Loose Powders to love from Jurlique, It Cosmetics, Smashbox, Make Up For Ever and Urban Decay

I usually have 3 or 4 loose powders on the go which I rotate through depending on what my skin is doing on any given day.  Some days it's oily and wants mattifying, some days it's dry and wants hydrating, some days it just wants finishing and some days I don't know what the hell it wants!  Here are the ones that I have been using lately...

Jurlique Silk Finishing Powder - 10g - $36 - it comes in 3 types - rose for balanced skin, lavender for dry skin and citrus for oily skin.  I'm more combo but all they had to say to me was "citrus" and I was so there!  I knew I was in love when I opened it up and it really did have a lovely citrus smell.  The packaging is excellent, it comes in a plastic container with a sifter so you don't get too much powder coming at you at once.  It also has a lid with a mirror that snaps closed so if you like to carry your loose powder with you, it's safe for your purse.  Its shine fighting powers last about 4 hours on me, which isn't bad.  I must admit, it made the top of my list because of the wonderful smell!  You can find Jurlique at Sephora, Holt Renfrew and lots of other places, their store locator can be found here.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Silk HD Setting Powder - 4.25g - $29 -This powder is infused with line smoothing hydro collagen, luxurious silk for a poreless finish, and vitamin K to help reduce discolouration. It also contains anti-aging anti-oxidants Vitamins A,C & E to help ward off free radicals throughout the day. The translucent colour works on most skin tones but I do find that most translucent powders really aren't great on dark skin - they always seems to leave an extremely unflattering grayish cast.  It's hard to see in the picture here but it does have a sifter top.  You can find it in Canada on The Shopping Channel here or everyone can find it on their website here.

Smashbox Halo -21.26g - $72 - Halo is the first anti-aging powder with the science of skin care built in. It's advanced formulation of pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids and a powerful peptide deliver powerful anti-aging benefits while the patented hydration system continuously revitalizes skin and provides a hydrated look that won't accentuate lines and wrinkles. The built-in shaver allows for the convenience of a pressed powder combined with the radiant finish of a loose one.  This is the blurb from the website and it all sounded pretty nifty to me - I actually bought this a year ago and just finished it last week.  With my skin going so dry this past winter, this was the powder I was reaching for almost every day.  It really was more "moist" feeling then loose powders usually are and I loved the shaver, it made things much less messy then trying to shake just enough powder through a sifter!  I didn't love the brush, I found it too small and hard and I didn't love that the clasp on the lid broke within a couple of months.  This wasn't a big deal because I don't travel with it, but someone who does might find that annoying.  I looked at the testers at the store the last time I was there just trying to gauge if this is a common problem or not - half of them were broken, but I'm sure they also get opened and closed a lot more too so it's hard to say.  That small issue aside, I will be repurchasing this powder!

Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Powder - 10g - $34 -Sets the foundation and slightly mattifies skin without changing its natural contours. This 100% mineral silica powder softens the appearance of imperfections. Completely evens out the complexion for a glowing, radiant look. One universal shade for all skin tones.  You may remember I got this in the Best of MUFE set that I bought at Christmas and I already raved about it here if you want to read the review.  My love maintains and I still reach for it regularly so I thought it deserved a place on this list.

Urban Decay Razor Sharp Ultra Definition Finishing Powder - 12g  - $36 - Designed for the stars of film and flat screens, this high-tech finishing powder contains silky, micro-fine particles that fool the eyes with "optical blurring" and miraculously seem to airbrush away skin's imperfections. It provides a smooth, flawless, soft-focus finish that's flattering under even the harshest of lights. Use Razor Sharp as a finishing touch after foundation, or wear it alone to create a perfect "bare skin" look.  However you apply it, you'll be addicted to the tiny refreshing water particles that float on skin's surface and "burst" when applied.  I didn't get any of the water particle bursting effect that they are talking about but I don't disagree with anything else they are saying about it.  A great finishing powder but I have to say I hate the packaging!  It has a built in sponge applicator which I am just not a fan of.  You can bypass it by just unscrewing the whole top but then you have the pot of powder with no sifter or any barrier to keep it from going everywhere!  I live in fear that I am going to drop it one day while I have it open and powder will go flying!  If you like a sponge applicator or steady hands then give this one a go, if you are a klutz, you might want to think twice!

- Lisamarie -