Your Quick Powder Guide

Video below!

When you think of the makeup of old Hollywood and what worked in studios at that time you probably think of very matte looks, and makeup that is intense by today’s standards.

Since then standards have changed as they always do but powder remains confusing, if not scary for some.

Luckily with all the advancements in cosmetic formulations, we have more and better options.

There’s so much tied into makeup that speaks to lifestyle, beauty ideals and aspirations.

Depending on the look you want, you’ll use powder very differently. You may go for a single pressed powder or loose powder.

Going a step further, maybe you’d set with a loose and touch up with pressed. You may use a single pressed powder to set and touch up.

Now depending on your level of extra-ness and attention to detail, you could benefit from 3 different powders.

Let’s look at what some powders can do:

1. Powder foundation - Pigmented powders which offer coverage and can set your makeup - tend to be pressed but there are loose options too. Some people wear powder foundation alone, it’s not my style but that doesn’t mean it can’t work for others. If you have dry skin, I’d steer clear of using it that way. Be very careful with powder foundation if you want skin to look like skin. Use sparingly and with lighter in coverage and texture powders. I’ve used powder foundation for everything BUT as a foundation. I’ve seen others do it but it’s not for me.

Turn Up The Base Powder Foundation

Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation

Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

2. Finishing powder - Meant to smooth the appearance of skin, make the texture look more buttery - without adding texture or weight to your look. They usually have ingredients like dimethicone, mica, silica etc. These can be loose or pressed. If you like the look of finishing powders, you’ll probably love the look of baked powders.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish

Mac Mineralize Skinfinish

*Kosas Cloud Setting Powder - This is sold as a setting powder and for the natural style of glam seen in Kosas ads, it makes total sense. I do think this can also be used as a finishing powder. Technically, this goes under 2 categories for me.

3. Setting powder - Used to lock makeup in place and usually loose but this step is more about desired effect and technique since you can set with a pressed powder as well. These can be translucent or tinted for more coverage. Marketing can make this a little confusing as brands try to simplify and direct us to easy options by putting “setting” or even “baking” in the name of the product. Many products can be used in ways they are not presented/packaged.

Danessa Myricks Evolution Powder - If you like a bit more radiance to shine through than with most setting powders, this one is for you. It’s one of the closest to light as air powders on the market. It’s can set makeup or be used as a finishing step.

Laura Mercier Setting Powder - Offers a bit more longevity and works a bit harder at keeping shine at bay.

Now available in translucent, honey and a translucent medium deep that suits a range of darker skin tones.

I haven’t tried the radiant finish on offer, but those are available too if you’re curious.

Fenty Pr Filt’r Instant Retouch - This deserves more hype. The texture is beautiful. Available in 8 shades.

Hourglass Veil Setting Powder - Natural finish, universally flattering. I’m close to empty for my kit. A beautiful & reliable powder.

Huda Beauty Easy Bake - Comes in 3 shades. They are ideal for fans of the baking technique. Lightly scented which surprised me at first but once I saw the blurring effects of this powder for the under eye area, it didn’t matter to me.