Before I bought the elf Cosmetics version, I got the Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Powder Microfinish Powder.
After trying them both out, Make Up For Ever comes out on top for me…just not when you compare prices!
This powder’s supposed to mattify your skin, even out your complexion, set your foundation, and give you an overall ‘soft focus’ effect.
But did it live up to all the claims? You’re about to find out what I think!
Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Powder Pictures
Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Powder Ingredients
Claims: TRUSTED
√ Sets foundation
√ Mattifies skin
√ Softens the appearance of imperfections
√ Evens out the complexion
Key Notes
- Name: Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Powder
- Amount: 10 g (0.35 oz.)
- What I Paid: $35 CAD
- Where to Buy: Sephora stores & Sephora website
Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Powder Review
Colour
This powder is white in the container, but it goes on translucent. It didn’t seem to whiten my skin (if I accidentally over-applied it) as much as the elf Cosmetics Studio High Definition Powder, which it’s often compared to.
However, I can see that if you use too much of this product if you have a richer skin tone than I do, it’ll probably leave you looking ashy.
Even though on me it was translucent, it managed to even out my skin tone well.
Texture
I loved the silky smooth texture of the Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder because it’s extremely finely milled (more so than the elf Cosmetic powder).
The better texture may be because Make Up For Ever contains 100% Silica, whereas elf Cosmetics has Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer and Silica.
I could really see the difference in the way it applied. It goes on evenly and it feels softer on your skin. Plus it creates that beautiful ‘soft focus’ effect with very little product.
Does It Mattify?
Yes, I used this to set my loose mineral foundation, and it kept my skin from looking shiny for much longer than when I didn’t use it. Also, it mattifies without making your skin look parched and chalky (as long as you don’t over-apply it).
How to Use
Apply a small amount with a fluffy brush over foundation or by itself.
Packaging
I liked how sleek the tub was. It was very handy to sprinkle a little bit of product into the inside of the lid and swirl my brush around to pick it up. (It looks a lot sleeker than the elf Cosmetics one, which is rather clunky.)
Pros
|
Cons
|
Final Verdict: 9.5/10
Even though some people have said that the Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder is basically the same as the elf Cosmetics counterpart, I definitely noticed a big difference in the way my skin looked and felt when using each product.
I prefer the Make Up For Ever one because it’s more finely milled, it feels softer on my face, and doesn’t seem to make my skin look chalky as quickly as the elf Cosmetics one.
However, the issue of price comes into play. elf Cosmetics is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay less expensive than Make Up For Ever, so it’s the more economical choice. (I got the elf Cosmetics one for $1.80 USD when there was a 70% off online sale, and the Make Up For Ever one is $35 CAD.)
Have you tried both? Which do you prefer? What do you use to set your foundation?
Edit: Yay! Make Up For Ever retweeted this post to their followers! 😀
Yay one of my personal favorites! 🙂
Olivia Frescura recently posted: What to Wear to a Fashion School Graduation (FIDM)
Hey Olivia Frescura!
Have you tried the elf Cosmetics version? I’m curious if you also agree with me that this Make Up For Ever one performs better.
Yay! I love my Make Up Forever HD Powder. I used to use mineral veil from Bare Escentuals but I decided to try something different and I am sooo happy I did. At first I was surprised at how tiny it was, looking at the price I thought it would be bigger. I took a risk and bought it anyways. It lasts a really long time as a little goes a long way. I use a mini kabuki brush that came with a sample of Bare Escentuals I once had. It really leaves my skin feeling super soft and smooth and gives it a nice finish. Even if I accidentally over apply in an area its easy to blend it out 🙂
Frosso recently posted: 365 Days of Color Summer Dream
Hey Frosso!
I wonder if this will work well mixed in with my loose mineral foundation. Then I could eliminate one step.
Have you ever tried doing that? And if so, did it work as well as when you applied it separately?
I haven’t though of that before. I use Bare Mineral powder foundation so its possible, but the thought of mixing it in makes me nervous lol. I don’t think I could do that in fear of waste.
Frosso recently posted: Orly Bubbly Bombshell
I’d want to try it – maybe test some of it in a smaller container instead of mixing the whole thing together. It’d save time.
Hmm…but lately I’ve been really curious about trying a BB cream!
I’ve never tried any of these HD setting powders as I tend to just finish off with a quick dusting of that Physicians Formula translucent powder with SPF (you can never have enough SPF, right?). I’m really interested in this “Soft focus” effect you describe. Does it blur imperfections? Also, does it show up in photos? (I remember reading this was the culprit for that infamous photo of Nicole Kidman where she had powder on her nose, well, too much of it at least!)
Carmela recently posted: Hammie visits Joanne at Northern Nails with (More) Beach-y Nail Art
Hey Carmela!
Yes, it seems to blur imperfections well so they’re not as noticeable. But, if you have a red pimple, it won’t blur it out completely. You’d still need to conceal it first. The powder will just add a little extra fine tuning. 🙂
As for if it shows up in photos…I actually rarely have my photo taken. It’s not that I’m afraid that the camera will steal my soul ;), but I just don’t roll with a lot of people who take photos. Out of everyone I know, I take photos the most…but they’re of products for review on my blog, not people! Haha! I sound like a weirdo. Hurray for blogging weirdos! 😉
Oh, I didn’t even know about that photo of Nicole Kidman. I’ll have to Google it.
Hmm, that sounds interesting. But I probably don’t need it just yet. (At least that’s what I’m telling myself :P)
Here’s an article on it: http://beautyeditor.ca/2011/04/07/first-nicole-kidman-then-eva-longoria-now-ashley-judd-twice-why-are-so-many-celebs-wearing-visible-white-powder/
Carmela recently posted: Nail Art Wednesday: Gold Swirls on Purple
HAHAHAHA! Those pictures are hilarious!