A Credit Crunch Compact (Collection 2000 Shine Away Compact Powder)

Member Name: pink_glitter

Product:	Collection 2000 Shine Away Compact Powder
Date:	27/12/08 (205 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: smooth finish, great packaging, cheap

Disadvantages: can look a bit strange when applied with the puff

I don't use pressed powder normally, but I had read a few reviews on here for different pressed powders, and decided to get myself one. I wasn't really sure what I was looking for to be honest - just something that was relatively cheap and matched my skin tone.

I was all ready to buy a Bourjois powder as I had a money-off coupon for the range, and (although I realise it's very shallow) I liked the pink flower design on the tub. I then happened to notice that Collection 2000 also made a powder in packaging of virtually exactly the same design. Personally, I think Collection 2000 is really under-rated. I've been using it since I was a teenager and although it's very cheap, I think it's also very good, although like any range there are a few products that tend to let it down.

I decided to buy this instead of the Bourjois powder, as even with the money off voucher I had for Bourjois, this one worked out to be cheaper.

The powder comes in a black compact which has a silver and pink flower design on the lid, and makes it look more expensive, as you don't really expect much in the way of design from a budget brand. I was also surprised when I opened the powder, that it had a full sized mirror in the lid - again, not something I expected for the price. You also get a little powder puff included here.

I believe that the powder only comes in three colours - simply light, medium and dark. I have very pale skin and found that the light shade matched my skin well without making it look washed out.

As you may have guessed from the name 'Shine Away' this powder is designed to mattify oily skin and reduce shine for up to 10 hours, whilst evening out the skin tone. It also says on the back of the tub that it contains 'skin correct' complex, whatever that may be, to help minimize breakouts.

Personally, my skin is usually quite dry rather than oily, but I have started to get a little bit of an oily T-Zone which is strange really as that is normally the area of my skin which is driest. Really what I wanted a powder for though was to make my skin look a little bit more even and keep my foundation on, as it has a tendency to slide off!

I did try applying this powder with the puff provided, but found that it didn't go on very well and I was left with the odd area of my face where the powder hadn't blended very well. I think that it's possible it might have been down to the way I was applying it though, as I'm not really used to using a powder puff. I now apply it with a large powder/blusher brush and find that it goes on much easier, and I feel more comfortable applying it.

The powder goes onto the skin easily, and with a brush is easily blended. It feels incredibly light on the skin and you really can't feel that you're wearing it.

The finish the powder gives is great - it doesn't look heavy or cakey- nor does it enhance every pore on your face as some powders seem to do. The colour is natural too - not too pale or too orangey in tone.

As for shine control, this did seem to keep the shine on my T-Zone under control, however as I mentioned, my skin type is not particularly oily, so if you have very oily skin the results may not be the same.

I paid £3.99 for this from Boots, which I think is very reasonable.

Overall, I am quite impressed with this powder. It comes in nicely designed packaging, doesn't feel or look heavy on the skin and the finish was natural. Recommended.

Summary: Collection 2000's Shine Away Compact