Virtual Matte Oil-Control Pressed Powder

10 Reviews

1. 

   unhappyPolenta6

   Reply

   I’ve been using Prescriptives make-up for 14+ years after a very good dermatologist recommended their products for acne-prone folks (like myself). I feel “safe” using Prescriptives products because they do not seem to cause or contribute to my acne. I can say that with certainty because I’ve gone long cycles (months) where I haven’t worn any makeup- and my acne isn’t any better or worse than when I wear makeup almost daily.

   I love this Virtual Matte Oil-Control Pressed Powder and use it alone and with foundation underneath with no issues. When applied over Prescriptives foundation, the result is EXQUISITE. it does leave a matte finish- but my skin is VERY oily so I’m usually starting to shine about a couple of hours after my first application. I will say- it’s still much better than any other brand I’ve ever used; with all other brands of make-up, my skin starts getting oily within like 15 minutes. But as far as the oiliness, the Virtual Matte Oil-Control Pressed Powder is lightweight enough to allow for multiple re-applications through out the day to control the shine.

   Cons:

   1) Prescriptives is no longer sold in stores in the US so I have to order it online. This isn’t really a “con” if you plan ahead (I order 2 at a time). But if you wanted to get it quickly/ASAP in the US, you can’t just run to a department store or ULTA and pick-it up.

   2) It provides decent coverage without foundation- but not “full” coverage. If you have any blemishes/dark spots you want to hide-and use this without foundation- you’ll have to use concealer over the blemishes/dark spots. On the positive side- you can use this pressed powder by itself and achieve the “natural no make-up” look.

   3) This is by far the biggest con with Prescriptives: they have a VERY limited color offering. They offered “custom” color matching when they were in department stores in the US- but now that their products can only be purchased online in the US, not sure how one would go about getting custom colors. I just happened to get lucky and be a perfect match for their Level 4 pressed powder (I’m African-American)…but I tend to get a little paler in the Wintertime so I keep some Level 3 on hand and sometimes have to use both Level 3 & 4 to get to the right color.

2. 

   betrayedCoconut5

   Reply

   For my oily skin, this was the best pressed powder ever. It went on smooth, gave a little coverage, made my skin look satiny and not a bit chalky. I can’t believe they have discontinued the Prescriptives line 🙁 Biggest complaint is the cheap packaging, the compact itself broke within a month of use and then the product inside broke apart, all with no undue jostling or dropping. The packaging was not worthy of the line.

3. 

   jumpyCamel4

   Reply

   This worked out mediocre for me. Controlled oil for maybe 3-4 hours but after wards it all went back downhill for me. Also product made me break out (it apparently has cornstarch in it). Probably won’t buy again.

4. 

   outlyingDoughnut0

   Reply

   How sad…this would have been truly great powder had they manufactured lighter colors!! Unfortunately I am really pale (NC5 in MAC powder) and the lightest, Level 1, made my face look slightly orange! When I tried it in the department store I hardly noticed, since the sales lady kept insisting it looked great, perfect match, usual sales rep talk. The next day in more natural lighting it looked “off”, but I ignored it and as the day progressed my face became orange!! Argh…it is sad because it is a very smooth powder, and finely milled. All my other powders feel grainy next to this. And even though the color didn’t match, I must admit it held up my super oily skin well and didn’t become cakey. Oh well if you can find a match this may be heaven!!

5. 

   solemnLocust8

   Reply

   I used this product several years ago, it was ok not the best color, and I was breaking out at the time. I
   am not sure if this had anything to do with it, but it does contain corn starch, which I have heard can cause breakouts. I generally try to avoid that ingredient, especially since there are powders without it. Px is one of my favorite brands all around, and they have other great powders that don’t have corn starch, such as anywear.

   INGREDIENTS: TALC [] DIMETHICONE [] SILICA [] ZEA MAYS (CORN) STARCH [] POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE [] ZINC STEARATE [] CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE [] TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE [] ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN [] SALICYLIC ACID [] LAUROYL LYSINE [] SUCROSE [] OCTYLDODECYL LACTATE [] PCA [] NYLON-12 [] LAURYL ALCOHOL [] MAGNESIUM SILICATE [] BHT [] DEHYDROACETIC ACID [] METHYLPARABEN [] PROPYLPARABEN [] BUTYLPARABEN [] [+/- MICA [] IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) [] TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891)]

6. 

   hushedDunbird7

   Reply

   I like this powder. I have extremely oily skin and this does a decent job at controlling the oil. Yes, I do agree that it is a bit grainy but besides that, it does a great job at controlling oil and I also like that it’s pigmented so it provides additional coverage on top of my foundation. It can look a bit cakey so you have to be careful not to overpowder.

7. 

   debonairFerret0

   Reply

   first thing i did was chuck the sponge it comes with. that thing is useless. and replaced it with these cheap high quality powder puffs that i get from the local japanese market. i mostly apply it with a brush though. i use this is level 2 but i could easily use a level 3 also. it absorbs oil well and is long lasting. i wish the color selection was better. level 2 and level 3 are very close in color. i went with the level 2 just because i prefer my powder a little lighter. i like that it’s lightweight and i don’t feel it when i’m wearing it. i would buy it again i’m just not a fan of the price. i find that i hit the pan fast on all prescriptives powders.

8. 

   somberHoopoe2

   Reply

   This powder looks beautiful on my skin and does a good job of controlling oil, but it feels terribly heavy and dry. I would say try it out in the store before buying it. If you do not mind how it feels on your skin then I would recommend it because it does look nice and last for a long time.

   EDIT: I’ve found a solution for the heavy feeling. Rather than using the sponge the provide you with, use a powder brush. Because of this, I’m going to give it one more lippie. 🙂

9. 

   crummyCow4

   Reply

   I find this pressed powder too grainy. It doesn’t really stay on my skin and never looks that well blended in. On the lookout for a finely milled powder with staying power.

10. 

    kindOatmeal3

    Reply

    I bought this when PX was having an online sale & I was sadly disappointed and promptly returned it. I bought Level 4 and it was more orange colored than anything. It didn’t control the oil at all in fact it felt heavy and did less than my “go back to pressed powder” MAC Blot. I just need to give up the search and stick w/ MAC Blot seems to be the only one that somewhat helps with my oilies.