Face powder is among the few beauty essentials. About 70 percent of the women all over the world apply face powder everyday before going out. Face powder is probably one of the most consumed cosmetic because applying powder is the fastest and easiest way to correct your makeup and blemishes during the day and the secret to making your makeup last.

The main purpose of the face powder is to improve the appearance of your skin, to add a matte finish to the face and to even out your skin. When using face powder you can conceal minor blemishes and discoloration, to tone down the excessive shine and create a flawless look. Powder is great to be used during the day on these areas of your face that get shiny.В  Remember: layering on too much powder can cause it to settle into fine lines and exaggerate them.

The benefits of applying face powder are:

• fix the foundation
• reduce shine
• absorb grease and oils
• help you get a clean and flawless look
• protect your skin from the harsh weather
• set the makeup
• conceal minor blemishes and discoloration
• give a smooth, matte finish
• retain your makeup for a longer time
• helps conceal open pores

Many women ask whether a face powder clog the pores and the question is categorically No, as long as it is of good quality and suits your skin type. The face powders are made of talc, kaolin, calcium carbonate, collagen, essential oils and fatty acids that protect your skin from the external aggressions.The face powders come in variety of textures and colors to match the foundation. There are two main types of powders – loose powder and pressed powder.

Pressed Powder

Pressed powder comes in a compact and can be applied with a dry puff or a sponge. A pressed powder works best to correct the makeup during the day. They hide problem area, dark circles under the eyes and redness, helping you to create a smooth, flawless look. A pressed powder can be worn alone or over the foundation.

Loose Powder

Loose powder come 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 makeup, loose powder can be used to smooth out skin tone and add color to the face. The best way to apply loose powder is to dust it lightly on to your skin with a large, soft powder brush. Loose powder is sheer and sets every type of cosmetic as it provides light application. Loose powder works best for those with normal skin.

Mineral Face Powder

Mineral face powders are chemical and fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. They provide a long-lasting coverage and don’t clog the pores because they allow your skin to breathe. The mineral powders can be worn alone or over the foundation. They are believed to minimize fine lines and heal the skin, creating a healthy glow.

Face powders must always be applied with a brush, puff or makeup sponge after the foundation and before applying eye makeup.Use brush to apply loose powder and a puff or sponge to apply pressed powder.

How to apply loose powder:
When using a brush to apply loose powder dab the powder brush into the powder and shake off the excess powder. The brush will help you to apply the powder evenly to facial contours for a well blended powder finish. It must be full and round in shape. 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.

How to apply pressed powder:
The application through a puff is appropriate for those with very oily skin. Tap the powder into your makeup 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. At the end remove the excess powder with a clean large brush. Change your puff frequently because oils and dirt sometimes get trapped in the puff which can lead to skin irritation and infection.

Useful Beauty Tips:

• always match the powder with your natural skin tone
• use translucent powder to avoid looking too orange
• select a color a shade darker than your skin tone
• never apply powder to infected skin and very dry skin
• always remove the excess powder with a clean brush
• a powder must always be applied after the foundation and before the eye makeup
• apply powder to the neck and ears and make sure you blend well
• always male sure that your brushes and puffs are clean
• pay particular attention to the sides of your face and jawline when applying face powder
• never apply too much face powder otherwise your face will look like a mask and the fine lines will be more
• avoid applying large amounts of powder under the eyes
• don’t forget to powder the sides of your nose

To learn more see the articles:

How To Apply Mineral Foundation Properly

How To Apply Lipstick To Stay Put On For Longer

How To Apply Foundation Correctly

How To Remove The Makeup Properly

How To Choose and How To Apply Blusher

How To Choose And How To Take Care Of Your Makeup Brushes

Recommended Products:

L’Oreal Translucide Naturally Luminous Powder (11$) – talc-free face powder with a light scent that goes on smooth, doesn’t settle into any fine lines and creates a flawless look.

Maybelline Shine Free Oil Control Pressed Powder (6.50$) – hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic pressed powder that keeps skin fresh, clean and shine free all day. Doesn’t over dry the skin and doesn’t clog pores.

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Mineral Powder Foundation (11.50$) - the gentle minerals even out skin tone with sheer coverage for a natural, healthy look, talc and fragrance-free powder.

Sorme Mineral Secret Light Reflecting Mineral Loose Powder (24$) – the mineral crystals reflect light to minimize pores, diminish wrinkle, and give the smoothest ever finish.

Clinique Blended Face Powder and Brush (18.50$) – appropriate for every skin type, especially for those with oily skin. Sets and protects your makeup.

La Prairie Cellular Treatment Pressed Powder (40$) - light reflective touch-up powder that provides an even and controllable coverage.