MAC Studio Careblend pressed powder review

Formulated to provide a smooth, virtually invisible, fresh-looking finish, this soft, cream-like powder is carefully blended to provide the skin with extra care, nourishment and comfort.

I have to admit I never paid much attention to Careblend pressed powder. When it was released I heard one bad review that it enhances skin dryness and after that I did not consider it for myself at all. Recently I heard from a lady that I trust very very much when it comes to makeup - she knows MAC inside and out plus she has same skin tone as mine, that Careblend has exactly the same texture as Prolongwear bronzers - which I absolutely loved so I had to try it!

At first couple of uses I wasn't really impressed. I actually was thinking of returning it. My plan of using it was only as a setting powder. I have to admit that I did not try to use it on it's own. It would give very light coverage, something like Mineralized Skinfinish natural , maybe slightly more and matte finish. I love the color - I bough it online and without ever trying it in store and it's a perfect match. I got Light plus.

First time I used it was over Mineralize moisture foundation. It was just ok. Adds coverage, evens out nicely. But as I used it more often and over Studio fix fluid I actually grew to like it a lot! Just needed to find perfect combination for it. It works magic together with Studio fix fluid. Full coverage, matte finish (but not that ugly "dead skin" matte, it's more of a satin/matte), evens out, hides pores wonderfully and holds throughout the day. It doesn't have any scent . It did not accentuate dry spots on my face nor it made my skin tight, eachy or dry powder looking at any point. It comes with a tiny sponge that I did not like much, it's almost useless (maybe for a touch up when  you are on the go). I apply it always with a large powder brush (MAC 150 or 134).

Texture is very lightweight, feels comfortable on the skin, almost creamy like. I know it's weird to say for a powder that feels creamy but it's the perfect way to describe it. It has ingredients like Shea butter and olive oil that help keep skin not feeling dry and make this powder comfortable to wear. I think that new generation powders are getting further and further from that dry caky powder look and feel on skin. It is supposed to look like your second skin, just flawless. It gives more coverage than Mineralized skinfinish natural and Blot for sure.

Careblend powder has 10gr which is decent for a setting powder and price is not that bad at all - 25$.
Probably is the best setting powder with some coverage and skincare properties in this price range.

I tried to take up close photo of the texture after swatching it with my finger. You can almost see how "creamy" it is.

MAC studio careblened pressed powder swatch on MAC NC15/20 skin

NARS Light reflecting setting powder - pressed review

What it is:

A weightless, translucent powder for all skintones that creates a soft matte finish that looks luminous in any light. 

What it does:

This setting powder enhances the look of foundation without a trace of color, extending makeup wear thanks to the NARS exclusive Light Reflecting Complex™, which optimizes light-reflection on the skin. Its silky powder is infused with Photochromic Technology, which diffuses light and adjusts to new sources of light throughout the day. Soft, silky and luxurious to the touch and undetectable on the skin, this weightless formula applies evenly and blends effortlessly. One of the best parts? Fine lines, wrinkles, and pores optically fade as skin is visibly smoothed. Additionally, revolutionary microfine mineral powders are loaded with glycerin and antioxidant vitamin E to help guard against dryness and keep skin comfortable all day. Ideal for touch-ups, it helps regulate shine throughout the day and seamlessly sets foundation. This product is paraben- and fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens 

What else you need to know:

NARS Light Reflecting Complex utilizes a blend of pure ingredients that work in synergy to transform light like a prism. Light-active micro-prisms are combined with algae extract and Polynesian seawater to optimize light reflection on the skin.

Research results:

In final clinical test results:

- 84% agree that the product was non-drying

- 72% agree that the product blurred enlarged pores

- 72% agree that the product blurred fine lines and wrinkles

- 94% agree the product smoothes out skin’s appearance

- 91% agree that the product absorbs excess oil

- 81% agree that the product sets the foundation

- 75% agree that the product helps the foundation and other makeup to stay put all day

NARS Light reflecting setting powder is one of the newly launched products in NARS complexion range. They did amazing job with pressed, loose powder, Pure radiant tinted moisturizer, concealer and of course Light optimizing primer. I had really high expectations for this setting powder. I did not get it right away since it reminded me of MAC prep+prime setting powder - and this one I have both in pressed and loose version. It is similar although texture is completely different. NARS powder has very unique texture and I am not even sure how to properly describe it - it is powder , and it feels like a very lightweight powder but when you touch it , it seems more like a cream, or even rubber. I know rubber might seem weird but that's what it reminds me of. 

So, I did not need it that's for sure. When I read Temptalia's reviews of both pressed and loose version I noticed that loose is more matte while pressed is supposed to be more luminous. Matte does not work for me. While browsing at Sephora pressed version caught my attention because it looked so shimmery and sparkly. Later I realized when it's brand new you are not able to notice that but more you use it, more you rub your brush or a sponge it becomes more and more shiny. Not in a bad way though. It looks super shimmery in the pan but on the skin it gives satin look leaning toward matte. 

I have been happy with my MAC prep+prime powders (although sometimes they dry me out and give me matte look) since they even out foundation beautifully. They would give me smooth poreless look. I expected the same from NARS minus the matte look. I wanted that "luminosity" that they promise. Instead I got matte look, my dry patches enhanced (I moisturized, used primer underneath), and my pores looked awfully large and filled with a powder! Actually powder settled so much in them and gave them that white cast. Boo! Maybe I was not applying it properly? I used large MAC powder brush and I really tried not to overdo it. I applied it in circular motion.

I was really disappointed. I am rarely ever disappointed by NARS. It's one of my to go brands.  I can see this working much better on combination and oily skin. I think it would even out the skin and help with the oil.

Maybe I should have tried it with the sponge it came with? Anyway this is going back. I really dislike returning products, and do it very rarely. I do not have a lot of misses since I know what I like, what I am looking for and always research online before buying.

Packaging is a nice surprise. Little pouch with included sponge is a plus especially because most of the women will carry this with them for touch ups.

Besides that packaging is regular NARS black rubber packaging.

Powder in direct sunlight after couple of uses. You can notice the silver "shimmer"

With flash:

Heavy finger swatch on NC15/20, NARS Deuville skin. I wanted to show you how it smooths the skin, fills in lines, and gives matte look. Obviously you wouldn't apply it this way on the face but how else to actually swatch translucent powder? There is a slight white cast, but the only reason for that is swatch being so heavy.