As a beauty journalist, encountering products surrounded by significant hype is a daily occurrence. When Max Factor's Facefinity Pro Blur Longwear Setting Powder began receiving rave reviews for its 'soft focus finish', professional curiosity demanded a personal trial. Could a powder costing just £10.99 truly deliver on its promises to bake, set, and blur while managing shine?
The Night Out Challenge
The ultimate test for any setting powder is its longevity during a demanding social event. For this review, the product was worn on a big night out with friends, a scenario requiring makeup to stay flawless for over eight hours. The evening involved dinner, dancing, and time spent in warm rooms, presenting the perfect challenge for the powder's Airblur Technology, which claims to offer a poreless finish.
Application focused on the T-zone, forehead, and areas with visible pores, using a domed powder brush with a light hand. Impressively, the initial result was not cakey; it felt undetectable on the skin and sat seamlessly over foundation without settling into fine lines.
Performance Under Pressure
The real verdict came hours later. After heating up on the dance floor and enduring various lighting conditions, the makeup remained firmly in place. Crucially for nights out involving photos, the powder did not cause any flashback or give a dull complexion, a common deal-breaker with other products.
The blurring effect successfully minimised the appearance of pores around the nose, and the product did not migrate into creases. While the natural glow of the skin emerged, it was controlled and only visible in desired areas, striking a perfect balance between a set finish and a dewy look.
Verdict and Value
One minor drawback noted is common to many loose powders: the potential for mess. The key is to apply sparingly, building coverage gradually. Despite this, the Max Factor Facefinity powder has earned a permanent spot in the daily makeup bag. Its performance rivals far more expensive alternatives, like the £38.50 Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, making its £10.99 price tag at Superdrug exceptional value.
Other users echo this sentiment, with one reviewer praising its durability: "Set my foundation in place all day/night and I love the blurring effect. I've used more expensive versions of this and this is just as good." For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Collection Pressed Powder at £2.99 is another alternative, but for a high-end finish without the luxury price, Max Factor's offering is a standout discovery.
