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Just like foundation, finding the right powder texture and shade can be extremely challenging. After sampling innumerable swatches at the store, I usually finalize two samples on each vertical half of my face, come home and have a look at both sides in natural light and my own mirror without all the deceptive gimmicks. I leave it on for few hours to let it settle and then I take a …err…calculated risk! So here is my secret list. I arrived at this conclusion after testing innumerable powders and burning an unpleasant hole in my pocket, only to end up distributing wrong shades among friends and family. And if you end up making a mistake, fret not! I have a solution. Well, you see …the darker shades can be used to contour and create a chiseled look while lighter shades can be used to highlight. Bam! Problem solved. You’re welcome. I have mentioned the shade that suits me most so you get a rough idea, considering I have medium fair skin with olive undertones and an Indian ancestry. You must know the characteristics mentioned here are not the manufacturers’ claims, but merely my personal observations and experience with these products and I aint getting no compensation by any of these guys. So without any further ado, I present to you….drumroll please. Come on guys. This is huge. Ok,…I present you with my secret list of the best face powders of 2019.

1. Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder {05 Soft Sand}

1. Natural Sheer Finish

Light Coverage

Powder puff provided

Does not cake, streak or dry out

Not very long wearing

Fairly decent choice of shades. 05 Soft Sand looks good on me.

Available in 11gm travel friendly compact case

The unique yellow base complements all skin tones; even looks natural on pink complexions.

Very expensive

2.MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation {NC25}

Matte finish

Medium to full buildable coverage

Very long wearing

Stays true in humid Chennai summers outdoors at 41 degrees Celsius

Controls oil and shine

Applicator required, provided in the kit itself

Requires primer or moisturizer especially under eye area or it streaks a bit there if not blended well

Does not cake or dry out

Vast colour palette; NC25 is my perfect fit

Available in 15gm travel friendly compact case; not liquid so no need to ziplock it during airplane travel

Expensive

Quick and easy 2-in-1 product {technically categorized as a foundation; but does not require any powder to set and can be used for touch ups just like compact}

3. Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte+ Poreless Compact Powder {130 Buff Beige}

Matte finish

Medium natural looking coverage

Controls oil and shine

Applicator required, provided in the kit itself

Does not cake, streak or dry out

Decent colour palette; I like 130 Buff Beige

Available in 8.5gm travel friendly compact case

Pocket friendly

4. L’Oreal Paris True Match Super Bendable Powder {W3 Golden Beige}

Natural finish

Medium natural looking coverage

Powder puff required, provided in the kit itself

Does not cake, streak or dry out

Decent colour palette; I like W3 Golden Beige {I have used this powder for over 12 years now, same shades too W3, and W4 when tanned}

Available in a 9gm travel friendly compact case

Moderately Priced

5. Maybelline New York Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder {15 Light}

Natural satin finish

Light coverage

Controls oil and shine

Applicator required, not provided

Does not cake, streak or dry out

Only 4 colours; but it is just a finishing powder with a slight hue so it should not matter {I wear Light}

Available in a 20gm square screwetop jar

Moderately Priced

6. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural {Medium}

Very natural finish

Light coverage

Not long wearing

Cannot use with a powder puff or sponge; brush is required, not provided

Contains an impressive 77 mineral complex

Does not cake, streak or dry out

Poor colour palette; ‘Medium’ is the shade I use. It looks a bit dull with cool/pink undertones, but the lighter shade seems far too light. I complement it with other makeup to balance it out.

Dome shaped compact causes lot of product wastage when used with a brush

Available in 15gm travel friendly compact case

Baked, so it is more fragile

Expensive

I hate the fact that MAC discontinued its Select Sheer compact powder. I sincerely loved that powder with all of my heart. It was perfect. They replaced it with ‘Next to Nothing‘, which I purchased at a Nordstrom outlet. Let me tell you my verdict. It is nothing compared to Select Sheer. I would be elated if Select Sheer is reintroduced in the market. It was the best compact I have ever used in my entire life. NC25 was my perfect match and the texture was so smooth. I have used 3 cases of these until they discontinued this bestseller some years ago. Bobbi Brown’s is actually just as good, but also a lot more expensive 😦

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