I've always wanted those sculpted, chiseled cheek bones, or at least to be able to enhance the ones I was born with through the magic of makeup, but finding that perfect and realistic shade, texture and finish is a lot harder. Being fair-skinned means you can't choose a lovely bronzer because you will most likely end up looking like you've smeared orange on your face (not a pretty sight), a not-quite-right-brown (think mud on your face), or anything with shimmer (glitter mud face).
So you can see the dilemma. So when I stumbled across the Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting powder in medium, I was curious and dubious at the same time. Again, there was extensive hype that this was the natural looking contour to end all contours and that it was a must have. So with the possibility of a Holy Grail product in mind, I decided to take the plunge and succumb to peer blogger pressure.
I managed to find the product on Strawberrynet with free postage to Australia and crossed my fingers that I would like this product, as unfortunately Kevyn Aucoin products are hard to source in Australia.
Claims:
From the Cult Beauty website:
"Sculpting Powder is designed to enhance, contour & sculpt your face without looking 'grubby'. The matte, neutral tone is just right for accentuating natural shadows and there's no shimmer so the shading looks believable. The finely-milled texture is great for undetectable application every time and it's almost impossible to overdo it (one of the main struggles when it comes to contouring), making this ideal for defining cheek bones, jaw bones or anywhere you feel needs streamlining."
Ingredients:
Talc, Polyethylene, Nylon-12, PTFE, Phenyl Trimethicone, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Manganese Violet CI 77742, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499).
Shades:
Again with The Celestial Powder, as far as I know there is only one shade available in Medium.
Swatches:
So here's the run down:
Price: I bought mine from Strawberrynet for $51.00, but it is also available from Cult Beauty for £35.00
Weight: 6.5 g
Packaging: Slimline deep red plastic case with push-button opening and internal mirror on lid side being the full size of the packaging. Brush is also included.
Consistency: Very creamy and smooth. Ultra fine pigments
Fragrance: No notable smell or fragrance
Application: I apply this product with either the Real Techniques Contour brush or the bdellium tools 945 brush. I also make sure to brush the intended application area with a light dusting of translucent powder, to ensure the product doesn't blend unevenly when using cream/liquid foundation
Longevity: I find this product lasts very well and is still present at the end of a long day
Colour Range: Obviously being that there is only one shade, it will only suit Fair, light and medium skin tones, with darker skin tones missing out. This, however is a very good contour shade for me being a deep brown with a grey undertone.
Finish: A matte deep browny grey.
Overall impressions: A lovely creamy, pigmented product that is a realistic match for me and was easy to blend. It didn't appear to be muddy on my skin at all, but a light touch is needed to not go OTT. Again I would powder lightly with translucent powder where you are planning on placing this product to ensure an even blend of the product if you are using a cream/liquid foundation. Overall, I can see why this is a cult product due to how it performs and looks. Another great product from Kevyn Aucoin!
What's your must have contour product?
Ellen Rozalia xx
*Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased with my own money and all opinions are my own
