Bourjois • Healthy Balance Unifying Powder • Pressed Powders

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jewelmeow on 6/3/2013 12:24:00 PM more reviews by jewelmeow

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

oh my gosh i hate this. DO NOT GET THIS IF YOU HAVE OILY SKIN. i really wanted to love it because among drugstore brands bourjois is on the expensive end, and when i swatched this in the store the powder was so finely milled and felt silky on my skin so i bought it even though it was expensive because it claimed it could help me stay matte for 10 hours. plus i liked the healthy mix serum foundation.

10 hours my ass. it didn't even last 2 hours. and i'm talking about even during winter when my face isn't really that oily. when i first applied it on my face i loved it but my face got so oily afterwards. my skin isn't really that oily but because i live under a warm and humid climate my face tends to oil up easily during summer. this is a huge no for me. i rarely hate a product to this extent. the amount of shine on my face really embarrassed me. i tossed it after trying it out for about 6 months. this is just not the powder for me.

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delias29 on 6/2/2013 1:52:00 AM more reviews by delias29

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Have acne-prone, pimply, combination dehydrated skin.
I wear powder foundation because of the weather which is hot and humid all year round. This powder is great in this case because it's lightweight and doesn't crease in my lines. (other powder foundations crease in my laugh lines within a couple of hours - unattractive)
Light to medium coverage. They claim it's 10h wear - no it doesn't last that long but it's reasonable wear (5hours).
This works great in evening the skin tone if I pat it on with a sponge. I tend to go over the same spots a couple of time in a patting motion and that gives me quite a good coverage. Doesn't cover zits entirely with just powder alone, still see some purpleness peeking through when used on its own.

Pros: really lives up to name, healthy balance - through the day when I start to get shiny, it's an acceptable sheen. Love the smell of the powder! Thin packaging is easy to slip into purses. Compact lasts a long time, months and months.

Cons: I can't get my shade here, they only stock a few shades that run a little dark. Does not have spf.

Have gone through two compacts. Would continue to repurchase if they stock my shade here.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Emma13 on 5/14/2013 9:51:00 AM more reviews by Emma13

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I have this in the shade 52 vanilla. The colour is perfect, it is quite yellow and that is what I look for to counteract the redness in my face. My previous face powder was the Clarins mineral powder. This compares as follows to the much more expensive Clarins: shade � Bourjois just about trumps Clarins (more of a neutral yellow shade). Mattifying power � the Clarins was just about useless in this respect so Bourjois is better. It does hold reasonably matte during the day, and I normally do get quite shiny very quickly. Finish � this is what lets the Bourjois powder down: it has quite a dry, powdery finish and emphasises any dry flakes on my skin. It also goes on cakey if I put on too much. It has a lot of coverage, even too much as I like my powders on the sheer side. The packaging is also annoying as it does not accommodate any kind of puff. I have used this powder for a couple of weeks now, and based on this though I think it is decent especially for the price, I would not repurchase. *** UPDATE: This is so drying. I am convinced it has contributed to my skin flaking, not just exacerbated existing flakes. I never had this problem with Clarins.

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mings1911 on 4/25/2013 11:49:00 PM more reviews by mings1911

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Overall, an okay powder but not one that I would repurchase especially given that it is pricier than most drugstore foundations.

Product: I use this above primer as a powder foundation. I apply it with a powder brush (Elf flat top foundation brush) and it goes on well. The powder is quite fine so it doesn't look cakey at all.

Staying power: It definitely does not last the whole day or even 10 hours and it streaks a little as its fading. For reference, I have normal combo skin and I only apply this on my cheeks and temples. I tend to touch my face alot so that could be why it fades quite quickly although I've never had this problem with other foundations.

Shades:I love that the foundations shades have some yellow undertones so the colour matches my skintone really well. I'm a tan Asian so its not easy to find a good match for foundations.

Packaging: The packaging is sleek and easy to carry around. However, because it does not come with a sponge, you'll have to carry a brush along as well. Also the packaging is really sturdy. I dropped mine this morning from about chest height and both the powder and the packaging is fine.

I would repurchase this if I ran out of my HG (Milani Multitasker) and needed a quick backup. But as a product itself, the product does not justify the price.

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purple_passion on 4/18/2013 1:47:00 AM more reviews by purple_passion

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I both love and hate this powder. I love that it appears on the face smoothly and doesn't cake on my NYX HD foundation or on the bourjois foundie of the same variant. It is matte for about an hour only but turns out dewy-looking after 2hrs or so. A lot of people compliment my makeup that it looks good even hours after application. I use #52, (i am NC20 on mac) but it appears grayish after applying but turns out ok when my oil starts to come out. Weird but I can live with it. Hahaha i need to always reapply it but it doesn't cake at all! I like the packaging, its sturdy and the product didn't turned to powder when it accidentally slipped in my palm! Only the pan was detached on the compact! But on my second pan, i broke out like crazy and I stopped using it for a while. But other than that, i really like this powder.

