Meet the newest member of my makeup stash… the much talked about Urban Decay Velvetizer Translucent Mix-in Medium. I’m a makeup base rookie; I tend to reserve foundations for special occasions and am still learning the ropes on the art of base mixing (kinda sounds like a DJ work description if you ask me!).

A well-meaning makeup junkie friend of mine push me into buying the Urban Decay Naked Skin Loose Setting Powder many moons ago, and I religiously follow her instructions on using it as a base powder under my foundation as it promises longer wear. I thought the Velvetizer was an upgraded version of the same, but turns out it has a totally different purpose.

 

What is the Urban Decay Velvetizer Translucent Mix-In Medium?

Basically a loose powder that the brand pushes for its ‘velvety’ feel (the name, the packaging) that was created as a mix-in with your existing translucent foundation or tinted moisturizer to mattify and prolong wear.

Does the idea of mixing powder into your foundation sound absurd? Mixing powders for a mattified look is probably one of the oldest tricks in the book. Back in the day when 90% of lipsticks came with a glossy finish, we’d ‘mattify’ our lips with brushes of powder over tissue. The idea, in essence, remains the same.

 

How to Use the Urban Decay Velvetizer Translucent Mix-In Medium

According to the packaging, you need a dime-sized amount per pump of foundation. Mix it together in the palms of your hand, and brush on as usual.

 

Tezzy’s Take on the Urban Decay Velvetizer Translucent Mix-In Medium

 First off, let’s start with the packaging. Like all things Urban Decay, I love the gunmetal finish of the lid, and the velvet labeling around the rim gives it a luxe touch. 

The product comes out of a 4-hole dispenser, and you therefore get alot of spillage. And I can guarantee that lovely deep purple velvet packaging isn’t going to stay prim and pretty with this kinda mess for long!

The powder itself is ultra soft, and probably one of the smoothest I’ve ever come across. Given its ultra fine milled texture, the powder is very light and flies all over the place. I tried it as a base powder, but it seems far too translucent for this purpose.

A per instructions, I’ve had a go at mixing it with foundations, and even my CC Cream. It can be a messy affair unless you have a wee stencil to mix it all together in (I do it on the back of my palm). 

Adding the powder makes fluid makeup stiff almost instantly, and you really have to start brushing it on before it dries up. 

The result is a thicker base, with a slightly more powdery finish. As it doesn’t alter any color it is mixed into, this powder does not transform a foundation into a concealer. However, it does make the makeup feel substantially ‘fuller’, and is perfect for those seeking high coverage.

The downside is that you need to eyeball the ratio of powder to product, and if you go with the suggested dime-sized portion, you’ll be using up this 8 gram pot in no time. At $34 for an 8 gram pot, the Urban Decay Velvetizer Translucent Mix-in Medium fits into the high-end spectrum of makeup pricing.

 

The Positives

• Very, very finely milled and super soft
• Delivers on the velvety finish
• Does not alter the color of the base it is being mixed in with
• Can multi-task as a setting powder
• Free of oil, parabens, alcohol and fragrances
• 100% cruelty free
• Gorgeous, gorgeous packaging!

 

The Negatives

• Can be tricky to eyeball the perfect ratio of powder to foundation
• Can be rather messy
• Expect a wastage of product till you get a hang of it
• Can seem gimmicky (if you really want a matte foundation, you probably already have one!)
• The packaging comes with 4 holes meaning more mess, and the mess sticks on to the velvet outer
• Given you need a dime sized amount for every application, this wee pot will finish in no time
• Very expensive given the very small quantity

 

In Conclusion…

The Urban Decay Velvetizer Translucent Mix-in Medium is great for really oily skin-types and for those who are looking at adding more coverage to their regular base makeup. 

Given the need to mix in, this product can get a little tricky and messy for rookies! 

 

Product Pricing & Availability

 The Urban Decay Velvetizer Translucent Mix-in Medium retails for $34. In the UAE, you can buy it from the Urban Decay store (I visit the branch at CityWalk).