To be honest, I was firm enough to not to buy the Lakme 9 to 5 Primer+Matte Powder Foundation but Destiny! I won this in a giveaway. (the one hosted by Bossladyshruti) The sole reason for not getting this was that I didn’t want to go crazy by picking up every new product that Lakme was coming up with. I’ve been using this non-stop for almost a month now & I feel ready to share my views (and not first impression!) on it.

Price: Rs.600 and there’s 9g product that comes in the pan. It has an expiry of 29 months.

Shades: There are 6 shades available without any explanation of undertones. Basically, Lakme wants us to go to the counter and figure out the undertone thing ourselves! (sarcasm) Luckily I got a shade as a giveaway gift which is a decent match for my skin tone: Natural Light. (highly miraculous, right?)

Availability: Lakme products are easily available in stores as well as online.

Packaging: Lakme 9 to 5 Primer+Matte Powder Foundation comes in a very pretty (absolutely stunning) Rose gold compact case. Oh! Just take a moment to admire the shiny little case. There is a plastic case that holds the base. Many bloggers have complained about the plastic case being unflattering but I like it. I have no complains as far as packaging is concerned. There is a mirror inside and a second compartment for the sponge applicator.

Texture: Lakme 9 to 5 Primer+Matte Powder Foundation has a very finely milled texture. There’s a significant fallout if you swirl your brush vigorously but I don’t tend to do that hence I don’t create a mess. The powder blends in easily without any effort. There’s no scent to the compact unless you dip your nose into the pan, then you can sniff a chemical scent.

Application: Though it is suggested that the powder foundation can be used both ways, dry and wet but it’s my personal preference to use them dry (it’s better to go for liquid foundations rather than using powder foundations wet).

Efficacy: Like said, I use the powder foundation as it is (dry) with a dense flat top kabuki brush. That way I get a beautiful finish. The brush doesn’t soak up the compact (for me) and in fact, enhances the coverage. I’ve shunned sponge applicators altogether.

How to use? Lakme 9 to 5 Primer+Matte Powder Foundation claims to give the finish of a primer and a foundation. For me, it feels the claims have been set quite high. When used on its own, the powder foundation gives a coverage somewhere between sheer to medium. It gives a mat finish, minimizes the pores and evens out the redness (if any) on the face. But the effect is temporary as it lasts hardly for a couple of hours.

But when it is used as a setting powder over a foundation, the finish is awesome! It compliments the foundation and adds up the coverage. Also, the overall staying power also gets enhanced. There is no cakey or chalky feel and it doesn’t accentuate the dry patches. This is how I’ve been using this since the last one month and absolutely loving it.

My verdict on Lakme 9 to 5 Primer+Matte Powder Foundation:

I love this as a setting powder, not as a stand-alone foundation compact. It gives a natural look which I like on a daily basis. This can also be used to mattify the face throughout the day without adding any cakiness. Also, it sets the under eyes beautifully. This hasn’t irritated my skin or caused any breakouts, hence suitable for sensitive skin as well. Though it is slightly over-priced, I am completely satisfied with the product. I will definitely repurchase this (after finishing a ton of compacts which I already have). Do let me know your views if you have already used the powder foundation.

For reference my skin: Oily dehydrated, sensitive, yellow undertones, around NC40-41.

Also, do participate in my giveaways which are going to run for the entire month of October! Visit my Instagram for more details.

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Until next time, stay beautiful & keep smiling!

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