Powder is used to make makeup last longer, control shine, and cover blemishes and fine lines. If you don't know how to get this effect, there are things you can do to make the most of it.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Choosing a Powder Type
Step 1. Apply loose powder for a light effect
Talc is available in loose or solid form, but loose powder contains finer particles. These fine particles tend to feel lighter on the skin. Use this type of powder if you want a light, even coat rather than heavy powder that resembles a second layer of concealer.
Step 2. Buy a compact powder for touch-ups
As the name suggests, this powder is denser than loose powder, perfect for touch-ups. The result will be very thick if too much is used. Compact powder also contains silicone and wax which can cause irritation. So, you should not use this type if your skin is sensitive.
For people with normal or dry skin, compact powder is also a great alternative to liquid foundation
Step 3. Choose a translucent powder to minimize shine
Translucent powder is great for reducing shine caused by oil buildup on the skin. This powder can be an option if you don't want to change your skin tone, but want a better skin texture by preventing and reducing oil.
Translucent powders are available in loose or compact forms, and can be applied after foundation or directly onto the skin
Step 4. Use colored powder if you want to even out the skin tone
Like translucent powders, tinted powders can be purchased in a loose or compact form, and can also be applied to makeup-free skin or after foundation. However, colored powder helps to brighten and improve skin tone, not only reducing shine.
Make sure you choose the right color. If you have dry or normal skin, adjust the color of the powder to your skin tone. If you have oily skin, choose or 1 shade lighter as the powder will oxidize and darken when it comes in contact with the oil
Step 5. Look for a powder that contains talc if you have oily skin
The best way to choose a powder is determined by skin type. For oily skin, look for products that contain talc on the ingredient label. Talc can absorb oil so powders containing this ingredient are usually the most suitable for oily skin types.
Step 6. Choose a powder that contains hyaluronic acid if your skin is dry
Check various product labels to see if they contain hyaluronic acid. Choose this type of powder if your skin is dry because the hyaluronic acid will hydrate and moisturize the skin.
Step 7. Use silica powder for normal skin
If your skin is not too oily or dry, this might be the best option. Use silica powder to ensure a smoother finish. Dry skin is also usually very good with silica powder, but it is not recommended for oily skin types because it can cause sebum buildup.
Method 2 of 3: Applying Powder
Step 1. Apply foundation first
If you want to use a primer and concealer, or want to contour your face, apply before powder. Make sure everything is evenly mixed. Postpone the use of blush, highlighter, bronzer, or eye makeup.
- Don't forget to wash your face and apply moisturizer before applying any cosmetics.
- Immediately proceed to the next step. Apply the powder while the foundation is still damp.
Step 2. Apply the powder with a sponge, puff, or brush
Choose a tool based on the results you expect. If you want to use a lot of powder to cover imperfections perfectly, choose a sponge. Use a puff if you have oily skin and want a smooth matte finish. Finally, get a soft shine by applying powder using a brush.
Step 3. Use powder sparingly
The purpose of using powder is to make the skin look velvety soft, but not too thick. To achieve that result, make sure you spread out the powder with the selected tool evenly and then tap the tool to remove the excess.
- Apply a thin layer of powder for a shiny (dewy) result.
- Apply thicker if you have oily skin or want a matte finish.
Step 4. Focus on the T zone
For a natural result, move away from the outer edges of your face and apply more powder to the T zone, which is the forehead and nose. This is where the oil tends to accumulate the most. Apply a thin layer of powder all over the face, then add to the T zone as needed.
Be careful in the hairline area as the powder may be difficult to remove
Step 5. Perform pressing and rotating movements so that the foundation remains intact
If you are using a sponge or puff, do not apply the powder in a sweeping motion. Instead, press and twist the powder on your face so that the foundation and concealer don't slide off.
Brushes usually allow for a lighter application so you don't have to worry about this if you choose a brush
Step 6. Wait 1-2 minutes before blending the powder with a makeup brush
After applying the powder, let it sit for 1-2 minutes. This technique is called baking, and it gives time for the powder to stick to more. After that, take a large, soft brush and blend the powder all over your face in circular motions.
Step 7. Make up as usual
Once satisfied with the results of the powder, you can apply makeup to other parts of the face, including blusher, bronzer, highlighter, and eye makeup of choice.
You can also apply a little powder over the blush to blend or soften the color
Step 8. Use a kabuki brush to reapply the powder if needed
Sweep a kabuki brush on compact powder for touch-ups. This allows you to renew the powder, but not to a thickness. Plus, the kabuki brush makes dressing up easy in a pinch.
Do not use puffs for touch-ups as the powder tends to stick too much and is difficult to blend
Method 3 of 3: Using Powder for Other Alternatives
Step 1. Create a long lasting eyeliner with translucent powder
While liquid eyeliner lasts all day, creamy pencil liners tend to melt after a few hours. You can make your eyeliner last longer by dabbing some powder over it with a thin brush.
If you want to underline your lashes, apply powder first, then eyeliner, then overwrite it with powder
Step 2. Make matte lipstick last longer with translucent powder
Use lip pencil and matte lipstick as usual. Blot dry with paper towels to remove excess lipstick and prevent clumping. Use a soft, fluffy powder brush to dab a light layer of translucent powder over the lipstick as a final step.
Don't powder on shiny lipstick because the powder will make the lipstick clump or look dull
Step 3. Thicken thin eyelashes with mascara and translucent compact powder
First, apply mascara, then apply translucent powder to the eyelashes with an eye shadow brush. Follow with another coat of mascara.
Step 4. Sweep the powder under the eyes to remove excess eye shadow
Before applying eye shadow, eyeliner, or mascara, apply a thick layer of powder in the area under the eyes and above the cheekbones. After finishing eye makeup, use a clean brush to remove the powder. Any eye shadow that may fall off while applying makeup will stick to the powder, so you can remove it by brushing the powder off.
We recommend using translucent powder, but you can also use colored powder
Step 5. Reduce shine on the eyelids with concealer and translucent powder
If your eyelids are shiny, apply concealer to that area. Then, use an eye shadow brush to brush it off with translucent powder. This will absorb excess oil and brighten the eyes.
Step 6. Replace dry shampoo with powder
Powder is usually good at absorbing excess oil that is not only on the skin, but also in the hair. That's what dry shampoo does. If your hair feels a little greasy and you don't have dry shampoo, apply translucent powder to the roots.
- For light colored hair, use regular powder. If you have dark hair, use bronze powder to help blend it.
- Comb the hair with your fingers to distribute the powder across the roots.
Step 7. Reduce sweating or chapping on hands and feet with translucent powder
Apply powder on your palms or soles to absorb excess oil in the area. Apply powder to your feet with a brush or puff before putting on high heels to prevent chafing.
Tips
- Use a small eyeshadow brush to powder under the eyes and around the nose. You can also use powder to secure the position of the concealer on blemishes and pimples.
- There are two types of powder, namely finishing powder and setting powder. The powder that we are discussing here is setting powder. Meanwhile, finishing powder is optional and is applied after setting powder to smooth wrinkles and fill pores.
- Excess translucent powder that doesn't blend will be visible under the skin. Consider taking a selfie with the flash on. Areas with excess powder will look like light patches on the face.
- Store the powder in a dry and cool place. Do not store in a damp bathroom, as moisture can cause powder particles to clump together.
