Credit: Courtesy of Huda Beauty
Beauty
Loose powder or pressed powder? The ultimate guide to finding your perfect formula
By Darcy Brown
2 years ago
6 min read
If you’re looking to ace your make-up base, a powder is what you need. But is loose or pressed better for you? This handy guide will help you decide.
A powder make-up formula is the type of product that you didn’t think you needed, but once it makes its way into your routine, you won’t know how you lived without it.
They work to remove excess shine, lock make-up in place, conceal blemishes and create a flawlessly even base. In other words, they are a total make-up hero, so it’s no surprise they are a make-up artist’s secret weapon behind spotlight-worthy red carpet looks.
When shopping for a powder formula, you are faced with two options: a pressed (compact) powder or a loose powder. Both are useful for your make-up application, so it can be challenging to know which one to choose. And this year, some of our favourite make-up brands, like Huda Beauty and Laura Mercier, have created compact versions of their famous loose formulas. So it’s clear to see that having both options at your disposal is important.
So, let’s dive deeper into these make-up heroes to determine when to turn to each formula.
What is the difference between loose and pressed powder?
A loose powder has a similar texture to the baking flour you would find in your pantry. It usually comes housed in a pot with a lid and can be applied with a fluffy brush or sponge, depending on your desired outcome. Thanks to its finely milled consistency, it works to absorb access oils over the day and provides extended wear. A total lifesaver if you have combination or oil-prone skin.
A pressed powder, also known as a compacted powder, is just as the name suggests. The powder block stays completely intact and usually comes housed in a flip-style case with a mirror and applicator included. Thanks to its portable nature, it makes the perfect travel companion and can be taken in your bag as a secret weapon for on-the-go touch-ups. While this gets a thumbs up for those with oil-prone skin, it is a good choice if you have balanced or drier skin types too. Formulas tend to come packed with hydrating ingredients and the formula can be applied sparingly so won’t absorb as much moisture.
Loose powder: who, when, how?
Loose powder formulas are most loved for their multitasking abilities, and they find their way into our routines in an ever-rising number of techniques. A quick dust over your make-up with a light, fluffy brush will instantly mattify your complexion and set your foundation and concealer. This technique is ideal for everyday wear as an instant shine solution but also suits mature skin as the light coverage will be careful not to set into fine lines.
If you’re going full glam, you may want to take that powder to beauty’s kitchen and perform the art of baking. Baking involves placing the powder in areas you do not want to budge, like the under eyes and the T-zone, leaving it to sit for as long as you desire before wiping it away with a brush and blending it to the rest of the face. This technique gifts next-level mattifying power, ensuring make-up lasts all day (and night) without budging while absorbing oils as you wear it. Did someone say oily skin hero?
Clever make-up artists have also put loose setting powder to artistic use by reverse contouring. This involves placing the powder in areas you like to keep light, like under your cheekbones and in the middle of your forehead (basically anywhere you wouldn’t put your dark contour) and leaving it there to set. When you brush it away, the result is a natural sculpt without the effort of blending.
With so many techniques to try, loose powder formulas are best suited to your make-up station, helping to perfect and set your make-up look and leave you picture-perfect as you leave the door. The main downside is that it is not travel-friendly; pots are usually chunky and accidental spills can leave you looking like you’ve just eaten a powdered doughnut. So you may want to opt for a more portable choice if you are taking it on the go.
Pressed powder: who, when, how?
Thanks to its compact nature, a pressed powder is the ultimate travel companion. So, if you are prone to midday shine or have a party to attend, a pressed powder formula will be your saving grace. You can use the included pad or a small dense brush to place the powder on areas needing an instant shine solution.
Brands like Huda Beauty and Laura Mercier have reacted to a growing demand for formulas that promise the same result as their popular loose formulas, but with minimal time and effort required. Pressed formulas can give you the same result while saving you precious minutes. And with no mess in sight, this technique ticks the fuss-free box too.
It is clear why this is the ultimate hack for oily skin types, as you can call on it to keep shine at bay all day long. Still, the precise application means normal to dry skin types can also join in on the powder party, as you can tailor the application to specific areas to ensure drier patches aren’t stripped of their much-needed moisture.
A powder is essential in any routine; if you want to set your make-up and make it last all day, it should not be overlooked. Luckily, compact formulas have come a long way, so you can expect to find skincare heroes included. If you are prone to dry skin, looking for nourishing skincare ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid will set your make-up and add some much-needed moisture.
The best face powders
Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder
A cult craze for a reason. Ultra-smooth, silky and finely milled particles make perfect use for blurring imperfections and fine lines. Vitamin E ensures you can bake without the cake.
Huda Beauty Easy Bake and Snatch Pressed Brightening and Setting Powder
You asked, Huda Beauty listened. A compact sister to the famous loose powder. It is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, saving you time (and mess). An illuminating finish works wonders under the eyes.
Shop Huda Beauty Easy Bake and Snatch Pressed Brightening and Setting Powder at Sephora, £32
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur
Another staple in make-up kits everywhere. Its mattifying formula won’t clog pores, so it is an ideal match if you have oily skin. Its translucent finish stays undetected on the skin.
Shop Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur at Lookfantastic, £42.50
Laura Mercier Real Flawless Powder
Remove excess shine without dulling your glow. This nourishing formula is enriched with chamomile extract and rose oil and promises comfortable wear all day long. Blended with pearls, it gifts a lit-from-within glow.
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
This loose powder places a veil over your complexion for a your-skin-but-better finish. It blurs imperfections, prevents creasing under the eyes and extends the wear of the make-up look you worked so hard to achieve. Available in travel-sized, it makes loose powder portable too.
Shop Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder at Lookfantastic, £41
By Terry Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-Powder
This is one to reach for if you have dry skin. It absorbs excess oil and shine, while hyaluronic acid gets to work as you wear it. The result is seamless make-up application and a moisturised, plump complexion.
Shop By Terry Hyaluronic Pressed Hydra-Powder at Space NK, £42
Images: Huda Beauty; brands
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