The Hunt for the Perfect Face Powder

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder
$32.00
Available at: sephora.com

I recently ran out of my MAC Studio Fix powder and decided to go on a hunt for face coverage makeup before re-buying the same product. I wanted to gear away from MAC because of its reputation for clogging pores and, since I’m not on stage, its hard to justify wearing such heavy powder. I went to Sephora and a drugstore to compare and contrast different concealers, foundations and powders. It took me a couple weeks to test the products before I could narrow down my top three choices. My choices relied heavily on people’s reactions and, most importantly, the way the makeup felt on my skin and how my skin felt after I washed it off.

When I first walked into Sephora I thought I might get lost as usual, but I always end up loving my experience. The staff is so helpful there, and I have peace of mind knowing I can return anything if I’m dissatisfied. The employees are beyond and are always there to give an honest opinion. I tried all kinds of makeup and was beginning to get frustrated. All of the concealers were heavy, and made it look as if I were wearing a mask. I could feel and see little lines forming around my nose and chin from the makeup-- it wasn’t good! After a few disappointing attempts to find good products for my skin, I met Nadja, who was unbelievably knowledgeable and helpful. She took all the previously tested makeup off my skin, and recommended two products that made it home with me, and stayed home with me!

First she applied Laura Mercier Tinted Oil-Free Moisturizer because it’s very light and it has sun protection-- perfect for those with sensitive skin. Seriously, you’ll barely feel you have anything on! The tinted moisturizer also hydrates the skin without drying it out. Nadja instructed me to use less then penny-size on the face. This stuff goes a long way, and it’s not necessary to layer it on thick. The look is supposed to be a natural, everyday look.

Maybelline Mineral Power Starter Kit
$13.99
Available at: beauty.com

Nadja proceeded to try Make Up Forever Duo Mat Powder Foundation over the moisturizer because I told her how oily my forehead can get. The Duo Mat powder worked wonders! It lasted all day without looking oily or streaky. It definitely lived up to its long-lasting reputation. I liked the combination of the tinted moisturizer and Duo Mat powder; I recommend women with normal to combination skin to give it a try. I also got a lot of compliments from friends on the evenness of my skin.

When it came to sampling drugstore items I felt overwhelmed. There were so many options, and little time. I started off by buying a few items that I read about, a couple other foundations my friends and mom swore by. In the end, Maybelline topped the list for the best face cover-up makeup. Not only did it work well on my skin without making me break out, but it looked flawless. My favorite was both Maybelline Mineral Power foundations, in liquid and in loose powder form. The loose powder comes with a convenient little brush that you can easily travel with. When wearing Maybelline mineral foundation, I got the most compliments on my skin. It didn’t look like I was wearing makeup. I was very impressed by their product; I really didn’t expect something so economical to be so amazing.

I found a great Maybelline Mineral Power Starter Kit for $13.99. The kit contains a concealer to apply on imperfections and under the eye. The second item is Mineral Powder foundation with SPF 18 for complete coverage. Lastly, you get my favorite product, the loose powder Mineral Power finish. Wow-- that’s all I got to say! This stuff made my mother’s skin and mine flawless. I couldn’t believe how vibrant we instantly looked. It was as if we had a natural glow. This kit is totally worth it! I wouldn’t go another day without giving it a chance, if you haven’t already.
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Kim Moshtaghi is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Born in Germany, Kim is currently based in sunny Del Mar, California, where she also serves as Stiletto Jungle's Director of Sales and Promotions. Kim has a communications degree, a third degree black belt, and a totally covetable Gucci handbag collection.