KEY POINTS:
For a while, as we were chasing the "dewy verging on shiny complexion", powder was considered obsolete and far too nana. Now common sense has prevailed and the virtues of powder are being extolled once more. With it, makeup lasts longer, it gives a soft focus finish and
eliminates shiny skin ... which just looks like you've got sebaceous gland problems.
1. Guerlain Parure Compact Foundation with Crystal Pearls SPF20
$110 for 9g
Strictly, this is a mineral foundation, rather than a powder. But the makeup inside this honey of a compact will do the job of both. Crystal pearls make the skin look radiant and luminous. This is applied dry with a sponge or foundation brush. As always with Guerlain skincare, a delicate rose extract not only fragrances the powder but helps make skin comfortable. And the skin looks amazing.
From selected department stores.
2. Becca Fine Loose Finishing Powder
$79 for 20g
Becca is the brainchild of Australian makeup artist Rebecca Morrice Williams, whose search for the perfect foundation ended in the creation of her own line. This ultra-fine loose powder is one of the best. The micro-milled formulation is lightly pigmented, which means it's practically invisible to the naked eye.
From Glamorpuss Newmarket and Farmers Albany.
3. Innoxa Line Defying Loose Powder
$35 for 20g
A modern loose powder that is light and soft and good on all skin types, this has a light-adapting formulation making it worthy of its Line Defying name. It also has the anti-oxidant gingko biloba vitamin C-rich wild rose extract, so it's good for the skin at the same time.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.
4. Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder Makeup SPF10
$110 for 13g
Another foundation that is also a brilliant stand-in for powder. This gives a velvet look to skin, ensuring shiny areas are matted down and imperfections are artfully concealed. It's about good coverage without looking the least bit heavy-handed. Skin looks luminous and, as with every Chanel compact, it's a pleasure to use.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.
5. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Skin Smoothing Loose Powder
$62 for 28g
This lovely, lightweight powder brings the advantages of loose powder, giving you a professional finish and the might of the Ceramide anti-ageing benefits. Even better, the optical diffusers blur fine lines.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.