Hi everybody!
This powder has been my must-have for more than two years. I wanted to write a review of it for so long that meanwhile they’ve managed to launch a new version of it. It has many advantages: convenient package and good coverage, which can replace foundation. Plus it mattifies, doesn’t settle into my pores and contains SPF.
So, Clinique Almost Powder Makeup SPF 15.
Appearance
The design of the powder remained unchanged for many years (7?). The case of green plastic resembles malachite patterns and wasn’t loved by many. I also was not enthusiastic about it, but I still liked how ergonomic and convenient the case was.
In 2017, the design of the powder has been finally changed, now it has a mirror case and a sponge instead of a brush. Whether the new version is convenient or not, I don’t know. That’s what it looks like now: link
I have a previous version and here are the reasons why I like it:
1. Small size, it fits even in a small clutch bag.
2. I press the button and it opens 180 degrees.
3. There is a mirror included.
4. Excellent dense brush of natural bristles in the kit.
5. The brush is stored in a special compartment in which ventilation is provided.
Many blame the powder for containing talc, but it does not affect my skin.
Shade:
I have a light complexion, but my skin isn’t totally white. Most often I buy second shades in the lines, and the Clinic Almost was no exception. I own it in Neutral Fair - 02.
It’s a light shade with a neutral undertone, which goes perfectly with my skin, without making it yellow or pink, and adapts to it entirely.
Formula
The powder has a silky highly pigmented formula, which is soft and easy to pick up with a brush or sponge. It’s a bit too loose.
It gives a matte finish, but my face still looks natural. This photo shows that the powder has a satin glow.
Coverage
Clinique Almost is not a powder base but just a compact powder, yet it provides good coverage. I love it because I can abandon my regular foundation. Small redness and bruises are well concealed. It’s not patchy and it makes my skin tone smooth and matte.
It can be applied in two ways:
- Instead of foundation, with a sponge or a brush.
- As a fix powder, with a fluffy brush.
Is it noticeable on face?
- Yes, if you apply it in a thick layer, you can end up with a cakey makeup.
- No, if it's applied in a thin layer.
Well, and now the most interesting part of the review.
A bit about my skin: combination skin, with occasional flaking and blemishes and a few other problems like wrinkles, enlarged pores and uneven skin.
It is important for me that the powder (or a foundation) does not provoke face shine and that it makes the complexion even.
Bare skin without powder.
Powder is applied in a thin layer:
I haven’t photoshopped these photos, everything is as it is. The skin is even, the shade completely adapts to your skin color.
If the powder's applied with a sponge, the coverage will be better yet more noticeable.
Before and after:
I really like that in this case you can do without a foundation:
Mattifying properties and durability.
The powder is not mattifying but it doesn’t provoke face shine either. I wore it both in the heat and in the frost, on the bare skin and on a rich nourishing cream. When applied over a light serum (or cream), the powder makes my T-zone stay matte for 4-5 hours, that is as much as without powder.
The lasting power is great. The powder doesn’t settle into pores and wrinkles throughout the day.
The powder neither dries my skin out nor causes any blemishes.
In comparison with other powders that I used last year at the same time as Clinique, this one is my fave.
Conclusion:
Clinique Almost is an excellent powder, I bought it for the third consecutive year. If the new version isn’t worse than the previous one, I’ll gladly purchase it too.
Price: $28
