Merle Norman • Luxiva Ultra Powder Foundation • Powder

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*TOP REVIEWER* rbyars1 on 12/21/2009 8:52:00 AM more reviews by rbyars1

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This and the Sheer defense TM are all I will ever need again (well, at least for now, ha). I use the Ultra powder fndtn for "no makeup days", the Sheer defense topped with translucent powder for everyday makeup and the Sheer Defense topped with a buffing of Ultra powder for heavier photo or going out coverage. These two prducts are diamonds in the ruff for the Merle Norman brand, I really underestimated them. **UPDATE** I hate to do this really....Had to stop using this product because the talc just does not agree with me. I have tried so many times to use products with talc and they evenutally clog my pores and make me look terrible every time. If you are sensitive to Mica and/or Talc you might want to steer clear, but if you don't have problems with these ingredients then I say go for it because the powder is nice..just doesn't work for some ;(

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*TOP REVIEWER* TiaR on 12/20/2009 2:30:00 AM more reviews by TiaR

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is a great product, yes. Coverage is awesome, colour is pretty good (MAC NC30-35 ...got the colour ultra cream), lasts all day, doesn't feel heavy. Can cake if only used with sponge...thus I use a brush and it's perfect.
But why the heck did I end up paying $42 dollars canadian when people on here are paying about $20? It's ruining the product for me. If it were 20 I'd be in heaven.

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debbrumb on 11/28/2009 5:05:00 PM more reviews by debbrumb

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

I got this foundation after a free facial. It does cover like a foundation but is really a powder. I have Ultra Sand and I am pretty tan. The only thing I don't like is how big it is. The compact does have an air vent for the sponge so it doesn't get nasty. I use it like a foundation and don't use anything under it. Does anyone know if you can wet the sponge and use it for more coverage?

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sbrie011 on 11/15/2009 1:10:00 PM more reviews by sbrie011

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

I love this foundation. Wonderful in setting my makeup.
After giving this product another look after years of experimenting with other foundations, I have to say this is my favorite. Light on the skin but with great coverage.

Before a week ago I bought the sephora buildable coverage kit and the foundation made me break out sooo bad. Then I went to the mall and found this product again and it covered all the acne/ scars that I had recently gotten. I don't think I'll ever change my foundations again. Turns out I had the perfect one all along. :)

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*TOP REVIEWER* Rockabillygirl on 10/12/2009 2:22:00 AM more reviews by Rockabillygirl

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Red, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I was using this product for a really long time! I was so happy with it! I noticed my face wasnt dry or oily during the day.When i did do a touch ups during the day it never looked cakey or looked like i had way too much on.Over all it did its job and i do remember having good skin i never broke out or anything! The price was a bit expensive maybe 25.00 and up but worth it! The case was really cute too! I always thought it looked like a pinup girls compact! Unfortunaly there is no Merle Norman in my area anymore so i can buy this item again! But it was a good item!

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girlygirl19 on 9/21/2009 5:51:00 PM more reviews by girlygirl19

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I've been using this product for over ten years. I LOVE IT! I tend to have oily skin and this keeps the oil at bay all day with no need to touch up. It's also easy to use - just one step and no need to get my hands icky in liquid makeup. I have sensitive skin - but this has never made me break out.

I"m not in love with the packaging.....I think it could be a bit smaller or more compact. Maybe I'm just used to it, but I don't really notice a smell.

For those of you who have used other Merle products without any luck please note that I've also tried their long lasting liquid foundation and something in it made me break out - but this product has never done that.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

cboats1 on 8/12/2009 5:43:00 PM more reviews by cboats1

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

I love this product!! I am one of the few, that absolutely loves the smell and the packaging! I love how the packaging looks classic-I hate compacts where the sponge sits on top of the powder-that leads to breakouts overtime, and the smell to me is relaxing! The powder goes on so smooth, and you can reapply it several times during the day if needed (when you live in the south, where the humidity is at its max, more than 1x is sometimes needed) this powder never gets cakey! the colors match perfectly! I've been matched perfectly for both winter and summer! this is by far my most favorite powder of any! I use Clinique, Estee Lauder, and Merle Norman's Luxiva ultra powder foundation is my absolute fav!!!

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*TOP REVIEWER* blushingpale on 7/8/2009 3:52:00 AM more reviews by blushingpale

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

So far I'm enjoying this powder foundation on my sensitive rosacea skin. It applies easily with the enclosed sponge to give light-medium coverage. The finish is fairly matte and I rub my clean damp fingers over it after applying (the same as I do with my mineral foundations) to take away any powdery-ness on my cheek area.


