WHICH MATTE POWDER ON FOUNDATION?

SET YOUR FOUNDATION WITH A SETTING POWDER

When you are looking to set your foundation in place, you need to use a setting powder. Setting powders come in many formulations. Depending on your skin type and foundation choice, will depend on the type of finishing powder you need for your makeup routine.

All powders provide a matte finish of some form. All formulations are designed to reduce shine, smooth the skin and set makeup. A setting powder is essential for oily skin. Whether a powder is pressed or loose, they come in variety of features and benefits. Let's review some of the most popular formulations on the market today. We will review highest coverage to lowest coverage.

POWDER FOUNDATIONS

The highest coverage powder you will see in the industry are those claiming to be foundation and powder in one, or Powder foundations. With these types of products, the powder contains a higher level of skin tone pigments. When applied with a brush or sponge, these pigments give medium to full buildable, matte coverage for the skin. A matte, powder foundation usually comes in a compact form and has a sponge. The sponge is often designed specifically for that type of formula. If you prefer to use the sponge in the packaging, avoid placing the used sponge on top of the powder when not in use. If you leave a used sponge on top of the powder, the residue from the skin during application will start to soak into the powder. Residue can be in the form of skin oils, skincare or primers that transfer onto the sponge. When selecting a powder foundation, look for a compact that keeps the sponge separate between uses. This separate compartment dries out the sponge. This is a good advantage because the powder should last longer looking after it this way. Be sure to clean your sponge each week to avoid bacterial build up.

TIPS IF YOU ARE USING A POWDER FOUNDATION ALONE

If you decide to use a powder foundation alone on the skin, be sure to hydrate and prime the skin well. This step will prevent dryness and discomfort from the heavier powder pigments. To avoid skincare product, build up on your sponge, you can blot the skin with a tissue after a few minutes to remove excess skincare products. For additional oil control, prime the skin with a mattifying primer, if needed. Alternatively, use a flat, dense brush in a pressing motion with the powder formula. A brush does not soak up products like sponges do. If the product comes with a sponge, just use this for touch ups on the go. It is common for those who like ultimate full coverage to combine liquid full coverage foundation with a matte, powder foundation. This gives a effortless, flawless finish. This is also a great combination for those suffering from excessive oily skin types. Both matte products help to absorb excess oil and make the makeup last longer throughout the day. However, all skin types can use this combination if it provides the skin finish that you are looking for.

MINERAL BASED POWDERS

Mineral based powders are a popular formula that people look for. It is believed that they are better for the skin. In essence this is true. However, it is important to note that all powders are made from mineral-based ingredients such a talc, mica, silica, and kaolin. A makeup product that is classed as mineral-based, has a higher-level of mineral ingredients such as iron oxides, used in combination with natural extracts. The whole concept of mineral foundation and powder is that it will matte the skin, nourishes the complexion while not clogging pores. It is sheer and feels lighter than a regular powder and will not dry out the skin. The minerals work together to add lightweight, subtle luminosity. In some formulations, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are used. These are naturally derived minerals that help to protect against sun damage. Therefore, with a high mineral content these products can offer anti-aging benefits. In addition, the process in which the mineral based product is manufactured is usually quite different. In short there are fewer steps required to produce purely mineralized products. MAC uses a baking process to achieve the perfectly domed shape of their Mineralize Skin Finish and protect the quality of the ingredients. Mineral makeup products can have various levels of coverage, shine and forms. Try these products if you tend to have a more sensitive skin type.

PRESSED POWDER COMPACT OR LOOSE

Most average setting powders come in the form of a pressed powder compact or loose. They can come in skin tone pigmented or completely translucent. Pressed powders allow you to control the amount of product on your powder brush. Pressed powders in a compact are easily portable when you are on the go. Loose powders are designed to provide a higher product delivery. These loose formulas are more traditional but can really offer some different properties and last longer throughout the day. They are not designed to be portable. A suggestion would be to have a loose powder at home on your dressing table and a pressed powder in your handbag for touch ups.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHADE

When selecting the right shade of any powder, you must consider the saturation process on your skin. For example, if you have used skincare and liquid foundations before you apply the powder, there will be a moisturized surface that the powder will adhere to. Powder soaks up oil and shine, which is its pure function. Therefore, when it soaks up the moisture the colors instantly change and become darker. To counter-act this process, it is recommended that you choose a powder one to two shades lighter than your foundation. Alternatively, one shade lighter than your skin tone if you are applying directly to moisturized skin only. Test the saturation of the powder on your skin before you buy.

TRANSLUCENT POWDERS

Translucent powders offer the benefits of reducing shine and oil without adding any coverage or color to the skin. These types of products are fantastic for using throughout the day after you have applied your foundation and colored setting powder. Translucent powders are specifically great for oily skin. They help to prevent adding excess-colored pigments throughout the day, which can congeal in lines and clog pores. They come in pressed or loose form and usually offer beautiful, skin blurring and smoothing properties. The other benefit of translucent powders is that they will not saturate and darken when applied over foundation. This means it will work with any shade of foundation. For darker skin tones, translucent powder may have some slight skin tone pigment added, so that the powder blends into the skin. If there was no color the whiteness of the powder would make the skin look grey.

COLORED POWDERS

Beauty powders are often in the form of color correcting tones. These color correcting tones such as peach, yellow, green, or orange work to combat different skin tone concerns. These again come in both pressed and loose forms but should be used sparingly. If you are struggling with sallowness, the light peachy undertone of a color correcting powder can lift the skin tone. Someone struggling with excess rosiness can use a light dusting of the pastel green shade to combat the redness. Yellow toned beauty powders can help to lift a skin that is more translucent and have slight purple undertones. Orange works well on darker skin tones, to overcome sallowness. You can take a very small amount of these beauty powders in loose form and mix them with your skin tone formula. These types of colored powders need to be strategically placed on the face and lightly dusted on with a fluffy, face brush.

USE A HYDRATING SETTING SPRAY

If you apply too much powder at any time, you can use a hydrating setting spray to help reactivate the foundation and add moisture to the skin. Avoid using a setting spray that contains alcohol, this will add to the dryness. Look for a setting spray that have lots of nourishing extracts and emollients, these attributes will help to reactivate the foundation and lift the powder to make the skin feel more comfortable. Spray leaves to hydrate and repeat if necessary.

MORE TIPS?

Avoid purchasing makeup items on amazon, items for the skin should be bought from a reputable source. When buying products online it is important to buy them from the brand website or a reputable retailer to avoid disappointment. Many counterfeit products can be confused with the real thing, when you make purchase outside of this advice. Counterfeit products can contain harmful ingredients. Always check the reviews on non-branded sites if you see an attractive offer.

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