Review: The Balm Sexy Mama Anti Shine Translucent Powder

This was one of my random Sasa purchases, together with 2 of their Instains (staining powder blushes) in Argyle (for Spring) and Toile (for Fall). I’ll talk about those another day, but I’m not even sure if they’re still available anymore. Are those blushes limited edition? I checked my Instagram photos, and noticed I bought them 32 weeks ago. That’s beginning of the year, but I haven’t really been using any of them until lately.

Sexy Mama is an anti-shine translucent compact powder which I’ve been wanting to try for a while. It looks a little peachy in the pan, but it goes on the face without any colour or coverage at all. Hence, translucent (duh!). I like to use my big kabuki brush to swirl around the pan before dabbing it on my face. I use this powder to set my liquid foundation or BB / CC creams and it works great. I find the product in the pan is a little stiff but it’s good in a way because my brush doesn’t pick up or kick up a whole lot of powder at one go. The powder just goes on the face leaving it semi matte instead of 100% matte, which I like. It definitely takes all shine away but maintains a certain glow.

It is rather pointless to swatch this powder, since it’s translucent and it suits everyone. The packaging, as all The Balm products, is a little cutesy and vintage, with all those cardboard magnetic box. I’m not a huge fan of packaging like this, but I don’t hate it either. Good thing is it is very light so if you need to travel with it, it doesn’t add bulk. My skin has been on the normal side, and I don’t need to powder my face after a few hours. So, I’m not the best person to tell you how it works on oily skin.

All in all, a very functional basic setting powder that suits all skin tones, and it promises just that. Nothing fancy schmancy Have you tried this before? Do you use setting powder on top of your liquid or cream bases? What’s your favourite?

xoxo Lily