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Chanel Poudre Douce Soft Pressed PowderI make no effort to hide my undying love for Chanel, but no one should ever pay $50 for a powder. Not even if it's the smoothest, silkiest (talc) powder they've ever used. Not even if it smells like roses and comes in a luxurious mirrored compact with a separate (somewhat inconvenient), soft brush. Not even if it covers min...More |
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Laura Mercier Loose Setting PowderI don't know about you, but coating my face with French "cashmere" talc sounds almost as good as a bubble bath. Like any loose powder, this can get messy if its classic sifting canister is jerked around. The tinted powder inside reflects light with near-microscopic shimmer, providing a light finish that mutes smal...More |
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MAC Mineralize SkinfinishSetting foundation with powder can look so powdered doughnut-like. That's why this baked, slightly luminescent, light-coverage powder is a keeper. It's matte enough to take away shine, but the bit of sheen makes it look more skin-like -- and no, it's not shimmery enough to highlight imperfections (I know that's what you wer...More |
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Clinique Blended Face Powder and BrushThis large jar of finely ground powders "sets and perfects makeup" of varying quality and comes in seven basic shades that does a fine job of camouflaging pores and concealer. The sifter keeps powder-y mess to a minimum, unless the container bounces around a lot during travel. Then, it seeps everywhere. But why do...More |
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LORAC Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing PowderSimilar to Lancome Photogenic sheer pressed powder, this smooth finishing powder is designed to light up the face and detract attention from flaws by bouncing light off skin -- a must before photo ops. (The mirrored compact and thin, round applicator come in handy on the fly.) The handful of sheer, shimmery shades adapt to ...More |
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Bare Escentuals i.d. bareMinerals All-Over Face ColorDon't be fooled by the company's flowery language that these little powders add "luminosity" to the skin. They're basically bronzers. They get high marks for giving a nice, natural-looking glow (especially the Warmth shade). And it's true that they're made of natural ingredients and don't contain preservatives, so...More |
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Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed PowderEvery girl needs a good blot now and then, and that's how this powder earns its stripes. The thin peach sponge does a fair job mattifying trouble spots and giving a deliberate satin finish to the T-zone. Be sure to blend with fingertips for a natural look. The sponge does collect skin oils, and it gets grungy, so be sure to...More |
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Bare Escentuals Mineral VeilA talc-free topper to the company's hotly debated mineral foundation, this pale peach powder adds dewy shimmer to eyes and cheekbones. But the same stuff that adds a nice highlight where you want it can just as easily draw attention where you don't: to your pores, fine lines and oily spots. Bottom line: Light to medium skin...More |
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Laura Mercier Secret Brightening PowderThe effect of this specialized loose powder is so subtle, I can see why they called it a "secret." The minute brightening power comes from shimmery mica particles mixed with a base of white/lightly tinted talc and silica. Effects are so faint, application may seem unnecessary; but the powder can help set concealer...More |
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red earth Face N' Glow Sparkling Loose Powderi bought this amazing loose powder and it works great on my combination skin...it gives my skin a perfect glow and even skin tone...More |

See which items from this luxe brand are worth the splurge and which one product you shouldn't spend a dollar on
Behind-the-scenes tips to show off skin, hairstyles, makeup, legs and more
