Your Buying Guide to Powders

Face it.  We want to look fresh all day long but with no proper way to do so, we'd end up looking oily and tired.  So, what should we do?  One way to do this is to use powder on our face.  This way, we can freshen up and hide the haggardness that we feel with makeup.

And so, we are going to discuss the different types of powder, what other buyers are saying, what to look out for as well as some of the most popular brands.

Types of Powders

Translucent powder – “A translucent powder is generally used to set makeup and control shine giving a matte finish,” says Emma Reid, Founder of Musq Cosmetics. It’s called translucent because once it’s applied it should be virtually invisible.

Finishing powder – “A finishing powder is [typically] white and often used in instances such as a photo shoot to minimise fine lines and pores giving a very ‘perfect’ finish.”

Loose powder – A loose powder is made up of small particles and comes in a jar rather than a compact. It typically comes in similar shades to liquid foundation and provides buildable coverage.

Pressed powder – Pressed powder does come in a compact form, making it easier to use on the go. “Pressed powder is more suitable for touch-ups and a light, natural finish,” says Emma.

Mineral powder – Mineral powder can come in both pressed and loose form. It’s made from tiny micro-particles that were once minerals deep in the depths of the earth. They often boast extra skin care benefits like anti-inflammatory properties and breathable coverage.

Finely milled powder – “Finely milled powder generally refers to a loose powder foundation as it consists of smaller particles and is more buildable than a pressed powder,” explains Emma.

What Other Buyers Are Saying

When buying a powder, ask your makeup artist for recommendations so, you would know which one would be best for you.  Also, read other customers' reviews before purchasing so, that you would receive inputs of what to buy.  Without further ado, here are some feedback that a powder brand has received from its buyers:

I bought this because of all the rave reviews from the YouTube beauty gurus. Glad I did because I love this! I have very oily skin and this manages to hold back the oiliness for longer than other powders I've used. I have a lot of texture on my face and this doesn't accentuate it at all unlike previously used powders. The only downside is that it does make my face look slightly whiter but that goes after about 10/15 minutes. No complaints!

Bought as cheaper substitute for my usual Bare Minerals translucent powder, does not hold up. Feels heavy and cakey compared. Still mid-range light and comfy to wear, just not as good as some available products. Also first time I bought lid was damaged on arrival. seller refunded but I feel this is indicative of product quality.

Smells lovely. Large 65 gram container. Very retro and 70's glam design. Unfortunately the container was damaged upon arrival but sorted very quickly. Other than that happy with actual product. 

What to Look Out for

When you buy a face powder, make sure  you know what skin type you have and if you have allergies when it comes to makeup..  So, if you have oily skin, choose a face powder that doesn't make you feel like you have a  huge gunk on your face.  On the other hand, if you allergic to certain makeup, go for hypoallergenic cosmetics.

Most Popular Brands

Rimmel - is a popular UK brand that manufactures face powder that has benefits like up to 6 hours of shine control, keeps skin looking and feeling fresh all day long and contains natural minerals and powders so, it has no harmful chemicals.

theBalm - is a US brand that manufactures face powder, which makes your skin look younger, contains no talc, oil and paraben so, it doesn't contain harmful chemicals.

High Street TV - is a brand that manufactures face powder, which covers blemishes, age spots, fine lines and uneven skin tone, looks like a powder but gives a feeling of a cream when  used on the skin and contains vitamins C and E.