Pros:
- doesn't get too oily in my t-zone, or dry out my cheeks.
- so quick and easy to apply. You can use the sponge damp for more coverage.
- doesn't highlight flakes or settle in fine lines on me.
- doesn't highlight pores and even minimizes them a little bit.
- no powder needed on top, except for touch ups in oily areas.
- no breakouts or reaction from my sensitive so far (several days of use).

Cons:
- yucky perfume-powdery "old lady" scent - faint but annoying to me as I am sensitive to scents and see no need for them in makeup.
- the compact is a bit large for carrying in your purse, plus the "aeration holes" for the sponge could pick up lint unless this is in a makeup bag. Personally I just carry concealer and regular powder for touch-ups anyway.
- Not a great shade range. I can get away with the 2nd shade "Cameo" but it will be a bit dark for my skin in winter, and the "lightest" shade isn't any lighter than Cameo (it actually looked darker to me) but is pinker. I'm Mac NC15 or EM Sandy Fair.


I still prefer the appearance and ingredients of my mineral foundation (which I use over Clinique's pore minimizing primer), but I got this for traveling or days when I just don't have the time or energy for messy-sifter-jar-shaking-kabuki-brush-buffing routine. Putting on this powder foundation takes 5 minutes whereas my primer-plus-MMU takes 15. Not sure I would re-purchase because there are so many products out there and this is a little pricey plus the scent and not-perfect colors. But definitely one of the better powder foundations I've tried.


UPDATE: Cameo really is the perfect color for me and I think I'll be using it in winter too, as it doesn't darken at all after applying. This makeup also has the most beautiful, natural finish. I applied in a rush the other day and fairly heavily as I had no time for concealer. I even applied it under my eyes after letting the eye cream sink in. I thought it looked a bit cakey but when I checked in my mirror an hour later my face looked great and so natural! I still use MMU most days because I'm not trusting all the parabens in this formula, but this is a wonderful product for when you're in a hurry or for traveling.


Oh yeah - and the ingredient list, which I couldn't find anywhere online before purchasing:
INGREDIENTS: Mica, Talc, Dimethicone, Nylon-12, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77489, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Methicone, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Proplyparaben, Fragrance (Parfum) 101905.

9 out of 9 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

MissVon on 6/26/2009 7:22:00 PM more reviews by MissVon

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Oily, Dark   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have to disagree with Oohollyoo! I have tried the same Maybelline powder and it is nowhere NEAR comparable to my Ultra Powder! It did not stay on at all and I didn't think the coverage was all that great either! I get compliments DAILY on my makeup when i have my ultra powder on and I'm also very oily! Another thing I love is the fact that my color matches me to a T and i'm a black woman! I've spent ALOT of money on other brands and have never been this satisfied and I've even converted to alot of other Merle Norman products. As far as the smell, it's not perfume you smell, its zinc oxide which is in many of their products and is a natural sunscreen ( the white stuff people used to put on their nose!) so it does have sun protection, just not a man made SPF. There is a new foundation as well called Aqua Balance that is for people with normal to oily skin that gives medium to full coverage that is great for when you want to look flawless that you can put on under the Ultra Powder! Another thing I love is that you get better customer service than going to a makeup counter and it's not in the middle of some department store for everybody to watch you take off your makeup!

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

*TOP REVIEWER* oohollyoo on 6/14/2009 1:45:00 PM more reviews by oohollyoo

Age: Unknown   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

this is not a bad powder foundation. i am an nc 35 w/ combo skin and the golden looked great on me. i just couldn't stand the strong perfume smell and theh ugly bathroom design compact. honestly the maybelline purestay powder foundation is comparable to this w/o the smell and price. they both have the same light-med coverage and matte finish. nude in maybelline is a close match but i am wearing maybelline's golden for the summer.

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trixie1803 on 6/13/2009 9:28:00 PM more reviews by trixie1803

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I have found my HG foundation. I have oily, sometimes acne prone skin and this looks just wonderful on my skin. I mostly use it dry and just buff on, but for night and for winter, I moisten a cosmetic wedge and get a heavier coverage.
This foundation is very forgiving, I can't put on too much but if I do, I can just brush some off. It doesn't settle into my larger pores and doesn't accentuate my wrinkles. It doesn't look too powdery either. This gives me a natural makeup look, very soft without looking all tarted up!
My MN studio that I go to has wonderful ladies around my age that work there and they are very helpful, don't push anything on me and give great customer service.
I like the old school style of packaging, it's so retro and looks like something I would have seen on my mom's vanity table! Real kitschy almost!! I am so glad I discovered this foundation, I am very happy with it.

