I was on the lookout for something new to try in regards to a foundation. To set the scene, I hate the feel of anything too heavy on my skin. I have pale, combination skin. I find it really difficult to find a foundation that is light, suits my skin colour and my skin type. My latest purchases in my quest to find the perfect foundation resulted in me purchasing this Stay Matte Pressed Power and a L'oreal BB cream (review to follow) from Superdrug.

**Shades**

There are 6 shades available. These are Transparent, Pink Blossom, Warm Beige, Sandstorm, Silk Beige and Peach Glow. Not all shades may be available in every store.

Transparent is the lightest shade on offer, and this is the shade I decided to try after trying out the 'back of the hand' test in store.

**Price and Availability**

As already mentioned, I bought this product in Superdrug. It cost me £3.99 for the 14g of product. At the moment (August 2012) in Superdrug there is a 3 for 2 offer on Rimmel products, something to bear in mind if you wish to purchase this powder. The product is also available in Boots for £3.99. After a quick scout online, this seems to be a pretty average price for this powder.

**Using the Product**

Since purchasing this powder I've used it almost daily. I've been using the BB cream mentioned above as a base and applying this powder over the top to seal it. After applying the BB cream I use a make up sponge to apply a light, thin layer of the powder over the top. My forehead is the worst for getting oily in the day so I tend to apply slightly more here - obviously not too much more though - I don't want a colour difference! When using the powder in this way it gives me a really nice even finish. It seems to last me hours without any need to re-apply. On the label on the back of the powder it claims that this powder will give "up to 5 hours natural shine control". I've found this claim to be pretty much accurate to be fair. Overall, I'm pretty happy with the end result when applying the powder in this way. The end results looks natural, feels light, and seems to suit my skin, thus making me a happy bunny.

I have also tried using this powder on it's own, without the BB cream as a base. This gave a completely different result in appearance. This I would attribute to my combination skin. Where my skin is drier - on my cheeks and on my nose - this powder seems to really highlight this dryness. It doesn't give the smooth finish that I was after. I tried leaving it for a while just to see if time would make a difference, but no. Still looked awful when I was ready to go out, so I removed it and re-applied with the BB cream base and got the finish I wanted.

**Packaging**

The product comes in a nice little circular container with a clear lid with silver writing on it. Superdrug have a habit of placing their security sticker things in annoying places on their products - in this case it's over most of the writing printed on the back. This is not a complaint of the packaging itself though. It would be nice if the powder came with an applicator of some description, but I've got several circular make up sponges so I've placed one of these under the lid to use with the powder.

**Summary**

So a good powder, especially for the price tag. Not so great on it's own - least for me anyway - but when used with the cream gives a great finish. I may have finally found a combination of products that work for my skin. I have dropped a star for lack of applicator and the result that I got when using the powder on it's own. I considered dropping two due to the poor results when it is used on it's own, but the result when using the cream too is too good to only give this powder 3 stars.