Merle Norman • Luxiva Purely Mineral Makeup • Powder
(162 reviews)
| Average Rating. | 4.3 |
| Would buy this product again. | 82% |
| Package Quality | 3.9 |
| Price | 3.3 |
| Ingredients | |
icysugarplumprincess on 5/14/2009 12:57:00 PM more reviews by icysugarplumprincess
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown
I have been scared to buy a mineral foundation because I have been unimpressed by the Neutrogena mineral sheers and Mary Kay mineral foundations that I have tried. I need medium to full coverage, and it seemed like they did little to nothing for me. Because I am OCD about my skin, I need something that will never break me out, and I finally got desperate enough to buy this one based on the reviews here on MUA. I am still learning how to apply correctly, but I am amazed every time I go to the mirror at how forgiving this stuff is. I feel like I have nothing on, but my skin looks beautiful and bright. So far so good, and it will be great if it lasts as long as I think it will since it was only $25.50 at my Merle Norman studio. I am MAC NC20, and the L60 seems to be a good match for my skin.
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Ginger30 on 5/13/2009 8:18:00 PM more reviews by Ginger30
Age: 36-43 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium Eyes: Green
Another fan of Merle Norman's mineral powder foundation! I purchased M/L 40 for $30. The jar is big and will most definitely last a long time. The texture and the finish are great! I've used lots of different mineral makeup brands over the last 10 years and Merle Norman mineral is one of the better ones. (Much, much nicer than the queen mother, BE.)
I also like the fact that I can go to my local Merle Norman and try it on and buy it instead of doing interent purchasing.
This mineral makeup makes my skin look flawless and smooth. Love it!
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lauralovesjazz on 5/13/2009 12:20:00 PM more reviews by lauralovesjazz
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Neutral Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine Eyes: Blue
My mom has been a long time user of MN products, so I always thought it was for older women who like to wear heavy makeup. I used BE and had a horrible experience with it. I have also used Physician's Formula, which seemed to be very cakey. I went in to MN to buy my mom some makeup she needed and I was talking to the sale associate about my makeup problem. She put some of this powder on and it looked great, so I bought some. I have been using this for 2 months now and I still have more than half of the jar left. I love the coverage it gives me and I haven't had any skin problems with this mineral makeup. After finding this, I don't think I will ever look back.
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*TOP REVIEWER* dbmiller on 5/11/2009 12:46:00 AM more reviews by dbmiller
Age: 25-29 Skin: Very Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine Eyes: Green
I actually expected to like this, based on the reviews here, and I do. It's nearly impossible to obtain this without actually getting it from a store, so when a store opened in town, I went there immediately, only expecting to purchase this, which I did. The SA color matched me with L60 and it's a PERFECT shade. When you first look at the powder, you can literally see sparkles in it. What surprised me is that they don't really show up. The finish of this is perfect - not too shiny and not too matte. The packaging is nothing special, but you DO get a ton of product for the price. I have two problems with this that keep it from being perfect for me. One is that the coverage is a little bit too light for me, but not enough for me to not wear it. Two, I really like for my mineral foundation to have SPF, which seems easy enough for them to add, and this does not. Other than those two things, this is good quality stuff.
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Chrystalle on 5/11/2009 12:19:00 AM more reviews by Chrystalle
Age: 36-43 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
Love, love this mineral makeup. The texture and finish are so beautiful. Much better than BE, Physician's Formula or L'Oreal. I haven't tried ALL the mineral makeups available, but with this, I don't think I'll have to try any others. This works, the price is reasonable, and I get a nearly flawless face. I couldn't ask for more.
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*TOP REVIEWER* Loci80015 on 5/7/2009 1:32:00 PM more reviews by Loci80015
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm Hair: Brunette Eyes: Blue
Ok, first off, I didn't even know about Merle Norman products until my mother-in-law mentioned it a few years back. Needless to say, my impression of MN was that it was for old ladies.
Recently, I tried to go from mineral makeup (which I have used the last 6 years) to liquid desperately trying to find better coverage and trying to find something to make my pores look smaller. Every liquid I tried (and I tried A LOT) was a disaster and made me look so made up and cakey. Ewwww! I decided to research and to my surprise, this mineral foundation came highly recommended.
I found the nearest MN store and when I walked in, I do have to say that I felt like it was a make-up store for little old ladies. Cute, but not up-to-date. The lady that ran the store helped me and boy she was the cutest thing ever. I told her what I was looking for and we tried some samples of this product. We settled on the L60 for my lightly golden skin. The next color up was a tad too dark. The color match for now is pretty good although if I get a little color this summer, I can see this being a little too light. The ingredient list is great for acne prone, combination skin. The makeup lasts all day and the sheen (which normally I would consider oily) is actually more of a glow. I don't like, however, the accentuation of my pores with powder makeup, but use Clinique Pore Minimizer from time to time to help with pore size (I cannot wear it every day or it will make me break out). I also think I may try a translucent powder to use to blot throughout the day, as I do get a little oily. So I really do love the product (doesn't clog pores or make you break out), but I am still on the fence about how this looks on my skin regarding my pores, especially in the sunlight. I still have to play with it.
