SPEND VS. SAVE: POWDER FOUNDATION PRODUCTS

For this edition of Spend Vs. Save, let's look at Powder Foundation.

I have two brands:

PRESTIGE WET/ DRY PWDER FOUNDATION IN LIGHT COCOA- 500PHP

MAC STUDIO FIX POWDER PLUS FOUNDATION IN NC40- 1600PHP

Prestige's powder products have good quality, as attested by some users, so it's the best cheap alternative so far for MAC sfppf for me.

Let's start with the case. Both are made of good quality plastic, though MAC's sleek black case is a winner because it looks pretty, classy and expensive, while prestige's could pass off as something that's cheap. The only good thing about the clear cover of prestige is you get to see the actual product inside, but the beautiful black case by MAC is the winner for me.

Prestige's case is kinda' big and a bit heavy than MAC's sleek and lightweight black case.

Let's take a look what's inside. Both have sponge compartments, which proves to be very hygienic, so both are winners in the Hygiene category. 

Prestige's mirror is under the powder base, which means you have to flip the case up and down so you'll get the powder and use the mirror, which is a flaw for me. MAC's mirror is correctly placed so you don't have to exert extra effort, which makes retouching more convenient and easier as compared to using Prestige.

As for the sponge, MAC's rubber sponge has excellent quality. It doesn't chip then fall off nor crumble. It'll last as long as you're using your studio fix. Prestige's powder is quite amusing because it has a two- faced sponge. The other, which is the rubberized part, suits wet application more, while the puff part, suits dry application more, which makes Prestige's sponge a winner in the applicator category.

Lastly, let's look at the actual product.

MAC's powder texture is a bit buttery than Prestige's semi- starchy powder texture. The buttery texture of MAC's provides a better coverage, so you're face will look very fresh and pretty after retouching. Plus, the buttery texture helps in making the powder color look more pigmented when applied on skin.

Prestige's semi- starchy powder is not that bad. It provides good coverage, just perfect for setting your foundation or removing oil on our face. In terms of coverage, MAC's excellent powder texture is much better because it provides a more even and better coverage than Prestige. But it doesn't mean that Prestige is nowhere near good. As you can see from above, both have an even finish on my skin. The problem maybe lies in the texture. If the powder of Prestige is more buttery or whipped, it may have the same effect as MAC's sfppf. 

The only good thing about Prestige is you can apply it wet or dry. Apply it dry for a sheer coverage and wet for a maximum coverage. MAC, on the other hand, is intended to be applied by itself only.

Both stay on my skin for around four hours (maximum). I also noticed that Prestige has little shimmers on the powder so your face will catch light, therefore making it look glowing. But it's not good if you have oily skin because it can intensify the oily- looking skin more. Don't fret, the shimmers are not too obvious when you apply it on your skin. It just gives you a nice glow.

The final verdict, If I have more cash left, I'd make room for a MAC studio fix because this is my HG brand for Face Powders. Since times are getting hard and my beauty lemmings are becoming endless, I'll have to sacrifice some things and it's time to unleash the cheapskate adventurer (again) in me. Prestige is still a good buy. I finally found something that's almost at par with MAC's sfppf.

SO FOR THIS EDITION, I SUGGEST YOU: 

SPEND, IF YOU CAN, BUT SAVE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PRESTIGE WET/DRY POWDER FOUNDATION

This is my initial review on PRESTIGE WET/DRY POWDER FOUNDATION.

PRICE: 500PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: BEAUTY BAR, 2ND FL. GREENBELT 5 MALL

OTHER LOCATIONS: ALL BEAUTY BARS NATIONWIDE

Prestige describes this as a powder foundation that can be used dry for a sheerer coverage and wet for a maximum and and long lasting coverage.

I was actually looking for their Perfectly Matte Pressed Powder but unfortunately, it's out of stock so I settled with this one. I said to myself, maybe this could be a good alternative for my MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, since MAC SFPPF has become uber expensive already due to the price increase.

THE VERDICT:

Okay. Let's start with the case first. The case is kinda' plump, so it's might take some kit space, and is a bit heavy as compared to MAC's case. But don't fret. It's not uber heavy. It's not as if it's as heavy as an 8- pound baby. :D The weight is based on MAC's case so it's still worth bringing. 

Much like MAC's SFPPF, It has a sponge compartment, which makes it more hygienic and what's even more surprising is, you get two sponges in one. The other side is rubberized, a good sponge for wet application and the other side is made of cotton puff, which is good for dry application. Interesting. The covering is kinda' tight so you don't have to worry scratching and spilling powder all over your other make- ups.

Moving on to the product. It has a semi- creamy texture. The pigment pay- off is quite good and I love how it duped my MAC in NC42. The shade is in Light Cocoa and it's almost the same as my NC42. 5 beauty points for this characteristic. A little goes a long way and it's fragrance- free, which means, less chemicals. It's also good for those who prefer wearing unscented powders. The coverage is good as well. 

My face with Prestige Wet/Dry Powder Foundation

The price is quite fair. I managed to save 1100php as compared to buying another MAC. In fact, I could buy 3 Prestige powders for the price of one MAC! 

I'll test this further (so better watch out for follow up posts on this one) and if it doesn't give me pimples or any skin blemishes in the long run, I'll stick with this powder for good. :D

So far, I'm loving it. :D

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: PRESTIGE MINI BLUSH BRUSH

Here's my initial review on PRESTIGE MINI BLUSH BRUSH

PRICE: 400PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: BEAUTY BAR, 2ND FL. GREENBELT 5 MALL

OTHER LOCATIONS: ALL BEAUTY BAR STORES NATIONWIDE

This is a signature brush by Prestige Cosmetics. Brushes of Prestige are sold individually.

I need a small brush because using brush gives a better pay- off as opposed to using sponge. You also manage to save powder by applying everything on your skin, than using sponge, where some of the powder particles get trapped inside the sponge, so you don't get to maximize the usage.

THE VERDICT:

This brush is compact, so I can bring this anytime and I'm loving the travel- size size of this one. I also like that it has a brush guard so I don't have to worry that it might get wrecked inside my bag. Plus, it's more hygienic as well.

It's a synthetic- haired brush. It kinda' feels a bit scratchy so it can get scratchy in the long run. I'm also not sure if I can wash this one. I did a brush test on this one upon purchase. A single hair fell but nevertheless, it is tightly secured in the ferrule and the handle fits comfortably in my grip.

One con of this product is the price. It's too expensive for a low- quality synthetic brush. The reason why I bought this is because I just need a brush for my face powder. I actually thought of buying a travel set but I'm afraid I won't be able to use everything because I'll just need 2- 3 of the brushes.

If you're planning to grab a brush from Prestige, I suggest you try something else.