Powder is a must in your makeup routine
Powder is the final, crucial step in your base when you want your makeup to look even, polished, and more long-lasting. Where foundation and concealer even out skin tone, powder helps set makeup, reduce shine, and soften pores and fine lines.
A good powder can make the skin look more “airbrushed,” keep oil away in the t-zone, and ensure your foundation stays put all day. Perfect for both everyday use and for days when your makeup needs to last extra long.
How to use powder and when in the routine?
Powder is typically used after foundation and concealer to set your base. However, you can also use powder alone if you want a light, natural look without liquid foundation.
You can apply powder:
- All over the face for a more matte and even result
- Especially in the t-zone (forehead, nose, chin), where skin often gets oilier
- Under the eyes to set concealer and prevent creasing
- For touch-ups during the day if you start to shine
Use a large, fluffy powder brush for a light, natural layer or a more compact brush/puff for an extra matte effect and higher coverage. Dab the powder onto the skin instead of rubbing, so your base doesn't shift.
How to choose the right powder?
When choosing powder, it's important to consider skin type, finish, and color.
Skin type
- For oily/combination skin, a matte, oil-controlling powder is ideal to reduce shine and keep skin matte for longer.
- For normal/dry skin, a fine, light powder with a more natural or slightly satin finish may be better, so the skin doesn't look powdery or dry.
Finish
- Matte powder gives a shine-free look and is perfect if you get oily during the day.
- Slightly glowy or satin powder provides a more vibrant and natural look, where the skin still looks like skin but is still lightly evened out.
Color
- A colored powder can provide a little extra coverage and help even out skin tone on top of your foundation.
- A translucent powder adapts to most skin tones and is good when you just want to set your makeup without adding color.
Choose a shade that matches your skin tone or your foundation as closely as possible, so the result is natural and not gray or orange.
What types of powder are there?
There are several different types of powder, each doing something slightly different for your skin and your base.
- Loose powder: Finely milled and perfect for setting foundation and concealer with a light veil. Good for home use and for a more “soft focus” finish.
- Pressed/compact powder: Easy to carry in your bag for touch-ups. Can be used alone or on top of foundation for extra coverage.
- Translucent powder: Colorless or almost colorless powder, primarily used to set makeup and control shine without changing the color.
- Finishing/setting powder: Designed to give the skin a more “blurred,” filtered effect and keep makeup in place longer.
- Powder with glow: Often contains fine light-reflecting particles that give a subtle glow and make the skin look fresher and more vibrant.
Whether you're going for a completely matte, shine-free look or a natural, slightly glowy finish, the right powder can be the step that elevates your base from “fine” to “flawless.”
