Hey beauty lovers! I’ve spent the last few weeks testing out the Maybelline New York Mineral Power Powder Foundation in Natural Ivory (0.28 ounce), and I’m SUPER excited to share my thoughts with you all! This review is based not just on my personal experience but also incorporates feedback from dozens of longtime users who’ve been loyal to this productâsome for nearly 20 YEARS!
The Sad News First…
I hate to start with a bummer, but we need to address the elephant in the room: Maybelline has DISCONTINUED this product! đ I know, I knowâit’s absolutely heartbreaking when brands discontinue holy grail products. Many users mentioned they can no longer find it in stores like Walmart, Target, or local pharmacies where it previously sold for around $8-9.
If you’re a die-hard fan, you might still find it online on Amazon, but be prepared for some serious price hikes. What was once an affordable drugstore gem at $9 is now being sold for upwards of $22 in some cases. Several reviewers expressed their frustration about this price increase, and I totally get it!
What Makes This Foundation Special?
So why are people hoarding this product and willing to pay premium prices? Let me break it down for you:
Coverage & Finish
This mineral powder foundation offers INCREDIBLE coverage that rivals liquid foundation, butâand this is the magic partâit feels like you’re wearing NOTHING on your skin! It’s buildable too, so you can go from light to medium coverage depending on your needs that day.
The finish is natural and flawless without any sparkles or shimmer (which some mineral foundations have). It creates what multiple reviewers called a “clean” look that evens out skin tone beautifully.
One user summed it up perfectly: “It blends so well, yet you are still able to cover blemishes… it doesn’t cake on.” Another mentioned that they constantly receive compliments when wearing this foundation!
Texture & Feel
If you hate the heavy feeling of traditional makeup, you’ll LOVE this! The powder is incredibly fine and lightweightâseveral reviewers described it as “feeling like air” when applying. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or pores, and it doesn’t leave those dreaded makeup lines around your jawline.
Staying Power
Despite its lightweight feel, this foundation has IMPRESSIVE staying power! Many users reported that it lasts all day without needing touch-ups, which is particularly amazing for those with oily skin. One long-time user mentioned they’ve been using it for 10 years specifically because it helps control oil and keeps them looking “refreshed” throughout the day.
Skin-Friendly Formula
Unlike many powder foundations, this one doesn’t contain talc, which makes it comparable to higher-end options like Bare Minerals but at a fraction of the cost (at least before the discontinuation price hikes).
Multiple reviewers with sensitive skin, including those with eczema and allergies to other makeup products, found this to be gentle and non-irritating. One person mentioned that after checking the product on the “Skin Deep” website, it scored low for harmful chemicals, making it a safer option for your skin.
Let’s Talk About Shade Range
The shade I tested, Natural Ivory, is one of the lighter options in the range. If you have very fair skin, you might find even this shade slightly too dark, especially in winter months. One reviewer with fair skin mentioned that while it works better in summer, they need to top it with a finishing powder in winter to lighten it up.
On the positive side, the foundation blends really well with natural skin tones, and some users mentioned purchasing two shades (a lighter and darker one) to mix and match throughout the year as their skin tone changes with the seasons.
Application Tips
The foundation comes with its own brush, but let’s be honestâit’s NOT great. Multiple reviewers described it as “too harsh,” “scratchy,” or mentioned that it sheds everywhere. I’d recommend using your own foundation brush or kabuki brush for application.
For best results:
- Use a good primer underneath (one oily-skinned reviewer recommended Paula’s Choice primer for oily skin)
- Tap excess powder off your brush before applying
- Build in light layers rather than trying to pack it on all at once
- Focus on problem areas that need extra coverage
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use This Foundation?
Great for:
- Oily skin types (SO many reviewers with oily skin RAVED about this product!)
- Those wanting quick, easy application (perfect for busy mornings)
- People with sensitive skin who react to liquid foundations
- Anyone wanting a natural, non-cakey finish
- Those who hate the feel of traditional foundation
Not ideal for:
- Very dry or combination skin (one reviewer mentioned it “accentuates dry spots you didn’t even know were there”)
- Those who need extremely full coverage for significant skin concerns
- Very fair-skinned people who might find even the lightest shade too dark
How Does It Compare to Higher-End Brands?
Several reviewers directly compared this to Bare Minerals, with many saying they preferred the Maybelline version! One person who switched from Bare Minerals noted that they were “sucked into their revolving club cost” with smaller containers at higher prices, while Maybelline offered the “exact same formula” with “much more bang for your buck.”
Another mentioned trying Bare Minerals but feeling there wasn’t enough coverage, while the Maybelline version provided better coverage without looking cakey.
The Big Question: Is It Worth The Current Price?
This is where things get tricky. At its original $8-9 price point, this was an absolute NO-BRAINER. Everyone agreed it was a steal for the quality.
Now that it’s discontinued and prices have increased, you’ll need to decide how much you love it. Several loyal users expressed being “bummed” about spending $20+ on something they used to get for $8, but many are still buying it because they simply haven’t found anything comparable.
One reviewer summed up the sentiment perfectly: “I am so bummed this product was discontinued and cannot believe I spent as much as I did when I used to be able to get it at Target for 8 dollars. But it’s the only product I have actually loved and I’ve tried soooo many. Nothing compares!”
Possible Alternatives?
Sadly, users who have tried to find alternatives haven’t had much luck. One reviewer mentioned checking other major brands like L’Oreal and Physicians Formula, but found they all contained talc, unlike the Maybelline mineral powder.
If you’re looking to switch, you might want to explore other mineral powder foundations from clean beauty brands, though be prepared to potentially pay more than the original Maybelline price point.
Final Thoughts
This Maybelline Mineral Power Powder Foundation is genuinely one of those rare drugstore gems that performed well above its price point. It offers the perfect combination of coverage, comfort, and natural finish that’s hard to find even in high-end products.
The discontinuation is truly a loss for the beauty community, especially for those with sensitive or oily skin who found their holy grail product after years of searching.
If you’re a longtime fan, stocking up might be worth it despite the higher prices. If you’re new to the product and manage to find it at a reasonable price, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try before it disappears completely!
Pros:
- Feels incredibly lightweight
- Great coverage without looking cakey
- Lasts all day for most users
- Perfect for oily skin
- No talc in the formula
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Quick and easy application
- Natural-looking finish
Cons:
- Discontinued and increasingly hard to find
- Price has increased significantly
- Included brush is poor quality
- Limited shade range
- Can emphasize dry patches
Rating: 4.5/5 stars ââââ½
The half star deduction is mainly due to availability issues and price increases, not the product quality itself. If it were still widely available at its original price point, this would be a solid 5/5!
Have you tried this foundation? I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts and experiences with it! And if you’ve found a good dupe, PLEASE share it in the commentsâthere are clearly a lot of heartbroken fans out there looking for alternatives!
Buy on Amazon: Here
