Types of makeup face powders

Let’s begin this article with a fun fact. Did you know face powders were first used thousands of years ago by the Egyptians? In fact, men and women both used face powders to add a little blush to their cheeks. It was Queen Cleopatra who popularized this cosmetic. In fact, during that time, face powder helped women whiten their skin as it was available in only one Fair shade. After all, a woman of smooth, milky complexion was considered to be one of high standing in society. Thankfully we have come a long way since then. Face powders are now available in various skin tones to suit your color. It does hide blemishes, contours the face, and brightens the skin but without compromising the beauty of your skin tone. 

What is a face powder?

Very simply put, it is a cosmetic product that is used to beautify the face either by absorbing excess oil or making the skin matte, smooth and velvety. Some even use it to contour or hide marks on the skin as well. The most important role of a face powder is to set the makeup. Imagine putting in hours of hard work to get your look on point but not having something to bake it or keep it in place. That would be quite a pity. That’s why you have face powders. 

Now that you know what’s face powder, the confusing part is learning which face powder to use and when. You’re right there are more than a few and each has its own pros and cons. 

Types of Face Powders

1. Loose Powder: 

The main job of the loose powder is to control oil. The tiny granules absorb the sweat and oil to give the skin a matte effect. It is ideal to set makeup and brighten up the face as well. Loose Powder also helps reduce pores on the skin. Experts believe that loose powder works like a dream on dry and neutral skin but isn’t the ideal choice for oily skin. 

It is used exactly after applying foundation and concealer so that the makeup does not run off with sweat and starts looking patchy.

How to Use Loose Powder:

After applying your makeup, dunk the sponge in the loose powder. Swipe it on your forehead, chin, cheek, and bridge of the nose. Dust off the extra powder and you should be ready to face the day.

Check out: Loose Powder - Uses & How to apply

Recommended Product: Maybelline New York Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder

Customer Rating: 4.4/ 4

Net Volume: 20g

This Loose Powder will blow your mind. It’s easy to blend, long-lasting covers imperfections, and leaves behind a velvety, matte finish. 

Explore: Maybelline Loose Powder

2. Pressed Powder

If you’re looking for a light coverup, pressed powder is the right pick. It hides blemishes, soaks up oil, and sometimes is used as an effective concealer also. Pressed powders should be always bought by matching the color of the liquid foundation. You can also use it to contour. Draw lines on areas that you’d like to slim like your nose or your jawline and blend it with the rest of the makeup. The amazing shadow that it creates gives your face a more chiseled look. 

How to use Pressed Powder:

It generally comes with a pad in a compact case. So you can simply swipe it on the powder and apply it on your face.

Recommended Products: Lakme 9-5 Flawless Matte Complexion Compact Melon

Customer Rating: 4.3 / 5

Net Volume: 8g

It fits all skin tones, absorbs oil, and is enriched with Vitamin E which acts as an amazing skin conditioner. No flaws. No Oil. No uneven skin tone.

Explore: Lakme Compact

3. Mineral Powder

Mineral Powder is a type of face powder. It has a more innovative formulation which is why it has lesser irritants and suits most skin types. It is enriched with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which is why it has the superpower to protect you from the sun. It also comes off smoothly and doesn’t look cakey if you blend it well. So choose the tone that matches your skin color the most and get that natural, blemish-free skin. 

How to use Mineral Powder

It’s best applied with a brush. Just put the brush in the powder, dust off the excess powder, and apply it on the face. Start with small areas to gain confidence. It sometimes can also act as a fantastic concealer.

Recommended Products: Faces Mineral Loose Powder

Customer Rating: 4.1 / 5

Net Volume: 7g

It’s light as a feather, waterproof, preservative-free, and fragrance-free. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays while leaving behind matte, flawless skin.

Explore: Faces Canada Loose Powder

4. Translucent Powder

It’s colorless and is used either as a loose or a pressed powder. It comes in 3 color variations that are dark, medium and light. All you have to do is, choose the one that best suits your complexion and apply it over your foundation and concealer. Lightly swipe it on your face and you’ll get soft, flawless, smooth skin that’s otherwise only possible in filters.

How to use Translucent Powder:

It’s best applied with a brush. Just put the brush in the powder, dust off the excess powder, and apply it on the face. 

Check out: Translucent Powder - Uses & How to apply

Recommended Products: Sugar All Set To Go Translucent-Powder

Customer Rating: 4.3 / 5

Net Volume: 7g

This little tub of magic gives a matte complexion that lasts long. No shine, no pores, no fine lines, no wrinkles. 

Explore: Sugar Loose Powder

5. HD Powder

It is exactly what the name suggests. It makes the makeup look so flawless that even a high-end camera and lens won’t spot an imperfection. It doesn’t make the skin look cakey. This single powder primes and readies the face for any camera action. It is a mineral-based cosmetic that’s used by people facing the camera a lot. It makes the skin glow, blurs imperfections, and also reduces any sweat shine. Just perfect matte skin.

How to use HD Powder:

Finish up with your foundation, concealer, and contouring. Take the fluffy brush and swipe it over the face. Your complexion is sure to look natural, perfect, and photo-ready.

Recommended Products: LA-Girl HD Pro Setting Powder

Customer Rating: 4 / 5

Net Volume: 5g

Be camera ready with this powder. Even the best of the lens cannot spot any skin imperfection, oil, or greasiness. just a radiant glowing complexion.

Explore: L.A. Girl Loose Powder

6. Banana Powder

It gets its name from the slightly yellowish tint. It’s a great setting powder that reduces skin imperfections, dabs oil, reduces shine, and gives the skin a matte look. It’s also your new bff if you are looking to reduce redness and pink overtones of the skin.

How to use Banana Powder: 

Put the powder in the brush. Dust off excess and swipe it across the face.

Check out: Best banana powder for all skin types

Recommended Products: Insight Banana Loose Powder

Customer Rating: 4.1 / 5

Net Volume: 40g

Stop all skin redness with this powder. It sets the  makeup perfectly and gives a smooth, matte finish

Explore: Insight Loose Powder

A few Frequently Asked Questions Answered

FAQs

Q1. What is the main purpose of face powder?

Ans. It is to absorb oil, cover skin flaw, and brighten skin

Q2. What are the benefits of using powder?

Ans. It sets makeup well, doesn’t look cakey, no skin flaws are visible and skin looks glowing.

Q3. Can we use talcum powder after makeup?

Ans. We wouldn't recommend that as it might not match your skin tone

That’s all folks! Now hurry and fill your carts at purplle.com