Powder makeup follows the completion of most moist makeup applications such as foundation, concealer, cream blush/ bronzer etc. and then acts to 'SET' those makeup applications, giving them staying power.
Powder also provides a 'base' to dry applications such as powder blush/ bronzer, eye shadow and liner etc. This is so the makeup has something to adhere to, assists in a smooth application and avoids the dreaded disappearing act (makeup absorbtion into your skin).
Powder acts to diminish the appearance of shiny or oily skin, not to be confused with the *look of shine, a makeup style that has been very popular. (*strategic placement for effect).
Format
-in a compact case, fine powder granules pressed together, offered in
shades
Ideal for?
-flexible coverage-light coverage primarily to control shine and oil,
heavier coverage with wet/ damp application
Tool?
1st choice: large powder brush for light coverage
or wedge shaped sponge for damp/wet application
2nd choice: applicator that comes with product
Application Tip:
- for light weight, shine free finish-dab brush on compact, then
lightly dab on tissue to remove excess, and
sweep across face.
- for more coverage a damp application, using wedge shaped sponges that
can
work smaller zones, and larger zones, effectively.
Good Product
Choice?
Prestige Brand-try Lancome
Dual Finish Makeup
OR
Drugstore brand L'Oreal
True Match Super Blendable Powder
Format
-in a compact, very fine granules pressed together
Ideal for?
-sheer, colorless light finish to combat shine
Tool?
1st choice: large powder brush
2nd choice: applicator that comes with product
Application Tip:
- dab brush on compact, then lightly dab on tissue to remove excess,
and sweep across face
Good Product
Choice?
Prestige Brand try Too
Faced Absolutely Invisible Translucent Pressed Powder
OR
Drugstore brand suggestion Physicians
Formula Mineral Wear Pressed Powder Translucent
Format
-in a tub, loose granules
Ideal for?
-light coverage, controls oil and shine
Tool?
- large powder brush
Application Tip:
-gently dip brush top into tub powder, then dab on tissue to remove
excess, and sweep across face
Good Product
Choice?
Prestige Brand try
Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
OR
Beauty
Without Cruelty Light Loose Powder
Format
-in a tub, loose granules
Ideal for?
-gives the best finish, sheer, colorless, light weight
Tool?
- large powder brush
Application Tip?
- gently dip brush top into tub powder, then dab on tissue to remove excess, and sweep across face.
Good Product
Choice?
Prestige Brand Shiseido
Makeup Translucent Loose Powder
OR
L'oreal
Translucent Loose Powder
Format
- in a compact solid, creamy texture
Ideal for?
-easy to apply,gives controllable, buildable coverage with matte-powder
finish
Tool?
- sponge applicator
Application Tip:
-dab sponge using a little at a time and smooth even strokes
Good Product
Choice?
Prestige Brand Urban
Decay Surreal Skin Cream Powder Foundation, Trance
OR budget friendly,
Avon
Cream To Powder Foundation SPF 15.
Format
- loose powder in a tub
Ideal for?
-natural, sheer finish with full coverage benefits
Tool?
- specialized powder brush called a Kabuki Brush
Application Tip:
-buffing action different than with regular sweep of powder brush, it
requires more pressure and shorter strokes to work makeup onto skin
Good Product
Choice?
award winning pressed mineral formatPur
Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation
OR popular loose mineral format,
Bare
Escentuals Bare Minerals SPF 25.
|
|
Consider these things when choosing the best makeup powder for your own needs:
1. Do 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.
2. Type of powder makeup?
Your skin type and coverage needs will give you a more clarity in what
a solid choice would be. For example, normal to oily skin that
wants medium coverage might consider a cream to powder formulation that
is very blendable, provides good coverage and has a matte powder finish
(which will combat the oily shine prone nature of that skin
type).
In general, if you are not looking for a lot of coverage, loose powder applied with a big fluffy dome brush is the ideal scenario. Translucent is the most sheer natural finish which will not alter the shade of your foundation. It will simply give it staying power, create a great canvas for further makeup application and cut the shine. Pressed powder makeup would be the easy 'on the go' option for later day touch ups.
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.
iv) You can also use the brush to remove excess powder (just keep dabbing off the residual powder on a tissue).
Last word on
powder makeup...There are a number of options in powder makeup,
but
I do think that the best and most versatile form is Loose Translucent
powder. 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.
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.
|
|
Back To How To Apply Makeup From Powder Makeup
Return To Smart Beauty And Makeup Tips Home Page

Top Makeup Links

>> Not sure which makeup brushes are the best?
Your Essential Makeup Brushes

>> Get the makeup results you are hoping for.
Get Your Best Makeup

>> Great makeup styles inspiration.
Fashion's Top Makeup Styles

>> Get to know the basics in eye makeup, and open the door to many style options.
Eye Makeup Tips and Techniques

>> Want a 'fool proof' gorgeous makeup style for your next special event?
Makeup For Weddings And Other Grand Affairs


>> Going shopping? Check out this list first.
Best Makeup Products
Fresh Beauty Bites
>> Love that fresh faced look of natural beauty?
Here is an easy eight step guide.