Make Up For Ever

I am thoroughly enjoying the Make Up For Ever pro program which includes trainings and introductions to pro-grade products. Their NYC store recently hosted a product talk and demonstration for our NYC Makeup Artist Meetup Group. Their new HD (High Definition) line was the big buzz at last year's Makeup Show. When I finally tried their HD Powder, I was amazed. To me, all translucent powders are pretty much the same. They are supposed to be colorless and used to set product on the skin. For example, you'd apply it to the face when you have the foundation and concealer exactly how you want it and don't want it altered by adding colored powder. It's often used in between layers of lipstick to make that first layer really set. The problem is that they're not really translucent. They can look kind of white, especially against darker skin tones. The HD Powder was so finely milled that it barely stayed on my brush. The little particles flying around weightlessly in the air were a beautiful sight. Dusting it lightly onto a client's face was even more lovely a sight. It toned down the shine and set the foundation and concealer without looking powdery and overly matte. My MAC version now looks like ground up chalk dust in comparison. I haven't found any artist who has tried the HD and doesn't like it. I was even talking to a friend who is a corporate trainer for MAC and he confessed that their artists were secretly emptying their MAC powder containers and filling them with this. I think word has gotten back to the folks at MAC, as they have come out with a new version of their translucent powder: Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder (which I have not tried). A lot of Make Up For Ever's products are not user friendly (hard to blend, too heavy/intense for everyday, etc.). If you are interested in trying their stuff, go for the HD products or the Aqua Eyes waterproof eyeliners in a fun variety of colors.