I’ve Used This Affordable Pressed Powder Since School, Here’s Why I Love It

I am always changing up my make-up products. I like to test new formulas, different textures and the latest innovations. That being said, there are some products that stand the test of time, and perform just as well as the day I discovered them. Kiko’s Matte Fusion Pressed Powder is one such product. I’ve been using it since my university days, and have never stopped.

Featured in this article

Kiko Matte Fusion Pressed Powder Shade 2

Read more

e.l.f. Putty Bronzer Brush

Read more

Kiko Matte Fusion Pressed Powder Shade 12

Read more

It contains vitamin E and argan oil, and as a skincare enthusiast, I always appreciate when make-up incorporates active ingredients, especially in complexion products. That’s why, over time, I started using it in different ways, until it became a multitasking product that covers many of the steps in my base routine:

1. As a powder to even out the complexion
2. As a bronzer to sculpt and warm
3. As a setting powder to set and correct

It has been dubbed a powder, but it works slightly differently from traditional formulas. The Fusion Pressed Powder has a matte texture but a natural, near imperceptible finish. It is lightweight, slightly creamy and gives a blurring effect. Read on to find out how I use the Matte Fusion Pressed Powder beyond its original purpose.

This is the first and most common way I use this powder, applying Shade 2. I’m not a foundation person, so when I’m in a hurry and don’t have time to do a full base, I take the sponge, swipe it over the powder and apply it all over my face. It takes a total of five seconds, and the result is immediately even, smooth skin with a light porcelain effect that is natural – and not cakey or heavy.

Although it is a matte powder, it has a slightly radiant finish that brightens the complexion. It doesn’t overtly cover, but it perfects. It’s the kind of base that will have people asking you what you’ve done.

Kiko

Matte Fusion Pressed Powder Shade 2

£13

kiko

Here I choose a more intense shade – for my complexion, the best one is 12 – Cappuccino, and, with a bronzer brush, I spread it over my cheeks and the contours of the face. Compared to a classic bronzer, the effect is much softer: it blurs effortlessly, warms the complexion and doesn’t cause breakouts. And as it’s the same product, it blends seamlessly with the previous shade, creating a harmonious second-skin effect.

e.l.f.

Putty Bronzer Brush

£10

amazon

Kiko

Matte Fusion Pressed Powder Shade 12

£13

kiko

When I use concealer on dark circles, I then go and apply Shade 4 – Honey on top and apply it in strategic places with a triangular puff. I prefer it to other setting powders because it is more compact and allows me to be more precise. It also fixes without settling into fine lines, doesn’t highlight texture and also helps to balance out the undertones of eye bags, illuminating the periorbital area.

Kiko

Tap & Set Triangle Powder Puff

£8

kiko

Kiko

Matte Fusion Pressed Powder Shade 4

£13

kiko

The KIKO Matte Fusion Pressed Powder is one of those easy-to-use products that just works. And that is precisely why, after all these years, I continue to use it – always in different ways, but with the same result.