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rhildo on 4/15/2013 1:05:00 PM more reviews by rhildo

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

While this is on the pricier side for a 'drugstore' powder, it is definitely worth it. I bought this on a whim as part of a boots 3 for 2 deal despite the fact that I have always used Rimmel Stay Matte before, and I was not disappointed! Firstly, the packaging is nice, although not as beautiful as some high end ones, it feels sturdy and has a really nice mirror in. It has a light coverage that is useful for touch ups when a cheeky bit of redness peaks through my foundation and I am enjoying the finish - not too matte, but stops you looking shiny. Plus it is non comediogenic etc, so practically good for you...

I personally like the scent, which is quite light and fruity, although I accept that some people may not. Give it a sniff first if you want, but even if you don't like it, it doesn't last.

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mexicancrackles on 3/24/2013 12:39:00 PM more reviews by mexicancrackles

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

First of all, this smells amazing, like fruity cake :D so i love applying it. The packaging is average, but it feels pretty sturdy. I have very dry skin and this honestly does not emphasize any dryness or irritate my skin, and makes my skin feel smooth to the touch. I've been using it a lot for months now and i still haven't hit pan.

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*TOP REVIEWER* lygophilia on 2/14/2013 11:05:00 AM more reviews by lygophilia

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

I purchased the lightest shade in '52' and I was a little skeptical at first as I wear all my Bourjois foundations in 51. Luckily this is a good match for my complexion, for MAC reference I am a NC15 or a Matchmaster shade 1. The Bourjois powder is finely milled, blends beautifully applied with a powder brush, and does an awesome job of keeping my oilier t-zone matte without drying out my skin. Not 10 hours as per the claims, but a good 5 to 6 before I need to blot or touch-up. The compact packaging is very slim, but doesn't include a make-up sponge/puff nor is there room for one, so taking it along in a make-up bag one must remember to pack a sponge/puff or brush. Overall I'm really impressed with this powder and I will repurchase.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Klovi on 1/30/2013 12:31:00 PM more reviews by Klovi

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I have oily acne prone skin. I got this product few days ago but i stop using it because i got the wrong color :( i was supposed to be vanilla but i chose the darker shade because my foundation is already too light but turns out my face look dull. Meeeeh. And i thought this product won't cause any problem to my face but oddly after several hours wearing it my face felt itch and result in one little zit. I'm afraid i will get much more if i keep using it. The oil control is not good. Maybe it will do best for people with normal skin who doesn't need much coverage.

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sopchan on 1/17/2013 6:20:00 PM more reviews by sopchan

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I am so impressed by most of Bourjois' complexion products (and not so much for the colour make up for which they are more recognised). This powder is a great value basic, which offers anti-shine properties and yet doesn't dry out the skin. Typical of most of Bourjois' products, it has a significant scent, so that may irritate some sensitive people but I like it. The packaging is very simple but robust, no room for a puff but I prefer to carry a retractable powder brush anyway for better application.

A good product, does what it proposes!

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Kittyfletcher on 1/9/2013 10:31:00 AM more reviews by Kittyfletcher

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This is a great value product. No it doesn't last the 10 hours it claims but I'd be damned if any powder ever has on my t-zone. I have it in 52, which is the lightest available and it has a peachy undertone, but in a youthful subtle way, not a drag queen orange way. As someone who never uses a powder puff I have not missed the fact that it doesn't have one. It's quite a light smooth setting powder rather than a thick powder foundation. It mattifies my t-zone and I probably have to reapply up to twice daily. I've found you can apply concealer on top when doing touch ups with no problem. I've not been the biggest of fan of bourgois products in the past, got this on a whim and it has really impressed me.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Ancatje on 11/21/2012 9:02:00 PM more reviews by Ancatje

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Relaxed, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

As someone else mentioned before, I am shade 51 in their foundations, but bought this powder in shade 52 since I couldn't find a 51. Luckily and surprisingly it matches me fine!
It's a good quality powder, a bit more expensive than other drugstore ones of the same quality though. It's finely milled and sheer, doesn't look cakey and controls oil about as much as other powders I've tried - on my oily T-zone, maybe 3 hours.
I love how compact and thin it is, and that it has a mirror in the cap, but even though I prefer carrying a retractable small powder brush in my bag for application, I'd like this to have a bit of space for a thin puff as well! Just in case I want/ have to leave the brush at home for whatever reason.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Anera on 11/8/2012 5:43:00 PM more reviews by Anera

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

bought it together with the hm serum, both in shade 53. I am still searching for the perfect pressed powder for oil-control and touch-ups during the day. This one, sadly, doesn't match my skin color.

