My Two Cents: Snoe Poudre Phenomenon

Snoe Poudre Phenomenon
Pore Erasing High Definition (HD) Powder
Price: Php 899
Where bought: The Landmark Makati
Net contents: 12 g

My two cents on Snoe Poudre Phenomenon Pore Erasing High Definition Powder (Please read more):

1. Did it live up to its promises? 

Pore erasing? --- No, I don't think that pores can be erased; probably it can help achieve the "pore-less" illusion after setting a good make-up base with this powder. 

High-definition? --- If you need to look good on close-up HD photographs, this one delivers.

The ingredients: Bamboo silk, witch hazel, sage

The label says: Dermatologist-tested, talc-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free and oil-free

2. Did it pass its own five-way test?

The five-way test

• Dermatologist-tested: I believe that all skincare products should be. In any case, a dermatologist-tested claim does not guarantee much since a dermatologist can range from your next-door friend up to the most reputable specialist.

• Talc-free: There are articles saying that talc dries out your skin, and may cause wrinkles or skin irritation (some still contested this though). I personally think that you should never skip moisturizer 'cause nothing beats good skincare.

• Fragrance-free: Not exactly. I smell something whenever I brush the loose powder on my face, more especially if it's close to my over-reacting nose. It didn't trigger my allergies though and I was very careful to apply the powder in little amounts.

• Paraben-free: I did not experience breakouts while using this. 

• Oil-free: It is oil-free indeed but does it pass the test of long-lasting sebum control? I leave my place at 7:30 am and reach the office in 30-45 minutes. With bad air-conditioning during the commute and with the heat during the 10-minute walk from the unloading bay to the elevator, I'd check the mirror and will have to blot the oil by the time I reach my cube. With cooler weather, maximum oil control is about 2-3 hours. Considering the really hot weather lately and probably the really oily nature of my skin, this product may be really challenged to keep up and deliver on its promises.

Transferred to a bigger sifter (left) for ease of application using a bigger brush

How to use

Packaging issues:
The sifter's seal did not peel away cleanly.
The powder puff is cute but may not be hygienic for regular use.

The original sifter may be used for your travel-size loose powder or for the office touch-ups.
Be very careful in pushing back tightly the sifter cover lest you end up with powder spilled all over your bag.
When in doubt, you may opt to seal sides of the sifter with tape.

This brush is too fluffy for the Snoe HD loose powder

Another fluffy brush. This won't do.

Finally, the right brush
(though I'd say it still boils down to preference)

Is it really a phenomenal find? "Phenomenon" is a big word.  It's a small package with a lot of promise.

If you live in a perfect "air-conditioned" world and just wants to keep your oily skin controlled, then this would do it. But in the real freaking hot-weathered world, well, we need something more extraordinary than a phenomenon. 

Or at least, we can be more diligent with the touch-ups =)

Stay cool loves. 

Don't waste the pretty (remembered this from the book-turned-movie "He's Just Not That Into You") *wink*.

Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)