[ Review ] N'Pure CICA Beat The Sun Powder SPF30

 

Product Description

N’pure Cica Beat The Sun powder is a lightweight hybrid sunscreen powder by combining physical sunscreen (Titanium Dioxide) and chemical sunscreen (Ethylhexyl Salicylate & Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) to provide protection against UVA/UVB suns with comfortable brushes.

Enriched with natural content such as Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Rice Bran Oil & Vitamin E. With claims to provide maximum protection for the skin, the product is also able to help absorb excess oil, minimize the appearance of pores, and make the face makeup more perfect while reducing shine. Highly recommended for re-apply sunscreen process and suitable for oily and acne-prone facial skin.

Not many brands offer sunscreen powder so when I chanced upon N'Pure CICA Beat The Sun Powder in Batam, Indonesia, it was just apt for me to purchase it. Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Powder had been discontinued while Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45 had scratchy brush bristles so this was my 3rd sunscreen powder. Such designs ensure hygienic, mess-free application, making it perfect for quick SPF touch-ups throughout the day!

Hailing from Indonesia, NPURE products are made from carefully selected natural ingredients from plant extracts to essential oils. There are no parabens, sulfates, or artificial fragrances in NPURE products that can trigger negative reactions on the skin.

N'Pure Cica Series contains Centella Asiatica (cica) content which helps to soothe the skin and speed up the healing of acne. Suitable for acne-prone or sensitive skin, this series also moisturizes the skin and reduces inflammation.

[ Review ] Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30

 

Product Description

Developed in collaboration with Makeup Guru and Instagram Influencer Ash Deleon (@ashdeleon), this translucent non-nano mineral powder can be worn on its own or over makeup for a natural, flawless look. Easy to carry to reapply throughout the day for all day sun protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Enriched with Green Tea to help deliver vital antioxidants while Chamomile Flower Extract helps to soothe skin and Vitamin E contains antioxidants properties.

It has been 10 years since I last tried a Derma E product and I am so glad to snag the last Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Powder before it discontinued. I may have repurchase this product, if not for its poor packaging. My last sunscreen powder was Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45.

Made in USA, Derma E is a clean beauty brand which is dermatologist recommended and sustainably minded to skin healthy, well-being and the natural environment. 

Packaging, Scent and Texture

Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Powder is a 4g powder housed in a convenient brush applicator that is supposed to be travel-friendly but isn't so. Once you pulled off the cap, it is difficult to close it back again and you have to be careful whilst tucking in all the bristles to ensure they are all within the cap. 

The cap also cracked after a few uses and once it cracked, it dropped off easily so it can be pretty annoying. 

Review : RMS Beauty "Un" Powder

Product Description
The one and only powder you will ever need. This ultra-fine, light reflective powder is the ultimate finish to perfect looking skin. A virtually invisible powder that minimizes the appearance of pores, softens the skin and absorbs oil. Works synergistically with rms beauty "un" cover-up to create a silky second skin. Suits every skin tone and adds no white residue. Talc free, silicone free, perfume free and paraben free.

Simplicity at its best, with understated elegance is how I would describe RMS products and their packaging. Looking at RMS Beauty "Un" Powder, it just looks so clean yet so chic!

Containing pure silica, the Beauty "Un" Powder is white in colour, yet does not leave any "white face" effect after application, hence it is suitable for all types of skin tones. The powder is very lightweight and finely-milled. It is recommended to use it as a finishing powder to keep the shine at bay but I usually prefer to use it on its own, after my BB cream application.

Housed in a white round tub, it has a sifter with 4 holes and has a puff enclosed as shown in the picture above. Patience is required to get the powder out due to having only 4 holes. It is not an issue for me, in general though.

Redness is minimized, skin feels silky soft, pores look almost unnoticeable and excess shine is kept away with an overall soft focus effect. I mainly use it with my EcoTools Kabuki brush to make spreading it easier as its difficult to control the amount with the included puff.

However, using the included puff tends to help just a tad better, in minimizing the redness as more powder is picked up. Just roll the puff ( with the powder ) over and over in small sections on the face.

Note that, if you are used to a full face make-up, then using it the way I used it, will not be suitable for you as coverage is not high and slight redness is still apparent. Hence, using RMS "Un" Powder as a finishing powder may be more suitable.

