How to Apply Every Type of Powder
Everything you need to know about perfect powder application. (Photo: Jon Paterson)
From blush to bronzer, mineral powder to translucent powder, there are seemingly endless powder products on the market, with more popping up everyday. And while you may normally like options in your life, there’s only one problem here: if you can’t tell the difference between powder foundation and pressed powder in the packaging, then how are you supposed to figure out how apply each of them?
With the help of makeup artists Keira Karlin and Marni Burton we broke down a few of the most common formulas and outlined the application keys for best coverage to help you determine which powders might be your hero products. Here’s the guide to get you started.
Translucent Powder
The 4-1-1: This lightweight powder adds no color, but helps gently set the makeup and provide a little shine control. “Go for a powder that will turn your foundation into an even more ethereal look,” say Burton.
Application: Apply two coats across your face. “I apply setting spray first, wait a few seconds and then sweep the face with translucent powder,” recommends Burton. “This will set the makeup even more.”
Try: TOO FACED Primed and Poreless Pressed Powder ($30) and a full round brush, like COVER FX Powder Brush ($42)
Highlighting Powder
The 4-1-1: This glowy powder can be used anywhere on the face to hide darkness, create lightness or set makeup with a sheen. “Choose powder that is paraben, sulfate, and phthalate-free, since you’ll probably want to use this around your eyes,” Burton recommends.
Application: Dot the powder around the eyes and under the brow, says Burton. “The brighter white your eyes, the younger you appear,” she explains. “Many times that redness is so slight that you don’t even notice but it still will take away from your face.”
Try: BESAME COSMETICS Brightening Violet Powder ($22) and a dense fan brush, like SEPHORA COLLECTION Pro Mini Full Coverage Airbrush #53.5 ($24)
Matte Setting Powder
The 4-1-1: Especially for women with oily skin, matte setting powder can keep your look fresher, longer. “Choose a powder that is light-reflecting, so it keeps a youthful look,” Burton says.
Application: Dust this powder over your whole look to lock it in before you leave, but also keep it on hand for touch-ups through the day and night.
Try: NARS Light-Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder ($36) and a powder puff, like Laura Mercier Velour Puff ($12)
Mineral Powder
The 4-1-1: Lighter than powder foundation, mineral powder adds a layer of colored coverage and protection for your products. Always opt for a pearlized mineral formula for a complexion pick-me-up.
Application: “Dab the color onto your brush, and lightly tap it to shake off excess pigment,” Burton says. “Use your makeup brush in big, circular motions.” This will help the color glide on easily and smoothly. Although this is a great barrier to protect your makeup beneath, too much makeup underneath will make application blotchy and difficult. “Less is more,” says Burton.
Try: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15 ($42) and a brush with medium-length, wide bristles, like Hourglass Foundation Brush No. 2 ($58)
Disclaimer: Bobbi Brown is the editor-in-chief of Yahoo Beauty.
Pressed Powder
The 4-1-1: Think of pressed powder like a setting powder for your blemishes. Choose a powder with oil-absorbing properties to keep marks and hidden for longer.
Application: This tip is simple: apply over concealer to blur blemishes. But the brush is everything, says Burton. “Use a brush that says it’s for precision for exact coverage,” she explains. “It can even be specified as eye shadow brush or for contour.”
Try: Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder ($38) or Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder ($39) and a precision brush, like Kevyn Aucoin Contour Brush ($40)
Disclaimer: Bobbi Brown is the editor-in-chief of Yahoo Beauty.
Powder Foundation
The 4-1-1: If you’d rather skip steps to save time, this dual product has the smoothing powers of a foundation and the setting powers of a powder in one. It’s also great for those with broken capillaries and rosacea, who may need extra coverage.
Application: Don’t use powder foundation over liquid foundation, or keep using for touch-ups as the day goes on. “If you use do, you’ll look cakey and overdone,” says Karlin, who also owns Pretty Suite Studios in New Jersey. Apply with a brush, and then use blotting papers if you get oily later on.
Try: MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation ($27) or Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Powder Makeup ($40) and use a rounded and flat brush, like Make Up For Ever Powder Brush, Medium 126 ($55)
Blush
The 4-1-1: As we’re sure you’re well aware, a great blush will add a pop of color to brighten up even the dullest complexion. “I like to look for a color-correcting product that makes cheek bones pop, but also sculpts,” says Burton. A highly-pigmented color will help stain the cheeks for longer wear.
Application: Burton says to cross the letter “X” onto the apples of your cheeks for the perfect, natural kiss of color.
Try: By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Blush ($70) or NARS Blush ($30) and use a
brush with a slightly-rounded tip, like Bobbi Brown Blush Brush ($54)
Disclaimer: Bobbi Brown is the editor-in-chief of Yahoo Beauty.
Bronzer
The 4-1-1: Especially if you’ve already put in some highlighting work, using a brown-based bronzer for a sun-kissed glow might be all you need.
Application: “Bronzer should be applied wherever the sun would hit your face first, so put a light dusting on cheeks, temples, nose and chin,” says Karlin. “Overdoing the color can make your skin look muddy.”
Try: NARS Bronzer in a cult classic shade like Casino or Laguna ($39) and use an oversized brush, like Make Up For Ever Powder Brush, Large #130 ($55)
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