Review (4/5): Not ideal for very pale skin, but usable
For the record, I am a longtime Physicians Formula wearer, and their products can be hit or miss. I am not being paid to leave a review, or representing anyone but myself here. This is the first time I tried PF's countouring powder, and I've used it for about three seasons. I like it. I don't love it.
I have very pale skin with pink undertones that is uber-sensitive and I have to be very careful about sun exposure. Anything can make me break out in hives or eczema, at any time, even if I used it daily for years. Thankfully, PF products have never done that to me, in almost a decade.
As for this product, the shades are where I take some issue. They worked best for my tone in summer, but now, in winter -- I'm shopping for a different product.
* The dark shade is really mahogany-like, so I have to blend, blend, blend in daylight or risk looking like I smeared mud on my face. It's good for shading jawline and cheekbones with a light touch at temples if you need it. Beware, though. If you are very pale, you want a very light touch with this one.
*The medium shade is very subtle and helps blend and soften the dark. It also works well as a matte bronzer, around sides of the nose, and wherever you need just a little definition. This is the best shade of the bunch, honestly. At least for my skin tone.
* The light shade is, frankly, worthless to me. It gives my skin a pasty, chalky look and looks heavy. Yuck. I occasionally use it in tiny spots as a concealer, but as a contour powder, it just looks like I put on way too much setting powder or something. Instead, I use my lightest shade of matte eyeshadow (also a PF product) and a higher-end illuminator for highlighting. Those results are beautiful, frankly, even on my 38 year old skin.
All in all, PF's contour colors are suitable for pale skin, but may be better on other slightly darker or warmer skin tones, or on summer tanned skin.