Meet the makeup product that has stood the test of time—loose powders, also known as setting powders. A major throwback to your grandmother's vanity, compacts have been a makeup staple for generations. Evolving over the years, loose powders are now available in various forms—compact, loose, tinted and translucent— offering something for everyone.
What is setting powder used for?
Makeup setting powders have a myriad of uses. They keep your makeup in place all day preventing frequent runs to the powder room. They mattify your skin for a faux filter finish and blot away that excess oil. And, during summer, these superheroes save the day by preventing your makeup from melting.
Read ahead for tira's lowdown on setting powders – from how and when to apply setting powders to the best powder for your skin type.
What are the different types of setting powders?
The point of a setting powder is to lock your makeup in so that it doesn't budge, come rain or shine. You usually apply a transparent layer of the powder over your foundation or concealer.
Pressed powder
As the name suggests, this is powder pressed into a compact container making it look like a flat cake. Pressed powder is used to touch up your foundation and give your skin a light, matte tint.
Loose powders
Loose powders are finely milled and usually come in a jar. These are available in translucent, yellow-tinted and neutral shades to match your skin.
Translucent powders
Translucent powders are ideal for mattifying the skin while also making it luminous. They set your makeup without offering additional coverage.
Banana powders
Yellow powders, or banana powders, are often lighter than your skin tone and lend a sheer, highlighted tint to your skin. These powders also play the role of colour correctors and are great for baking (setting the concealer) under your eyes.
Foundation setting powders
Foundation setting powders give light coverage to your skin when worn by themselves. However, when layered over liquid foundations, they give you great coverage while also enhancing your skin tone.
How to use setting powders?
- Finish applying your base before reaching for your setting powder.
- Less is always more. If you're using a loose powder, tap off the excess and apply it on your face. You can keep layering to get the desired effect.
- If you want to go for a dewy look, only dust the setting powder on grease-prone areas like your T-zone so that the rest of your face still glows.
- Bake your under eyes, maybe with some banana powder, and let it sit for five minutes before dusting it off. Use this time for the rest of your makeup.
What’s the right loose powder for face according to your skin type?
Setting powder for Dry skin
If you have medium to dry skin, opt for a hydrating setting powder. For even more dewiness, go for a setting spray at the end of your makeup.
Setting powder for Oily skin
Setting powders are the antidote to excessive shine. Go for mattifying powders to keep that oil at bay. Remember not to blend the powder in. Apply, bake, and dust off, always.
Setting powder for Combination skin
If you tend to have an oily T-zone, focus on that area when setting your makeup. You can use a hydrating setting powder on the rest of your face.
Article Image : Photographer- ROSDIANA CIARAVOLO
