I initially wanted to include my review of this powder compact along with its soul mate, the Etude House Precious Mineral Sun BB Cream, but I thought it deserved a separate post on its own. It is A Really Good Powder, after all, one that I've been using ever since I got it!

Truth be told I was initially excited and then intimidated about the SPF50 the Etude House Precious Mineral Sun BB Pact has. Would it be too white? Higher SPF products usually have more titanium dioxide in them, a minerally-derived substance that's responsible for the white cast in photos (or even in plain sight).

My job doesn't usually take me more than six hours out of the house, which means that I don't need a long-wearing foundation on a regular basis. I'm fine with using ultra-light mineral foundations on a normal day; I like the comfort they give to my face since they don't feel like a sweaty mask after a few hours. 

Still, there are days when I need something more heavy duty. It's the kind of day when work and social engagements pile up so I need something that can keep up with me. One foundation that I love for that purpose is the Smashbox Studio Skin 15-Hour Wear Foundation (P2,300).

To be honest, I didn't expect to like, nay, love this foundation. It looked odd the first few times I wore it, odd in the whereabouts of "I am wearing too much makeup lolz." But after playing around with application techniques, I did discover a trick on how to go around that obstacle. It's pretty neat actually.

Coverage and finish. I'd say that Smashbox Studio Skin has medium to heavy coverage. It'll smoothen and even out skin in a jiffy, plus it won't set on lines and creases.

Don't you just hate how our faces turn into impromptu grease pans when the heat goes up? When I know that I'll be out the whole day, I take extra precautions to keep oil at bay. I use a reliable primer (Guerlain L'Or) and dust a generous amount of loose translucent powder on top of my makeup.

The Clinique Blended Face Powder and Brush in 20 Invisible Blend (P1,800) has been a trustworthy ally this past month or so. It's a huge help in absorbing oil! I like that it has very little coverage; since it's translucent, it doesn't make my face look too white. I love using it on top of tinted moisturizers like the Clinique Supermoisture Makeup and the Colour Collection Gluta-White BB Cream. This combo feels lighter than full makeup, plus it looks more natural since coverage is sheer. I just cover up spots with concealer.

What I like about the product

• The powder is fine and well-milled. It is easy to distribute evenly with a big fluffy brush.
• Helps control oil. When I have it on, oil becomes a problem only after four or five hours. (But then again, I use the Clinique Liquid Facial Soap for oily skin, which helps tremendously).

Clean & Clear used to be my go-to skincare brand during my adolescent years, but I have long since outgrown their formula and have tried and loved other brands. That's why I wasn't expecting much from Clean & Clear's newest facial wash called the Deep Action Cleanser.

However, surprise surprise! It's pretty awesome. I've been using it fairly regularly this past month. 

What I love about the product

• Amazing oil control. When I use this, my face holds up better under extreme heat and humidity. I still oil up of course, but let's say, only half as much as when I use other cleansers. I get and oil-free face for a good two to three hours with zero makeup; longer with makeup on, at four to six hours. That's nowhere near the promised 8 hours, but that's still quite an achievement! Please note though that I am not super oily. At best I only have combination-oily skin.
• Leaves my skin soft and glowy immediately after washing.