powder application

Learn how to set your foundation and concealer with the use of face powder.

Powder is used to set foundation and concealer and to offer a silky smooth surface for other products to be applied and easily blended. Powder also mattes the skin, which in turn gives a younger and fresher appearance, as shine on the face illuminates fine lines and problem areas.

Loose powders, packaged in a powder pot with a sifter to help keep it from scattering everywhere, are generally ‘translucent’, which means that they do allow the foundation colour to pass through – much like a bride’s face beneath the veil, resulting in the foundation colour still being visible after powder is applied. Therefore one particular powder colour can work across a large group of foundation shades. The darker the colouring of the powder, however, the less translucent it becomes – due to the darker pigments – resulting in more colour deposit on the skin. So when selecting powder for a dark skin tone, test each powder colour for the most accurate match.

Pressed powders, presented in a powder compact, are available in a range of skin-tone colours and should be selected as close as possible to the foundation colour. Some powders are not skin-tone coloured, but once applied, are colourless, serving only to blot away shine.

Important powdering tips

• Apply powder after foundation and concealer.

• Lightly dust onto the face with a large powder brush for a more radiant effect, or for a more matte finish and a longer lasting application, press onto the skin using a powder puff and dust off excess with a brush.

• Don’t apply powder to dry areas of the face or to the outside and under eye area of a mature skin tone. On younger skin, powder can be applied very sparingly to the outer and under eye area, but powder exaggerates fine lines and ‘rough’ skin texture on mature skin tones.

• Where eye shadow is applied, use a generous layer of concealer and powder as a base for the eye shadow on the upper eye area. This is the only area on a mature skin where face products can be applied generously! When eye shadow is not applied, a light dusting of powder over the foundation will be sufficient.

• Powder is most useful as a ‘touch up’ product, especially the compact powders. Re-apply regularly through the day with a pressing action. Avoid quick ‘wiping’ strokes during your application as this removes your other make-up. By pressing on powder regularly, you keep the skin dry from perspiration and this will aid in the duration of your make-up look.