Makeup usually feels incomplete without face powder. Even after the eyebrow makeup, eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, brush, and lipstick have been applied on the face, it still feels incomplete without the powder. Why? Powder is a basic element of makeup and is considered a major component of the beautification process. Concealers, highlighters, bronzers and contours are other elements that bring out the inner shine during makeup.
Setting powders are one of the different types of face powders. Other types of face powders include loose powder, pressed powder, and finishing powder. Before taking an in-depth look at setting powders for your need to use, let’s consider the other types of face powders;
- Loose Powder
Loose powders are, as the name implies, loose. They are usually in containers because of their fine nature. Loose powders are mostly used for giving the face a light powdery feel. However, it can spread and puff over the face because the particles are very fine. As a result, loose powders are suitable for use at home and not outdoors.
- Pressed Powder
Pressed powders are more popularly used than loose powders because they are more compact. Pressed powders, however, gives the face a cakey appearance because the particles are bigger than the particles of loose powders. Unlike loose powders, pressed powders are both suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
- Finishing powders
Finishing powders are also known as high-definition (HD) powders and are used by professional makeup artists. Finishing powders are excellent for outdoor and beauty events such as pageants, photoshoots, movies and television shows. The unique thing about finishing powder is the high definition white and smooth effect it gives to the face. It is usually applied as the final powder layer on the face.
- Setting Powders
Setting powders are often more preferred to loose powders or pressed powders because they are more convenient to use than loose powders and have a better effect than pressed powder. It is also much quicker to use than finishing powders. Setting powders are used for removing the shiny and oily look that may be on the face after foundation has been applied to the face. Besides, setting powders allow the makeup last longer on the face without needing a touch-up.
Setting powders are handy because they are affordable, convenient to use, and yet give a professional look. Here are tips on the things to consider before making the choice of setting powder to purchase and how to apply the setting powders on the face;
Things to consider when making the choice of the right setting powder
As effective as setting powders are for makeup, it is very easy to make the mistake of choosing the wrong setting powder for your face. To prevent this from happening, here are some considerations for making the right setting powder choice; translucence, tint or color, and type of skin
Translucence: Translucent setting powders are usually the safer choice of setting powders. They only modify the texture of the foundation but do not change its color. Besides, translucent setting powders are light and give the face a more natural look when used on the foundation. Moreover, translucent powder works for all skin tones because it is colorless and does not have a tint.
Color or Tint: Setting powders are great for all skin colors. If the color of the foundation is too bright for your skin, tinted or colored skin powders are suitable for blending the foundation with your skin color. The setting powder doesn’t darken the skin but gives it a bright look which is just perfect for dark skin. Setting powders are also suitable for balancing out red areas on the face that may result from too much blush or rashes.
Type of skin: Setting powders are appropriate for different types of skin, be it oily skins or dry skins. The setting powders are already categorized into those that are suitable for oily skins and those that are suitable for dry skins, so that you can make the right choice.
Applying setting powders on the face
Soft, thick brushes of medium to large sizes are appropriate for setting powders. The excess powder should be shaken off first by tapping the brush before applying the powder. If not, the powder may be too much and messy on the face when the brush is used on the skin. Press the brush on your cheek first before spreading the powder on your face. Apply the powder in circular motions for even coverage. Areas with excess powder can be adjusted with an extra brush or a soft cloth.
