M∙A∙C Vera Pearlmatte Face Powder

Can you believe it? I bought two items from the M∙A∙C Vera Collection. I waited weeks to show them to you, and they are still available. It may be a miracle all around.

The limited-edition Vera Collection is characterized by flashy florals, butterfly brights, punchy patterns, and a light-as-air spirit inspired by the art of textile designer, Vera Neumann. Perhaps I was attracted to it because it was designed for fashion fanatics everywhere. I think I was smitten by the colors of the Vera Pearlmatte Face Powder ($28).

Embossed with Vera's signature ladybug, Flower Fantasy and Sunday Afternoon are beautiful blushes and dynamic highlighters. They offer shimmer with a gleam that's flattering. I'm extremely pleased I ordered them - sight unseen.

Here's a photo to show you why I'm so happy with these colors. I swatched Sunday Afternoon at the top of my arm and Flower Fantasy below. In order to pick up enough color for photos, I used a sponge and rolled it over all the colors in the pattern in each compact. The result? Glorious, highlighting color that glows. My photos were taken in full, late-afternoon sun, so the direct, low sunlight was bouncing off my arm.

I'm not sure how I could have chosen between these two gorgeous colors, and I'm glad I didn't have to choose. At $28 each, I felt I could have both. I am wearing both and will continue to wear these stunning highlighting blushes for a long time. The compacts are generous.

I have no idea how M∙A∙C selected the name for these gleaming face powders. There's nothing matte about them. Then again, I'm not a member of the M∙A∙C secret society, which probably has handshakes and nods and winks that members use to recognize one another. They speak about their skin in foundation shade codes. I'm usually clueless. As an outsider, I can verify that M∙A∙C's Vera Pearlmatte Face Powder is worth a look-see. Pretty in the pan and stunning on the face, both shades are attention-worthy.

There can only be two reasons these beautiful highlighting powders are still available. I suspect they didn't pass muster with the secret society. Otherwise, they would have sold out in a day (or less), an outcome that's far too common with M∙A∙C. Or perhaps the name "Pearlmatte" was misleading. If you are a member of the secret society, maybe you can offer an explanation.

I bought my M∙A∙C Vera Pearlmatte Face Powders at the M∙A∙C Web site. You can also find M∙A∙C in my area at the free-standing M∙A∙C boutiques and Nordstrom.

Photo with black background courtesy of M∙A∙C; other photos by Best Things in Beauty