Pressed powder, you’ve heard of it but have you tried it?! Makeup beginners often get confused between pressed powder, loose powder, finishing powder, etc. There are so many that it makes sense to get a little lost along the way! To help you to better understand you’re going to be learning ALL about pressed powder and how to use it. Let’s get started.
What Is Pressed Powder?
Pressed powder is a type of finishing powder that will blur skin giving you a flawless finish. It’s commonly applied right after foundation and concealer to ensure makeup does not move as the day goes on.
Those with dry skin tend to lean towards pressed powder more because it prevents the cakey finish you’d typically get with loose finishing powder.
I have dry skin, and pressed powder is the way to go for me! I love the finish that pressed powder gives, it does an amazing job of preventing oil and shine as the day goes on. I don’t have to touch up often either.
Translucent Vs. Skin Tone Pressed Powder
You can choose between what you prefer, let’s go over the benefits of either translucent or a pressed powder that matches your skin tone.
Translucent:
- Using a translucent powder is best for brightening certain parts of your face.
- Translucent powder is white, but once applied will give you a very bright finish.
- This is most typically used when you’re done with your makeup to lock everything in and give it a bright finish.
Skin Tone:
- Using one made for your skin tone is best if you want to use pressed powder right after foundation!
- This results in more of a flawless base.
What Makeup Brush Should I Use For Pressed Powder?
I have tried quite a few brushes for pressed powder and I can confidently say I’ve gotten the best results using a contour brush! I know that sounds very random, and to be honest I was shocked when it actually worked.
The reason why I prefer a contour brush is that it is very stiff and the bristles are close together rather than spread apart and loose. Using a brush like this will give you the best results. When using a brush like this I don’t find myself touching up my makeup till hours later.
Best Brush For A Natural Finish / After Foundation Use
Let’s say you want to go the other way for a natural finish. Using a flatter fluffy brush works. This is best for applying the powder after foundation, resulting in a flawless radiant finish.
How Do I Use Pressed Powder?
The instructions are in the name, it’ll be very easy! For best results start with a small amount and make sure to press the powder, don’t drag it.
There are two ways to apply it, let’s go over both.
After foundation for a flawless finsh: While your foundation is still wet, grab either a powder puff or makeup brush with your powder. With either, gently pat the powder on top of your face. After a few seconds, you’ll notice your foundation turns matte.
When you’re done: This is how I like to apply it, because I don’t wear foundation. After you are done with all of your makeup, grab your makeup brush and stipple the powder wherever you want to prevent oil.
Video Tutorial
Pressed Powder Powder Hacks
Powder Puff: Using one of these will result in a completely different finish compared to using a brush. These have been going viral ALL over the internet for it’s ability to give a flawless finish in seconds. People have even been saying that a brush can’t come close to the finish this gives!
Less Is More: With a translucent powder, less is more! Try to use less powder, as using more will result in a cakey finish.
Now you know ALL about pressed powder and how to use it! Check out my setting powder routine here for more. Thank you for reading, and be sure to subscribe to the Beginners Guide To Makeup to learn all about makeup for beginners!
