Pretty Head – UK Make Up Reviews

I always like use a pressed powder over my foundation as in my opinion it not only gives a better look and better coverage, but it also help the foundation to stay on longer, something that is always an issue for women with busy lifestyles. The last time I ran out of it I didn’t have time to go to town and find the one that I normally used, so I had to rely on what my local supermarket, Sainsburys had. The only range of makeup they did was Rimmel and so I had the choice between their regular powder and their Complexion Clarifying Powder which only comes in one shade, so if you don’t have fairly light, white skin then, this product would not be suitable for you. The shade looked like it would match my skin and since I was having an outbreak of spots at the time I decided that I would go for the one that could possibly help make my complexion better. I paid £3.89 for it, but obviously this might be cheaper elsewhere such as Boots or Ebay (see links on page). Price wise this powder is relatively cheap as the equivalent product by brands such a Clinique and Mac cost well over £10. The powder comes in a light green plastic pot with a transparent lid and white writing which suggests that the powder contains natural minerals. Rimmel claim that this powder offers the user a “pure and shine-free finish for up to 5 hours. It clarifies skin thanks to PureSkin TM complex known to minimize skin breakouts. Controls shine and mattifies skin.”

One of the first things that struck me with this product was the fact that it did not come with any applicator like the more expensive brands do. However it is a good £10 cheaper than the better known brands so I suppose they had to cut the costs somewhere.  Once I had put my liquid foundation (Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid), I tried to apply this powder with a generic sponge that I had spare from other pressed powders I had had over the years, however I actually found it quite hard to transfer the powder from pot to sponge to skin. I had a lot better luck with a big Kabuki brush that I normally use to apply bronzer; it seemed to put more powder on my skin and gave a less patchy finish. The product provided an extra bit of coverage when used in conjunction with my foundation; however it would not have been good enough to use it by itself, especially on the dark circles under my eyes. The powder stayed on all day and a lot came off when I removed it at bed time, suggesting that this powder has great staying power! Also I noticed that it was really effective at reducing shine, not that I am generally a very shiny person, but it made a noticeable difference. This powder lasted a good 5 months with me using it nearly every day, so it proved to be very good value for money. During the time I was using it my complexion didn’t really change; I never had that many blemishes to begin with, just the odd break out now and then and this didn’t change over the 5 months I used it for.

I would recommend this pressed powder for anyone wanting a natural makeup look, especially those looking for good wedding makeup. It would also be useful for people with shiny skin as it really does give a good matt effect.

Pros: Lasts all day, it is cheap and reduces shine well.

Cons: Only comes in one shade which is a very pale peach colour, does not come with a sponge, does not help give a clear complexion and it would not be enough to cover blemishes on its own.