Get a Flawless Face with Clinique Almost Powder Makeup
I can’t believe how many compliments I’ve gotten on my complexion after I started using Clinique’s Almost Powder Makeup with SPF 15 lately.
And I have to admit, it’s kind of a fluke how I discovered it. I went to the mall a couple of weeks ago to pick up a replacement compact since my regular Lancome Dual Finish compact that I had been using for YEARS was running low. But when I got to the Lancome counters at Macy’s and Nordstorm, neither store was having a gift with purchase – and I ALWAYS have to get the GWP. So I hesitated and started snooping around the other counters to see what I could find to test for the blog.
I approached the Clinique counter thinking that I was gonna hook myself up with some lippies I had seen on Karen’s site and noticed their display for Almost Powder Makeup that I had written about a few weeks ago instead. I peered around some more and saw that this counter was giving a GWP. Score! The sales assistant matched a color for me and rang me up.
Getting the flawless face look with this is super easy. I start by moisturizing my face with Elizabeth Arden Intervene Creme and then I apply my Elizabeth Arden Intervene foundation with my fingers to just the red splotchy spots on my face to even out my skin tone. Then I use my Baby Buki from Lumiere Cosmetics to brush Almost Makeup Powder all over my face. Normally, I use whatever powder applicator comes with my Lancome compact, but I HATE Clinique’s sponge applicator so I opted use a brush instead.
Almost Powder Makeup gives me the light/medium coverage I’m looking for and is very versatile in case I want to use less or build it up more for heavier coverage if I need/want it. Yet it still manages to give the illusion of barely-there makeup. I’m definitely recommending it to anyone who wants to know!
And you wanna hear what the best part is, Almost Makeup Powder retails for $22.50 compared to $35.50 for Lancome’s Dual Finish Powder which saved me some money for lunch. Makeup and food, what could be better??
Tell me, have you tried Clinique Almost Powder Makeup yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts in Comments 
Hope everyone is enjoying their Hump Day today – the week is halfway over!
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On April 30th, 2008 tricia said:
thanks fo rthis post cause i was considering buying it after i read about it in one of my mags. i was not too sure cause u know that those types of recomendations can not be so truthful, so thanks. now i will go check it out when i go to the mall. have a nice day.
On April 30th, 2008 Brittany said:
I’ve heard about how great this is! It kind of sucks because the color selection isn’t so great.
Boooo….
On April 30th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi tricia,
I’m glad you found this review helpful! Hopefully you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.
I hope you’re having a sunny Wednesday where you are. It’s really lovely here in San Francisco today
On April 30th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Brittany,
I agree that their color selection is limited. What are you currently using right now for powder?
Happy Wednesday!
On April 30th, 2008 Abi said:
Ooh, you look gorgeous! And I love it when Clinique does the gift with purchase thing
I was wondering, what blush are you wearing in that picture? The color makes you look very fresh.
Have a good day, Lilan!
On April 30th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Abi,
Hmm, for my blush, I think I’m wearing a little bit of MAC Beauty Powder in True Romance over Lancome Color Design Blush in Model Mocha (which I love because it has just a touch of shimmer in it!)
I’ve never noticed but Clinique’s had a few fun totes with their GWP lately – I got a beige/pink tote with mine. Right now they have a ton of gift sets on their website that come with an adorable green makeup bag. You should check it out!
Hope you’re having a good day!
On April 30th, 2008 Critty said:
It’s a beautiful powder, but to sheer to cover my rosacea. I so wanted to love this powder … looks fab on you!
On April 30th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Critty,
I find that when I apply the powder with the Buki brush, it covers a little bit more. But I can see how it might be too sheer for some. What are you currently using for your powder?
On April 30th, 2008 Still looking.... said:
Lovely gloss… again! Is it Spark? I usually use MAC Studio Fix powder in the summer, since I have oily skin. I need a powder foundation with medium-full coverage… I don’t think this would fit into the category. Any other suggestions?
On April 30th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Still looking…
How are you?!
The lippie I’m wearing is MAC 3N lipstick and MAC lip glass in Sugar Trance. Spark is a sheer, red berry color – divine, you must get it!
I haven’t used MAC powders in a very long time – I just remember that they were too cakey on me. If you’re looking for med/full coverage I don’t think this will give you what you need.
But my trusty Lancome Dual Finish might do the trick. You can use it wet or dry for more or less coverage as it’s meant to be a foundation and powder in one. It’s on the pricey side, but as I mentioned, I’ve used it for years and I really like it.
Let me know what you try!
Happy Wednesday!
On April 30th, 2008 Elizabeth said:
I might just have to try that! It’s beautiful. I am using a few things right now…Lorac tinited moisturizer, which doesn’t cover my sun damage but gives a nice sheen and SPF, and Benefit Some Kinda Gorgeous, which I love. But for a little more coverage, I might look at the Clinique. I guess I should go to a store to get the right color…Sephora here I come!!!
On April 30th, 2008 MandyPandy said:
Lookin’ good Ms. Wafer! I’m glad you found something that works from Clinique, as they’re products tend to be hit and miss. Well, miss and miss, for me.
And I agree: Lancome’s powders are ridiculously overpriced.
On April 30th, 2008 nikki said:
i have been using clinique before for nth time, and it’s really hypoallergenic and i love it…hmm..now I’m thinking why i’m using other brands hhhaha…oh yeah….hmmm…uhhmm
On May 1st, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Elizabeth,
Ah, isn’t Sephora a great one-stop-shop??
I haven’t tried Lorac’s tinted moisturizer – I just can’t get away from my Laura Mercier!
