A few years ago, I completely changed up my makeup and stopped using mineral makeup because my skin was too dry. I’ve since found that I like my skin to look dewy, but it can end up just plain oily. As Spring has at least tried to start in Melbourne I’ve been testing this powder from Antipodes to see if it’ll help my oil slick by the end of the day.
Performance Plus Skin-Brightening Mineral Finishing Powder $39.95 AUD for 11g
Ingredients
As powders go, this is definitely a finely milled and super soft, with a touch of luminescence from the mica. I haven’t tried it with photography, but without titanium dioxide you should be safe from flash back. They claim the vinanza grapeseed and kiwifruit extract can inprove the condition of your skin over time, but I can’t comment since I probably don’t use it regularly enough. Another thing to note, is that this will expire quicker than most mineral powders, because of the addition of jojoba oil.
For those times I want a little powder, I sweep this across my skin with a big fluffy brush. I also use a tapered contour blush, gently rolling it underneath my eyes. I find that it doesn’t really do a lot in terms of mattifying my skin, especially if I’m already too oily. I’ve tried applying more with an Artis brush (the Oval 4 is so tightly packed it’s almost like a makeup puff) but this doesn’t help much either. In fact it leaves the slightest white cast. What I do like about it though is the light reflecting sheen. It is brightening in that respect, but for me that means it’s more of a glow powder not a mattifying one.
Final Word
So here’s the thing, for my skin to stay matte, I would likely need to skip my face balm, apply a mattifying primer, a matte foundation and if it were a hot day, I’d also need powder on my T-zone. If I were to go out, then I’d probably have to blot and powder throughout the day. Other than the fact that I actually don’t mind the natural sheen, I’m also much more laid back with my makeup maintenance. I picked this up because I was a little desperate for something, but I have to use A LOT for it to make difference, that doesn’t last long. The pearlescent sheen makes it a better glowy, finishing powder, but not a mattifying one. I actually think I might hunt for another mineral foundation.