Understanding the important role of powders in makeup application is crucial. Not only do powders set your makeup in place, but they also help control shine, fill visible pores, and provide a flawless finish. In this comprehensive guide, we will look at the different types of powders, their benefits, and how to apply them for optimal results.
Why Powders Are An Essential Step in Makeup Application
Powders can sometimes be overlooked as an unnecessary step, but here's why this should be rethought:
Setting Makeup: Powders set your foundation and concealer, preventing them from moving or creasing throughout the day as your body temperature melts the products on your skin.
Oil Control: Powders are excellent for absorbing excess oil, ensuring that your makeup stays matte and fresh.
Longevity: By setting your makeup, powders help it last longer, even through sweat and natural oils produced by the skin.
Blurring Imperfections: Powders can blur fine lines and pores, giving a smooth, velvety finish.
Types of Makeup Powders
1. Loose Translucent Powders
Loose translucent powders are available in both coloured and colourless options and are best applied with a large, fluffy powder brush. They are fantastic for oily skin as they provide a light, breathable finish that absorbs oil throughout the day.
2. Pressed Powders
Pressed powders come in a compact form and can be applied using a fluffy powder brush or a sponge. Some compacts include a sponge for easy application on the go. However, be mindful that some pressed powders may contain oils used to bind the product, so if you have oily skin, opt for an oil-free version or loose powder.
3. Rice Powders
Rice powders are particularly beneficial for extremely oily skin types due to their superior oil-absorbing capabilities. They help to control shine and keep your makeup locked in place all day. They can be applied on top of your usual coloured powder for an extra layer of oil-busting protection.
4. Mineral Powders
Mineral powders double as a foundation and are perfect for those who prefer a natural option. They offer buildable coverage and are typically free from harmful chemicals, making them ideal for sensitive skin. Be sure to check the label to see that no nasty chemical fillers have been added. Minerals are best applied with a specialised kabuki mineral powder brush.
5. Highlighter Powders
Highlighter powders are designed to enhance the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, nose bridge, and cupid’s bow, giving you a radiant glow. They contain finely milled shimmers that reflect light beautifully and come in shades such as pearl, champagne, gold, rose and more. Bear in mind that anything you highlight will become more prominent - so only apply to areas you wish to draw attention to.
6. Bronzers
Bronzers add warmth and dimension to your face, helping you achieve that sun-kissed look regardless of the season. Matte finishes are perfect for contouring, sculpting the face and adding depth to your makeup. Shimmery finishes are perfect to brush on parts of the face the sun would naturally hit for a golden glow: the forehead, temples, cheeks, and jawline.
How to Apply Makeup Powders
Applying powder correctly is key to achieving a flawless finish.
Fluffy Brushes: Dip your powder brush into the powder, swirl, and tap off any excess before gently pressing or 'stippling' the powder onto your skin. This stippling action presses the powder into your foundation without disrupting your base.
Kabuki Brushes: If you're using a kabuki brush with mineral powder makeup, swirl the brush in the powder, tap off the excess, then tap the flat base of the brush on a table top to 'load' the brush fibres with product. Apply to the skin with a circular motion, being sure to finish with a downwards motion to lay any facial hairs flat against the skin.
Sponges: Swipe the sponge across the pressed powder compact, then apply to the skin in a downwards motion.
Makeup Artist Tips: Individuals with dry skin might prefer a lighter application, to avoid removing much-needed moisture from the skin, while those with oily skin may benefit from a heavier application (especially around the T-Zone area) to keep the oil at bay.
Finely milled powders provide the best finish as they blend seamlessly into the skin without settling into fine lines or appearing overly heavy.
Recommended Brands for Makeup Powders
Investing in high-quality powders can make a significant difference in your makeup’s finish and longevity. Here are a few top recommendations:
Iridis Cosmetics 'No Powder' Powder: This best-selling powder is called “No Powder” Powder because it is that sheer and fine it’s like you’re barely even wearing a powder at all. It will blur pores and lines and set your foundation, to make it last all day and night. Its invisible property means it will suit all skin tones from the fairest to the darkest and everything in between.
Kryolan's Translucent Powder: This loose translucent powder offers superior oil absorption and a flawless finish. My favourite shade as a makeup artist is TL9, as it suits the widest range of caucasian skin tones and is extremely versatile.
RCMA No Colour Powder: A staple in many professional makeup artist kits, this powder is known for its no-colour finish that works on all various skin tones.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder: Renowned for its lightweight, finely milled formula, this translucent powder is perfect for all skin types.
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish: A popular powder choice that can be used over your usual powder to strategically highlight highpoints on the face, or used all over the face for a glowing complexion.
Additional Makeup Artist Tips and Tricks
Layering: Start with a light layer of powder and build up as needed. This prevents a cakey appearance. Focus the majority of the product in areas that produce the most oil.
Touch-Ups: Carry a pressed powder compact for easy touch-ups throughout the day to refresh your look and combat shine.
Powders are an indispensable part of any makeup routine, offering benefits that go beyond just setting your makeup. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, the right powder can enhance your makeup’s wearability and appearance.
For further learning on the basic foundations of makeup:
Check out our Perth blog to learn how to choose and apply the correct foundation base before you powder, or our Melbourne blog to learn how to choose the right colour of foundation.
You may also like to view our blog post on choosing and applying concealers and colour correctors.
Happy Makeup-ing!
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