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

*TOP REVIEWER* snyder on 6/5/2009 6:04:00 PM more reviews by snyder

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I LOVE this foundation! LOVE! I was matched with the color Ultra Golden which is great for me, although I think I might need a lighter color come winter. My mother who could give a crap about makeup even noticed how nice the color matched me and that it looked so natural. I have oily skin and have always wanted a powder foundation but was never able to find one that kept my oil at bay. I tried BE, MAC StudioFix, some EL one.. just to name a few. I've had this on for 6 hours now, with not one touchup. It feels and looks really nice. I use a primer, use concealer where needed, sponge this on lightly then lightly dust some loose powder over it (I use Maybelline Shine Free Loose in Medium). Then for touchups I blot with some Aveda Toning Mist (spritz on a kleen-ex and blot over face) and then use MAC Blot. I do that routine with any foundation. But this is so quick and easy to apply and it's so much more comfortable then a liquid. I'll never go back or use anything else...I LOVE it! Oh, and after my mom saw it (we were at lunch together) she made me go back to the MN store and she got color matched and bought a foundation! She bought a liquid though since she has dry skin, but she loves it. :) She even bought a lipstick too....not very usual of her.

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kklunder on 6/4/2009 9:11:00 PM more reviews by kklunder

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using this foundation for over 2 years now and I am absolutely sold on this product. This foundation can be applied lightly or more full coverage depending on how you apply it. I personally use the sponge that it comes with and it is super fast and great coverage. I do not get oily and work up to 12 hour days. You can still see your skin through this makeup which I like, as I do not like looking mask-like. I have had zero problems with irritation or breakouts and will continue to purchase this for long term! I believe $24 is a steal for this product, as it lasts quite a while and is easily accessible to me. I also use Merle Norman's creamy concealer for under my eyes and love that as well. Together these are a great match and meed all of my makeup needs!

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

twoblackdogs on 5/30/2009 10:35:00 PM more reviews by twoblackdogs

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Love this product but am confused by the poster who said she paid $38. I only pay $24 and it lasts almost six months using it everyday. It does work great as a finishing powder but my skin is not good enough to wear alone. I love all the Merle Norman products but this is one of my favorites right along with Energizer Concentrate.

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laceylogan on 5/30/2009 9:15:00 PM more reviews by laceylogan

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

This is a fantastic powder with fantastic coverage! It goes on and stays on provide a flawless finish! My one gripe is the packaging, along with most MN products the packaging is a little bulky and dated, but ultimately a great product that I will continue to buy!

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casey6383 on 5/20/2009 2:31:00 PM more reviews by casey6383

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I never write reviews-but this stuff is great. A friend of mine recommended this to me years ago, and now I see why she has raved about it! I find that it provides good coverage, except for under eyes-which I just use some of my bare minerals with a concealer brush. Follow up with ultra powder and some bronzer, and I'm good to go!

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*TOP REVIEWER* dragonballz on 5/9/2009 3:06:00 AM more reviews by dragonballz

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I use this over my liquid foundation and it has some good qualities. It doesn't look too matte/chalky and the oil control is pretty impressive. It does have a mild scent upon application but it becomes undetectable after it sets in. I won't be buying this again because I prefer yellow correcting powders but it is still a nice product.

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luna_kanin on 5/7/2009 1:55:00 AM more reviews by luna_kanin

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I absolutely love this powder. It's so lovely, doesn't break me out. HG status.

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smdaigle on 5/5/2009 3:30:00 PM more reviews by smdaigle

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Wavy   Eyes: Blue    

I've been using it for years. Stays on and doesn't look cakey or oily.

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gina2328 on 4/6/2009 7:56:00 AM more reviews by gina2328

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I was expecting great things from this foundation based on the reviews. First off, the coverage for me was more like sheer to medium, more like sheer, like a powder, not really a foundation. I prefer at least medium coverage. I have been applying this dry with a flocked sponge which gives heavier coverage.

Second, I hit pan in about a month, after not even using it every day. This product cost at least $ 38 if I remember correctly, and I will not repurchase something that costs so much and lasts such a short period of time. I am quite disappointed in this foundation. Estee Lauder Double Wear Powder foundation is so much better than this product, the coverage is amazing and it lasts for months!

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