I hope you like the Clinique if you try it, let me know what you think. Hope you’re having a great Thursday
On May 2nd, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Mandy,
This is the first Clinique product I’ve used since, *gulp*, high school! I like it so much that I think I’m going to try more items. Which products have you tried that were a total miss?
TGIF!! Any fun plans for the weekend?
On May 2nd, 2008 Lilan said:
LOL, Nikki!
I know that some of my aunts use Clinique because the formulas are so gentle. I’m glad that you love it! What else do you use from Clinique? I love new excuses to shop for makeup!
Happy Friday!
On May 2nd, 2008 Ruby said:
Does this break you out?
I’ve been looking for a replacement for my MAC since it gives me nasty spots.
On May 2nd, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Ruby,
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your comment!
I’ve been using this Clinique powder for a couple of weeks now, at least two weeks consecutively and it hasn’t given me any breakouts. I have normal to dry skin, and if you have the same type of skin, this might be good for you.
Hopefully you give it a go and let us know how it works for you!
Happy Friday!
On May 2nd, 2008 Beauty Tyrant said:
Hey Lilan
I think you look gorgeous in the powder. the blush looks really delicious on you too. Nice clean and fresh look that I adore.
Which color are you using for this powder? Have you tried their non powder version instead?
On May 3rd, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Beauty Tyrant,
The color I’m using is “Light”. I haven’t tried the non-powder formula – I actually wasn’t aware that it came in any other form. Which formula is it, I’d love to try it out.
What is your favorite powder makeup you’re using right now?
Hope you’re having a fun Saturday? Are you doing anything fun?
On May 4th, 2008 Emilie said:
Thanks for the review! I’m definitely trying it out now
On May 4th, 2008 Beauty Tyrant said:
Hey Lilan,
I think it should be from the same line, it’s called Almost Makeup SPF 15. I may be wrong, it may be a whole different line altogether.
I’m not really a Clinique fan, their colors are very limited, but I was bowled over by how natural it looks on you. However, their skincare line is good and moderately priced.
I had a rather pleasing Saturday. Went out and pigged out on a nice seafood buffet spread. Maybe went alittle overboard too
How did your weekends go?
Currently, I’m using Chanel Mat Lumiere Luminous Matte Powder. What I like about it is, it’s super sheer and light weight.
I really would like to try out Clinique if I find a tone that suits me best
On May 4th, 2008 Torrie said:
Thanks so much for this review! I recently got the GWP from Clinique, but I got the juicy apple Longwear Lipgloss and the All Over Color powder in plum poppy. I used to wear Clinique for EVERYTHING….and I’m considering going back. I will def stop by and check out this powder….who couldn’t use med coverage with soem SPF in it? I know I can, lol. Thanks again and have a great week…
On May 4th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Emilie,
I hope it works out for you! Please let me know what you think if you do
Hope you’re gearing up for Monday, although it’s always the worst day for me
On May 4th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Beauty Tyrant,
This is the first Clinique product I’ve used in years but I’m so happy with it that I think I’ll try more. I agree that the color selection is limited, but hopefully you can find one that suits you.
Chanel is divine, I’ve been wanting to get their Teint Innocence foundation but it’s too rich for me right now – booo
Gosh, seafood buffet sounds yummy! Where did you go? I wish we had a good buffet ’round these parts.
I had a nice and relaxing weekend. I made the Boyfriend some of his favorite oxtail stew and pecan pie yesterday. And today we just ran some errands. All in all, a great weekend!
On May 4th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Torrie,
Happy Sunday!
I’ve been loving the Color Surge Impossibly Glossy I got in the GWP. I can’t wait to try more Clinique stuff now that I found two products I really like! What’s your absolute favorite Clinique product and/or color? I haven’t used Clinique is a super long time – don’t you just love when you re-discover a good brand??
Hope you had a great weekend and are gearing up for the start of a new week!
On May 5th, 2008 Torrie said:
Hmmm, my favorite Clinique product would have to have been the chili lip pencil. It could go with anything, no matter what. I’m really interested in trying the new cream eyeshadows…that’s my next purchase (maybe with this powder perhaps, lol). I had a great weekend (31st birthday YAY!) and Mother’s Day is next Sunday so I’m gonna have a pretty great time. Thanks again for this great review and I can’t wait for more…
On May 5th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Torrie,
Happy (belated) birthday! I hope you got to do something fun, and that you have a great weekend coming up for Mother’s Day – any excuse to get pampered and appreciated is always a good thing
Cream shadows are awesome, I’m really enjoying MAC’s paint pots especially
Hope you’re having a great Monday!
On May 6th, 2008 Diana Ajih said:
Hey. I’ve been thinking about changing my makeup to clinique. I have oily skin like my mom and she wears clinique makeup all the time. Do you know if this particular product works well on oily skin?
On May 6th, 2008 Lilan said:
Hi Diana,
My skin isn’t on the oily side so I’m not sure how this one would work. I would guess that it might be okay but this product does not make my skin oilier when I use it. I think the best way to really tell is if you test it out on yourself. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful for you on this one!
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great Tuesday
On October 19th, 2009 Katie said:
Hi Lilan,
Can I ask you which shade/number you are using here? Also, have you tried Clinique’s new Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15? I wonder how they compare. Cheers!
On October 19th, 2009 Lilan said:
Hi Katie,
The shade I use for this is #3 Light. I haven’t written a review on the Superbalanced Makeup yet but I will say that I generally like pressed powders better. However the upside to loose powders is that I find it lasts longer since it doesn’t collect onto the powder puff.
I hope this helps!
On October 19th, 2009 Katie said:
Thank you for the great tip!