Are you using a face powder?
For the longest time, I didn’t. I thought foundation was enough. Why would I waste my money on an unless powder that had the potential to make my face look cakey?
And then I’d wonder why my foundation would disappear from my oily forehead after a few hours of wear…
Turns out, face powders are more useful than you think. Here are 4 reasons why you should use a face powder as the last step in your makeup routine (and what convinced me to use them myself):
- What Are Face Powders?
- Types Of Face Powders
- Face Powders Even Out Your Skin Tone
- Face Powders Help Makeup Last Longer
- Face Powders Absorb Excess Shine
- Face Powders Can Fix Makeup Mistakes
- More Ways Face Powder Saves The Day
- How To Apply Face Powder Properly
- What Are The Best Face Powders?
- The Bottom Line
What Are Face Powders?
Face powders are finally milled powders (duh!) designed to set makeup and help it last longer. They come in two forms:
- Loose powders: They’re lighter and look more natural on the skin. But are a pain to carry around with you during the day.
- Pressed powders: More pigmented, they provide better overage and are easy to carry around for touch-ups on-the-go. But, they have the tendency to look caked if you overdo it.
So why should use a face powder?
Types Of Face Powders
Not all powders are created equal! Depending on your skin type and makeup goals, you might prefer one over the other:
- Translucent powder: A sheer, colorless powder that sets makeup without adding coverage. Ideal for all skin tones and perfect for reducing shine without looking heavy.
- Tinted powder: Has a bit of pigment and can provide extra coverage, helping to even out skin tone.
- HD powder: Super finely milled and designed to blur imperfections. Great for photography but can sometimes cause flashback in flash photography (hello, ghost face!).
- Matte powder: Best for oily skin as it absorbs excess oil and keeps shine at bay.
- Radiant powder: Has a slight shimmer or glow, ideal for dry or dull skin to add a subtle luminosity.
So why should you use a face powder?
Face Powders Even Out Your Skin Tone
Face powders even out the skin tone, making your skin look smoother. You can use a face powder both alone or with foundation, depending on how good your skin is and what coverage you want. Back in my teen years, when I’d get the odd pimple or two, I could really have used a face powder to up the coverage of my foundation. Now that I have a good skincare routine, I can use them alone for a lighter coverage.
Pro Tip: If you want a natural, no-makeup makeup look, try a tinted powder alone instead of foundation.
Face Powders Help Makeup Last Longer
Perhaps the most important reason to use face powder is to help your foundation last longer. Here’s how it works: excess oil interacts with the pigments and oils in your foundation and makeup, melting them away. Dusting a light coating of face powder on top slows down the process, helping your makeup last longer.
Face Powders Absorb Excess Shine
This is closely related to the point above. Face powders are, by their very nature, absorbent. They soak up excess oil, so it can’t melt away your makeup. Plus, removing excess oil also mattifies your skin and gets the shine at bay for a few hours. If you have oily skin, they’re your BFF.
How Often Should You Reapply?
- If you have oily skin, you might need a touch-up every 3-4 hours.
- If you have dry skin, a single application in the morning is usually enough.
- If you use a long-wear setting spray, you might not need to touch up at all!
Related: The Best Skincare Routine For Oily Skin (With Product Recommendations)
Face Powders Can Fix Makeup Mistakes
Have you applied too much blush and now look like a clown? Dust some powder on top to tone it down. Is your foundation too dark for your skin? Use a lighter-coloured powder on top to correct the shade. There’s very little a face powder can’t fix!
More Ways Face Powder Saves The Day
- Prevent creasing under the eyes. Lightly set your concealer with powder to stop it from settling into fine lines.
- Mattify lipstick. Press a tissue over your lips and dust powder on top for a long-lasting, matte finish.
- Create a long-wear base. Apply a light layer of powder before foundation for extra staying power.
How To Apply Face Powder Properly
- Use a fluffy brush for a light dusting. This prevents a cakey finish and keeps your makeup looking fresh.
- Press, don’t swipe. If using a puff or sponge, press the powder into the skin instead of swiping, which can disturb the foundation underneath.
- Focus on your T-zone. The forehead, nose, and chin tend to get the oiliest, so applying more powder in these areas can keep shine at bay.
- Set it with setting spray. A setting spray over powder locks everything in place and keeps it from looking dry or powdery.
What Are The Best Face Powders?
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder ($45.00): available at Cult Beauty, Feel Unique, Selfridges and Sephora
- Nars Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder ($37.00:) available at Sephora and Ulta
- Too Faced Born This Way Setting Powder ($33.00): available at Cult Beauty
The Bottom Line
Face powder isn’t just an optional extra—it’s a game-changer. Whether you want to set your makeup, control oil, even out your skin tone, or fix little mistakes, a good powder can do it all. So if you’re thinking of skipping this step, think again! Dust some powder on your face and enjoy a long-lasting, flawless finish.
I do wear powder after applying foundation and before blush. It keeps the shine away and makes my foundation last longer.
Dao, I apply after blush so that everything is set. But I agree, I use it for the same reasons you mentioned too. 🙂
I used to be guilty of that too…ignoring the powder.
Now Powder is a must to set my foundation. And on my lazy no makeup days, powder after sunscreen to even out skintone and give a slight dewy finish.
And I use different kinds of powder, pressed, loose but my favorite is Guerlain Meteorite. I use it for everything! 😀
Vonvon, powders seem so unneccessary but once you try them you just can’t do without them. I remember seeing your FOTDs with the Guerlain Meteorite and it looked really amazing on you!
i have pressed powder too, prefer it as it is easier to handle and not fly everywhere. and can bring it around!
Xin, I prefer pressed too for the same reasons. 🙂
I don’t wear foundation, but I do wear powder every single day. It’s amazing how much of a difference it can make, I usually just sweep it in my t-zone to soak up the oilies. Definitely a must-have product for me.
Makeup Morsels, I love the absorbent properties of powders. If have oily-skin or patches, they’re definitely a must-have, I agree.
I agree! For a product that’s so ‘boring’ to buy,it does such great things. I never skip it when I use foundation – the rare times I don’t. my skin is too dry to wear it alone. I use the Chanel loose powder 🙂
Pinch, I agree. I used to think powders were boring and unncessary, but how wrong I was. They have so many benefits!
I never ever skip powder. My skin is so oily that I’d look like a disco ball with out it! I use it to set my makeup and then throughout the day after using blotting tissues. I’m really that oily. It’s kind of pain, but I think it’s a little better than being dry.
Tammy, I’m sorry that your skin is that oily. Must be so frustrating but I’m glad that powders help. Their absorbent properties are very helpful for those with oily skin.
I looooove powder, I NEVER skip it!!! 😀 I have oily skin, so powder is my friend!! 🙂
Stavroula, lol! Powders are an oily skin girl’s BFF! 🙂
I never used to use powders because i have dry skin and i felt they made me look cakey, but after leaning to apply them correctly (i use loose transluccent powder and press it on) i have seen my face less shiny and yes my makeup does last longer especially with creme blushers.
Roxann, I’m glad you managed to make powders work for you. I love translucent powders too, they help makeup (especially cream products) last longer and absorb excess oil.