I have a love hate relationship with face powders of any type - I need (that's right need) face powder due to my oily complexion to help keep any foundation or face product firmly in it's place but have noticed over the years most encourage my foundation to oxidize (deepen in shade) and feel plain disgusting on my skin.
In my experience for my skin it is best to steer clear of anything tinted and go for a HD type product that is colourless - Ben Nye Neutral Set may not be a HD powder as such but as far as colourless face powders go it is easily one of the best.
Not everyone is going to love the style of the Ben Nye powder packaging - it is more akin with a bottle than a typical jar which you will more often than not find loose powder presented within. This style of packaging is great for travel - I have the 85g bottle/container and is both light and compact in size yet contains tonnes of product, the screw lid is robust so no spillages and once unscrewed you are presented with a powder sifter to help reduce dispersing excess product. The only problem with this style of packaging is that to use the powder you will have to find a shallow dish of some type (I use an empty face powder pot funnily enough) to shake a little powder into and then apply to the face - time consuming to some but very worth it in my opinion.
What I like most about the Ben Nye Neutral Set Colorless Face Powder is that it comes with no claims other than it will set your make-up and is colourless. However you are in good hands as the Ben Nye company is of course the brain child of the mastermind behind the make-up of iconic films such as Gone with the Wind, Planet of the Apes and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The Ben Nye cosmetic range was never intended for the public so to speak but was originally created to help those within theater and film but thanks to make-up artists and celebrities praising the brand (Kim Kardashian and the Banana Powder) more of us have discovered and converted over to the line. Ben Nye is now managed by Dana and his son Ben Jr is a critically acclaimed make-up artist working within film productions.
Now you've had a mini history lesson (I can't help myself I'm a sucker for facts and history) let me tell you what this powder does. Yes it sets any liquid base you may apply it over without altering the finish too much - it does tend to reduce shine so any illuminating foundations et al may seem a little more matte in finish but not at flat or dead in appearance. Despite looking like talcum this white powder does not add or take away any colour from the skin, making it perfect for all skin tones and feels lighter than air once applied - it has a slight cooling effect in my opinion. No this will not blur imperfections such as enlarged pores or fine lines etc but it doesn't settle within them or highlight such faults in any way nor does it cling to dry areas so all skin types as well as shade can use this powder. As an oily skinned lady (holla) I need what some may deem a heavy duty powder as I'm not a massive fan of countless re-applications throughout the day, well since switching to this my skin stays oil free for nearly 8 hours but on particularly hot/balmy days it can be closer to the 6 hour mark. Either way that is massively impressive for my skin type and this is my go to powder.
Ben Nye Neutral Set Colorless Face Powder £8.99 via eBay - link
Random Fact - Ben Nye's brother was actor Carroll Nye, best remembered today as Frank Kennedy, Scarlett O'Hara's second husband in Gone with the Wind.
Wow, I've never heard of colourless face powder! This was an awesome read, I really want to try it now! I have combination skin, so this sounds perfect :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post I have oily skin too and this sounds great I wanted the bananna one but changed my mind to this one now xxx
ReplyDeletehttp://mrsbeautyjunkie83.blogspot.co.uk/
Sounds awesome and great review :)
ReplyDeleteI love this stuff and it lasts for ages too - I got a big pot a couple of years ago which is still going strong.
ReplyDeletewww.thirtyminusone.com
This sounds really good, im surprised that it truly is colourless! i only really need a basic powder as my skin isnt especially oily so this sounds good x
ReplyDeleteI love colourless pace powder. I'm using Too faced Primed and Poreless powder, which is actually a bit darker than this one, but works great on my combination skin. Great review, going to check the link right now! :)
ReplyDeleteMyMakeUpCompulsion
This sounds great, I always wondered why my face turned orange when I use face powder and now I know! I'm going to start looking into colourless powders now, thanks :)
ReplyDeleteRosalie x
RosalieJayne
This reminds me of the Tarte Smooth Operator powder. Totally colourless and helps blur the look of pores too. Love it!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, I've been tempted by the Banana Powder, but was always put off by the colour making my skin look sallow. This looks like the perfect alternative. xo
ReplyDeleteAdrienne | Late Night Nonsense | Bloglovin'
Hey, I love your blog! I have been trying to find HD powder. My skin is oily too and I have hated powders and foundations all my life, because all of them made me break out with acne. Until in 2009 finally I tried Clinique double face powder. This is amazing. and worth every penny. I never broke out again. Read about my regime www.skinoholist.com
ReplyDelete8.99 isnt a bad price at all, alot cheaper then the HD one! might give this one a go :)
ReplyDeletehttp://fashion-beauty-bygrace.blogspot.co.uk/
I've currently got the coloured one in cameo and love it best powder for me! I've popped mine in an old Laura mercier sifter xx
ReplyDeleteThis looks so good I'm really tempted to try it, fed up of a shiny face ruining my make-up!
ReplyDeletexx
http://fairygobmother.blogspot.co.uk/
It's a great alternative to a HD powder with an accessible price. Ps : I like you read the history of Ben Nye cosmetics, It's more familiar now !
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