I love this product! I have been trying different products, but I keep finding myself coming back to this! I have yet to find a powder foundation that covers as well (with an even, matte finish) and lasts as long as Ultra Powder Foundation. I have sensitive skin, dark under eye circles, and freckles and this foundation doesn't irritate my skin and covers like a thick foundation (yet it's a light powder!) Some people on here complain about the smell...personally, I think it's a pleasant sweet smell but some people simply don't want their cosmetics to have a fragrance (which is totally understandable!) I think the packaging is unique and elegant; however, DO NOT carry this around in your purse because it WILL BREAK very easily and you'll be left with a nice mess! The only downside to this product is that it is pricey ($22) and the product runs out fairly quickly. With that said, I've been buying this product for 5 years and will continue to re-purchase it!

I am looking for a natural looking, yet decent coverage powder foundation. I have Olive/Yellow toned skin, NC25ish. I decided to try this product based on the reviews.. I've tried a couple of other high end powder foundations such as Dior, Chanel and EL, and I loved the results I got from Dior and EL.. but these products were definitely putting a dent in my wallet and I find that sometimes the powders would feel heavy or noticeable on my skin after a few hours, so I opted to find a good quality, cheaper alternative.
The packaging for this product is a little tacky, but I keep the compact at home most of the time so no one really sees it and it doesn't take up space in my purse too often. I'll admit, it has a very.. nostalgic-type makeup scent.. kind of like a baby powder type fragrance, but it really doesn't bother me too much. Coverage is not as good as the other brands I've tried, but it's not bad by any means.. I'd rate this a medium coverage foundation. What I like about it is that it looks quite natural on my skin even when I layer it. Oil touch-ups for me are needed mayber.. 4 hours after application? I usually blot with blot papers and dust some powder on and I'm good to go again. Price is still farely expensive, but cheaper than other department store brands.. All in all I would probably buy this powder again, but for special occasions or when I need more coverage, I'll opt for other foundations.

I haven't tried Merle Norman since high school when just before prom I went in for a makeover and emerged looking like you'd ask my pimp for a refund. But I wanted to try this based on the reviews here. ( Although I was leery. I swear you women get together and plot to make me buy products that make me look like Brunhilda's less attractive sister.) But this is fantastic! Takes me about 1 minute to apply with a kabuki and it makes my skin look beautiful but natural - if there is such a thing for me. Does not emphasize my gigantor pores or fine lines, and just has sort of an airbrushed finish. It does need a little touch up before the end of the day, and tends to be a little shiny around my nose, but otherwise it's great. And so easy and fast in the morning before work! I forgive you all for leading me into the depths of makeup hell so many times before. Don't let it happen again.

I tried this product when I was pregnant with me daughter and it worked so well for me. I have very oily sensitive skin and this did not cause me to break out and it controlled the oil all day . The compact is so gawdy and it is a little embarrassing to pull it out in front of people but other that that I would definitely but again!!!

Although I have switched to using mineral foundation lately, this remains as one of my top 2 foundations. The coverage it provides is exceptional, application is smooth and non-cakey, and it does an excellent job at keeping oil at bay. It even looks GREAT when applied with the sponge it comes with. For a less powdered look, apply with a slightly dampened sponge or brush, or, use a tiny bit of facial mist. It's rather expensive and, as has already been mentioned, packaging is quite gaudy. The product itself, however, is of top quality. I can definitely see myself coming back to this down the road.

Love it! Finally found the foundation that works for me. I have sensitive, oily skin with large pores. I put this on over Paula's
Choice Daily Mattifying Lotion SPF 15 and a little concealer. It is a great match for my skin, feels light as a feather, and blends so quickly and beautifully. It has a very creamy consistency, which I didn't expect with a power foundation. And great oil control!
I had almost given up being able to use a powder foundation (NO mineral makeup has ever worked for me, including MN). For reference, I've tried Lancome, Chanel, and various other high end powder foundations over the years, but they turned color, didn't have enough coverage, looked cakey, didn't hold back the oil, or irritated my skin. Yes, as mentioned in other reviews, the case it comes in is bulky and kind of old fashioned looking, but I can certainly live with the container considering that we're talking Holy Grail foundation (although it would be nice if the container is changed--maybe to the black and gold of many of the Luxivia products.)

Bought this yesterday, and I usually don't do reviews this early, but I had to! I love this powder! At first, the gaudy, large gold and white compact and the overpowering fragrance made me a little skeptical. But this morning I am wearing it and loving it so far! I have oily skin and the stick foundation I was using made me look like an oil slick by 10:00 am! Today I used the milani secret cover concealer over my hyperpigmentation and layered the powder under and over it! And wow, my skin looks more flawless than it has in a long time! And to me, the concealer is not even that good (still searching for my HG concealer). The fragrance disappears shortly after you put it on and so far so good. Coverage is actually quite good as well if layered. I will update if anything changes as I use the product more, but as of now I plan on going to get a back-up next week!

UPDATE: 26 August 07: I've been using this for the past several weeks and I find it gets cakey on me, expecially if it's humid outside. I also noticed the colour changes on my skin and becomes more pink which looks unnatural to me. For that I'm not sure I will repurchase, but may in the cooler months to see if it performs better.



I like this powder a lot. I have it in Ultra Buff. It is a good match to my skin. When I'm wearing it, it looks like my skin, but better. All my imperfections seem to disappear and stay that way for hours. It doesn't cake or sink into my pores making them look huge and it is the best powder I've used, thus far, to control oil and shine. When I do have shine break through my face doesn't look oily, but dewy if you know what I mean. I don't use the sponge to apply this powder, but use my kabuki brush instead. This powder is not heavy or masklike. I've been using it for three weeks and no breakouts. I think this has replaced my Px Anywear powder. I know a lot of people don't like the case this powder comes in and I have to admit the pearl and gold is not my favourite look, but I don't care. This stuff works. And for the record, my skin is oily and acne-prone.

This one might be my HG for powder foundation. I bought this at my local MN studio. This really won't irritate my skin because I have sensitive oily skin. It keeps the oil under control. I noticed that it won't make my skin red even under the heat of the sun, even beats Clinique powder. Will definitely buy again!

I have been using this powder foundation for over 10 years. I love it. I have combination skin and it works beautifully. I use the powder alone when I want a more natural look (for work or just around the house) and I use it over liquid foundation as a powder when I am going out or when my skin looks bad. The application of this product is flawless and doesn't need a whole lot of blending. I love the coverage this product provides. I can't imagine ever switching to another product. My girlfriends that have seen me use it over the years...now use and love it too! Can't recommend it enough. I LOVE IT! My only complaint, really isn't a complaint but I do think a package redesign would be good. I love the big mirror and the large compact but it does look a bit cheesy- pearl/gold.