A Per Una powder compact - a vintage idea meets contemporary beauty

I surprised myself when I was designing my new header and I added that this was a blog about alongside other things - compacts. They were one of the main things I use to blog lots about, I guess my daydreams have taken over somewhat and they went on the back burner - they seem a hard thing to collect when your meant to be money saving.

Previously I use to always just wear liquid foundation it just seemed the thing to do. Then I linked everything together and I thought I'd start an investigation into the availability and the difference of using the powdered variety just to compare. And to be honest, it's a move I wish I'd made a long while ago. I must state that I know some people say you should only use powdered foundation as a kind of finishing layer to cover and hold your make up - but because I tend to just want a minimal make up appearance, especially everyday at work and during the summer, I'm not a girl that get into caking my face with make up because and without growing an insanely huge ego my skin is pretty good [putting this down to looking young for my age and using cold cream] and this method of foundation is just another way to add to this.

And I guess add a nice compact design into the frame and I'm hooked right? Pretty much ...

Normally contemporary powder compacts are a bit, naff to say the least, they seem too cheaply made and a bit lacking in the glamour and design that they once had - maybe that's just to keep the prices low I guess in a way. But the first that has really impressed is the Per Una Speziale Long Wear Pressed Foundation. I know people don't tend to link Marks and Spencer and make-up but I decided to take the risk. And it was worth it - it offers long lasting cover, yet a natural, even coverage rather then the orange tones that others have offered previously [i'm thinking of a No17 powder foundation I tried]. Additionally unlike some other it doesn't fake and perfectly covers tricky areas like the T line and the chin.

As for the compact itself, its encased in a somewhat plastic but shiny gold case embedded with the three hearts of Per Una held down with a sturdy clasp.

Even the powder puff has the per una design - it's little things that make a lot of difference when it comes to style

I think, going by the success of their other products I'm tempted to try out some Bourjois powders.But I would love to hear if you have any powder recommendations, are you a liquid or a powder girl? Or both?