Hi everyone,
Gone are the days when women would use just a compact powder over their foundations because “that is how you do the makeup”. Things were similar in parlors, too. And worst of all, there was just one pale compact shade for everyone out there. But makeup enthusiasts are much aware these days. Hence, the beauty industry is booming and there is a launch of some unique product every now and then. Different makeup powders are now available and each one has a specific use. So in this post, I will tell you about the different types of makeup powders and their usages. If you are a beginner in the world of makeup, this post will save you from multiple makeup blunders.
Category Based on Formula or Packaging
Loose
Loose powder has a loose formula and is applied using a powder brush. It can also be applied with a damp sponge. It is used to set the makeup with a luminous glow. Generally, loose powders are used to set, bake or finish off the makeup. It is generally not heavy and does not make the makeup cakey. However, using it can be a bit tricky and it is impossible to carry the product in your bag for touch-ups.
IMBB Recommendations:
Colorbar Flawless Air Brush Finish Loose Powder Beige Fair
Covergirl Professional Loose Powder
Kryolan Dermacolor Fixing Powder
Pressed
Many compacts come in a pressed powder formula. These are easily applied with a makeup sponge. This powder is used to set makeup, add some coverage and mattify the skin. It is generally available in more shades than most loose powders. This gives a natural finish. The compacts can be carried in the bag easily and are great for quick touch-ups. It is easy to apply the compact to your face to refresh it up quickly before leaving the workplace.
IMBB Recommendations:
Sugar Cosmetics As Nude As It Gets SPF 15 Compact
Maybelline White Superfresh 12HR Whitening + Perfecting Compact
Chambor Silver Shadow Compact
Category Based on Colour
Tinted
Both compact and loose powders can be tinted. Tinted powder matches your skin shade and adds some more coverage. Also, if you have used a wrong shade of foundation, a tinted powder helps you to balance out the flaw. However, it adds multiple layers and makes your makeup heavy. So whenever you touch up, you end up adding a layer and that ultimately can make the makeup crack.
IMBB Recommendations:
Tarte Powderful Amazonian Clay Pressed Mineral Powder
Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder
MAC Pro Longwear Pressed Powder
Translucent
Translucent powders can be compact or loose. These look white in the pan but are nearly invisible on the face. The powder sets the makeup perfectly without adding any colour. So if you are looking for something that sets your makeup without adding any colour, this should be your ideal choice. However, if you do not blend the powder well, it will look like a white cast and horrible in flash photography.
IMBB Recommendations:
ELF Perfect Finish HD Powder
Inglot Translucent Loose Powder
bareMinerals Invisible Light Translucent Powder Duo
Category Based on Use
Color Correcting Powders
These are pretty new in the world of makeup. Just like colour correcting cream products, these products colour correct the face and neutralize any redness, yellowness, dark blemishes or dullness. You can use it alone or over cream products to get better results. So if you have red scars on the face, you can use green colour correcting powder or use the powder over a green cream concealer.
IMBB Recommendations:
e.l.f. Tone Correcting Powder
Foundation Powder
If you have very oily skin and prefer powder products over cream and liquid foundations, you should add powder foundations in your stash. These foundations generally come in a compact formula. However, when applied on the skin, it gives coverage like any foundation. These are generally tinted and should match your skin tone. The powder refreshes the skin instantly. Generally, the powder does not melt down due to heat or sweat. It is basically a two-in-one product and is great for quick makeup looks. It sits on the skin and gives more coverage. But when you use a powder foundation base, you should use all powder products for the rest of the makeup. So you will have to skip liquid highlighters and blushes in this case.
IMBB Recommendations:
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealer
Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Powder Foundation
Setting Powder
Setting powders are used to set makeup. It is generally applied to the foundation to prevent shine and make the makeup stay in place. It can be a loose or compact formula, tinted or translucent in colour. It reduces the appearance of pores and makes the face matte and shine-free.
IMBB Recommendations:
Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder
Laura Mercier Invisible Pressed Setting Powder
RCMA No-Colour Setting Powder
Baking Powder
This is not what you use to bake a cake! You need to bake your makeup if you want it to look highlighted, creaseless and flawless. If you want to enhance parts of your face and make them flawless, you need to bake your makeup. Generally loose, translucent, setting powders are used to bake the makeup. You need to use a damp makeup wedge to apply translucent powder under the eye and other areas of the face where you have highlighted. Now you will have to leave it for 5-10 minutes which allows the heat of your face to set the makeup. Next, you will have to dust off excess powder with a brush. Some setting powders, like banana powders, are more preferred for makeup baking.
IMBB Recommendations:
Rimmel London Match Perfection Silky Loose Powder
La Mer The Powder
Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder
Finishing Powder
A finishing powder acts like a finishing spray that needs to be applied to complete the entire makeup. It helps the makeup to stay in place and look fresh for a longer period of time. It is usually dusted with a blending brush. It is much finer than setting or foundation powders and is generally loose or translucent. It is great for matured skin as it helps to hide fine lines and wrinkles that at times get prominent with makeup application. Overall, it is a great product for adding a luminous glow to the skin at the end of makeup.
IMBB Recommendations:
Revlon Colorstay Mineral Finishing Powder
Gucci Luxe Finishing Powder
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Airbrush Silk Pressed Finishing Powder
Hyped Powders of Recent times
Banana Powder
People became aware of the flawless makeup look of Kim K and that is when banana powder became very famous. Banana powders are a yellow-toned setting powders that suit all skin tone. It is mainly used to bake the makeup. It can be used to colour correct the makeup too. You can also dust banana powder all over your face instead of a setting powder to get an overall highlighted effect.
IMBB Recommendations:
Ben Nye Banana Visage Poudre Luxury Powder
Makeup Revolution Luxury Banana Powder
W7 Banana Dreams Loose Powder
Mineral Powder
Mineral powders are rich in minerals and have lesser harmful chemicals. They are non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic and suit all skin types. Dermatologists specially refer these powders to women with oily and acne-prone skin. It often has antioxidants too and adds a luminous glow to ageing skin. These powders are lightweight and do not give heavy coverage.
IMBB Recommendations:
Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder
MAC Mineralize Foundation/Loose
Neutrogena Skin Clearing Mineral Powder
HD Powder
These are generally very lightweight translucent (or lightly tinted), loose or compact powder that help to create a soft focus. They blur out the imperfections that get easily visible in HD camera pictures.
IMBB Recommendations:
LA Girl Pro Face HD Matte Pressed Powder
Coloressence PC-2 Yellow Beige High Definition Pancake
Make Up For Ever HD Powder
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