6 Tips for Choosing the Right Face Powder

Figure Out Your Needs

Face powder is a very versatile makeup product that can perform multiple tasks. It can set your makeup, helping it last longer, conceal minor imperfections, even out the skin tone, absorb excess oil from the skin surface and control shine, keep the skin looking fresh and glowing throughout the day, and even protect it from sun radiation.

Once you figure out what you need powder for, you can choose the right type of product. For example, face powders that help the makeup last longer are usually labeled as “finishing” or “setting powders”. If you need to prevent oily shine, look for powders labeled as “blotting”, “mattifying”, “shine control”, or “oil control”. Face powders that provide sun protection are usually labeled accordingly and often have the SPF written on the packaging.

Consider Your Skin Tone

The shade of your face powder should match your complexion, otherwise your face will look like you’re wearing a mask. Shades with too pink or too orange undertones might not be the best choice, while beiges and browns typically work well with the right skin tone. If you can’t find a powder that matches your complexion, opt for a translucent product. Translucent powders may not cover blemishes so well, but they are compatible with any complexion.

Consider Your Skin Type

If you have normal skin, you can probably skip this paragraph, but it may be useful if you have oily, combination, or dry skin. Face powders for oily and combination skin usually contain absorbents (for example, talc or silica) that absorb excess oil from the skin surface, keep the shine at bay, and prevent breakouts. In addition, they are free of comedogenic ingredients that can clog pores and cause breakouts and inflammation. Powders for dry skin have an extremely light, almost creamy texture that conceals dry patches and fine lines instead of accentuating them. If your skin is extremely sensitive, look for mineral-based powders.

Texture and Finish Are Also Important

A good powder shouldn’t have a texture that is, well, too powdery. Opt for a silky texture that sits smoothly on the skin, blends evenly, and covers imperfections instead of accentuating them. Finish is also important for the overall effect. If you have oily or combination skin, choose a face powder with a matte finish. For the rest of skin types, a subtle shiny finish is the best option as it gives the skin a natural glow. You should avoid a shimmering finish unless you’re going to a party.

Loose or Pressed? You Choose!

Loose powders usually give the skin a nearly flawless finish, but they can be messy to apply. Pressed, or compact, powders are much less messy and more travel-friendly, so if you plan to carry your powder around, a pressed one is a better choice. Or you can buy two powders, a loose one to use at home and a pressed one for touch-ups. Just make sure that they have the same shade.

SPF

And last, but not the least. Although face powder can’t replace proper sunscreen, we strongly recommend that you choose a product with sun protection, especially if you spend much time outdoors. Common UV protection ingredients that can be found in face powders include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl SX (ecamsule), avobenzone, and Tinosorb (bemotrizinol, bisoctrizole, octyl methoxycinnamate). Most of them absorb only one type of UV rays (UVA or UVB), so look for a face powder that contains at least two of these ingredients.