Pros:
Silky structure
Pretty, as alwasy, Bourjois packigig (the box feels heavy and concrete)
Has a mirror

Cons:
It has a mirror and no puff/spunge?! It would be definately more covinient to have at least little space to put your puff. Really bothers because it doesn't save space at all - still you have to put a spunge in your purse.
The color doesn't match the hm serum, which is shame. Limited colors.
When "patting" on your skin starts to be VERY visible. Really yellowish.


Ladies with more yellow undertones would prefere it more, I asume.

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hanabi318 on 8/24/2012 9:41:00 AM more reviews by hanabi318

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I'm about NC25 and No.53 matches the closest. This powder has a pleasant fruity smell. It definitely leaves a matte finish. I don't think it lasts long by itself as a powder foundation, but it works well as a setting powder. I like the slim packaging and don't mind that it doesn't come with a powder puff because I wouldn't use it anyway. The packaging itself does look cheap. Also, there's some fall out so I would recommend using a synthetic brush and dabbing it on the powder.

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pigeonette on 6/26/2012 7:29:00 AM more reviews by pigeonette

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

This is a surprisingly good powder for the price, I got it on promotion and came with a free bourjois kabuki brush, so that's nice. I have shade 52, the lightest, and use it together with the healthy mix serum foundation in shade 51. I was worried that they would not match but they do and perform really well together. I am a powder addict and tried a lot of different brands and this is the best so far considering the price/value ratio. The coverage is just a bit heavier than sheer and mattifies my oily t-zone nicely. It's not cakey, balances skin out and fades evenly. Also it does not have that terribly heavy bourjois smell that I don't like. The one thing I hate though is the packaging: I could live with the tacky-looking pink container but the problem is that it's a real pain to open. I managed to crack the surface of the powder with my nails while struggling to open it. Also, there is no space for a sponge inside so you cannot apply it on the go, which is a shame. Overall I would buy it again, I only wish the packaging would be more convenient.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

razanehanna on 4/15/2012 4:07:00 PM more reviews by razanehanna

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

It's really great to use over foundation and makes my skin feel baby smooth. Really really love it. It also smells pretty dam good so that's a bonus. Does not cause breakouts and is very acne friendly. I did wish it came with a sponge or something and was pretty disappointed when I found out it didnt but hey u survived :p

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nes4991 on 4/10/2012 7:06:00 AM more reviews by nes4991

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Dont know why this powder doesn't have as many reviews! This is a great powder and definitely matifies the skin like it says. The only con is that it doesn't last for 10 hours like they claim, my face begins to shine after about 5 hours of wearing it, and sometimes if its too hot then its less than 5 hours. However, overall, its great over foundation and ideal for oily and combination skin.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* ExpatBeauty on 3/28/2012 12:47:00 PM more reviews by ExpatBeauty

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

* ME - NC25-30 (medium-to-light beige with yellow undertones). Normal to dry, drier in the winter.
* PRODUCT CLAIMS - Ultra fine and melting texture with 10 hours matte finish and boosted radiance. Asian fruit therapy: Sharon fruit for hydration and Yuzu fruit for an anti-shine finish.
* REVIEW - I purchased this in “Beige Clair / Light Beige” (53) as a companion to the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation also in the same color. After testing this out for the past couple of months in conjunction with the Healthy Mix Serum foundation, I am pleased to report that this does not disappoint.
* PLUSES:
+ “Beige Clair / Light Beige” (53) is a good match for my skin tone
+ Sets makeup beautifully and absorbs excess oil
+ Nice smooth, silky texture
+ Does not feel heavy, cakey or dull and is not ashy whatsoever
+ Does not contain fragrance (or the fragrance is so light, I don't really smell it).
* MINUSES:
- Does not last 10 hours as claimed (Really, Bourjois?!)
- No SPF
- No powder puff included and no space for one either
* PRICE - About €15 at drugstores.
* VERDICT - As a companion to Bourjois’ Healthy Mix Serum foundation, this works well for me. Packaging wise, it’s feels a little cheap. This is a simple plastic pressed compact with mirror inside. I would prefer a powder puff to go with it but unfortunately, there's not even space for one, making on the go touch-ups a bit difficult. A minor complaint given the product’s performance does outweigh its design faults. I like that it gives a natural finish without making my skin look flat or dull. As with the Healthy Mix Serum foundation, I am quite pleased with this pressed powder.

10 out of 11 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No