Review : Guerlain Metorites Travel Touch Voyage Powder Mythic

Product Description

All the know-how of Météorites concentrated in an evanescent and extremely light loose powder in an adorable powder case... With its soft mini powder puff, Météorites Travel Touch slips into any handbag and goes anywhere, while keeping the powder protected. Stardust that delights women on the go who love freedom and adventure.

The complexion is luminous and translucent, as if enwrapped in a silken veil. It glows with freshness, as if you just took a walk in a fabulous countryside. The one shade, Mythic, offers universal radiance and a naturally illuminated complexion.

I bought the Guerlain Meteorites Miniature Travel Touch $88 at DFS Changi Airport sometime back. Considered as a limited edition, it consists of 2x5g of Mythic 01 and Golden Shimmer 04.

I don't really splurge on high-end make-up as good skincare is my No. 1 concern so this is actually my very first Guerlain product and I really like how it looks on my skin.

A travel-ready compact, it is a silky-soft loose powder version of the iconic Météorites Pearls that provides a glowing, translucent finish. It helps erase shine, leaving a matte texture to the skin, while concealing imperfections. It is said that the 01 Mythic color blend offers correction and natural illumination for your complexion.

As shown in the picture above, the packaging comes as a loose powder container/jar, with a built-in sponge applicator. I feel that the applicator picks up a lot of the powder and it is recommended to tap it on the back of your hands before applying on the face. I prefer to use a kabuki brush to pick up some of the powder from its built-in sponge application and then brush it all over my face, as a finishing powder.

On its own as a loose powder, it doesn't conceal or provide any coverage because the powder is so sheer, so I prefer to use it as a last touch to give my face an all-over radiance. It blurs imperfections and provides that radiance with a diffused luminosity glow. It doesn't oxidise and seems to work better with time. In fact, my skin looks even better at the end of the day.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for its packaging. Considering the brand and the price as well as how infrequent I use it, I am dismayed that the sponge tore and crumbles making the jar looks like such a mess. When I pulled out the sponge applicator from the container/jar, I have to find something to cover the hole where the powder comes from. There isn't any replacement jar for it, so I just have to decant it to another jar.

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Calvin Klein CK Subliminal Purity Mineral Based Loose Powder

Product Description
Triple jet milled fine mineral infused powder. Gives a perfect final touch for your foundation. Delicate texture and easily adheres on skin. Absorbs excess oil and offers a natural finish. Leaves you a fresh, satin soft complexion.

I bought the Subliminal Purity Mineral Based Loose Powder from Strawberrynet.com some time back. Touted to be long wearing, light diffusing and moisture retaining as well as being dermatologist tested, allergy tested and fragrance free, it seems just like the right fit for me. I chose mine in Flesh and the shade suits my skin tone well. This product has been discontinued but is still available online.

As my very first make-up product from Calvin Klein, it exudes a minimalist and clean feel as what the brand does for other ranges. In the round translucent plastic container with a thick black cap, there is a sift with a decent puff on top. However, the container is bulky and not travel-friendly.

The talc-free loose powder has a matte finishing and leaves skin looking natural and fresh looking, if apply correctly with just the right amount of powder. But apply with a heavy hand, the powder will make my skin look cakey and fake.

It provides medium coverage with good oil-control. I use it directly with a kabuki brush or pick up the powder with its enclosed puff to apply on the skin and brush it all over the skin with the kabuki brush. Either way, the Subliminal Purity Mineral Based Loose Powder left my skin feeling au-natural with its silk finely-milled powder, paired with my BB cream.

Ingredients :
Mica, silica, nylon-12, phenyl trimethicone, squalane, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium dehydroacetate, tocopherol, trisodium EDTA. May contain: CI 19140/yellow 5 lake, CI 77491, 77492, 77499/iron oxides, CI 77891/titanium dioxide

Source : Perfumestore

Review : Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45

Product Description
A transparent SPF 45 mineral powder in a convenient brush applicator that works immediately to block out the sun's harmful UVA, UVB, and infrared rays to help prevent sunburn, skin damage, freckling, and discoloration. The light, matte powder gives the complexion a smooth, radiant, youthful look.

I picked up this product last year, during the Sephora 20% sale for $45.60, down from $57. I had wanted to increase my sun protection because I still think that my current daily application of sunscreen and BB cream are insufficient to protect my skin effectively.

