Monday, July 6, 2009

Pressed Powder Foundation

Pressed powder foundations come in compacts and are meant to be applied dry. They give more coverage than regular pressed powder that you would apply on top of another form of foundation or that you would use to touch-up shine.

Depending on the application method, product, and amount of product used, you can get sheer to full coverage. If applied incorrectly, pressed powder foundation can appear cakey or chalky.

This is a good option for traveling because on air planes because you will not have to choose either to put it in a checked bag or in the mere 1 quart bag of liquid products you can take in your carry on. It is also less messy and more compact than the other foundations for traveling in general. If you do travel with this and are worried about it possibly breaking, place a small piece of foam cut to size inside the lid and wrap the outside in foam as well.

Application Methods
    Kabuki Brush
  • Kabuki Brush - This brush will give you medium, even coverage. Swirl the brush on the powder to pick up powder and work it into the depths of the bristles. If it only sits right on top of the brush, you could end up with a chalky blob where you first set the brush down on your face. You can always blend out your mistakes with this brush, but it's better to not have mistakes in the first place. Tap off the excess powder, most of it should be within the bristles, not sitting on top. Buff the powder into the skin with the brush in a circular motion. You can build coverage this way. These can be purchased at stores like Sephora and Ulta. For less expensive brushes, see CoastalScents.com or StarsMakeupHaven.com.

  • Buffer Brush
  • Buffer Brush - This is my favorite brush to use. It can give sheer to full coverage, based on the amount of product you use. Again, swirl the brush on the powder to pick it up into the bristles. Buff the powder into the skin in a circular motion. You can achieve full coverage by layering or using more product, assuming you are using a product that is buildable. This brush gives a flawless finish. These can also be purchased at stores like Sephora or Ulta. The only downside to a brush like this is that it is rather large and bulky, so you may not want to take it traveling. There is a mini buffer brush that I like from Posh.

  • Powder Brush
  • Powder Brush - This will give you sheer to medium coverage. If you really wanted to layer and buff, you might be able to get full coverage out of this brush. It is a handy brush to have because it can be used with any powder product. Everyone should have at least 2 powder brushes, one to use for foundation and/or setting powder and a second to apply blush. The larger and puffier the brush, the more dispersed and even the product will be placed. I would suggest the Posh Powder brush, it's very soft and full.

  • Cosmetic Sponges
  • Cosmetic Sponge - This will usually only give you sheer coverage. With a really good pressed powder foundation, you could potentially get medium coverage. You can get full coverage if you have the right product and a special sponge designed to give full coverage with a pressed powder foundation. Remember to wash sponges weekly and replace monthly.

  • Powder Puff
  • Powder Puff - This gives sheer coverage. It is the traditional round, white fuzzy puff that comes in many compacts. It is usually used to touch-up and control shine. Usually if I buy a compact with a powder puff, I just throw it away. If you do continuously use powder puffs, please make sure to replace them on a regular basis. Just like any other application tool, they can harbor bacteria.
Suggested Products

Sephora Pressed Mineral FoundationBest Healthy Pressed Powder Foundation: Sephora Mineral Double Compact Foundation
  • Mineral based
  • SPF 10
  • Buildable coverage
  • Long-wearing
  • Talc, paraben, fragrance and oil free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dual layer with a mirror and double-sided applicator for sheer to full coverage
  • $20 / 0.35 oz at Sephora
MAC Studio Fix Plus FoundationIndustry Standard: Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
  • Most commonly used pressed powder foundation by makeup artists
  • Matte, velvety texture
  • Absorbs oil with silica
  • Long-wearing
  • May cause break outs in acne prone skin
  • $26 / 0.52 oz at MAC Cosmetics
Make Up For Ever Pressed Powder FoundationOil-Free Industry Standard: Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder Foundation
  • Oil free
  • For normal to combination skin
  • Long-lasting
  • Covers blemishes, imperfections and shine
  • One of the best brands in the industry
  • $32 / 0.35 oz at Sephora

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