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My Friend: Loose Powder. Do You Know the Best Application?

Every woman has to powder her nose once in a while. No matter if she likes subtle or bold make-up. I usually go for a loose powder and know that we must know the right application to get a good effect.

Did you know that a make-up powder was the first to appear in women’s bags preceding the foundation? Before first foundations were created, ladies would use powders to enhance their skin. However, the powders had lots of downsides, flaking and coming off fast. Then, somebody has come up with an idea to mix dry powder with something wet (water, oil, cream) and create a beautifying creamy formula. That is how the first face foundation came into being.

Today, foundation and powder are two completely different products and I can’t do without them in my makeup routine. Even though the powder lay the foundation for all products, we use it at the end – for setting, smoothing, mattifying.

Types of powders

There isn’t much choice when it comes to face powders. There are two options yet I am leaning towards the other one.

  1. Pressed powder
  2. Loose powder

Obviously, this classification focuses on the form. Still, you must know that powders can have various colors (translucent or tinted) or material (mineral, bamboo, rice).

Loose powder – my favorite

A loose powder is my choice in most cases. It happened once or twice – I bought a pressed powder, and I really wish I hadn’t. I like loose powders more because they’re lightweight, it’s easier to control the amount you use plus it’s a pleasure to apply them using my beloved, fluffy brushes. Stroking the face while applying it is really nice and relaxing.

HOW TO APPLY LOOSE POWDERS?

You can easily apply too much. Those who have already used a loose powder know that wrong application means cakey face and ugly spots. How to apply a loose powder to achieve the desired effect of smooth, matte skin as well as natural-looking face?

1. Apply the loose powder topically

Covering the whole face with a powder isn’t a good idea. Not many people know that it can be applied exclusively to some face parts. Just like the bronzer or highlighter. Since the powder aims at giving a matte effect and absorbing the excess of sebum, you must apply it mostly to the T zone.

2. Follow the rule ‘less means more’

The quality matters, not the quantity, therefore don’t overuse the loose powder. Applying it in excess is an easy way to get a cakey face and unnatural look. The excess of loose powders tends to settle in skin creases, enhancing face lines and making you look older. We don’t that, right? I strongly recommend using small amounts of loose powders and get rid of the excess by gently taking it off with a brush.

3. Go for various make-up applicators

Applying a loose powder using the complimentary applicator is a common mistake. It comes with the product so it should give best effects… I get that but it is not like that in reality. A thick-bristle big brush makes best choice for a loose powder. Why do puffs fail? Because the powder gets inside them and stays there. That’s why choose thick-bristle brushes. On the other hand, you don’t need to limit yourself to just one applicator. For example use an eyeshadow brush to get to the hardest to reach places which require more precision.

4. Don’t rub in, pat it on

The way you apply a powder affects the result, too. The basic rule says you should gently tap the powder, not rub it in. Using circular motions is good when you want to take the excess off your face, not to apply the product. I know from my own experience that patting the loose powder on gives a longer-lasting and more natural-looking effect.

5. Try various techniques for applying a loose powder

I didn’t use to know that a loose powder works for something more than setting make-up. You can apply it to the oily T zone only to get a matte effect. However, try sweeping it under the eyes to camouflage makeup mishaps such us eyeshadow on the cheeks.

6. Before you open the packaging…

… shake it a bit. In this way you puff the product up so it’s lighter and easier to apply. Thanks to the sifter that comes with most powders, you won’t spill it and you’ll have the right amount of the product.

I hope loose powders won’t hide any secrets from you thanks to my hints! 🙂

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