• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

Clever Packaging Makes Stila Hydrating Finishing Powder a Star

September 21st, 2008 by Karen 25 Comments

Did your last jar of loose powder have a screw-on cap and a plastic sifter tray?

Mine did, and when I turned the jar upside down to load the tray with powder, the sifter holes dumped too much product onto the tray. Powder got everywhere — too much for my powder brush, and so much product that even just opening the jar caused powder to spill onto the counter and my clothes. Definitely not the most efficient packaging imaginable.

I love loose powder, but those sifter holes have always bugged me. I’m sure I’ve wasted a lot of product over the years because of ’em, and, dude, at $20-$30 a pop those jars ain’t cheap. I started getting all MacGyver to control the flow of excess loose powder, covering half of the sifter tray holes with tape, but it never worked well.

You better believe I praised the makeup gods when I first laid eyes on Stila’s Hydrating Finishing Powder ($32). A couple simple enhancements to the packaging design make it the Lamborghini of all loose powder jars, yay!

A Flip-Top Cap: Not Just for Pressed Powder Compacts

Rather than the traditional screw cap used with loose powder jars, Stila went with a flip-top cap like the kind you get with compacts. A small thing, but it makes the product *that much easier* to open. Plus, the flip top snaps shut, so you can tell when it’s properly closed. I’ve had screw-on tops come unscrewed in a purse before and dump powder everywhere. Sometimes the threads on screw tops don’t line up correctly when you’re twisting them shut, and the lid can just pop off when you least expect it.

An Innovative Sifter

Stila also improved upon the design of the familiar plastic sifter tray. They added a plastic twisty to the sifter that lets you control how open and closed the holes are, like the lid on a bottle of Kraft Parmesan Cheese. It’s a small thing, but it’s extremely functional. And for added peace of mind when I want to pop this bad boy in my purse, all I have to do is twist the sifter to close all the holes.

Not to Mention, a Fabulous Powder

Not only is Stila’s powder cleverly packaged, the powder itself works great. On my skin, the translucent powder looks natural and never like it’s caked on or obvious. It feels light and weightless, and I can wear it all day long without feeling like I have makeup sitting on top of my skin. Plus, it doesn’t break me out and controls shine for hours.

Nowadays, it seems like makeup packaging is driven more by style than functionality, so good job to Stila for giving us packaging that actually works. I really hope to see more lines adopt that kind of thinking.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Clever Packaging Makes Stila Hydrating Finishing Powder a Star / Originally published September 21st, 2008

There are 25 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Makeup

Previous Post: Sundays with Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Sept. 21
Next Post: Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Sept. 22

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. parisb says

    September 21st, 2008 at 9:44 pm

    That is truly good packaging. Looks like Stila actually gave some thought to it 🙂

    parisbs last blog post..Review: Makeup: The Body Shop Deadly Desires Duo Eyeshadow – Eucalyptus Grey

    Reply
  2. Shockingpink says

    September 21st, 2008 at 9:48 pm

    thanks for the review.i’ve been looking forward to hearing about this.i’ll definitely try it out! i love stila!!!

    Reply
  3. Dao says

    September 21st, 2008 at 9:59 pm

    Wow, that’s what I call “innovation”, sister! Gotta give Stila design team some props 🙂 I’m really annoyed at the sifter sometimes and wish all mineral makeup companies will change to this system.

    Daos last blog post..Karl Lagerfeld x Steiff: Teddy Bear Fierceness!

    Reply
  4. *Jen* says

    September 21st, 2008 at 10:46 pm

    Karen I’ve been vacillating on whether I need this for months now. On the one hand I WANT this, but ont he other the last thing I need is another powder to add to my ever growing collection! The messiness acts as a deterrent, but otherewise it sounds great. Thanks so much for reviewing this!

    *Jen*s last blog post..Yves Saint Laurent ‘Rouge Volupte’ Lipsticks: Reviews and Lip Swatches (#1, 7, 8, 10, and 17)

    Reply
  5. froo-gal says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 4:44 am

    thank you for posting this! i’ve been looking all over the place for a decent finishing powder in not-crappy packaging! now i’ll HAVE to stop by Stila!

    froo-gals last blog post..Sometimes, warranties are fabulous.

    Reply
  6. Glosslizard says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 7:46 am

    I’ve been wanting to try this because I always have issues with powder exacerbating the dryness of my skin, it’s great to know that the packaging rocks too! I think it is time for a Sephora trip! 🙂

    Reply
  7. tokyostargirl says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 8:27 am

    You got me drooling over this just for the packaging!!!

    tokyostargirls last blog post..FOTD

    Reply
  8. Karen says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 8:34 am

    Hi Paris B.,

    I agree. Now if only all of my loose powders came with a flip top and a sifter like this one!

    Reply
  9. Karen says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 8:35 am

    Hi Shockingpink,

    You’re welcome. I am *loving* on Stila these days, too! 🙂

    Reply
  10. Karen says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 8:35 am

    Hi Dao,

    It would be really handy, wouldn’t it? Have a great Monday!