This is my first product from Peter Thomas Roth, a brand where they are known for
good formulas with astonishing results, without the unnecessary additives, fillers, perfumes, etc. The man himself leads all research and development efforts to deliver progressive, cutting-edge products in his own lab and production facility. He is said to scour the earth for the best and most powerful ingredients to deliver state of the art quality at effective concentrations.

Since Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45 is my first sunscreen powder, I prefer to use it as the last layer of application, after my loose powder. It can also be used alone but because it is translucent, I prefer to have my loose powder applied as well.

I read that the product comes in multiple colours - from tinted, which helps even your skin tone, to sheer, which is simply for sun protection but Sephora Singapore only has it in translucent.

Sunscreen mineral powder is easy to use because it is convenient and portable. For this product, you simply pull off the cap, tap lightly to get the powder out, apply on the skin and finally twist, pull the bottom down and replace the cap. It can be used on face, hands and décolleté and reapply after swimming, excessive perspiring, or towel drying.

The translucent finely-milled talc-free powder, dispenses through a retractable brush, feels weightless and has no scent. Just remember to disperse the powder well as there were times where a glob of powder can be found on my skin.

The powder is matte and does not produce any white cast, however contrary to what the description says, it did not give me that radiant and youthful look although that was never my purpose anyway.

Note that, the brush bristles are coarse, scratchy and stiff which is not welcomed on my delicate skin so I just apply with light and quick movements, taking care not to scratch my skin accidentally. It will be better for those bristles to be used on the hands or décolleté though.

The plastic cap is poorly made though as it cracks after several months of usage although I didn't even realize it. Thank goodness, the cap can still be used although the powder could have seeped through the crack when you store it after usage.

Scratchy bristles aside, what I like about such sunscreen mineral powder is that it can be used anytime for immediate sun care protection ( I don't really mention SPF45 because in general, people don't apply that much powder to get the full SPF ), without having to re-apply your make-up.

The usual reminder for all sunscreen protection is to re-apply it every 2 hours but I don't do it because I like to start with a clean base. ( read : clean skin ) and for some people, how do they reapply it on top of their make-up? So this sunscreen powder fills in the gap there.

Lets say, you are going out for lunch under our humid weather, just blot the skin and then touch-up with this sunscreen mineral powder and off you go, with a brolly.

The product scored 2.5 from 20 users on Makeupalley.

 

Where To Purchase : Shopee | Amazon

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45

Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder

Key Ingredients :
-Titanium Dioxide (20.75%): Provides UVA/UVB protection.
-Zinc Oxide (19.60%): Provides UVA/UVB protection.

Ingredients :
Titanium Dioxide (20.75%), Zinc Oxide (19.60%), Silica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Water, Butylene Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Tetrasodium EDTA. May Contain: Mica, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Manganese Violet, Bismuth Oxychloride, Chromium Oxide Greens, Chromium Hydroxide Green.

Review : Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Powder

Product Description
The HD Powder is a unique, extremely fine powder available in one universal shade to make the skin absolutely radiant. It sets the foundation and mattifies the skin without changing its natural contours. Consisting of mineral silica powder, its talc-free formula is non-drying. Its universal translucent shade matches all skin tones. It can be own alone or over foundation.

I bought this during my business trip to The States sometime back. It is simply sheer bliss to shop in USA because of its wide range of products over there, just take away the atrocious flight duration, please. :P

I bought mine in the 5g size, a smaller version of their usual 10g size. Its a small tub, making it a hassle to use the powder so I usually decant it to a slightly larger tub for a more fuss-free application.
However, due to its lightweight and fine texture, the powder has a tendency to "fly" all over the place so just be careful. I use this like a loose powder, setting it after my BB cream, using a kabuki brush.

This powder, made of 100 percent-mineral silica is said to soften the appearance of imperfections, fine lines, and pores and completely evens out the complexion for a glowing, radiant look. It is white in colour, dermatologist-tested and talc-free.

The powder is finely-milled and has a lightweight silky texture that adds a soft focus to the skin. Because its white in colour and very fine in texture, the colour is hardly visible on the face but makes your skin feel and look velvety smooth and matte as it seems to minimize the pores near my nose.

When applied with a heavy hand, the powder tends to sit on top of my skin, making me look white, pale and "chalky". Similar to most powder, it may emphasize the dry patches so make sure you have well-moisturized skin. It is supposed to make you look better in photos but I don't really see a difference.

The product scored 3.8 from 731 users on Makeupalley.

