Airspun Coty Loose Face Powder, Translucent, Pack of 1

I snagged this powder in two versions (translucent and translucent extra coverage) for under $3 apiece. Even the usual $6 price tag is an absolute steal. It works very well, and with 2.3oz per canister you get at least 2-3x more than what's offered by most brands. I have fair, combination skin with neutral to cool undertones, and the start of some fine lines around my eyes. No major discoloration or blemish issues, just the occasional spot. I apply this lightly with a velour puff over moisturizer and SPF, or occasionally over a BB cream. It evens out my skintone, mattifies my T-zone, and doesn't amplify my lines or break me out. It also provides a little bit of an airbrushing effect, so IMO it really does work as a light foundation if you're not looking to cover anything major. Really oily faces would probably do best with the extra coverage. My combo skin does fine with the translucent, but I tend to prefer the extra coverage; it's not noticeably heavier and I think it mattifies just a little better. Unfortunately, the scent is so strong that it can be overwhelming. I was honestly a little taken aback when I first opened the package. After using it daily for a few weeks, though, and generally with a pretty light hand, I found that it grew on me. Also be aware that the #1 ingredient is talc, if that is of concern to you.

With all the powders available to buy these days, it's sort of surprising I continue to use my original loose powder and not the mineral powders available everywhere. I have tried various mineral powders, but when it comes to choosing one when I apply my makeup, I end up using this one. From teenagers to age 40 something (eh hum), I've been using this translucent powder and never once had any adverse reaction to it. It never clogged my pores or gave me acne. Over the years, and even today, I have been told I have a peaches and cream complexion. Although my skin isn't blemish free anymore (I do have a few darker spots), they are not noticeable with a light layer of foundation and a light dusting of translucent powder. Lately, I have been using it on my teenage sons acne, and although talc is not recommended for acne, it hasn't made it any worse and does a good job of covering without looking thick. For him, I pat his face with damp hands after applying so it looks completely natural and still covers acne spots. NOTE regarding other reviews regarding made in China claims and that the product is different - the container is no longer cardboard and is not as pictured however the product within is the same. I remember so clearly in high school when Long and Lush mascara formula changed and I stopped using the mascara completely because it was so different. It no longer washed off easily and just wasn't at all the same. I am so picky about these types of changes! With a face powder, I would definitely be able to tell if it was different or working less effectively. IMHO, as of today, it is the same exact product I used in high school, keeps my face shine free, blemish free, smells exactly the same and is light and fluffy like sifted flour. As for the product packaging, I prefer the plastic container. Do I wish it was still made in the USA? Yup I do. But it definitely is the same quality product inside as I remember and have been using for YEARS.

Overall I'd say this extra coverage translucent powder is better than my Laura Mercier translucent powder. I've used this powder a dozen times since purchase so I have a pretty fair experience to review this now. For more details keep reading on. Design: Upon arrival, I had no issues opening the plastic seal covering the sifter/holes containing the powder underneath. There was no leak, all product was contained. There's a big cotton puff, which I tossed because I'd never use it on the face knowing it can easily harbor bacteria and cause breakouts. I think it can simply serve as a mechanism to prevent spills or leaks, since the lid is not a screw top and a bit easy to come loose and the sifter has no other means of being sealed. Because of this, I'd never attempt to travel with this powder. The risk is far too high for what it's worth. I'd be mad if all my other toiletries were smeared with powder. Effectiveness: color, coverage and duration of oil control are satisfactory for my extremely oily T zones, including forehead, nose, eyebrow areas, and cheek area surrounding the nose. I have sand colored complexion, and I prefer a matte and light toned skin. Highlighters look horrifying on my skin, that's how oily I am. This extra coverage powder has a pinkish tone when initially applied but I don't mind it. My skin looks matte right away. I do look a bit cakey if I examine my face closely, BUT same result using Laura Mercier translucent powder. With both powders, I usually use a damp beauty blender to apply a decent layer over my oily areas mentioned. After 6 hours, Airspun reveals some oil back to the face. See photos before and after 6 hrs. But again, Laura Mercier translucent powder revealed even more oil within the same timeframe. I find that Airspun does create more of a dust cloud though. Try not to breathe it in. Plus the scent is strong like baby powder. I don't mind it personally. I have not noticed additional breakouts caused by this powder on top of my usual breakouts. Amount and price worth: huge amount of product, looks like it hasn't been touched after a dozen uses. I don't use a light hand either. I spent $10 on this, but I really don't mind because it's the extra coverage version and so much product, it will last me over a year for sure. And it's still 3x cheaper than Laura Mercier. Overall, Laura Mercier doesn't compare in effectiveness and price, and the only reason I use it is for traveling, and to use it up before it expires. I'll only purchase Airspun from now on.