    Reply
  11. Karen says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 8:35 am

    Hi *Jen*,

    Girl, I hear that. I have a lot of powders, too. Do you have a favorite?

    Reply
  12. Karen says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 8:35 am

    Hi Froo-gal,

    You’re welcome! I’m glad to know I’m not the only person obsessed with decent powder packaging. I hope you like it.

    Reply
  13. Karen says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 8:36 am

    Hi Glosslizard,

    I have dry skin, too, and I’ve found it to be a very comfortable powder. I’ve worn it over Chanel Teint Innocence compact foundation (I know you’re a fan!) and it looks great.

    Happy Monday!

    Reply
  14. Karen says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 8:36 am

    Hi Toykostargirl,

    It’s totally drool-worthy packaging, girlie! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Adina says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 8:40 am

    Hey Karen!

    If you want to talk innovation, you have to try smashbox halo perfecting powder. Its a pressed powder that you turn into a loose powder by twisting the top which then “grates” the pressed powder into loose. I absolutely adore this stuff!

    Reply
  16. Karen says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 9:12 am

    Hi Adina,

    That sounds really cool — totally makes me think of a cheese grater and cheese. 🙂 How is the coverage?

    Reply
  17. Tekoa says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 9:17 am

    Hmmm…”hydrating” and “powder” does not compute. I’m interested though, especially since my skin has dried up like Death Valley. *shakes fist at Accutane* The wedding planning is progressing well. I went to my first Bridal Show yesterday and sampled several vareties of cake. Its a very solem duty.

    Reply
  18. Sminkan says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 9:18 am

    Excellent post! Thanks for the tip! This will make me choose Stila the next time instead of Lancome….

    Sminkans last blog post..Misa Fatal Affair

    Reply
  19. Kelly says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 10:08 am

    I wanted to tell everyone that this powder rocks! My skin is dry as the Sahara and now that I live in a MUCH drier climate (wet FLORIDA TO California) it’s only gotten worse! I tried some of this at Sephora.. and when it settled in my skin…I wasn’t itchy!?! Hallelujiah! My skin felt hydrated.

    Reply
  20. Jessica says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 10:56 am

    Thanks you the review. I like all Stilas products that I currently own. I will definitely try it out.

    Reply
  21. *Jen* says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 8:49 pm

    Karen my favorite powder is definitely my La Mer Loose Powder. There are so many great powders out there, but nothing compares to the beauty of this one! It gives me a flawless finish that nothing else can come close to!

    *Jen*s last blog post..Yves Saint Laurent ‘Rouge Volupte’ Lipsticks: Reviews and Lip Swatches (#1, 7, 8, 10, and 17)

    Reply
  22. Shefali says

    September 22nd, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    Hmmm…this is definitely product for thought. I use MAC’s loose powder and have never had a problem with how much comes out of the sifter, but this is tempting and I like the functionality. Not a big Stila person…but I might just try this.

    Reply
  23. Adina says

    September 23rd, 2008 at 7:49 am

    Hey Again!
    I guess I would say coverage is medium. I am not a heavy foundation kind of gal so for me its perfect. It covers up minor imperfections, and it just makes me glow. I think its great for a low maintenance face or as a finishing powder.

    Reply
  24. Kelley says

    November 20th, 2008 at 1:16 pm

    I know this post is a bit old, but this product has been on my mind lately. How would you compare this product to Laura Mercier’s translucent loose powder with regards to texture, finish, feel, etc? Thanks for your info and I loovveee makeup and beauty blog!!!

    Reply
  25. Lisa C says

    April 21st, 2013 at 9:31 am

    I know this is late, but I just have to say that this is my absolute favorite powder of all time. I’ve tried many different ones and always come back to this one. AND, have you ever checked out how much product you get? Stila has so much more product than all the other one’s I’ve ever tested. I hope they never discontinue this one.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

SHOP THE STORE


Long Live Lipstick Tee 💄



Blush Is My Crush Tee



Mascara & Kitties Tee



Thank You For Being a Friend Tee



You Hair Me Tee


Recent Posts

happy saturday tulips

Saturday Surfing, February 27, 2021

honest beauty smudged cat eye side

Smudged Cat Eye | Day 4 With the Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette

honest beauty get it together classic smokey eye

Classic Smokey Eyes | Day 3 With the Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette

honest beauty get it together eye palette

Mauve Smokey Eyes | Day 2 With the Honest Beauty Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette

honest beauty get it together eyeshadow palette

A Soft, Springy Plum Look With Bronze and Mocha (and Warm Nude Lips)

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

red brown smokey eyes tutorial top pic 2

A Glamorously Grungy Makeup Tutorial: Smoky Reddish Brown Eyes and Vampy Matte Lips [MODERATE SKILL LEVEL]

Copyright © 2020 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.