There are many reasons you may want to start your makeup routine off with a powder foundation. Powder foundations are typically lightweight and less likely to cause breakouts since they are easy to remove. Since they wash off so easily they never linger deep down in the pores getting trapped by natural skin oils like liquid foundations have a tendency to do. Powder foundations are also resilient, not affected drastically by hot/cold climates, nor do they expire as quickly and dry up like their liquid-based cousins.
Applying a powder foundation is also much easier and faster than any other liquid or cream, and can last just as long without wearing off throughout the day. Always remember to cleanse your skin every night, even if the manufacturer assures you “this powder is so gentle you can sleep in it”.
Tools for Applying a Powder Foundation
Applying a powder foundation is going to take a tiny bit of skill, a few tools and some slight planning. Many formulas provide a handy little (travel size) brush, especially those powders that come in a compact. Smaller brushes are great for random touch ups throughout the day but not for your initial application.
Some powder foundation companies sell specific brushes that are compatible with their powder foundation products, although some can be a bit pricy. It’s recommended you purchase one since it will pay for itself in the long run as you’ll likely use it just about every day.
You also need to make sure to consider the powder consistency. Loose powders are easier to apply with tight, fluffy rounded tufts of brush bristles. Since this style of brush picks up a lot of power this makes coverage quick and easy. Compact powders need a brush that contains stronger fibers and something to loosen the powder as you pull it out of the pan. A quality flat top kabuki brush is a great tool for these types of powders since they’ll give you smooth, even coverage.
Powder Foundation Application Techniques
Applying a powder foundation is going to require a little technique no matter what type of formula you choose. Loose powders are going to go onto the skin quickly and easily and will blend in to a smooth natural looking finish. For individuals dealing with severe dry skin, be sure to apply a rich moisturizer as your base before apply your mineral powder foundation so it will stick to the skin and stay all day.
Lightly dip the tip of tip of your brush into the loose powder, or swirl and swipe back and forth if you have a pressed powder foundation. Gently tap off a bit of the excess then blend into the skin using light strokes. Buff, swirl and blend until your skin is evenly covered. You can also use a smaller brush if you wish to cover the nose and eye area since accidently getting loose powder in these areas happens from time to time.
The best way to apply loose powders is to make sure you are not wearing you favorite “going out” outfit the first couple of times you apply. Don an old shirt first just to be sure any errant powder doesn’t accidently get onto your clothing; don’t panic if some powder gets onto you favorite white denim jacket, as it typically washes out very easily.
It’s best to simply lean forward over a sink during application and of course never apply loose powder in the car unless you’re an expert; however, even seasoned powder foundation wearers can find themselves prone to spills now and then.
Although pressed powders travel well since there’s less spillage, they can crack, break ,and crumble in the pan. Loose powders travel well as long as the lid is locked on and you make sure the product has settled before opening.
Powder Foundations for Dry, Sensitive, Acne Prone and Normal Skin
If you’re uncertain what type of powder foundation is right for you, start with a mineral-based powder foundation. These formulas tend to be on the natural side, work well on dry, normal, acne-prone and sensitive skin types. They’re usually a bit on the pricier side but you can find some excellent drugstore mineral options perfect for anyone on a budget.
Minerals give skin a bit of a natural looking “glow” so stay away from these if you want a “matte” or “flat” finish. With this in mind severely oily and combination skin should generally avoid this type of powder foundation. If you have acne, sensitive to cosmetics, or allergy-prone, look for an “all-natural” mineral powder which can safely since all-natural minerals are derived from rocks and earth elements.
Best Type of Powder Foundations for Oily and Combination Skin Types
These powders use the natural oils already on the skin to blend with the powder and stick to the skin’s surface. You want to look for either pressed or loose powders containing naturally absorbent ingredients like talc, rice flour, oats, and bran. Powders formulated with these ingredients will give you a smooth matte finish to keep oil production under control all day so you can wear a specific powder frequently without clogging pores or causing breakouts.
Selecting the Right Shade
Some colors look much different in the pan as it does on the skin when you try it on so it’s always good to start by consulting with an in-store expert who can help you narrow down the perfect match.
You need to know if you have either a warm or cool skin tone with bluish, pinkish or yellow undertones no matter how dark or light your skin tone is; especially when it comes to choosing a mineral formula. Since some mineral brands only have a few shade options, choose the shade closest to your skin type You’ll find these shades are usually very forgiving and blend great with most skin tones.
Try the foundation on if possible and walk to a natural light source to see if there’s a stark contrast between your skin and the powder foundation (the top of your hand works great for testing shades). If you can’t tell where the skin begins and makeup ends, then you’ve found your match. Once you’ve determined your perfect match, you can order your products online or just pick one up quickly whenever you’re on the go.
You also want to utilize his testing process when switching in between brands. Just because you wear one shade in “Bare Minerals” doesn’t necessarily mean the same type of shade in the “Amazing Cosmetics” line will work as effectively.
Drugstore Brands
Once you’ve selected the right shade, know what ingredients to look for, and have an idea about how to apply your new mineral powder foundation, you’re going to want to consider a drugstore option. A cost-effective backup for all of your makeup favorites when you travel is ideal since containers break, get lost, or you can run out of product. That’s where drugstore brands come in handy.
Most drugstores across the US carry brands and products similar to high-end options so experiment a little until you find some good backup products you can use in a pinch. You can also throw a drugstore option into a gym bag, diaper bag, stash in your car or desk in case of a beauty emergency.