The price is a little high, but for the amount of product you get, it doesn't even compare to BM. Not to mention that this stuff puts BM and PurMinerals to shame!!! I will update this review to see if this is in fact my HG foundation.
UPDATE: The color I bought was definitely too light for the summer and made me look really yellow. So, I went to the store and got the next color up which is ML70. Alone, it's a tad dark, but when I mix the ML70 and L60, it seems to be the perfect color match for me. It's expensive to have to buy two jars of this to get the right color, but there is so much of it that it will last a LONG time. Plus, isn't it worth it if a product doesn't cause breakouts??? Not to mention that my mom commented on how great my makeup looked the other day....not too cakey and "natural". I cannot remember the last time someone commented on how good my makeup looked. :)
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lorisuepalm on 5/3/2009 9:10:00 PM more reviews by lorisuepalm
Age: 36-43 Skin: Dry Hair: Brown Eyes: Hazel
Purchased this product in Aug/2008 and almost out. Great value and the shade ML80 is a perfect match. No itchy like others. I have tried every mineral makeup out there and really like this one.
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jeuxjal0ux on 4/28/2009 8:44:00 PM more reviews by jeuxjal0ux
Age: 19-24 Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium Hair: Brown Eyes: Green
I can see why this product has so many good reviews, but it is not for me. I have really oily, fair skin, so the fact that this has a bit of a sheen to it isnt good for me. I need a matte product, because I will just be completely shiny in about 2 hours anyway. Also, the colour selection is pretty poor, mine was way too yellow for my skin. However, if you have normal skin, and find a colour match thats right for you, I can imagine this would be your HG. It has great, buildable coverage, and alot of people like the glowy look.
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Quiche0805 on 4/23/2009 12:33:00 AM more reviews by Quiche0805
Age: 30-35 Skin: Oily, Dark Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown
I have been on a diehard makeup quest for the past few months. For reference, I'm an NC45. After not finding color matches with other companies, I read a ton of reviews on here and decided to give Merle Norman a try. I have had trouble finding a loose powder MMU because the products either contain bismuth oxychloride or don't match my skintone. I located a studio about ten minutes from my house and went to test the makeup.
I was worried that I wouldn't find a good match at MN because shade selection leaves much to be desired. Monique, the studio owner, was really nice and fortunately she was able to match me to the darkest shade, M90. This powder foundation feels amazing on the skin...my face felt like butta! It truly deserves the name "Luxiva".
I would have given this product a rating of five, but I noticed a tremendous amount of sparkle in direct sunlight. I truly felt like a disco ball and was tempted to return it. I applied some translucent powder on top of it, which helped to slightly diffuse the sparkle. I love the foundation too much and it's such a great value for the money (the jar is HUGE!), so I decided to keep it. I've had it for two months and I am completely hooked. Please give MN a try. It's truly worth it if you can find your shade.
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babitcake on 4/21/2009 6:01:00 PM more reviews by babitcake
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair Hair: Blond Eyes: Blue
I really was impressed with the coverage this gave me. The product lasted me a good 5 months or a little more, so the price was well worth it. The only thing I didn't much like was the fact that MN doesn't have any shades of this that really match my light (and I mean light!) skin. At least, I don't think they do. I told the SA that I needed the lightest shade they had, and she picked out two different shades and put them on my wrist. I'm not sure if they were actually the lightest shades or if she thought they matched me best, but still too dark for my skin =[
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*TOP REVIEWER* pupster on 4/2/2009 12:32:00 PM more reviews by pupster
Age: 44-55 Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium Hair: Brown Eyes: Blue
Went to my local MN studio to check this out based on reviews here. This is a good product and much better value than BM, however, and this is a real problem, the shade selection is very limited. They only have around 4 or 5 shades compared to BM's 15. The shades jump from ghostly pale to dark tan and they all have very definite pink or orange undertones. If they had more shades I would probably give this a try.
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saku88 on 4/1/2009 7:42:00 PM more reviews by saku88
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Green
I just bought this foundaiton and really like. i am so unsure about the color though. I got L20 and I AM NC 20 MAC. If anyone can help me please please msg me cause i have only 15 more days to exchange it.
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lindacjz on 3/24/2009 1:57:00 PM more reviews by lindacjz
Age: 36-43 Skin: Dry, Fair Hair: Brown Eyes: Green
I've been on a lifelong search for good makeup. I've tried many foundations-most recently Bare Minerals-and this is finally The One! My face looks great all day. It even looks good when I take the makeup OFF! I tried this based on reviews and I'm so glad I did. I went to the Merle Norman studio and, yes, it was a bit dated with heavily made up women working there. As it turns out, they were very helpful and I ended up with this foundation and a few other products and I am very pleased with. The container is quite big and it's a great deal since it delivers! Love it!