Source : Makeupforever

Review : ELF SPF 45 Sunscreen UVA/UVB Protection

Product Description
A portable loose powder sunscreen that can be worn alone or over any makeup for key sun protection. Shields against harmful UVA/UVB rays to prevent premature skin aging and sun damage. The soft translucent powder is infused with healthy ingredients such as Aloe Vera Extract, Grape Seed Extract and Vitamins A,C and E to help nourish and soothe the skin.

E.L.F which stands for eyes, lips and face is a brand with a range of very affordable products that comes from the USA but made in China. You can check out the range here. For a 10g product, it retails for US$6 but you may get it at a higher price products from other online stores that carry it.

I needed sun protection so what better way to load up on it, than using loose powder with high sun protection? Note that loose powder should not be the only method in protecting your skin from the sun as one does not apply thick enough to give the essential coverage that is required.

The packaging comes in a black box, with a sifter and a round puff that is not very travel-friendly as its bulky. I usually use the puff to pat the product on my face and then with a kabuki brush to spread it out.
The loose powder is not finely milled but slightly gritty and chalky with a heavy texture. With its one and only shade - a peachy pink tone, it does not quite match my fair skin at times as it appears darker as compared to my neck but not very obvious unless one peers closely.

It gives an overall matte finishing and adding on a blusher and highlighter works fine for me.
The product scored 3.2 from 20 users on Makeupalley.

Ingredients :

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 23.3% Zinc Oxide 18.7%

Ingredients: Mica, Silica, Talc, Bismuth Oxychloride, Boron Nitride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Retinyl Palmitate (Va), Tocopheryl Acetate (Ve), Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vc), Sodium Dehydroacetate May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77891 77892 77899), Manganese Violet (CI 77742)

Source : ELF

Review : Lucy Minerals Foundation - Bisque, Fair and Light

Bisque : a neutral shade

Fair : a cool pale shade

Light : light neutral shade


I ordered the 3 shades above at US$2 each for a 5g sampler in May this year from Lucy Minerals. You can check out full range of shades here.
Bisque fits my skin tone as compared to Fair and Light.

These are touted as their foundation which is recommended to go with their finishing powder to provide an airbrushed look as well as to bond with it to last for hours.
I prefer to use it as a loose powder over my BB cream, simply because I dislike layering 2 powder forms over one another.

Each time I tried a new loose powder, it always seem to be better than my previous one so yes, I really like Bisque. Being new to mineral powder, I used too much of it initially, giving me a heavy airbrushed look which made me look too "make-up".
Subsequently, I realized the correct way of using mineral powder is "less is more" so through some trial and error, I concluded that you don't need much of it, to give your skin that silky smooth look.
Perhaps its due to Lucy Minerals foundation being quite concentrated and pigmented as compared to others.

All the 3 powders are lightweight, finely milled, soft and smooth, providing a light to medium coverage, depending on the layers and powder being picked up by the brush. The coverage is buildable. The oil-control is moderately well.

Lucy Mineral Foundation contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (both natural physical sunscreens) plus the added benefits of the antioxidants Apple Poly®, Trans-Resveratrol, Green Coffee Bean Extract and Vitamin C. It is free of waxes, harmful chemicals, preservatives, fragrance, and talc.
Definitely great stuff for the skin.

It scored 4.2 from 180 users on Makeupalley.

Ingredients
zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, mica, magnesium stearate, iron oxides, allantoin, Apple Poly® polyphenols, trans-resveratrol, green coffee bean extract, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

Review : Luv Carat Long Last Face Powder - Natural Beige

Product Description
Cover Pores in natural beige. Perfect your complexion with Luv Carat Long Last Face Powder which absorbs any excess oil and maintain a smooth touch of your skin while keeping it moisturized all day with the moisturizing ingredients of hyaluronic acid, ceremide and squalane.
Packed in an irresistibly attractive diamante jewel case, it the perfect gift for any girl. The loose and lightweight texture is right for any skin type. Match easily with the base foundation, this beige cover pores. Use this mineral enriched loose powder for a natural skin-perfecting look.
Made with porous shperoidal powder with fine and light texture to give that natural, smooth and lasting coverage. Helps control oil and contains moisturising essences squalene and hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated.

Being new to the world of loose powder, this is my 2nd drugstore loose powder which I usually use for work. I like to reserve compact powder for weekends use.

