Overview Review: Current Powder Collection

Since I've been wanting to blog about my thoughts on MAC MSFN vs. Maybelline Dream Matte powder. I thought why not just share an overview of the all face powders that I currently own.

I've never been much of a powder person and frankly speaking, I never really bother to touch up my makeup as well for the longest time. However, I've been really into achieving long lasting makeup ever since I've started working. Blame the extensive walking, humid weather and long hours; I always need to double/triple check my makeup in the office throughout the day to make sure I won't look like crap by lunch.

So, this obsession with long lasting makeup eventually transformed into an obsession with powders.

I own 4 powders with 3 coming from MAC and 1 from Maybelline. I'm sure if anyone of you have read this post, you would know that my least favorite is the MAC Blot Powder. Again, I know there are many who swear by this powder but to much dismay, it just did not work for me.

Left to Right: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, Maybelline Dream Matte Powder, MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder, MAC Blot Powder

1. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light

One of the Cult Favorite powder from MAC and my personal favorite as well. On MAC's website, this powder is describe as

"Provides dimensional yet natural-matte finish. It is also said to provides the perfect low coverage"

 I must say among these 4 powders, MAC MSFN is the one that provides the most coverage. The finishing of the powder is somewhat matte yet also gives a soft natural glow. If look closely, you would notice some extremely small specks of shimmers and I believe that it is due to the ingredients in it. Mica, I believe is the ingredient that gives that subtle shimmer. Well, I hope my chemistry did not fail me.   In terms of texture, it is very soft and goes on the skin easily since the powders are finely milled. The lasting power of this powder is rather decent and would usually last me through an 8 hour work day. However, I think in terms of oil control, this is the worst among the 4 as I would usually notice shine by lunch.  

How I wear  my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural:

Due to the coverage, I always pair this up with tinted moisturizer, lesser coverage foundation or even just wearing it alone with some concealers under it. I wouldn't recommend to pair this with any foundation that has bad oil control properties or none long lasting, such as the Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid, unless you want to look like a shiny disco ball by the end of the day. As for pairing it with medium to full coverage foundation, it still works however u need to apply it light handedly to prevent a chalky looking finish.

2. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Cream

This is actually my second favorite among all four powders I own, mainly due to the matte finish it gives off that offers versatility in my collection. Ever since I bought this, I've always wondered why many compared it to the MAC MSFN since both really compete on a different ground. I would say this is more comparable to MAC Blot Powder rather than the former since both powder gives off matte finish.

Coverage wise, this product provides very sheer coverage. Albeit slightly more compared to MAC Blot Powder which has zero coverage. I feel that texture wise, this product is on the losing end compared to all others as the powder is not as finely milled. Oil control wise, it does a decent job and is comparable to the MAC Blot Powder. As for the lasting power, I personally feel that this fares the best among all.

How I wear my Maybelline Dream Matte Powder:

I usually wear this with my Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation or MAC Studio Fix foundation. Due to the sheer coverage, this powder can never be worn alone but it does work well when paired with medium to full coverage foundation as a finishing powder to set the foundation, giving a longer wear and natural matte looking skin. Somehow or rather, I get always get many compliments of a flawless skin when I wear this with the Estee Lauder foundation.  

3. MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder in Light Plus

I gotta admit that I bought this outta sheer impulse while I was at the airport. Like its claim, this powder has the best texture amongst 4 and it really feels moisturizing, soft and smooth upon application. I would say that the finishing of this powder is similar to MSFN, slightly dewy. The lasting power and oil control are very similar to MSFN but slightly better. And for coverage wise, it fared pretty well and come in second after MSFN.

However, one thing I really dislike is that because this powder is so finely milled, yes extremely finely milled, so much that it actually sits into my pores on days when my skin is like crap. And the result? My pores look way bigger than they really are. Really not pretty! 

How I wear my MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder:

Up to now, I've always paired this up with the medium coverage kinda foundation. It actually works pretty well so far with my Studio Fix Fluid and it is great when applied light handedly with the more drying foundation like the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundaion. However, I would only wear this when I have better skin.

4. MAC Blot Powder in Medium Plus

This is definitely my least favorite powder among all mainly because it has no coverage at all which is, a big problem for me. The best part of this is that it gives complete matte finish and the oil control properties are the best among all four powders. The main reason I dislike is that it always look blotchy and cakey on me when I use it for touch up, which defeats the purpose of getting it since I've wanted it to be my touch up powder through the work day. 

How I wear my MAC Blot Powder

Seriously, I don't find myself reaching for this powder at all since I have yet to own any full coverage yet dewy liquid foundation.

Swatches

Here's a recap of the review above (from best to worst):

Coverage: MAC MSFN -> MAC Studio Careblend -> Maybelline Dream Matte Powder -> MAC Blot Powder

Texture: MAC Studio Careblend -> MAC MSFN -> MAC Blot Powder -> Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

Finishing (Dewy to Matte): MAC MSFN -> MAC Studio Careblend -> Maybelline Dream Matte Powder -> MAC Blot Powder

Oil Control: MAC Blot Powder -> Maybelline Dream Matte Powder ->  MAC Studio Careblend -> MAC MSFN

Hope this detailed overview helps!

Have a good weekend.

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