the Hannah Hardy

Read Volume I here.

No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Translucent Finishing Powder

Claims–Sets makeup :: won’t cake or settle :: soft & silky feel :: 3 age-defying results- reduce appearance of fine lines, even out skin tone, and visibly smooth the skin :: leaves skin looking instantly smoother and more radiant

Price–$12.99 at Walgreens, Target, no7beauty.com

Shade Range–4
My shade–Translucent

Pros–Cruelty free :: shade range :: fair price :: soft glow :: availability :: ingredients- Vitamins A & C :: sets without caking or over mattifying :: skin looked smooth

Cons–Contains talc :: higher priced drugstore brand

Final Thoughts–This powder was recommended by Jessica Braun and she is one of my favorite YouTubers. It sets makeup without overly mattifying. My skin looked so soft and smooth. It worked great with the radiant foundation. With the more matte foundation, it did cling to dryness in some areas. My skin looked radiant from the beginning of the day till the end. It has a smooth, silk texture and is a great option for dry skin.

Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder

Claims–Superfine, weightless powder :: perfect and extend makeup wear :: filtered, photo ready finish :: reduce shine :: blur the look of pores, fine lines, and imperfections :: hyper-smooth filter that won’t flashback :: set, perfect, and brighten without caking or settling

Price–$32 full size, $18 mini at Sephora, fentybeauty.com

Shade Range–8 (only 5 of the shades available in the mini option)

Pros–Cruelty free :: weightless :: mini size for travel/testing :: blurs :: shade range :: flawless, filtered effect :: silky, finely milled :: sets without caking

Cons–Sephora exclusive :: expensive :: not all shades available in mini size :: contains talc :: bulky packaging

Final Thoughts–I love the lavender shade for setting my under eye concealer for a brightening effect. However, I don’t use this shade all over my face so I picked up the shade Butter for that. This powder is expensive, but SO WORTH IT and unlike any other powder I’ve tried. Your face looks so smooth, soft-focused, and filtered. My skin has never looked so smooth. The packaging is bulky, but it doesn’t bother me. I HIGHLY recommend this one. It works with both matte and luminous foundations.

Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder

Claims–Minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, bumps, scars, and other blemishes :: give the skin a smoother, softer look :: long lasting :: lightweight :: flawless finish

Price–$5.97 at Wal Mart, Amazon :: $7.99 at Walgreens :: $5.99 at Target

Shade Range–4
My Shade–Translucent

Pros–Affordable :: easily accessible :: lasts all day :: works on my dry skin :: doesn’t cake or cling :: get TONS of product :: shade range :: lightweight on the skin :: makes my skin look flawless and filtered :: lives up to all claims

Cons–Scented :: not cruelty free :: packaging can be messy :: contains talc

Final Thoughts–This is a staple, must have product. It has been around since 1935 and for good reason. My face looks so smooth and flawless and it works on my dry skin without caking or clinging. I’ve used it with a brush, puff, and sponge and it works with all 3. There is a scent, but it doesn’t linger. You’d be hard pressed to find a better powder for a better price.

Laura Geller Balance-N-Glow Illuminating Foundation

Claims–Foundation & highlighter in one :: ideal for all skin types :: made in Italy :: 95% pigment, 5% highlighter :: color-corrects, brightens, and illuminates :: even skin tone for natural, yet illuminated complexion :: medium coverage foundation that applies like a powder, adheres to skin like a cream, but feels weightless

Price–$35 laurageller.com, Nordstrom

Shade Range–9
My Shade–Porcelain

Pros–Cruelty free :: no parabens, fragrance, gluten, mineral oil :: adds radiant, healthy glow to the skin :: ingredients–Vitamin C, white tea extracts :: doesn’t kick up lots of dust when dipped with brush :: worked with matte and radiant foundation :: works great as a finishing powder and a setting powder

Cons–Shade range :: contains talc :: expensive :: availability

Final Thoughts–I love the overall glow this gives. I’ve used it as a setting powder and a finishing powder, but never as a foundation. I need coverage and this isn’t enough for me. It claims to work for all skin types, but I don’t know how oily skin folks would like it. I think it’s better suited for dry to normal skin types. My favorite way to use it is as a finishing powder. I found mine at TJ Maxx for $10 or less. I would not pay $34 though.

Revolution Pro CC Perfecting Pressed

Claims–No flashback :: hint of coverage :: infused with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants :: melts into the skin

Price–$14 at revolutionbeauty.com

Shade Range–13
My Shade–Ivory

Pros–Cruelty free :: vegan :: luxe packaging :: shade match for me :: contains hyaluronic acid :: affordable :: didn’t cake or cling to dryness :: work with matte and radiant foundations :: silky smooth texture :: locked makeup in place

Cons–Online only

Final Thoughts–You would never know this was from an affordable brand. The packaging is so heavy and feels like high end. It didn’t cake up and set my makeup in place with a soft, flawless finish. I applied with a brush and puff and it worked well with both tools.