Collection Pressed Powder (Shade #18 Ivory) REVIEW

I have to start by saying that Collection's Pressed Powder, specifically in this shade, is probably the best one I've ever used, sending my usual powder - Collection's Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Powder [review here] - packing.

It's just SUCH a good match for my skin! But I have to say, it niggles me a bit that makeup brands, like Collection, don't put their lightest products at the lowest shades (i.e. why is this really pale Ivory Shade number #18, when "Fair" Shade #1 is darker? Surely it makes sense to go lightest first? I don't know). That aside, there's nothing annoying about this product.

                           

Okay, maybe one thing. Even though it's such a good match for my skin and even though it goes well with my favourite foundation, and even though it leaves me looking flawless... it can itch a little when first applied, because it's quite tight on the skin. But that's okay! Such a small price to pay for beauty - and the feelings fade quickly anyway. Speaking of price, I can't really remember how much this was in Superdrug but I'd imagine it's under £5. On their website, you can buy it here for £1.99 (price correct July 2013) and if you're pale like me, I highly recommend that you do. I wore this product at prom, and I suspect I owe the fact that all my makeup stayed on so long to this little beauty.

It doesn't make me look more tanned than I am, nor does it distort the colour of my skin, it covers any patch of skin it's applied to, and it'll last for so long because you don't need much on at all. I absolutely adore this product (no exaggeration) because it helps me to embrace how pale I am and doesn't make me look stupid. Awesome!

Thanks for reading, guys! I'd just like to say that I was not paid by any brand to write this blog post, nor am I sponsored by Collection, Superdrug or any of their affiliates.

Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Powder (Shade #1 Fair) REVIEW

Well, guys, as I've just reviewed the Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer [read it here] I thought it appropriate to review its sister, the powder, right away.

Up next - Collection's Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Powder

This product, like the concealer, claims to stay on for 16 hours. Again, I'm not really sure how true this statement is, because, having had this product for quite a long period of time (as you'll see soon in the pictures) my experience is that it comes off quite easily - especially when embracing other people. Luckily it washes off, but it does mean that I'd have to reapply my powder.

Chalk and Cheese - Collection's Ultimate Wear range

Now, I have the concealer and the powder in exactly the same shade (if you want to get technical) but in all honesty, they're as different as chalk and cheese. In my review of the concealer, I raved about how good a match it was for my skin tone. However, this powder is one I'd wear when I want the feeling of being tanned. It is actually quite dark for my skin, but that's probably because it's so pigmented. Although I didn't realise it at the time, it's also quite heavy on the skin. I've recently found a powder that I feel is a perfect match for my skin, which I'll be reviewing next. It's called Collection's Pressed Powder, which I purchased in the Shade #18 Ivory. Quite why the same shade of concealer and powder don't go together is something I will never really understand, but there you go.

New vs. Old - Collection's Pressed Powder (left) against the Ultimate Wear (right)

So yes, this powder does look quite orange on my skin. But don't forget that could work if you're going for a sun-kissed look. However, that said, when combined with other powders, such as bronzers and blushers, I'm not really sure it would go too well. You would look extremely powdery and people would know you've worn a lot of product. Another thing I want to moan about is the distribution of product across my face. I use a small, round, compacted brush to apply my powders and bronzers, which works perfectly across my cheeks. My forehead however, is a different story. I don't know why it is, but this powder never really appears to stick to my forehead at all. Maybe I'm not wearing enough foundation across there, or maybe you guys could give me some advice on how to make that work.

I probably will still wear this product before I hit pan, but I don't think I'll be repurchasing. If you're thinking of purchasing, you can buy this in store at Superdrug for under £5. Now that it's summer I'll try and avoid anything too powdery and embrace my paleness!

I have not been paid to write this blog post, nor am I being hired by Collection or Superdrug to advertise their products.