All the Tricks You Can Do with Loose Powders
Why You Should Use Loose Powder
No matter what type of makeup look you are trying to achieve, there is no doubt that loose powder can be used to set and eliminate imperfections. It can be used to absorb excess sebum, lessen the appearance of open pores, and remove any cakey appearance. Some loose powder even has UV-protecting qualities. Loose powders are usually made with talc, mica, magnesium stearate, calcium carbonate, and clay.
People with oily skin should consider applying a layer of loose powder before and after putting on foundation. On the other hand, those with normal and dry skin should use loose powder during hot and humid weather to keep their makeup looking fresh and polished.
For contour enthusiasts, loose powder can be used to set the highlighted areas and define the contour lines. Apply a generous dusting under the eyes, on the forehead, along the bridge of the nose, on the chin, and along the jawline. This is to ensure that the highlighted areas will not crease throughout the day or night.
Other than the uses above, people who opt to not use foundation on a daily basis should look to loose powder as their go-to base product. After completing your usual skincare regimen, apply a light layer of BB cream or concealer to cover blemishes and discolored spots. Then, set the product with a light dusting of loose powder.
Types of Loose Powder
Translucent powder
Although translucent powder can be produced in the form of either pressed and loose, the loose powder version is much more effective. This sheer, colorless powder is meant to control oily zones and conceal the appearance of pores. According to many beauty gurus and makeup artists, some of the best translucent powder are L’Oreal Paris Translucide Naturally Luminous Loose Powder, Koh Gen Do Face Powder in a Jar, Kat von D Lock-It Setting Powder, and It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores.
Setting Powder & Finishing Powder
This type of powder does what it exactly says on the label. The powder “finishes” or “sets” your makeup look by providing a layer of protection so your makeup won’t easily smudge off. Unlike translucent powders, setting and finishing loose powder is tinted. The best setting and finishing powders are BareMinerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder Broad Spectrum SPF25, Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder, Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder, and Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder.
There are not a lot of differences between all the types of loose powders mentioned above; the only striking contrast is whether they contain shade or color. You can still set and finish your makeup with translucent powder and vice versa. At the end of the day, all types of loose powder have the same effect and it is to give your makeup a flawless finish.