Powder

Watch and chuckle, or scoff — or both — as this guy records his gal pal unintentionally blanketing herself in a cloud of baby powder. The white substance, which was placed deliberately in a blow-dryer by her "friend," was all set to go for a dramatic release once that button was switched into the "on" position. A cruel joke, or a harmless antic? Whatever the case, have you ever had a mean beauty trick played on you? Warning: the video lags a bit at the beginning, and if you're opposed to f-bombs (and immaturity), I suggest you don't take a peek.

When a product contains ingredients to provide environmental protection and radiant skin, along with an SPF, my attention is definitely captured. And as Estée Lauder is set to launch two new nutrient-rich makeup items next month, I'm curious to see how these wonder products will deliver. With six shades each, Nutritious Vita-Mineral Loose Powder SPF 15 ($33.50) and Nutritious Vita-Mineral Liquid SPF 10 ($33.50) are formulated with ingredients to help erase fatigue and absorb oil. Pomegranate helps to neutralize free radicals; and antioxidants, iron, and potassium create a healthy glow. Flawless finish? It's a lot to promise, but I'm willing to give it a try.

When you spend beaucoup bucks on a beauty item, you want to be overjoyed, elated . . . even giddy about your purchase. So when I saw that MissTiffany reviewed a $48 powder, I took notice. She even thinks that Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Pressed Mineral Powder in Autumn is the best mineral makeup around. I'm glad she's found a product that works. So now, take it away, MissTiffany:

"I think Jane Iredale is the best mineral makeup out there. This PurePressed Base is wonderful. It blends beautifully with my skin. I haven't experienced any breakouts and my makeup lasts through the whole entire day. I can't say enough."

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These days, buying a neutral powder comes with many, many decisions. Mineral or regular? Loose or pressed? Oil absorbing or luminizing? Translucent? Sheer? SPF? Talc-free?

Really, the most important thing is that the powder does what you want it to: set foundation or concealer without caking, keep grease at bay and not break you out (or aggravate any other skin problems). Oh, and actually match the color of your face. Here are some tips for choosing:

• White and translucent powder can even make the palest complexions look grayish — so stay away.
• Pressed powder is great to carry around for touch-ups, while loose powder usually offers more coverage.
• Don't use the applicator that your pressed powder compact comes with for as long as the powder lasts. The grease you're blotting away is getting soaked up in there and could cause breakouts.
• Use a powder brush for a sheer finish (tap out excess before you use it) and a big puff for a smooth finish.
• If your skin is combination, use oil-blotting papers before powder.
• If you have very dry skin, you may only want to use powder to set under eye concealer.
• Sometimes your skin's oils or other products you use can change the color of a powder. If you're buying an expensive kind, you should test it in daylight before you buy (and give it some time to settle on your face).

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I think MAC comes out with a new makeup collection more often than I sanitize my shower, but hey, that's not a terrible thing, is it? The latest launch to catch my eye is the Mineralize Skinfinish Duo ($26.50). The compact contains finely milled, baked face powder; about 75% is matte, and the rest is softly shimmery.

The idea is that you can use the matte powder on most of your face, then highlight cheekbones with the light-reflecting, shimmery powder. Swirling a brush around the whole compact leads to a too-shiny look for me, but with a stippling brush, it's easy to apply only the matte or shimmery finish. I like how the matte powder seems to sink into my skin, leaving no telltale trace; it just looks like skin, which is ideal. The shimmer is definitely more dramatic, so use it sparingly. I like to use it under the eyes after applying concealer, because it reflects light and hides puffiness. To find out what doesn't work so well, read more

There aren't many makeup products that leave me feeling totally ickified, but Urban Decay's De-Slick Mattifying Powder ($28) is one of them. Everything from the application method to the way it looks and feels on your face is a colossal disaster.

The hard-pressed light lavender (although it claims to be translucent) powder is difficult to get onto your brush, so you are pretty much forced to use the puff that comes inside. The powder feels chalky to the touch and doesn't spread well. In fact, because it's so oil-absorbent, it makes your skin feel dry, almost like it's cracking.

I was really bummed with the results, because I like a mattifier for my T-zone from time to time, and a powder compact in a cute purple case seemed like a great solution. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that unless you are going for a Bride of Dracula, Dita Von Teese, super-matte, pale face look (or if you happen to be someone with extremely oily skin), I'd steer clear of this powder.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Looking for a way to fight the signs of aging just by wearing makeup? Later this month, Peter Thomas Roth will launch a pressed powder ($35) in its popular Un-Wrinkle range. Inside the shiny black compact is a sheer powder that contains a synthetic ingredient called SYN-AKE, which is also in some of Gwyneth Paltrow's favorite skin care. The ingredient acts as a muscle relaxer, similar to the paralyzing effects of snake venom. It also contains peptides and neuropeptides, two antiaging powerhouse ingredients.

The texture is extremely silky and smooth, and when it's on, you can barely feel it (which I love). Something worthy of mention is that the powder claims to be translucent, but I see a slight tint and a definite luminosity when I wear it.

The powder has a bit of product placement coming up. If you're planning on seeing the movie Get Smart (which comes out on June 20, as does the powder), look for a glimpse of Agent 99 (aka Anne Hathaway) holding Un-Wrinkle Pressed Powder on the big screen.