Merle Norman Ultra Powder Foundation

I've been using this for about six weeks, and I love it. I'm a working mom, so I need something quick and easy that will make me look polished. I'm not one who goes for all the strobing/contouring/sparkle (hey, if you've got the time and energy for all that---more power to you) I can apply this after my sunscreen and my skin looks nice all day. I love the packaging, and I don't notice a fragrance at all. (Maybe the formula has been updated?) It controls oil for me without being too matte. The compact comes with a sponge applicator, and the compact is well-designed and easy to toss into your purse for touch-ups. (Not that I have time!) I'm fair/light, and I use Ultra Chiffon, a perfect match for me. Will definitely repurchase.

Not what I expected from reading the reviews. Finish is flat and lifeless. Not modern at all and very obvious on the skin. It definitely has coverage, but the kind of coverage that adds ten years to the complexion. Even when using a fluffy powder brush I just could not get on board. Just not milled enough or something. Thick and obvious. Very 90's.

I have been wearing Merle Norman make up for about 15 years (I'm 31) and love it! This powder is my go to and prefect for long days. It's is a medium coverage but is buildable to become full coverage. Excellent oil control with a minor touch up after work.

Make up alley really is a great site. I never would have known about the Merle Norman cake foundation. It really covers well without caking just like the reviews stated.

I rediscovered this foundation recently, at least 15 years after I first tried it, and was amazed at the very reasonable price point compared to some of the other foundations I've used over the past few years. It goes on smoothly and quickly and gives lovely, medium-to-full coverage. It lasts a full day with minimal touchups. Normally I dislike "luminous" or "light reflecting" foundations but this is just satiny enough to give my face a subtle glow. Ultra Powder has made my morning routine a little easier and prettier, and I will definitely repurchase.

I would of never known about this wonderful powder foundation if it wasn't for MUA! I have very oily skin, and many foundations that claim to be long lasting never live up to its claim. This however, lasts a full 8 hours with minimal shine and fading! I haven't tried wearing this full coverage with the sponge it comes with, but I apply this with a small kabuki brush for a light/medium coverage that still hides the redness on my face. There's a slight sent to it that's kind of a sweet smell, but is not offensive at all. For all those oily girls out there I highly recommend trying this!

This is a fantastic foundation. Great coverage and stays on.

I've been using this foundation for over 6 years. It overall is the best powder foundation for my oily t-zone skin. It does not oxidize. I go back and forth between several colors. I have tried pretty much every powder foundation out there from high end to drug store and the rest do not stack up. I always try something else then end up coming back to MN. It goes on smooth and unless it is super humid or hot I am not shiny in my t-zone. I wish it had a little more staying power in the hot weather. I usually use the sponge it comes with then touch up with a brush. Coverage is pretty good but not too heavy. It is not perfect but close to perfect considering all of the foundations I have tried but keep coming back. Price is average it is around $30 for a compact it lasts me over a month. They just updated their compact and I had a couple that broke that I had to take back but they said they have fixed the problem with their compacts. Excellent customer service at MN and the ladies are always super sweet in the store.

There were so many positive reviews about this powder, I thought I'd try it out.

It does not control oil. At least on me. One can't keep re-powdering their face with this; there's too much pigment in it and you'll look a bit cakey if you do.

I prefer a more fine-textured powder; this one's a little too heavy for me. The scent is too much for me; very old-lady like.

Disappointed and $40 CAD lighter. Won't be going into Merle Norman again.

This is my all time favorite powder foundation. Ever. I constantly try new products but there is nothing that compares to this powder foundation. I wear it over liquid foundation and it makes it LAST. I was a waitress for two years who worked double shifts almost everyday and it kept my makeup in place, even through sweat, humidity, and heat. The finish that this powder leaves is amazing. I constantly get compliments on how beautiful my "skin" is and I give all the credit to Merle Norman! If you haven't tried their products, please do! You will be so satisfied!