"I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. Demille!" (Max Factor Creme Puff)

Name: venice105

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Product:	Max Factor Creme Puff
Date:	29/08/06 (1138 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy application, smooth, long lasting finish

Disadvantages: The plain packaging

Max Factor Crème Puff is described by the makers as an all in one makeup. It can be also be worn over foundation. It is a matte powder that gives slightly heavier coverage than a loose or many pressed powders would. I first read about it a few years ago in a magazine, it was described as an old trusty product that has been used in Hollywood since the golden era of black and white films. Well, that was enough to peak my interest, being a fan since my youth of those glory days of cinema. Conveniently enough, not long after I was in my local pharmacy, where bargains are often found in the makeup section. And indeed, they had the Crème Puffs on sale, which was irresistible as they’re not very expensive too begin with, especially for Max Factor.

The Crème Puff comes in an un-ostentatious, circular navy blue case, with the Max Factor logo printed in gold. It is described as a refill, but there are no cases for sale with it that I have seen. A little research online turns up some lovely old Hollywood style compact cases for just this purpose. Well, since the powder is such a bargain, I really should treat myself! Honestly, though, the case is perfectly durable and I haven’t yet managed to break one or even have it fall open in my handbag, bottomless pit that it is. It contains the powder and a decent sponge which applies the product evenly.

It has that soft, powdery smell that is slightly reminiscent of your grandmother’s dressing table, which I find quite pleasant. One does get the feeling this product is a tried and true part of the Max Factor Collection, one which they do not feel the need to promote with glamorous advertising or packaging. It doesn’t promise to give your skin eternal youth or perfection, or shake and shimmy with all of their numerous, more high tech foundations. It is usually to be found towards the bottom of the shelf, inconspicuously, just waiting for a nice lady to remember pressed powder was once the done thing.

When I first tried it I was expecting it to be like most other pressed or loose powders, but was pleasantly surprised to find it is a bit more special than that. It does not provide the coverage thay many liquid foundations would, but it does even out the skin quite nicely, even without benefit of concealer. It makes my skin look soft and glowy, if I do say so myself! The finish is most definitely matte, but not remotely dull. According to Max Factor’s website, Crème Puff “contains millions of tiny light reflectors that give off a special glow”. Well, who knew! It certainly doesn’t have the obvious little sparkly bits in it that many “glow giving” type products do. I would say it provides light to medium coverage, similar to that you would get from a tinted moisturiser, only with a matte finish.

The website says it can be worn on its’ own or over foundation and is suitable for all skin types. Well, that’s handy! Personally, I would not wear this over foundation as I like to let my skin breathe where possible. I have tried it once or twice, and while it looked o.k., I felt very “caked”. I am more often that not too lazy to wear actual foundation, unless it is a special occasion, so usually a quick dab of the Crème Puff is more than enough for me to feel presentable. I would say I have normal/combination (cough, oily!) skin, with the occasional dry patch (lovely!), so this probably would work for most skin types. I don’t think it would cover spots but it looks fine over concealer. It is quite long lasting, but would probably require re-application after a hard day’s filming or filing or whatever may be the case! I wear the shade Truly Fair, which is almost a perfect match for my pasty visage. I also have the Translucent which is nice on many complexions, I imagine (I use it when experimenting with those newfangled self-tan moisturisers, shh!). I have tried other Max Factor foundations in the past and have always found they have a far greater range of shades for paler types than most drug store brands.

The shades on the website, www.maxfactor.co.uk, do not appear to be the same as the ones in the shop. I am amused to see the artists at work naming the shades have had a good deal of fun, though – with names such as Tempting Touch, Candle Glow, and Gay Whisper, who could resist!

Crème Puff retails for around £4.45 in most shops, but I have seen it cheaper at online outlets.

Summary: All in one, classic pressed powder makeup that provides light to medium coverage.