loose powder

Prescriptives is getting ready to release its first ever, vitamin and gemstone-enriched loose powder called All Skins Mineral Makeup SPF 15 ($32.50). Available in July, this medium-coverage foundation contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to ensure that you are both UVA and UVB protected. It's also formulated with mattifying agents to absorb oil, sweat and stickiness during the humid summer months. Lastly, it's water-resistant and free of oils, talc and fragrances.

The gemstones (rose quartz, amethyst and calcite) also give the powder a little bit of sheen, which helps from making your skin look too dry. The powder itself is finely-milled and when you press down, it feels as soft as silk. I've tried it in Warm Light, which is too dark for my fair skin, but it's going to match perfectly after a few self-tanner applications.

Applying it is easy, too. Just tap a little bit into the cap, dip the new Round Buff Brush ($30) in the powder, give it a quick blow to remove any excess powder, and use a circular motion to apply it all over your face. Concentrate on your t-zone and any other oily areas. All Skins Mineral Makeup will be available in 18 shades and claims to be suitable for all skin types. Think you'd like to try it?

Loose powders are a fantastic way to provide light to medium coverage on your skin without having to apply a heavy or greasy fluid foundation. They help control shine, cover blemishes, red, spots, broken capillaries and under-eye circles — all without caking. Some of my favorite new loose powders also happen to be made from minerals, which also makes them good for your skin. Below are my top five favorites. Do you have a love for one loose powder in particular?

• La Bella Donna Loose Mineral Foundation ($50) is a soft mineral face powder that contains SPF 20 and doesn't clog your pores. I've been using the shade Nicoletta for the past year (plus) and love how it gives my face flawless-looking coverage.
• Prescriptives Custom Blend Powder ($45) is a customized, mixture of lightweight powder created to match your skin tone. You leave the store with a large jar and a mini travel jar which both include a puff. You can also pay an additional $15 for an extra container of pressed powder. Although it's costly, I think it's worth the splurge.
• Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Loose Powder ($10.95) is a relatively new product that has been designed for sensitive and pimple-prone skin. It's non-irritating, it blends easily and has a natural finish. It comes with a brush, and I love the security of the snap-top close.
• Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation ($25) is one of the smoothest blending mineral loose powders that I've ever tried. You voted it your favorite foundation of 2007 because of its silky texture, non-irritating formula and fabulous coverage.
• Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 ($35) is a super-fine, oil-free loose powder that contains 15 amino acids that help achieve clear skin while providing a smooth finish. Not only do I love the tinted powder, but the translucent powder is essential for setting foundation, lipstick ... you name it.

Part two of my springtime pastel products series is all about luminosity. These powders help absorb excess oil while giving your skin that healthy glow. Blend them all over your face for a more noticeable "light," or add a touch to the tip of your nose, forehead, and cheekbones for subtle radiance. Here are three products I recommend, along with a few more that are too pretty to leave out.

T. Le Clerc Loose Powder in Tilleul ($50) is one of the most finely-milled powders I've ever used. It goes on like sheer veil and comes in a vast array of colors. The blue helps to cover broken capillaries and counteract redness, and it's best suited for oily and fair skin. Simply dip, tap, and then blend your fluffiest brush all over your face for a soft wash of color.

For two more powders, read more

I've always been a bit suspicious of loose powder, especially the kind that is supposed to be used to "set" makeup. On me, it often looks caked-on and masklike. Looks like I'm not the only one. WhiplashGirlchild recently shared her review of Make Up For Ever Super Matte Loose Powder in the Beauty Product Junkies group. Here's what she had to say:

I've been on a quest for a primer, so I asked a sales girl which she recommended for staying power. She told me that what she recommends isn't a primer at all, but this Make Up For Ever loose powder. Then, she did a little demo for me. She rubbed two smudges of lipstick on her hand, and dusted the powder over one, but left the other one alone. Then, after a few minutes, she asked me to rub each smudge with my finger. The one with the powder barely budged, but the one without got smudged. I was sold! She dusted Translucent Natural #12 on me. I liked how it looked in the mirror, so I bought it.

When I got home, I looked at it in natural light, and I hated it. It wasn't translucent natural — it was kind of yellow-y, and it looked caked-on and felt gritty on my face. I tried reapplying with my kabuki brush instead of the pouf it came with, but it wasn't any better. I really do want staying power but I'd rather sacrifice it in order for my skin to look natural and velvety, y'know?

Yikes! Sounds like a real disappointment. (Thanks for your candor, Whip!) Share your stories in Beauty Product Junkies, and maybe I'll post yours here, too!

While metallics have had serious staying power over the last year, let's talk more about some of the golden treasures we've found. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that gold nail polish was the next big trend, and we already know that golden highlights are hot. We've seen numerous golden lip glosses as well as tons of glamorous gold packaging. And guess what? Here come more gilded treats! So get excited and stay tuned all week long for more golden beauty treasures. Today's topic is gold dust — a little something sparkly for the face, shoulders and decolletage.

Bonne Bell Glimmer Bronze Highlighting Dust, Gold'n Glitz ($3.95) is a loose powder with microscopic particles that create a sexy glow on your face and body. Be warned, a little shimmer goes a long way, so you'll want to tap your puff before you apply to ensure that the gold dust spreads evenly and isn't too heavy in one area. The result is a luminous glow that lasts all night long.

For more gold dust, read more

I know it's hard to believe, but this Loose Mineral Foundation by Bella Donna ($50) was my first introduction into the wonderful world of mineral-powder foundations.

I know a lot of you use mineral foundation, but if not, here's the basic idea: The seemingly magical makeup comes in powder form, but when you sweep it across your face, you get the finish of a foundation. But while I'm totally sold on the mineral-makeup concept, I don't think that this foundation is right for me, so read more

Stamps are the newest beauty packaging gimmick these days, but apparently they are all the rage! At first there were blush cheek stamps, but now it seems like they're popping up everywhere. Here are a few fun and easy to use mess free loose powder cheek stamps.

Guerlain Divorina Les Voilettes Matte Touch Voyage Powder, $49, is a light and comfortable loose powder that makes touch ups a cinch. It is made from a blend of pure talcs and ultra-fine microbeads which creates a shine-free elegant complexion.

When applying, focus on your chin, nostrils, and area between the eyebrows and blend towards your hairline. Available in two colors.

To see two more loose powder stamps, read more