How important is a compact or face powder to us? Atleast I do not realize its importance till summer sets in.
My face begins to feel all oily & sticky after a while. I am quite lazy to apply foundation to work, rather want my skin to breathe freely unless you know ,the day is very important for me.
I usually apply just a BB cream & I ll be just ready to go. But this extended summer in Chennai is taking a toll on my skin making it oily & shiny especially in my T zone.
I had bought this powder from Hongkong last year when I had been there but had not started using it since I was using my Maybelline compact powder & wanted to finish it.I lost this Maybelline compact somewhere & that's when I started using this Kanebo Media powder.
Kanebo Media Face Powder review :
What Media claims?
I had a tough time finding this out from websites since it is completely written in Japanese. Even when translated it gave incorrect sentences.
Few things that I could make out was :
1 : Contains Collagen
2 : Contains pearl extract
3 : Blocks UV light
Packaging :
The powder comes in a big tub type plastic packaging but is not very heavy to carry.The cap is in dark blue shade & the tub is white in color. Once you open the cap, you can find this cute sponge for application.
The sponge is really smooth & I love to play with it. At times I use a powder brush to apply the powder. It has this lid with tiny openings through which the powder comes to the sponge/brush. Since the number of openings are more, lot of product comes on to the sponge since the area of contact is more.
Too mathematical? see this :
 |
| Sponge Applicator |
Since using a sponge could cause hygiene issues, you can opt for a powder brush & remove the sponge from the container.The sponge is washable & comes out like a new one after washing & drying.The lid is very tight & you do not have to worry about it coming out while tilting the container.
It has just the word written on top : Media.A simple & plain packaging, not very attractive or colorful.
 |
| Kanebo Media Japan Cosmetics |
Powder texture & Coverage :
The powder is extremely fine & smooth & I just love touching it. It has this slight pale pink color to it but it does not show up while applying. I was quite confused & concerned when I picked up this from the store in Hongkong. The SAs do not come behind you unless you ask for help, and language is another issue.
So I managed to choose stuff on my own. The powder comes only in one single color & though it looks one shade lighter than my skin tone, it gels with my skin tone once applied.
Note : It looks better when applied using a powder brush. The sponge applicator tends to accumulate more product & hence can end up applying more than what is required for the face.
My face looks like one oil factory after I apply MAC BB cream in summers & once I apply this powder , my face brightens up & all the oil is absorbed instantly. My face feels soft & fresh after application.
It does not give any white cast on the face and after 2 minutes it completely gels with the skin.
 |
| Applied on skin |
 |
| Blended well |
Kanebo Media Loose Powder Staying Power :
The staying power is quite less which is one of the main con of this product.When applied on a BB cream which usually gives a dewy effect, the face stays oil free only for about 2 hours after which I can spot shiny forehead & nose.
When I applied it on top of matte finish foundation, the powder makes the face oil free for about 3 to 4 hours depending on where you are. I wore it to an outdoor function on a sultry day. You can always take it with you for touch ups or blot the excess oil with a blotting paper.
Before & After Usage of Kanebo Media Loose Powder on face :
 |
| No makeup used on skin |
Price : HKD 70(INR 560) at the time I purchased but available in Ebay for INR 1140
Pros :
1 : Extremely milled & fine powder.
2 : Easy to apply & smooth application
3 : No white cast
4 : Instantly brightens up the face
Cons :
1 : Quite a big container, not travel friendly.
2 : Not very attractive packaging.
3 : Could have had a mirror
4 : Could have had many shades to choose from.
5 : Less staying power.