Different Types of Face Powders and their Applications

Ever thought about the increasing variety in face powders? Ever wonder what the difference was anyway, aren't they all supposed to set makeup? This is true for all powders, since they all absorb excess oil and fill in fine lines to make skin look more smooth and even and they do make foundation settle into the skin better increasing its longevity.

 

In this post I'll touch on the different types of powders and what they all do...

 Loose Powders:
These are finely milled loose powders that come in tubs usually with sifters to control the amount of powder (it doesn't work) and a puff is usually provided (of no use to use with this product).
They are not the type of things you want to travel around with for fear of making a huge mess.
They are best applied with a large soft powder brush.
They provide a little more coverage over your foundation and mattify it, making it last long.
This product has to be blended out thoroughly otherwise powder patches may show up.
Mostly used after application of foundation and and concealer.

My high end pick:

Dior Loose Powder

My drugstore pick:

Avon Loose Powder

Loose powders also come in various shades:

Green: This is good for people with rosacea or red acne prone skin.

Yellow: For warm skin tones to give a more natural looking finish. 

Violet: For muddy complexions or sallow looking skin.

Translucent/ White Loose Powders:

These set makeup but provide no further coverage.

Application like above but have to be used in small amounts and blended well. They give slight luminosity, yet mattify and set the makeup. 

Can be used right at the end when all the face makeup is done to even everything out.

They fill in fine lines and give a smooth finish.

My high end pick:

MAC Prep and Prime Powder

My drugstore pick:

Loreal Studio Secrets Translucent Setting Powder

Mineral Powders:

These are mostly foundations which means they give a higher coverage than just a normal powder.

They are good for sensitive skin, and have skin health benefits. They can be built up to a full coverage and best used with a dome shaped kabuki brush.

Those who are averse to liquids and creams will find these convenient.

The pressed versions of some of the mineral loose foundations are also available.

My high end pick:

Bare Minerals Powder Foundation

My drugstore pick:

Prestige Skin Loving Minerals

My Favorite Pressed Mineral Powder:

MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural

Pressed Face Powders:

Ideal for on the go, can be applied with puff to pat down the foundation into the skin and smoothing it out.

Can also be used with a fluffy brush. Does make a mess.

Comes in various skin shades for your match.

I prefer powder foundations over simple powders to give extra coverage, all though some powders also give decent coverage.

These really make your foundation last longer than the loose versions and touch ups are convenient with this type of powder.

My high end pick:

MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

That about covers most of what's out there. Hope it was helpful.