Working with face powder

The main purpose of face powder is to improve the appearance of your skin, to add a matte finish to the face and to even out your skin tone. Powder can also give the effect of a flawless look.

One reason some women don’t wear powder – or even foundation in some cases – is because they believe that the powder would clog their pores. But this is not true. Face powders are made of talc, kaolin, calcium carbonate, collagen, essential oils and fatty acids that protect your skin from the external aggressions. Face powders come in a variety of textures and colours to match the foundation, so as long as a powder is of good quality and suits your skin type, you would be fine.

There are three types of powders that have been on the market for some time now:

Pressed powder

Pressed powder comes in a compact and can be applied with a dry puff or a sponge. Pressed powder works best to correct make-up during the day. These types of powders hide problem areas, dark circles under the eyes and redness. Pressed powder can be worn alone or over foundation.

Loose powder

Loose powder comes in a container and must be brushed on with a large powder brush. The loose powders provide a good coverage and most of them are translucent. They calm, conceal redness and don’t make the shiny areas flaky. Loose powder works best for those with very oily skin because it contains more oil-absorbing ingredients than the pressed powders. For women who prefer not to wear any make-up, loose powder can be used to smooth out skin tone and add colour to the face.

Mineral face powders

Mineral powders are chemical and fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. They provide long-lasting coverage and don’t clog the pores because they allow your skin to breathe. Mineral powders can be worn alone or over foundation.

How to apply face powder:

Pressed powder: Tap the powder into your make-up using the puff that comes with the compact

Press the powder firmly into the foundation, ensuring all area are covered and don’t forget to apply also to the lips and eyelids.

Remove the excess powder with a clean large brush; please remember to change your puff frequently because oils and dirt sometimes get trapped in the puff which can lead to skin irritation and infection.

NB: The application through a puff is appropriate for those with very oily skin.

Loose powder: Dab the powder brush into the powder. Shake off the excess powder. Apply it firstly to the centre of your face, forehead and chin. Stroke the face gently to cover all areas evenly. Don’t forget to apply a small amount of powder to the neck; otherwise your face will look unnatural, especially if you are using darker shade of powder.

Tips:

Match the powder with your natural skin tone

Never apply powder to infected skin

Always remove the excess powder with a clean brush

A powder must always be applied after foundation and before eye make-up

Apply powder to the neck and ears and make sure you blend well

Keep brushes and puffs clean.