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I’ve noticed a time or two that a lot of people have a fear of using powder over their foundation. I think that this may be a horrid hangover from a time when chalky pressed powder was the product of choice, and left you with a ghostly white, caked and flaky complexion. But gals, time (and formulations) have moved on, and powder is a very different beast these days. I wouldn’t be without it and consider it a true staple. I favour loose powders over pressed, and always lightly apply it with a big brush as opposed to smearing it across my skin with a puff. A good translucent product won’t change the colour of your foundation and will give it longevity too, because it will help to set it onto your skin.
Clinique agree with my powder related evangalizin’ ways, and have even conducted a survey to boot. They’ve found that 1 in 3 women in the UK (and I can’t imagine it’s too different here) have never used powder, and like me, they know what you should be looking for – the powder you choose should feel like silk – it should be light and never gritty. It should match your skintone or it should be translucent – depending on the sort of coverage you like – and lastly, you need to know how much to use. A very small bit, is my recommendation. I like a product that comes in a pot, and I dip my brush in, and then tap off the excess. That’s what I then apply to my face – a very very small amount, but that’s really all that’s needed.
Their Blended Face Powder (above), comes with a brush too, and is available in 4 shades to suit skintones from very fair to olive, and helps to minimise the appearance of pores. Interestingly, they recommend you use their ‘rubdown’ technique to apply it – “pour loose powder into palm of hand, rub palms together, then “wash” entire face with powder from hairline to chin. Avoid getting into eyes. Brush off excess with brush.” Innovative, eh?
The brush can also be carried in your bag, loaded with powder (yep, it comes with a cap) so that you can touch up on the go. And the price of this skin saviour? About €25+, is my estimate.
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That sounds lovely… I have No7 loose powder and it’s great for setting makeup on say my chin if i’ve to load concealer onto it. I find it helps blend the concealer in so it doesn’t look obvious! It’s got a slight bit of colour to it as well (the translucent shade). I also like the puff applicator that comes with it too, as you can pat it in whereas with brush-on powder it feels a bit as if you’re sweeping your makeup off!
Can I warn everyone about the Clinique Gentle Light Powder?? I bought it expecting that it would give me a lovely dewy ‘glow’… I ended up looking like I’d dipped my head in a pot of glitter & I promise you, I was sparing with the stuff!
Flame, I use to use no.7 translucent powder and only stopped cos of the mess. What I’m using now is bobbie brown pale yellow – compact. I use a brush though never bother with the puff.
Now kirstie – pour loose powder into palm of hand, rub palms together, then “wash†entire face with powder from hairline to chin. Avoid getting into eyes. Brush off excess with brush.
Are they having a laugh?
Red – te he – sounds like a good higlighter.
The boots powder blot papers are ace for when you’re out and get the shinies. Love em!
Beautfan, i find there’s no mess with mine, i keep the ‘lid’ thing on it with the ‘paper’ thingies underneath and just use it in the morning! If i brought it out and didn’t have the inside lid and paper thingies on it’d be everywhere alright!
I use this powder and find it absolutely brilliant. It really finishes my foundation perfectly without any glittery residue!
I bought mine in thr States over two years ago and I’m still only about half way through… LOVE IT!
they have this on strawberry for €19.00
Just ordered it !! Im clicky happy 2day
yeah i think the technique advocated by clinique is a bit of a joke alright!
i have a laura mercier make up book and she advocates using loose translucent power and applying it using a ‘pat and roll’ technique with a cotton puff. does anyone do this- i’ve tried it a couple of time without success as it just seems too difficult, especially with limited time in the morning!
I agree baby. I wouldn’t buy the LM foundation as you had to use a sponge and do all kind of dabbing to get the ‘flawless’ look. I just don’t have the time or patience for this type of stuff everyday.
Oh meant to say – using cotton wool to apply make up is so 1980.
I have tried to put translucent powder on with a puff and you just end up putting more on the spot you hit first and then wiping it off this excess with a brush.
Hi, I too shy away from using foundation as I have dry skin and I like the dewy look that my Chanel Vitaluminaire foundation gives me but find that I do have to re-apply frequently. Would powder make it last longer? AND if you apply powder over your foundation – can you then at a later stage apply more foundation or will my face end up looking ‘cakey’? Yours, Confused!
I’m running low on MAC powder and with finances being low (due to Big Holiday ahead) I bought Boots No7 powder. I really don’t like the pot it’s in, very messy to use. So I’m just going to fill up the MAC pot when it’s done.
Powder definately makes your foundation last longer. If i need to reapply make up, i use oil blotting sheets to take off the excess oil and make up and then apply more over it. not as flawless as the first application but it looks fine. Hope that helps Faye!
Thank you very much baby in a corner – have wedding at the w/e and usually end up lashing on foundation with each visit to the loo as it alwyas seems to melt off. Any suggestions on nice powder?
I have a hard time finding powders to match my skin tone so I usually go without. I don’t have the usual yellow based Irish skin tone, which is the colour powder most places stock. I’m very pale (think Snow White type colouring), any advice on brands to check out?
Belladonna- Try Make Up Forever
Also Laura Mercier have a white setting powder I think
Belladonna, have you tried NW15 or NC15 in MAC? I’m really pale and these NW15 is the only shade I can wear. Have yet to find another brand that does really pale colours.