Lately I’ve been trying a lot of the same products from various brands so I thought I’d put two of my favorites to the test. I want to decide which of these powders is BETTER, so you know which to buy!
Shop the post

The Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder has been around my collection for quite some time. It’s no secret I am a big lover of Makeup Forever, and whilst I don’t always use setting powder, I’ve been reaching for this guy over the past few months even when I don’t think I’ll need an additional helping hand with keeping the makeup in place. I just love how this mattifies my makeup and gets it to stay in place. Now on to the specifics:
It costs $35 (ouch!) and it is a three-time award-winning universal translucent finishing powder. Ok Makeup Forever I see you, I see you. It sets the foundation and mattifies skin without making your skin look white as a ghost’s – this is translucent. It is made of 100% mineral silica. What I’ve always enjoyed about this is that it truly softens my fine lines and pores. Whenever I do my makeup, I see all the pores on my cheeks and middle of my forehead, and it drives me insane. When I finish my makeup, and can still see them, I always add a little bit of this powder and wa-lah the pores are significantly minimized! It is dermatologist-tested, and its talc-free formula won’t make your skin dry up like you just ran through the desert (will I ever let go of this analogy you ask? – likely no.) I am a big fan of the fact that it’s extremely lightweight, unlike a lot of powders I’ve used in the past that feel like they add another 3 layers of makeup to my face. This is comfortable, and the formulation makes me feel like it has compressed the amount of makeup I placed, because it easily makes my skin feel so smooth. It’s some kind of voodoo magic I tell you. In terms of the packaging, it is quite messy unfortunately. Anytime I open this up the powder is everywhere so I have to be careful not to get this on the shirt I’m wearing that day. Once I realized I had to be careful, all was fine, but it has a tendency to get everywhere when you apply so just be careful.
Now the verdict for this one is extremely positive. I’d give it a 8.5/10 because it is fabulous and works like a charm. I do wish the price point was lower and the packaging more sensible for travel and everyday use. However, the product itself is pure magic and I would highly recommend!
Now I will say that Honest Beauty came into life not but a few weeks ago. Their PR team reached out to me and decided to grace me with quite a few products.
Their Invisible Blurring Powder retails for $28, so a bit cheaper than the Makeup Forever. It is a translucent loose powder that blends beautifully into all skin tones. Now in the description for this product, Honesty Beauty says it is “specially formulated to pair with our foundations or tinted moisturizers” which is a bit strange since I have yet to use this with their foundation but I think it works quite well with all other foundations. Something about that description throws me off a little, and of course, consumers don’t want to have to buy multiple items from one brand in order for the products to work. However, I have been using this loose powder for the past two weeks and I am so impressed with its power. It is also a talc-free powder and it really helps to hide my redness, which you know is a CONSTANT struggle for me. When I want to hide pores, make my complexion look better and soften lines, I know this one will work without a doubt. In terms of this packaging, while my photo makes it look messy you actually have the option to open this to your needs. You can open 1 compartment, 2, or 3 on each corner and you can close this entirely so no loose powder gets out. That is extremely helpful and makes this travel-friendly. It’s super easy to use throughout the day for any mid-day touch-ups to help mattify the skin, but it won’t appear cakey which is my favorite part. It also easily absorbs the oils my skin likes to produce after just a few hours of work.
I would give this product a 9/10 because the packaging is on point, the effects are almost identical to the Makeup Forever powder and this is obviously a better price. The only reason I don’t give it a 10/10 is because this powder does not make my skin feel the same way as the Makeup Forever does, but it has the same outwards appearance. What I mean is if I used one powder one day and then the other the next day, anyone looking at me would not be able to see the difference.
Which is your favorite?
Disclaimer: Sometimes I am lucky enough to receive products as PR samples. This post was not sponsored, and I have no obligation to share this product range with you. As always all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
Comments
I need to try pics and your post are great!
I haven’t tried anything by Honest Beauty yet, but their products have been getting good reviews so I’m tempted!
I have never used loose powder; I need to give it a try. I am currently addicted to Kate Von Dee’s pressed powder pallette. BTW my daughter & I are addicted to you make up tutorials:)
This sounds amazing! I need to give it a try!
Maggie
http://www.polishedclosets.com
Haven’t tried either but obviously need to now! I have been LOVINGGGGGG Make Up For Ever lately so I’m anxious to try that one just to see!
Coming Up Roses
I’ve always wanted to try makeup forever! I’ve heard great things. Is it available at Ulta?
