I always find myself in various “phases” when it comes to makeup purchases. Powder foundations, eyebrow powder, lipsticks, lip glosses, and blushers are some of the major phases in the last few years. Recently there is a recurring phase emerging: loose powder.
There is something very elegant about using a loose powder to lightly set the foundation to create that wonderfully polished complexion. Usually, it takes less time to achieve it with a pressed powder, but a nice loose powder sitting on the dressing table always carries an air of glamor.
I tend to choose a sheer loose powder that is either totally matte or with very little fine shimmer. It is even more ideal if the loose powder can effectively diffuse pores.
Meet the candidates vying for my attention:
(image from www.annasui-cosmetics.com)
I have used the very first version of Anna Sui Loose Powder. Since then, it went through two packaging changes and now we are looking at the third version. (I do like the previous gold case.)
There are six shades available, which offer a good range of choices. The best selling shade in Asia is #200, which is a very sheer lavender with quite a lot of pearly shimmer. I have tested it and it doesn’t really suit me. I think a light beige (either #700 and #701, both matte) would suit me better.
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/lunasol/)
I have read some good reviews of this loose powder, praising the fineness of the powder in particular. I also like the simple round case with the reflective copper-tone lid. #01 Translucent is an off-white with shimmer while I will be considering #02 Natural Beige, a light beige without shimmer.
(image from www.cosmedecorte.com/magiedeco/)
Kosé’s top-end brand Cosme Decorte has launched a slightly more affordable (but still high-end) makeup line this fall, Magie Deco. The packaging draws part of the inspiration from the symmetric and structural Art Deco era. I have come across some magazine coverage of this loose powder and its pore-diffusing ability grabbed my attention. Four shades are available (Lucent/ Pearl Nuance/ Natural Beige/ Pink Sparkle), and I will be considering Lucent, a sheer matte pale beige.
(image from www.suqqu.com)
I like the deep violet packaging of the new SUQQU foundation line. The Loose Powder comes in two shades, Natural and Deep. The idea is to use both shades, with Natural for highlighting and Deep for contouring. Priced at 35 pounds (around 70 USD), it is unlikely that I will pick up both. Next week I will visit the SUQQU counter and see which one suits me better overall.
It is very likely that I will pick up at least one of these four. Which one will it be? I will keep you posted!
Read more about the featured brands:
Anna Sui
(Gothic Princess)
Lunasol
(Polished Sophistication)
SUQQU
(Pure Class)
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi PJ!
I don’t have a lot of experience with LP, but I do own the Kesalan Patharan Sheer Micro Loose Powder and I really like it. It doesn’t perform miracles, but does live up to its name, as it’s very fine, very sheer, and very $$$ (for me at least). The only bad thing is the poor packaging. :(
Hello Tammy!
Thank you for stopping by again!
I think you have picked up a really popular loose powder with the Japanese consumers. The Kesalan Patharan Sheer Micro Powder has won the best loose powder category in the readers’ poll in Biteki magazine in 2006 and 2007.
I have not used this before but I’d think it is definitely a good product! I will make sure I remember to have a look when I visit a Kesalan Patharan counter next time…
The two loose powder I have at the moment are from Sofina Raycious and Lavshuca. I love them both but I am thinking about broadening my horizon…:)
Thank you for your comment again!! :)
Hi PJ,
I’m a huge Loose Powder junkie! Have you tried Laura Mercier’s translucent loose powder? It’s one of my favorites. It has just the tiniest amount of shimmer which gives the powder some dimension (doesn’t look flat or too matte) and a wonderful soft focus look!
Hi PJ,
Now I will have to look at the Anna Sui. Happily I already have the Lunasol and Magie Deco…
Cheers!
Betsy
Hello Karen again,
Thank you for leaving a comment!
I have looked at Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder. I do like it actually. Indeed, it has very little shimmer, which I like.
It is definitely on my “like it” list. I wouldn’t mind getting it someday! :)
Thank you for your great suggestion!
Hello Betsy,
Thank you for your comment again!
For Anna Sui, there is quite a wide range of shades and finishes, so do look around. I think 001, 002, and 200 have shimmer (quite a lot of it), while 700, 701, and 702 are more or less matte.
Enjoy your Lunasol and Magie Deco! Let me know how you get on with Anna Sui. :)
hie PJ
i’m currently using anna sui’s loose powder 700. i found it very nice to use… the powder are very soft… the 001 and 002 has too much shimmer in it.. which makes me look like i’m sweating.. hehe…
then the SA recommend me to use the Luxury Powder if i want a little shimmer in the powder..
well i think its not bad…
Hello Emily,
Good to hear from you again!
Actually, 700 is the shade I would be mostly likely to get (either that or 701). It is good to know that you like it.
I understand what you mean by the shimmer. There is indeed quite a lot of it. Some of the reviews I have read indicate that they need to be used very sparingly and not all over the face. Also, some people had to give up using them on the face and simply use them as a body shimmer.
Thank you for sharing your views! :)