4. Powder

      For completely makeup, powder is absolutely necessary. It takes place after the use of foundation and concealer. Its role is to set foundation, to equalize, to soften skin and matiffy. Also, face powder creates a basis for applying makeup like powder blush and  loose or pressed eye shadows.

Photo by Alejandro Martinez.

      Face powder can have two different textures:
Loose powder → It is the best powder for a perfect finish as it gives the skin a flawless effect. Apply to entire skin surface in a thin layer from the center of the face (the T zone) using a large brush with soft hair. The movement will be downwards, from top to bottom, in the direction of increasing facial hair fluff. For a more polished look for dry skin, you can apply the powder with circular motions.

Pressed powder → It is recommended for the makeup retouch throughout the day as it gives the skin a matte finish. It is usually provided with a mirror and it can be carried easily in your purse. Tap the powder firmly into the foundation using a clean puff. Apply it also to the eyelids and lips. Don’t forget to powder the nose wings. Before applying powder, you must remove sebum tapping your face with a tissue. Don’t apply to much powder under the eyes.
      Powder is not recommended for very dry or infected skin.
      When you are looking for a powder, remember that it darkens the shade of foundation. Therefore, choose one with a lighter tone than this. If you want to use only powder after moisturizer, without foundation, select a shade as close as your natural skin color.
      You can use two shades of powder if you want to do some optical correction on your face.

      Basic characteristics of a qualitative powder are:

  to have fine texture, to be slippery and to smooth skin;

  to make the skin soft;

  to be long-lasting;

  to have absorption power, not change the scent, to standardize skin color;

  to have coverage power to hide imperfections.

 

     For all these features are used different ingredients: zinc stearate, talc, chalk, magnesium stearate, silk, precipitaded chalk, magnesium carbonated, kaolin, titanium dioxide (which, under the flash of the camera it gives a pale hint to skin) and so on.

Photo by LaVladina

   
      Powder can have different shades:

Tint powder - May have different shades of color, used depending on the skin natural color.

Colorless powder - It looks white but it not colors the skin, not changing the foundation color.

Translucent powder - The most favorite powder of makeup artists. It is clear and it shouldn’t change the color of foundation. If it is colored, should be used carefully to avoid creating spots on the skin. Translucent powder with a slight yellow tint can successfully hide dark circles and gives skin a special brightness. Instead, translucent powder with light pink tint, removes the optical signs of fatigue. If your skin has fair to medium tones, choose a light translucent powder. For tanned or darker skin look for a medium or dark translucent powder.

Tan powder (bronzing) - It can be used both for contours of the face and to give a bronze glow.

Bright powder - Contains pearlescent particles. It applies only to the cheeks, nose for highlight. It is not recommended for application on entire face because it will highlight any skin imperfections (pimples, wrinkles, scars).