It's about time Westman Atelier released a powder. The brand has had their Vital Skin Foundation Stick since their launch but not until now did they release a powder to go with it. While not a powder person due to dry skin, the skincare-infused formula intrigues many. Will this powder truly feel like skincare and make skin look flawless? Read on to find out!
Overview and Packaging
The Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare Blurring Talc-Free Setting Powder retails for $75.00 USD and is available at Sephora and other retailers. The powder is housed in a heavy, small, reflective gold compact. The compact has a nice weighty feeling to it in your hands that feels expensive. The reflective packaging is beautiful but be aware that it is a magnet for finger prints and scratches. Luckily, the brand provides a thin drawstring cloth pouch for the compact. The bag is a nice touch but feels a little cheap and will really only protect it from getting scratches. It is a pretty compact to pull out for touch-ups, though.
Shades
This formula currently comes in four versatile shades to suit a specific range of skin tones and one universal translucent shade to suit all skin tones. Since many already own too many translucent (the clear kind) powders, the option to choose a shade designed to enhance a specific skin tone is appealing. The colored ones are still essentially translucent powders but they just have a subtle tint that will help correct and perfect the complexion. While the universal shade hasn't been extensively tested by all, the colored shades offer very faint and subtle correction. The color is very faint and subtle, potentially providing a slight brightening effect, though this is not always noticeable. The shade choice matters relative to your skin tone; for example, a very fair person should not opt for the deepest shade, even though the coloring is subtle, but can choose from the lighter shades available. The shade Crème has a very pale yellow tint to it and when applied to the skin, it blends in completely invisibly.
Formula and Texture
This pressed powder has a super soft and ultra-fine texture. You can barely dip your brush into the powder and you will pick up a lot of product. This is a very impressive texture for a pressed powder, as pressing powder into a pan can often result in a loss of its light and airy texture. However, this feels almost like a loose powder and acts like one. Due to the very light and fine texture, it is highly recommended to use a smaller or more tapered brush to allow for better control of the product and application.
The powder instantly melts into the skin and looks totally invisible! It also doesn't feel like anything on the skin - you don't feel or see the powder at all! If applied over a very dewy or glowy foundation, it will instantly mattify down the shine but it doesn't make the complexion look completely matte. It just dulls the shine and makes the complexion look naturally matte, reflecting the natural look and texture of the skin. It gives the skin a velvety finish that is so flattering.
The real magic this powder offers is the blurring and soft-focus effect to the skin! Even for those without heavily textured skin, this powder can significantly smooth and soften the appearance of the skin, which is very apparent in pictures. The effect is so mesmerizing that it can make one feel amazed by their own skin. For those who don't typically use powder, this beautiful texture and filtered effect can be incredibly appealing, encouraging daily use.
You need so little of this powder to set your face. A tiny bit of powder creates such a powerful effect, going way beyond the abilities of a typical face powder. This powder sets makeup beautifully and perfectly, making makeup last longer, preventing oils from peeking through throughout the day, and ensuring makeup looks flawless for up to eight hours. It has been noted to help makeup wear beautifully even on a hot day. For those with dry skin, little to no touching up is needed, even after a long day.
Ingredients and Skincare Claims
The "skincare-infused" claim does raise some questions. The full ingredients list includes: Zinc Laurate, Mica, Lauroyl Lysine, Silica, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Enterococcus Faecalis, Butylene Glycol, Water, Hydroxyapatite, Zinc Oxide, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol. It may also contain: Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Red 30 (Ci 73360).
While the powder feels comfortable for long-term wear, there's no noticeable improvement in skin condition. It's described as a very comfortable formula. The claim of skincare infusion in powders can be dubious, and it's hard to tell if the skincare ingredients are actively benefiting the skin, especially since makeup is applied over existing skincare and such a small amount of powder is used. Even with daily use, the "skincare benefits" from this powder might not be noticeable.
The product description highlights the following "skincare ingredients":
- Quinoa Seed Extract: Minimizes the look of pores and retexturizes the skin.
- Vitamin C: Neutralizes free radicals, visibly evens tone, and supports natural collagen.
- Probiotic: Enhances skin’s natural defense mechanisms.
Examining these claims further:
- Quinoa Seed Extract is a great anti-aging ingredient that stimulates collagen synthesis. However, the amount and potency of this ingredient in the formula, and whether it's an active form, are unknown. The product's direct contact with the skin is minimal.
- Vitamin C is notoriously unstable and breaks down rapidly. While powdered Vitamin C is more stabilized, again, the formula may not contain enough to be effective, and direct skin contact is limited.
- Probiotic, as a "live culture," is unlikely to be effective in a product that isn't refrigerated, suggesting it might be a marketing ploy.
The Look and Performance
The powder creates a flawless complexion, providing a seamless, smooth, and soft texture that perfects the skin without looking like powder. It is completely invisible on the skin. While some texture may remain, the skin appears significantly more perfected and softer. It does not look like powder on the skin and is totally invisible.
The powder effectively mattifies shine without creating a completely matte or dry appearance. It offers a natural matte finish, akin to the skin's natural texture, and imparts a flattering velvety finish. The blurring and soft-focus effect is a standout feature, making the skin appear smoother and softer.
The powder sets makeup beautifully and perfectly, extending its wear time and preventing oiliness. It performs well throughout the day, even under challenging conditions like heat. For individuals with dry skin, minimal touch-ups are required, even for extended wear.
Comparison to Other Powders
For those seeking a powder that blurs effectively, the NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder is often cited as a strong performer. However, it does not meet the talc-free requirement. The Westman Atelier powder is a good option for those who specifically require a talc-free formula.
The MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is another pressed powder that shares some similarities in formula. However, the MAC powder contains talc, which is a deal-breaker for some. While the MAC powder is more affordable and contains more product (10g vs. 5g), the Westman Atelier powder offers a superior setting capability for dry skin, providing a more "dried-down" feeling without heavy application. The Westman Atelier powder sets foundation more effectively, though the performance difference may not justify the significant price gap.
The smaller quantity in the Westman Atelier powder might be attributed to the inclusion of skincare ingredients and a limited shelf life (12 months). This suggests the brand may be aiming for users to consume the product before the skincare ingredients degrade.
Final Thoughts and Value
Initially, there might have been skepticism about the Westman Atelier powder, perceiving it as just another overpriced translucent powder, especially for those who are not typically powder users. However, this powder has the potential to change that perception. It encourages daily powder use due to its ability to make the skin look beautiful and flawless. The unique blurring, softening, and filtering effects set it apart from other powders on the market, offering a luxurious and special feel.
While the skincare properties may not be significant or the primary reason for its effectiveness, the idea of skincare-infused makeup is appealing, though skepticism about its actual impact on the skin remains. Despite this, the powder is considered absolutely incredible and worth the investment for many. It is regarded as one of the brand's best offerings, even when compared to their other products.
The price point of $75.00 is substantial for a powder. While the packaging is luxurious and contributes to the overall experience, the performance alone may not fully justify the cost for everyone. Some may find that other, less expensive powders offer comparable blurring effects. However, for those prioritizing a talc-free formula, a refined texture, and the brand's luxury experience, the Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare Blurring Talc-Free Setting Powder could be a worthwhile addition to their collection.