Powder, powder, powder!

There's a longstanding debate that goes on between me and my stunningly beautiful, 67 year old mother.

Whenever she comes to visit, I have to remind her that all liquid makeup should be "set" with powder to keep it from moving and fading. But my mother has convinced herself that women with "mature" skin shouldn't wear powder. (But doesn't she look great with just a smidgen of it here? Talk about natural beauty)...

Well, here's my answer to the powder-less theory--wrong! The ingredients and polymers used to make today's powders just keep getting better, so here's a few items I can't live without that will never make you feel like your face was just dusted with confectioners sugar! Whether you're 16 or 96, these are the sure-fire rescues.

The Ingenue: Becca Loose Finishing Powder, in any and all colors. This amazing, talc based product only has two ingredients: Talc, and color. That's it! No additives, no harsh chemicals. Just gorgeous, sheer powder to set makeup from the lightest to the heaviest finish. I've never seen this stuff cake or crevasse on a single client. What's more, it makes the makeup virtually touch proof in all weather.

 

The Classic: Yves Saint Laurent Poudre Sur Mesure, or Semi Loose Powder in Shade #2. I just bought this item and I'm over the moon! It's so crazily sheer it's like gossamer. A dusting of this and all traces of shine vanish. Plus, it's got that ever so chic, YSL packaging that every woman can feel kind of "MadMen" about carrying. Best of all, it's got a dial system which allows you to sift out only what you need without product being wasted or getting all over your bag. Vive La France!

The Modernist: Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder. A friend used to say that when we brushed this product along our client's skin, it looked like they were on fire! This is because the product is so lightweight that it basically disappears into the air with a "pouf", like smoke. But talk about invisible. This isn't a true setting powder, but as a loose blotter, it's one of the best!

The Rock Star: MAC pressed blot powder in shades Fair, Medium, and Dark. This oil controlling, sculpting powder can revive your skin to look creamy and smooth under lengthy conditions. I also love that this simple, pink based powder can help balance out foundation that has "turned" and become too light or too yellow. A good, goof-proof staple to consider for touch ups!

The Bombshell: Ever want to affect that beautiful, Marilyn Monroe-esque, pearly pink pallor? I know I did after watching Michelle Williams just play her in "My Week with Marilyn". To get that rosy glow, try Makeup Forever, Super Matte, loose powder in shade #2, Pale Pink. It will take you all the way back in time.

Well, that's all for today. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times. Don't neglect your powder! Once on, you'll look and feel so polished you'll wonder why you rallied against using it.

With Love,

Noa B