Makeup for Busy Mornings: MILANI The Multitasker Face Powder

If you’re like me, your mornings can feel like a mad dash to get out the door on time. Makeup becomes an exercise in efficiency – throw on some moisturizer, a dusting of powder, a few coats of mascara, and GO (grabbing your fruit smoothie and tinted lip balm on your way out)…

Sound familiar? If so, allow me to share my newest discovery in my quest for a streamlined morning routine: Milani’s The Multitasker Face Powder.

Prior to trying The Multitasker, my go-to powder was Make Up For Ever Duo Mat. I’d heard The Multitasker compared to MUFE Duo Mat (not to mention countless other raves) so I decided to pick these up during the drugstore.com 40% off sale. Turns out it’s pretty good timing, because MUFE entered the Chinese market and is no longer cruelty-free (thanks for the heads up, Katie!)

Like Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit, The Multitasker is an example of high-quality, cruelty-free makeup that won’t break the bank. In the two minutes it takes to apply, it creates a long-lasting matte finish with enough coverage to fade imperfections. It controls oil well – as my skin gets oily throughout the day, this keeps it more on the the “glowy” than “greasy” side. BUT it’s not super drying. In fact, I really wouldn’t call it drying at all. And it definitely has a powder texture – it’s not a not a cream-to-powder formula, despite having some similar qualities (e.g. extreme silkiness). If you have dry skin but still want to set with a powder, this could be one to check out.

The first time I tried this product, I applied it the same way I do Duo Mat. Not the best idea. The Milani powder is actually heavier than Duo Mat, so I recommend using a relatively light hand. It’s surprising because Duo Mat is marketed as a powder foundation and The Multitasker isn’t, but it has enough coverage that it definitely could be.

Perhaps my favorite aspect of this product is how, when used as a setting powder, it increases wear of my makeup. I didn’t realize it until, after a 10-hour shift, I noticed that my foundation was still mostly in place. It lasted about 12 hours before there was significant fading.

L-R: Light Medium 02, Medium 03, Light Tan 04 – Without Flash

The shades are a little confusing, as they apply darker than you might expect. Milani has an online shade chart that tells you the undertones for each of their powder, concealer, and foundation products. Given how difficult it can be to find your shade match from the drugstore (no testers!), I think this is pretty brilliant. I haven’t seen many other drugstore brands do this, but they really should.

I have three shades: Light Medium 02, Medium 03, and Light Tan 04.

LIGHT MEDIUM (02)

Milani The Multitasker Face Powder Light Medium (02) – With Flash

Milani The Multitasker Face Powder Light Medium (02) – Without Flash

 LIGHT MEDIUM (02): Fair to light (~NC20) with yellow undertone. This is the powder I’ve been reaching for the most. It’s slightly light for me, but Medium is a bit too pink and leans a bit orange on me.

Milani The Multitasker Face Powder Light Tan (04) – Without Flash