If you wear foundation or under-eye concealer, it’s essential that you set your makeup with powder to hold it in place.  For years, I’ve used Make Up For Ever’s HD Pressed Powder.   But a few weeks ago, I over applied before a big event and ended up with the dreaded butterfly effect.

A friend suggested that I try Cinema Secrets Ultralucent Setting Powder.  The finely milled loose powder comes in six shades that fight shine and help hold your makeup in place all day.  It doesn’t contain talc, and does contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

I used the product every day for a few weeks, and it has its plusses and minuses.  On the plus-side, it gives a very light, natural-looking finish that isn’t too matte.  It’s also fine enough that reapplication doesn’t result in that awful cakey look.  Using a large, fluffy brush and a circular motion, it finishes and sets your foundation perfectly.

Additionally, you get a lot of powder for your money.  So many beauty companies are cutting sizes and upping prices (I think they’re taking a lesson from the candy bar people), it’s nice to see a company that gives you value for your dollar.

Now, for the minuses.  The powder has a terrible floral/powder smell.  It’s like my Nana’s makeup drawer.  Why it is scented at all, I do not know.  Also, I hate loose powders.  They spill, they get everywhere, and after two weeks, there’s as much in the bottom of your makeup bag as there is in the container.

While I like this powder, I will not continue using it.  It performs well, but the smell is just too much for me.  But if translucent powder doesn’t pair well with your skin, or you like loose powder, definitely give this one a try.  I’m sensitive to smells, so it may not bother you at all.