I wore simple make-up for work so I don't really splurge on them. There was a promotion at ALT, Bugis, so I managed to snag it for just $19.90, down from the Sasa price of $39.90 and $29.90 from Beauty Carousel online. Well, apparently, it seemed that Beauty Carousel have increased its price to $39.90 now, probably trying to match with the retail shop prices. Then again, I thought the overheads for online stores should be lower, hence lower prices to pass the savings back to the consumers?

Unlike other loose powders, this comes in a pretty pink round tin with diamettes which looks classy from afar but not really so, when I had it in my hands. In fact, I thought it looks rather fake. Its like the originator wanted to make it look luxe for a fraction of the price but failed miserably.
However, for the pocket-friendly price, you really can't complain much since it does really stand out from the crowd aesthetically.

I got mine in the Natural Beige contained in a bright pink diamante jewel case. It is non-shimmery and matched my colour tone moderately well. The Light Beige in the blue diamante jewel case seemed too light for me, when I swatched in one of the Sasa stores, which made me pick the Natural Beige instead. I reckon my skintone is between the Light to Natural Beige.

Made in Japan, the loose powder is lightweight, finely milled, soft and smooth. It left a silky feeling on the skin, giving it a smooth finish. It provides a light to medium coverage so don't get your hopes high that they will cover your blemishes and redness. The oil-control is moderately well, my skin can last 5 hours without blotting, with my combination and dehydrated surface.

I like to use it with an Ecotools Kabuki brush, rather than its powder puff, to give a natural finish. Compared to Palantong Theatrical Powder, I preferred this, because of the hydrating ingredients in it. I normally use this after BB cream.

Ingredients
SQUALANE, HYALURONIC ACID, CERAMIDE, TALC, MICA, LAUROYL LYSINE, NYLON-6, SILICA, DIMETHICONE, DIPHENYLSILOXY PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CERAMIDE 2, IRON OXIDES, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 15850, BARIUM SULFATE

Source : Beautycarousel , Kenko

Review : Palgantong Theatrical Powder

Product Description

Theatrical powder from Korea is make up of Ceramin ingredient from UK. The size of particles is just half as the other particles. It reflects more light from your skin to even the tone with natural appearance. Thin and comfortable, brighten your skin just like Movie Star. So, it is also called “Star Powder” in Japan and Korea.

Helps in producing 4 outstanding effects - slimming, long lasting, super hydrating and blooming effects for the perfect look.

Palgantong Theatrical Powder is highly raved in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. It is especially popular with Korea stars. In Singapore, its very affordable and I bought mine from John Little during a promotion for just $13.44.

I only started on loose powder late last year, after using compact powder for years as I prefer coverage and good staying powder which I can't get it in loose powder. I don't like to touch up on a dirty face. Well, thats just me.
My first loose powder was from Everyday Minerals, which gave me the confidence to try out more drugstore loose powder. For me, pairing loose powder with BB cream is a fuss-free natural make-up look for work.

Initially, the name made me think of white powder used in opera and that scared me off because I hate thick make-up like what you see on some promoters in departmental stores. They have good skin, but always hidden behind that thick make-up. A guy friend of mine used to comment that they must have put their face right into a powder pan and went straight to work.
It comes in 2 shades - original beige and light beige so I got the original since I don't think I am as fair as Casper. Its only 10g but it can last me for several months and thats good enough for me. Apparently, there are more shades available in Sasa online .
There are 2 layers in the red container, one for the small soft puff and one contains the finely milled powder.
I started off with using the puff as its much more convenient but I do find it abit cakey and unnatural on the skin after application so I switched to using Ecotools Kabuki Brush.

The small puff is actually quite time-consuming as its too small for the face and so I had to spend time patting on the skin several times on different areas. And because I felt that the finishing has a cakey look which i dislike, I switched to using a brush which is much better, in my opinion.
In order to be less messy, I used the puff to get the powder on my face and I used the brush to spread it all around. Its fast and efficient for me, on a rushed morning.

Made in Korea, the texture of the powder is soft and its finely milled, as mentioned. However, as with most loose powder, it does not provide good coverage, though it does give a smooth effect with the appearance of  better skin to boot. The end result is a matt finish. However, it did not give me the natural look I am looking for. Everyday Minerals do a better job in that.

Slimming effect : none
Long lasting effect : not really
Super hydrating effect : abit
Smoothing effect : yes, with some oil control
Blooming effect : yes, similar to normal make-up

It scored 3.8 from 22 users on Makeupalley

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