A Simple Guide to Powder Foundations

Powder foundations are what you reach for when you want your makeup to feel lightweight, and you want something quick and easy to apply.

They are best for giving light coverage, a beautiful sheer tint of color to blend out imperfections and give a natural beauty look.

Powders can provide fuller coverage, but you risk having a caked on look and powder settling into your fine lines.

In this article, we have simplified all the information you need to know about powder foundations, including:

• Why you would want to use a powder foundation
• When to avoid using a powder foundation
• Choosing a powder foundation based on your skin type
• How to choose your foundation color
• Choosing what coverage you want
• How to choose a powder foundation to buy
• Tips on using a powder foundation
• Step by step powder foundation application
• Our recommended powder foundations

Why Use a Powder Foundation?

There are many reasons to opt for a powder foundation. Some of the reasons are:

• Like I said above, they are quick and easy to apply.
• A good makeup for beginners.
• Excellent for a minimal makeup look with a natural finish.
• Loose, mineral powders are simple formulas with basic ingredients. Perfect for those of us looking to avoid unnecessary toxins.
• Easy to transport, for on-the-go touch-ups. And the fact that it is a powder means it can be easily reapplied.
• You have skin that is on the oilier side, as the powder can soak up excess oil.
• Tends to stay put in warmer weather or during times when you will be sweating.
• Less likely than liquids to clog pores and cause blemishes.
• Great for sensitive skin types.

When to Avoid Powder Foundation

• If you want heavy coverage – Powder foundations just won’t give the same full coverage as a liquid or cream.
• If you have dry, flaky skin – Powders can make dry skin appear dryer.
• If you have lots of wrinkles – Powders may settle into fine lines, accentuating them.

Powder Foundation and Skin Types

Powder foundation is best for oily skin types. Dry skin types are best to use powder foundations as a touch-up tool only.

• If you have oily or combination skin, look for powders that are described as “mattifying,” “oil control,” “shine control,” or “blotting.”
• If you want to enliven dull, dry skin, look for products that are described with words like “glow,” “luminous,” or “brightening.”

How to Choose Your Foundation Color

Properly Test Shades

Choose three shades that look close to your skin tone for testing. Apply each one in a line on your jaw. The one that looks like it dissapears will be the one closest to your natural skin tone.

Suit Your Undertone

Knowing your undertone is the most critical factor in choosing a foundation color that will look flattering on you. In general:

• If your skin tone is on the fairer side, opt for a pink undertone.
• If your skin tone is on the deeper side, look for a yellow or orange undertone.

If you want to learn more about choosing your foundation shade – READ: How To Determine Your Skin Tone & Choose a Foundation.

Tips on Picking Color:

When in doubt, go lighter. If you are stuck between two shades, opt for the lighter one. You can easily deepen the shade with bronzer if you need to.

You can always mix different shades to get your perfect color. This is especially helpful as your skin color changes through the seasons.

Shopping for your Foundation Online

If you are buying a powder foundation online, it can be more tricky to test out colors (The Detox Market has samples!)

For shopping online, I recommend already knowing what your undertone is, as well as the type of coverage and application you want.

Choosing Your Coverage

Sheer-to-Medium Coverage

Powder foundations that offer a sheer-to-medium coverage help balance your skin tone and even out mild concerns. They give a soft, filtered look. I find these to be the most natural looking.

Medium-to-Full Coverage

Medium-to-full coverage powders usually come in pressed powder form. This coverage is best for more visible concerns such as acne, redness, or discoloration.

How to Choose a Powder Foundation
for Purchase

Start with the end result you want and look for products that will fulfill that purpose. Do you want a matte look? Or would you like come dewy glow? How much coverage do you need? Are you prone to breakouts?

Stick to organic and natural products and look for companies you feel good supporting.

If you are shopping online, read reviews and look to the bloggers (like me 😀 ) and fashion sites for product inspirations.

Read: Our Picks for the Best Natural Powder Foundations.

Tips on Using Powder Foundation

• When appying, bring the foundation down into your jawline and buff through the neck to avoid your foundation looking like a mask.
• Use powder with powder. If you are using powder foundation, you should also use powder blush and bronzers.
• Avoid applying powder foundation with your fingers. They provide less precision and can make your foundation look caked on.
• You will most likely need more than one shade of foundation, depending on the time of year. Our skin color changes through the summer and winter.
• Invest in a high-quality foundation brush with soft, dense bristles. I love Kabuki brushes and oval shaped foundation brushes.

How to Apply Powder Foundation

Step 1: The Prep

First off, start with clean skin. Micellar water is an excellent cleanser for prepping the skin for makeup.

Apply your moisturizer or serum, give them time to soak into your skin. Next, apply your makeup primer.

Step 2: Give a Light Dusting

Start with a light dusting of powder applied to the whole face with a fluffy powder brush. Load up your brush by pressing the powder into the tips of the bristles and apply in long strokes.

Step 3: Build Layers

In places where you need more coverage, you will want to push the side of your powder brush into the pan and then press and roll it into place on the skin.

Step 4: Concealing

If you have darkness under your eyes, you can skip the cream concealer and instead use a flat concealer brush with your powder foundation.

Use your brush to press the powder into place. (If you do want to use a liquid concealer, apply it before any powder).

Step 5: Press it in

After the powder has been placed, grab a powder puff and gently press it into the skin.

If you applied too much and it looks cakey, press a moist foundation sponge over it.

Step 6: Apply the Rest of Your Makeup and then Set

After you have applied all of your makeup, you can set your powder makeup with a hydrating mist for a more natural, less powdery finish.

Sprtiz a fine mist of water or a hydrating toner over your face and do not touch it until it dries.

Step 7: Touch-Ups

For touch-ups throughout the day, it is important to use blotting paper to remove excess oil from your face. If you don’t, you risk having your powder not sit evenly.

Watch this video below to see how to apply loose powder foundation.

Our Favorite Powder Foundations

On the hunt for some good natural and organic powder foundations?

READ: Our Picks for the Best Natural Powder Foundations.

Conclusion

Using powder foundation is a great way to give your skin light, natural coverage that you can easily touch up throughout the day. They are a great addition to any makeup bag, especially if you have oily skin.

Remember to have a look at our favorite powder foundations if you want product rec’s.

I hope this article was helpful to you. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below, and I will do my best to help you out.