In my never-ending search for the perfect setting powder (well I've tried 4 or 5 so that might be a tad dramatic) I've come to the conclusion that I don't want to spend the earth for something that simply has one job - keep the base looking how i want it to.
Enter essence 'all about matt!' fixing compact powder!
This is cheaply packaged, and I'm terrified the lid is going to come off in my makeup bag - but that's the main flaw. It's about $6 and readily available (in Auckland, anyway) so easy to keep stock of. It's a pressed translucent, rather than a loose - which I'd probably prefer - but it transfers easily to the brush and is fine milled enough that it clings to the brush and transfers to your face without mess.
On skin, it smoothes, helps mattify, and settles to create a base that doesn't appear chalky or caked on. It lasts reasonably well - after a full day I top it up a bit before I go out just to refresh my face, and it works a treat for that.
This is barely scented - just the faintest hint of a talc kind of smell from the powder.
The only real downfall here is the packaging, and for $6, as long as it doesn't break and get powder all over my makeup, I can live with that.
Essense is one of my newly discovered cosmetic brands. It is super easy to pick up from your local Farmers and it definitely one of the cheapest brands around ranging from $3 - $10. It is lightweight giving you a slight shimmer as well as mattifying. So you don't feel like you are wearing it at all. It suprisingly lasts most of the day.
Tips: Product is very fine, so be careful to not apply too much at a time otherwise you can end up with chalky white patches.