What to Know About Beauty Powders

Have you ever wondered what all of the beauty powders are for? I'm here to help! There are so many beauty powders on the market now that it can seem overwhelming when you're looking for a specific powder, but the words don't seem to match what you're looking for. Let's talk about the three main types of powders out there.

POWDER FOUNDATIONS

Powder foundations are a foundation in powder form. You will (most likely) not use a liquid foundation and a powder foundation. Choose one or the other based on skin type and need. This type of foundation is great for people with oily skin and sensitive skin. A lot of the companies that make powder foundations are considered more natural brands, so if you're experiencing sensitivities to liquid a powder foundation might be a good option. A compact version is also great for taking the foundation on the go for touch ups.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Who is powder foundation not recommended for? Dry skin and older skin. This foundation is applied with a sponge or a flat dense brush in buffing motions. The application and formula can enhance wrinkles and showcase dry patches on the skin. A quick word on the sponge applicators. PLEASE be sure to sanitize and wash your sponge at least once a week. You are constantly touching your face with this applicator, and if you have any breakouts or bacteria on the face then you're constantly reapplying them to the skin until your next cleanse.

BRANDS TO CONSIDER

Brands like: Bare Minerals and Tarte sell loose powder foundation which is a great way to keep powder foundation sanitary. Most other major brands like Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder, etc. sell a compact version.

FINISHING POWDERS

Finishing powders come in all kinds of finishes. Matte for oily, luminous for those who want an extra glow, and satin for a natural skin finish. These powders also come in loose and compact form as well. Again loose powder is great for a more sanitary option (especially for those with oily skin or someone who suffers from breakouts), but compact is nice for travel, and taking it in your purse.

WHAT IT DOES

A finishing powder is meant to finish your look. When you're ready to set you base, concealer, and take down shine this is when you use your finishing powder. I like to use mine at the end of my makeup application with a fluffy brush because it gives my skincare and foundation plenty of time to blend into one another. By this point in my application, I will see how much shine is coming through from my skincare oils. Bobbi Brown sheer finishing powder in pale yellow is my personal powder of choice. It has a satin finish and I can apply it multiple times a day (if needed) and it doesn't build up on my skin visually, or feel powdery on my skin.

COLORED FINISHING POWDERS

Finishing powders also come in a variety of colors: yellow, white, pink, or mutli-colored. If they have a color to them they are going to color correct or add a bit of flush to your overall look. This can be great for those who feel like they need to take down a bit of high color (redness) in the face even after applying foundation.

MORE BRANDS TO CONSIDER

Laura Mercier is one of the most popular loose finishing powders. This powder is great for combo to oily skin. I find that it is a bit too drying for a dryer skin type. If you're looking for a bit of a glow then Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders are a great place to start. They come in a variety of colors and are lightweight on the skin. Be aware that there is quite a bit of shine to these powders, so if you are on the oily side choose another brand.

IN BETWEEN POWDERS

This category is for products like Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder. It has a skin tone color, but the coverage in minimal. You would not do your foundation with this powder. However it will give just a touch of extra color and coverage when you set your base. It is supposed to blend seamlessly into your foundation and get rid of flashback problems that can occur in photographs sometimes with HD powders.

HOW DO YOU APPLY IT?

You apply this powder with a brush. The fluffier your brush, the lighter the application of powder, and vise versa. These are a great option for those of you who at the end of your makeup application feel like you need a dusting more coverage and a really seamless look. This powder can also help minimize the appearance of too much blush or bronzer. Again a light hand is the best when it comes to finishing powders.

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I hope this post was helpful on the different types of beauty powders out there. Please let me know if you have any questions about what kind you should get or what brands might be a good place to start. I will be posting a video about this topic tomorrow on my YouTube channel, so stay tuned and I will see you next week!