Review: Revlon PhotoReady Pressed Powder

Originally posted on March 18, 2011

I normally wear liquid foundation, and finish it with a loose powder.
And I use MAC's blot powder during the day for touch-ups.
But somehow, I never felt secure carrying only blot powder in my bag.
I have oily skin and my nose area always end up melted around lunch time
(yes, I use primer too, fyi). So, I always carry one of my loose powders or
my powder foundation along because the blot powder has no coverage whatsoever
to fix my makeup. Took me over four years to realize I need something with (better)
coverage to replace MAC blot powder.

I've read mixed reviews about Revlon PhotoReady Powder. Some say it's a HG item
and others say it's a complete waste of money.

I gave it a chance because it is easily accessible, not too expensive
and the medium/deep (030) shade matches my NC40 skin perfectly.
I tried it on my face for a good 2 hours before buying, to see the effect.
No itch, no oxidation, and the powder stayed put.

The packaging really sucked, it's huge and comes with a flimsy brush that looks
more suitable for blush application rather than powder. Honestly,
i even had a second thought about buying it simply because of the ugly packaging.
Don't even waste your energy trying out the brush, just put/throw it away.

PIC

The powder itself is quite finely-milled, though I've seen more finely-milled powders
out there (MUFE duo mat, Kanebo Lunasol powder foundation, NARS and
of course Cargo Blu-Ray). It has tiny particles of shimmer which can be quite noticeable
under direct sunlight. In the pan, I mean. Not on your face, thank God. :)

PIC

It provides light to medium coverage, depending on how you apply it. I prefer to use
my Everyday Mineral's kabuki brush or a sponge for this, which give medium coverage.
I did try using a skunk brush for lighter result, but the finish somehow accentuated
my huge pores. If you don't have pore issue then this application might just work for you.

The finish is satiny. Almost matte to my eyes, but not quite.
I guess the shimmer gives a bit of a dewy-look effect.

I use this powder to set my foundation, and my whole makeup would last
nicely for six to eight hours. I'd blot with a face paper before going out to lunch,
but only out of habit. My overall look is still quite oil-free.

But is it photo ready as the name claims? Don't think so. Or, at least not THAT photo ready.
You will notice the powder on the skin, but not in a bad or fake way. Just noticeable.
So, I'd say that this powder is a great choice for working days, but not for special occasions.

My verdict, I love this powder! I have been neglecting my loose powders ever since
I bought this, including NARS! It works as finishing powder as well as for touch-ups.
And my overall makeup lasts longer! In my lazy days, I'd even skip my foundation
routine and go straight with this powder after primer.

The only grudge I have is the super ugly packaging.
Also, some people might have a hard time finding a match since the color range
is so poor (only 3 shades available). I guess I'm just among the lucky ones. :D

Have you tried this powder? Did you like it?