Powder Makeup; Pressed Loose etc

Powder makeup follows the completion of all the moist applications ie. foundation, concealer, cream blush/ bronzer etc. and acts to 'set' those makeup applications giving them staying power, as well as providing a base to dry 

Powder:	Pressed - Matte	Pressed - Translucent	Loose -  Matte	Loose - Translucent	Powder To Foundation	Cream to Powder
Format:	compact, granules pressed together	compact, granules pressed together	tub, loose granules	tub, loose granules	compact, granules pressed together	compact, solid creamy texture
Objective	light coverage primarily to control shine and oil	sheer light finish to combat shine	light coverage, controls oil and shine	gives the best finish, sheer light weight	easy to apply and gives reasonable and controllable coverage with matte-powder finish	easy to apply and gives reasonable and controllable coverage with matte-powder finish
Tools:	1st choice: large powder brush 2nd choice: applicator that comes with product	1st choice: large powder brush 2nd choice: applicator that comes with product	large powder brush	large powder brush	1st choice: large powder brush 2nd choice: applicator that comes with product	sponge applicator
	dab brush on compact, then lightly dab on tissue to remove excess, and sweep across face	dab brush on compact, then lightly dab on tissue to remove excess, and sweep across face	gently dip brush top into tub powder, then dab on tissue to remove excess, and sweep across face	gently dip brush top into tub powder, then dab on tissue to remove excess, and sweep across face.	dab brush on compact, then lightly dab on tissue to remove excess, and sweep across face	dab sponge using a little at a time and smooth even strokes

F.Y.I *'Smart Beauty Picks' for powder?...

*'Smart Beauty Picks' are product suggestions, meant for your reference only, they are not linked to merchant sites.  The products chosen are most often a result of the combined resources of top beauty experts opinion, beauty award winners, my own experience, and supportive testimonials and feedback from customers like you.

Powder Type
Loose Translucent: Shu Uemura Loose Translucent Powder
Press Translucent : Laura Mercier Pressed Powder Translucent
Loose Matte Shade: Sue Devitt's Triple C-Weed Loose Powder
Pressed Matte Shade: Stila Pressed Sheer Powder
All In One: Bare Escentuals Rare Minerals

IF you would like to shop, consider comparison shopping and find the best price you can get on your favorite cosmetics.  For example:

Some simple steps for powder makeup application

Step #1	*'Choosing the right powder for you... Consider these things when choosing the best makeup powder for your own needs: 1. Type of Powder - I think for most of us a good system would be, using loose powder for morning or in home, and carry with you pressed powder in your purse for later day touch ups. The question is whether you want coverage? If the answer is yes, follow color selection as you would for foundation...test on your bare skin at your jaw and view in natural light.  If it suits your skins needs, you may also be considering making this your foundation and powder all in one (see foundation to powder  or cream to powder in chart above). If the answer is no, than translucent is the way to go.  Although intended to be very sheer and show your skin, they often do have slight pigment, so look for translucent powder with as minimal pigment  as possible.
Step #2	How to apply powder makeup.
	Powder Makeup Tip:  i) Use appropriate tool.  In most cases a large powder brush delivers the best combination of application control, level of sheer and matte finish. The exception would be cream to powder format.
	ii) Whether using loose or pressed, dip softly for even distribution on bristles and then either tap the brush handle on the side of your hand to loosen off excess or dab brush on tissue. iii) Then gently sweep across closed eyes, over nose, across cheeks, across forehead and chin. Powder Makeup Tip: iv) You can also use the brush to remove excess powder (just keep dabbing off the residual powder on a tissue).
	Powder Makeup Tip: Loose translucent powder is the most versatile choice.  There are a number of options in powder, but I do think that the best form is Loose Translucent powder.  When it comes to how to apply makeup like powder, loose powder provides the most control and range of powder finishes ie. sheer, light weight and slightly matte to opaque, heavy coverage and very matte. There are many good loose powders on the market, but two of the best are by T. Le Clerc for texture and Shu Uemura for translucence.
	Powder Makeup Tip: Use sparingly.  Enough to effectively achieve your objective without looking dry and "cakey".  Too much will not only exaggerate the look of makeup, it will also exaggerate facial lines and wrinkles.