Review/Swatch/Comparison: T. LeClerc Loose Powder - Orchidee vs. Pressed Powder - Orchidee Or (Limited Edition)

So I was disappointed in T. LeClerc Pressed Powder Orchidee Or (Limited Edition) because of its coarse texture...


Then I was in a conversation with my mother-in-law. And somehow we got into the subject of makeup and I mentioned this press powder for some reason. She then told me that she is using T. LeClerc Loose Powder Orchidee! She ran to fish it out for me to try and compare with my pressed powder ! (She said this is an old tub and if I accepted this, she would have an excuse to open her new jar! LOL.) Of course I gladly accepted!


As my mother-in-law is quite dark, she would be the right person to testify whether or not this shade is a must-have for medium to dark skin complexion as claimed on T. LeClerc site. She said the cool pink looks so bright and weird for her dark and warm skin tone and she had doubts at first too. She thought the sales assistant was just pushing her to buy the powder. But she was convinced after she tried it on. She said her face just lip up and the tiresome look disappeared instantly. She's been using this powder since that day on. It was at least 2 years ago...


That's some powerful statement indeed. My argument was that I don't have such dark complexion to try this pink powder. But my dear mother-in-law said that even if the colour was wrong, I should have at least tried out its fine texture since I disliked the coarse glitters (shimmers) in that pressed Orchidee Or. Without further delay, I am showing you this famous T. LeClerc star product - Loose Power in the shade of Orchidee.

T. LeClerc Loose Powder - Orchidee

Product Descprtion:

Pink veil. Magically erases signs of fatigue; a real life-saver for evening makeup. It immediately freshens up medium to dark complexion with yellow undertones. The number one choice for Indian skins. - T. LeClerc UK



Color/Texture:

Its claim on texture:

Amazingly fine and light loose powder based on pure rice starch provides matte finish and visibly smoothes the skin. Poudre T. LeClerc incomparably masters light and hides flaws while magnifying the complexion. This powder is well-tolerated by the most sensitive skin, and also serves as protection against pollution and solar radiation. - T. LeClerc


If you are telling me this rice based powder is the finest texture there is in the world of loose powder, then I think it's a joke. I don't think it's super fine as I could still feel the sandy feel before it's spread out. Once spread out, I can say it's smooth but still not very finely milled. I think this is to do with the rice powder. If this was a cornstarch based powder, then I probably wouldn't have felt that sand like texture.


And it is soooooooooo matte!!! I now know why some old Chinese ladies use rice water on their faces as it absorbs oil (or even water?) super well! This powder, has the same effect of what those old ladies use on their faces. I have dry skin and I find it a tad too matte. If you have oily skin, I high recommend this loose powder!


Now let's look at the colour. This is an even lighter, (whiter) pink than my pressed Orchidee Or because it doesn't have the golden specks. The golden specks make the pressed version looking warmer (with a hint of peach) in the pan even though it is still considered a cool pink once applied. The loose Orchidee, however, appears almost white on me. And I can see why it lightens up dull yellow skin because it really does that for me. I look a lot more fresh with it on and best of all, the cool whitish pink doesn't show on my skin after it's settled in. It does indeed correct (improve) my complexion. I like it!

Orchidee vs. Orchidee Or

I swatched the colours three times each so the loose version would show better. It initially looked white and washed out but eventually set into my skin and brightened up the complexion. I guess this is the effect that many Asian ladies want, looking fairer and younger!


I find it very strange that this didn't occur when I used the pressed version which should be the same other than the extra golden shimmers. But no, the pressed version is a lot more coloured (pigmented) and it can't be a correcting powder but rather a coloured products for cheeks in my case.


Oh, and this loose powder has a light, refreshing scent that I don't find in the pressed version.

Packaging/Price:

This powder comes in a vintage style tin. I don't like the container design much. My biggest complain is that there is no screw on the jar and it closes rather tightly. I have to pull the two parts (lid and container) apart rather hard or else the tin won't open. I find this quite dangerous as there have been countless occasions that I nearly spilt the powder.


The sifter hasn't done a thing for me, either. It doesn't control the amount dispensed but rather, acts as barrier/stopper so the powder doesn't fall out (as much) when opening the tin. There is a little tag on the side of the sifter so it can be removed from the container. I guess it's handy if you want to decant the powder.


As this is loose powder so naturally there is more product in it (by weight) - 35 g. / 1.2 oz. (compared to the pressed powder - 10g. / 0.34 oz.) Being a high end French brand, it comes with a high price tag of 159MYR/£31.00/$50USD. I still think it's a bit too expensive.



My Verdict:

This is a nice colour correcting powder that mattifies the skin at the same time. I won't say it's the softest nor the finest powder as I have tried better ones. However, I do like to see that my complexion looks brighter (not whiter). That effect is a bonus and something I haven't expected from a loose powder.


I'd say it's worth a try if you can score it at a lower price. Otherwise, get a different pink loose powder!


PS: As I was given this jar without its box, I am not able to show you the ingredients. I couldn't find them listed on line either.



Related Post:

Review/FOTD/Swatch: T. LeClerc Pressed Powder Orchidee Or, Limited Edition



My Colouring:

MUFE Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream #4, Lift Concealer #3, Duo Mat Powder Foundation #202, Face & Body #20, High Definition Foundation #118, Liquid Lift Foundation #2, Clarins Instant Smooth Foundation #1.5, Pupa Professionals Triple Action Powder Foundation #02 (when tanned)

Light Asian skin (obvious brown spots on cheekbones, slightly dry & doesn't break out easily), dark brown eyes, jet black hair, medium pigmented lips.

If you are not reading this on mymakeupreviews.blogspot.com or in a feed reader, this site has stolen my content.