Current fave.

To be honest, nothing much has changed for me when it comes to foundations. Liquid, cream, mousse- I just can't be bothered putting any of it on a daily basis, specially when I'm just going to the mall or the supermarket. I like the products in my routine fuss-free so as much as possible, I use products that don't require a lot of time but still makes me look somewhat put together. That's why in terms of bases, I love BB creams (shade selections are still tricky, though!) and powders. So today, I'm sharing one I'm currently enjoying.

I purchased the Maybelline Clear Smooth All In One Cake Powder some time ago when Maybelline was having a sale. I got it in the shade 05 Sand Beige, the darkest shade in this line, if I'm not mistaken. Sand Beige is pretty close to my skin tone albeit it's still a tad lighter when piled on. If diffusely applied, it's pretty much on point.

Sand Beige has a strong orange undertone, pretty common with dark shades in general. The orange-y-ness of it won't make you an oompa-loompa, though, at least it doesn't make me look like one. The orange tone help cancel the blues and the purples on my face so it makes my face look brighter and more even. As I've said, it's still a little light on me but I have a feeling it oxidizes on me so it's not much of a bother.

This powder is so finely milled, it's insane. I love how it doesn't feel too silky or too gritty. Coverage is about a medium but it can border to full if you use a sponge to pack it on. As you can see, I got the refill version because I don't need the full case and the powder sponge that comes with the product. With powder foundations, I like using a fluffy brush for application. I reserve sponges for creams and liquids, not with powder bases. That's totally based on personal preference, just saying.

Maybelline claims that it has 6 features: shine control, concealing, sun protection (SPF 25), light on skin, sweat control, and coverage. I mean, there has to be a reason why they call this "The Do-It-All Powder", no? I tested this product both on its own and on top of a liquid foundation and here's my musings.

In both instances, the powder felt light on the skin so that claim is pretty true. It was like I wasn't wearing any powder at all because it looked and felt natural. As for shine control, it does the job pretty well although of course it doesn't last for an insane amount of time. Reapplying is still a must, just like with any powders and whether you're wearing it on its own or not. For the concealing part, I guess this is tied with the coverage feature as well. As I've mentioned, this has a medium coverage so it will help cover imperfections but it can't do the job alone. If you're iffy about certain imperfections, you still need to use concealer then set with this powder. On sweat control, it did an okay job. It didn't really stop my T-zone from oiling/sweating but it helps keep those at bay for a couple of hours. Sun protection part is a bonus, I guess, but still wear sunscreen beforehand, peeps!

What I love most about it, however, is how it makes my skin look so smooth, especially when I'm wearing a base underneath! It just makes my base look more cohesive and even and it adds more coverage too without looking too cakey! Love!!

Wearing Sand Beige on top of a liquid foundation. 

Overall, I absolutely recommend this product. I love using it as a lightweight foundation and as a setting powder. I just really love the smoothing effect I get every time I use it. I recommend it for those with normal to combination/oily skin types, although I'm not sure how it would sit with those with dry skin types. If you're like me who uses brushes instead of sponges, just get the refill version. Still has its own case but it's definitely more space saving, plus it's cheaper! x