Always love to hear reviews on products I haven’t tried! I’m always trying different setting powders, so will definitely add these to my list.
xo Steph
A Sparkle Factor
I haven’t tried either of these powders, but the Make Up For Ever one sounds awesome! I think my favorite high end powder is either Laura Mercier Loose Translucent powder, or the Tarte Smooth Operator. They both make my skin feel so nice!
I would probably opt for the one that is better priced, especially since your rating is so close between the two.
I love it when you do reviews on products! I actually don’t use any powder and I have never tried Make Up Forever before.
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
i use bare escentuals, but this looks like a great product too!!!
wow what a great review! Thanks for being honest (pun intended) about honest beauty haha. Definitely must try!
Thanks Ada for this amazing review! I’m actually looking for a new translucent powder and have been eyeing Honest beauty for a while.
Loved this post. I have not used loose powder in while simply because of traveling and the packaging. I will definitely try these!
Hmm I have never tried either of these but I love reading your opinion on makeup 🙂
xoxo, Jenny
I haven’t used either of these products before. I’ve been using Mary Kay’s setting powder for a while, but I’m a big fan of MUFE products!
Fizz and Frosting
Thanks so much for sharing your insight! I’m on the market for a new powder, this was super helpful!
xo, Amanda | http://www.thegoldengirldiary.com
Have you ever tried the translucent powder from It! Cosmetics? I’m obsessed. And I turned my mom onto it. And now she’s obsessed.
XO Amanda | http://www.glitterandspice.com
Thanks for this post! Very informative!
~Hillary
http://www.styleinasmalltown.com
This looks amazing! I have been wanting to try these, I have heard great things
I have been wanting to try these! I might just have to settle for a higher price point because I need all the magic I can get on my skin. Thank you for your honesty!
I use the Honest brand shampoo and conditioner, paper towels, and sunscreen but have not tried their makeup line yet. As much as I love the other products I would love to this powder a try as well!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Never heard of Honest Beauty but will check them out!!
http://www.StacyZeal.com
I need to try honest too. I use makeup for ever and love it!
I haven’t tried either, but now I’m intrigued. I want to try both!
xo,
Laura
http://www.styledadventures.com
That HD powder is the best, & I need to try the Honest brand!
Lawren
http://www.saltwaterandstilettos.com
Makeup can get pricey, especially when you’re looking for more natural products. I can’t say I’ve tried either or, but I will tell you that I’m leaning towards Honest Beauty. It’s cheaper and gets the job done.
This looks amazing!!! ahhhh
I received a free sample from Honest and LOVED it. Great post.
I’ve never heard of Honest Beauty before but they sound amazing! Great review and beautiful photos. xx
http://www.annanuttall.com
This post is great. Been looking for a loose powder since I never really used one. I heard the one from Laura Mercier is also good. Going to try this Honest one! Thanks xx, Donna
Great review and comparison! I don’t know much about either brands but I love how detailed you were!
Love,
Ivelisse | CarnationDreams.com
Thanks for such a detailed review! I want to try both. I haven’t dabbled too much into Honest Beauty and I really want to.
This looks so cool! I’m sure it’s something my sister in law would love! 😀
I haven’t heard of Honest before so I’ll have to check them out. I’m also a huge MUF fan!
I haven’t used this brand but it looks amazing. I love that it isn’t super expensive!
I need to check out Honest beauty!
Wow, I’ve never heard much about Honest Beauty, but do use some Makeup Forever products. Thanks for sharing your review!
I need to try ASAP! Fantastic post love it
I haven’t used loose powder in forever, but I always love the feel of it. I will have to check these out!
I love this comparison! Thank you so much for doing pros/cons of these two, I love Makeup Forever but Honest Beauty looks like it would be more band for my buck!
xo, Alicia | Alicia Tenise
I love posts like this because it helps me decide where to put my money when I go to the makeup store! I’m currently using the NYC translucent powder from the drugstore and am not crazy about it. I do love the ItCosmetics Bye Bye Pores, it gives my face such a soft look and minimizes all my fine lines!
I’ve been trying the powder from IT Cosmetics and it’s AMAZING. Definitely give it a try!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
awesome! will have to check out honest! i have redness to hide too!
elle
Southern Elle Style
Great review and comparison. Makeup Forever powder is looking awesome and I personally feel to use it now. Thanks for sharing.
I just started using a translucent powder on a normal basis, and I don’t think I’m using the right one! Need to check out both of these!
-Katherine
Engineering In Style
Seems like Honest Beauty is just a little bit better. Thanks for the reviews of both.
makeup forever is the bestttt!! Loved this post babe
I’ve never really used powder in my make up regime but these both sound great — maybe I’ll have to test both of them out!