always. loved reading your post, is brilliantly written ^^ xx

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  14. I think Laura mercier makes great powders. I've heard about their brightening powder, this one looks pretty good to me especially because it keeps the T zone matte. :)

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  15. You have such a wonderful skin!! so flawless :O
    This powder looks very naturaly, I personally don't like mineral make-up that much but Laura Mercier is an amazing brand.
    hugs!

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  16. Once again, I absolutely love your blog :) Your pics are just lovely!
    I've never tried any Laura Mercier products.. but I'd love to try the tinted moisturizers and this powder also seems to work great!

    http://holaflo.blogspot.com.ar/

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  17. I always prefer to use mineral powder make-up over liquid foundations :) They just seem to be alot more lightweight and better for the skin. My favourite is Elizabeth Arden mineral foundation where it has a 'grinder' kind of mechanism where you twist and scrap the desired amount of powder out. I have heard alot of great things about this Laura Mercier one and i have been contemplating on buying it to try out soon and this review just makes me want it sooner hehe. Thanks for the review and i need this so much because i love foundations that helps control my oils~ xxx

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  18. As if i didn't want this already....I was kind of hoping you didn't like it when I started to read haha!
    And too light is always better!

    xoxo

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  19. I really should try to buff this powder in more, I wasn't too impressed with it but I don't think just patting it on is doing much for me. I have the same color by the way haha :) xx

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  20. hello! i like your blog! im following you now on GFC and Bloglovin, if you like my blog, follow me back please!XoXo

    www.shoesandbasics.com

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  21. Such a great review! Thank you for all the details and swatches. x

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  22. This sounds really interesting! I've never tried Laura Mercier products. x

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  23. Thanks so much for your comment!
    I'm your new follower. Really hope you will follow me back :)

    X Annewil
    lovetolittlethings.blogspot.com

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  24. Great review, i love reading it. And i think the color still suits your skin tone and you look great in the photo above :) And I agree with the staying power feature, mineral powders don't usually have high staying power, at least the ones I know of ;p


    YURI
    http://twothousandthings.blogspot.com

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  25. My newest powder love is the MUFE HD invisble cover one - it sops up oily bits like a true champion and my foundation doesn't get muddy from excess pigment that you find in most powders!

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  26. Great review! I don't use mineral powder foundation, but I do have a mineral power blush, and it has that same glowing quality you mentioned. I'll have to check out the foundation. :-)

    ~ Yun

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  27. this is a great product. i think just get the correct shade. :)
    ♥,
    Shari
    The Misty Mom

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  28. wow, this really is the perfect shade for you! Amazing!!

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  29. Agree with Yuri, loved this review! I have never tried it, not easy to find this brand in Italy unfortunately...Xoxo

    www.rockandfrock.com

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  30. I liked the powder, I have enough fat skin and this can serve me much, but the downside of this loose format is spill too so I prefer compact, thanks for the review ^^

    http://pingkeulove.blogspot.com

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  31. Love the in-depth review! I've been considering trying this for ages :)

    Aimée Xx
    dress-it-up-6.blogspot.co.uk

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  32. YAY PART OF YOUR FACE! :D Hehe
    This sounds pretty nice, if only the shade was a perfect match for you! I've always wanted to try mineral foundation (for its lightweight nature), but never got to doing so. I've contemplated between the bare minerals line and some other ones for far too long -- I should get on it already!

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  33. I've been wanting to get this! but still hesitating as oil control is my main deal after seeing this review I think I'll go for it! thanks for sharing =)

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  34. Sounds good overall. I'd probably use this over my liquid base as normal. I'd love something with some coverage that'd keep me oil free for a while. I've yet to try any lm products but I hope to pick up something soon! Thanks for reviewing, it looks real glowy! ^^

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  35. Sure sounds good! I hoarded a pile of Laura Mercier products a while ago, and haven't yet manage to open any one of them. For powder/mineral foundation, what I like to do is use it as a setting powder for my sunscreen. And I use my sunscreen as a makeup base/primer. This way, I wouldn't be putting too many products, yet able to get the light/medium coverage, and set my sunscreen at the same time.

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    1. Wow, you must have amazing self-discipline - they would all be opened if it were me :p I like that idea of setting your sunscreen and using sunscreen as a primer. Would love to try that! Thanks for the tip :)

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  36. I want to try thisssssss!

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  37. Lovely review! Shame that you couldn't find a shade that matched your skin, it's always a real pain trying to find that perfect shade. I haven't tried any Laura Mercier products before though either!

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  38. great review! looks awesome on your skin <3

    Versicle.

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  39. Sounds good, though it's a pain when you can't find the right shade :( I've been curious about this mineral foundation for a while xx

    http://wewereraisedbywolves.blogspot.co.uk/

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  40. Thanks for reviewing and sharing with us! :)

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  41. Great review :)
    http://shopaholiconashoestring.wordpress.com/

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  42. I think I need to run out and get this considering I am such a big fan of Laura Mercier. This mineral powder sounds like such a great product! Especially when it's good in controlling oil and long lasting.

    Liz
    chewylove.blogspot.com

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  43. I do find the powder consistency a bit tricky to work with and messy... but this foundation leaves such a beautiful finish... I love it!!! x

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  44. thanks for this review, i've been really interested in this particular product. It looks really good on you!

    à la foliee

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  45. I've never tried anything for Laura Mercier before, and I'm not really interested in it but this powder looks amazing! i love that it's SPF 15, although I find it hard to work with mineral loose powder sometimes, it can get messy, hehe. thanks so much for the great review, it's very helpful as always :)

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