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Vena on 2/9/2009 2:57:00 AM more reviews by Vena
Age: 56 & Over Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Blond Eyes: Brown
I bought this a few months ago, based on MUA reviews. After trying BE, I never thought I'd ever use a powder-type mineral makeup again, but being a makeup junkie, I couldn't resist. I have light/medium complexion w/yellow undertones and have only gotten a good match once before--with Shiseido's stick makeup. The Merle Norman person was able to get it right on the first try (L60). I find that I can use this with a Kabuki brush and become poreless (BE just made the pores more obvious). BEST OF ALL, I can just use primer and use the makeup only on imperfections (without wearing it all over my face) and the match is so perfect, the blemish disappears but the dot of makeup doesn't show! (I use Lauren Hutton's "Spotter" brush for this--a chisel-shaped brush). Liked the makeup so well, I went back recently for the tinted moisturizer--again, a perfect color match (Nude). And I owe it all to MUA reviewers (or maybe I should say Merle Norman owes it all to MUA reviewers).
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Hanan on 2/2/2009 4:56:00 PM more reviews by Hanan
Age: 36-43 Skin: Combination Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
Best mineral foundation I ever tried. Too bad MN does not get much love here on MUA.
Tried BE but it did nothing at all. This has good coverage, leaves a nice glowy finish, fine sparkles did not show at all. Lasts all day, mild break through shine at end of the day that I can live with. I wish it came in more colors, some tend to be pink based, otherwise I'm happy with the current color I use. ML80 for NC 30
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theriddler01 on 1/14/2009 6:30:00 AM more reviews by theriddler01
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Medium Hair: Blond Eyes: Hazel
Bought this on x-mas eve and wanted to use it a bit before I review.
This kicks the crap outta Bare Minerals. My face doesn't feel dry and it doesn't settle in my fine lines, wrinkles or accentuate my pores. It doesn't cover as well though. I use this with Merle Norman's tinted moisturizer (a little expensive at 35 dollars a bottle IMO) and feel it gives me enough coverage with both. I was a little worried when I read the other reviews about the shimmer in it. Maybe it was the color I bought, but I haven't noticed a shimmery look on my face at all. The color I got is M30 and it is a tad bit dark for me, but I like to have some color on my face. Plus I will start tanning again and I get dark fast, so that's why I got this color. Cost for me was 25 dollars and you get a very large jar. I made my mom dump her small jar of BM and filled it with this and my jar still looks full. I would recommend you at least give this a try if you like mineral makeup and recently discovered how terrible BM makes you look, like I did after 2 years ugh. But I do recommend a tinted moisturizer for better coverage.
**and the trick to dealing with the sales ladies at Merle Norman is to go in with authority. I had a list of things I wanted to try, went in, and before she had a chance to "sell me" I just started rattling off what I wanted to see. Then asked about price, what I wanted to try, and what I was gonna buy. She never had a chance to talk. If you are easily "peered" into buying things the best way to go into the store is with a game plan. Sounds crazy but they will try to sell the crap outta you if you're not careful.
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Trinity675 on 1/3/2009 9:48:00 PM more reviews by Trinity675
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral Hair: Brunette, Straight Eyes: Brown
I LOVE this makeup!! My mom gave me a sample to try, as she is a long-time user of Merle Norman products. She knew that I was using MMU and grabbed a sample of the Merle Norman for me. I have also tried BE, but this stuff is so much better!
First of all, the finish is great!! I found a shade to match my skin perfectly, it stays on all day and gives a sort of glow to my skin. For me the BE didn't really have a shade range that I was happy with, so I ended up using "Fairly Light and Light," neither of which was quite right. I think this is what I was hoping for when I bought the BE. I really love it.
Next, the container you get is ENORMOUS compared to what you get with BE. I read on MUA that the jar was much bigger, but I was still shocked at how much product you get for the price.
I think Merle Norman does not get nearly enough credit: some people still think it's old lady makeup, but I love this product! If you're looking for a great MMU, give this one a try!!
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muffin14 on 12/30/2008 9:56:00 PM more reviews by muffin14
Age: 18 & Under Skin: Acne-prone, Fair Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown
I love this! I just started using merle norman and absolute love this. It gives a great coverage. It makes me glow. I love that it is oil free and fragrance free. I think that it's very important to use a good hydrating moisturizer before this. I have not experienced any irritation from this at all. I touch it up during the day with Ultra Powder in ivory. These work great together. They are actually very similar. I also love the brush you buy to go with this. Very good product.
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kris10tank on 12/18/2008 5:19:00 AM more reviews by kris10tank
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Blond Eyes: Blue
I love this mineral makeup. I wear it over the Merle Norman tinted moisturizer which helps to have a litte bit more coverage. I have very sensitive skin and it has never broken me out like Bare Escentuals once did. It also stays on pretty much all day long which is surprising for a powder mineral makeup. The kabuki brush from Merle Norman is also a great brush to use when using this makeup. This is a highly recommendable product.
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melilic on 12/3/2008 1:12:00 AM more reviews by melilic
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Fair Hair: Brunette Eyes: Green
I absoluely LOVE this mineral foundation! I have tried EM, BM, PUR, and many others and this is my alltime favorite. I am a PPP with cool/ neutral undertones and the second lightest (forgot the number) matches my skintone perfectly. It gives an amazing flawless finish and has a perfect amount of radiance. It does not contain any talc or bismuth oxychloride (makes me itchy). I found this product thanks to all of you wonderful MUAers- so thank you!!!