Everyone wants to avoid that unattractive shine in photographs.
The best way to do it? Pressed powder!
We believe that the best powders on offer will provide all the staying power and shine protection you need, without looking like it’s even there.
Whether it’s a translucent powder to settle your makeup, or an on-the-go compact powder for handy touch-ups, knowing how to apply pressed powder is a crucial skill for any makeup enthusiast.
So, if you are wondering how to apply pressed powder, read below for some of our best tips and tricks for using this beauty essential.
Firstly, What is Pressed Powder?
Before you can fully know how to apply pressed powder, it helps to know what it is.
After all, it is often mentioned in relation to loose powder, so it can be tricky to fully understand what pressed powder is designed to achieve.
Basically, pressed powder sets your liquid foundations or concealers to hold your makeup in place for longer.
You can use pressed powder as a base for your makeup or in combination with other products to build and set your coverage.
Pressed powder is often preferred for certain skin types, such as dry skin, as it can help introduce a bit of moisture to the skin with oil-based formulas.
Pressed Powder vs Loose Powder: What is the Difference?
While both powders can set liquid products, loose powder can also help define your contour lines for a more defined, ‘chiselled’ look.
For those who enjoy heavy makeup, loose powder works beautifully as a setting powder, holding the makeup in place. As they contain fewer oils than pressed powders, loose powder is often favoured by those with oily skin, as it helps to control the appearance of oil on your face throughout the day.
As you can see, while they do share some similarities, there are enough differences between the two products to help you choose which one will work better for your skin.
Pressed powder is easier to work with than loose powder and is more portable. Still, it's important to know the best way to apply your pressed powder for a flawless-looking complexion.
Loose powder has its advantages but comes in bulky packages and spills easily. The ingenious addition of waxes and emollients to loose powder resulted in convenient compacts of pressed powder.
Pressed powder has a heavier finish than loose powder, so a light hand is needed, but the former is generally a lot less messy! Here's how to apply your pressed powder to prevent a cakey finish and ensure a flawless-looking complexion.
How to Apply Pressed Powder
Now that we have settled the differences between pressed powder vs loose powder, it is time to learn how to apply pressed powder with & without a brush or sponge to achieve the best look possible.
Prepping Your Skin
Knowing how to use pressed powder is one thing, but before you tackle any makeup, you should properly moisturise your skin. Moisturiser nourishes, protects, and forms an even base for makeup application.
Once you've moisturised, use a primer to smooth the skin and add extra hold to makeup. You can also get additional benefits from primers, such as radiance, extra hydration, oil control, or pore minimisation. A primer is essential if you want your makeup to go on evenly and stay all day.
Apply Pressed Powder with a Brush
Pressed powder can be used either over the foundation to set makeup in place or as the coverage for a lightweight base. We don't recommend you use a tinted powder on top of a heavy foundation base, though, as things can go a bit too cakey!
If you're using a powder foundation, it is important to know how to apply pressed powder with a brush for an even, smooth finish. When you use a large, full brush to distribute the product over your face evenly, you are helping to prevent any unnecessary build-up of the product, guaranteeing an even finish. Use light sweeping motions, and then gently buff the product in. We recommend the Real Techniques Powder Brush for a smooth finish.
If you're using a setting powder or mattifying powder, it's best to apply the product judiciously. If you have oily skin, concentrate your powder on the oilier areas. In doing so, you will be able to maximise the effect of the powder as it absorbs the extra oil for an even matte look. Dab with a small brush such as the Inika Blush Brush, and just lightly sweep over other parts of your face. If you have normal, combination, or dry skin, sweep all over and avoid pressing powder in.
Some powders, such as Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder Nude, leave a beautiful and subtle highlight whilst helping to set makeup. Apply such powders with a large brush only to areas you want to glow. Focus on the cheekbones, forehead, centre of the nose, chin, and décolletage.
When you have mastered how to apply pressed powder with a brush, you will be able to exercise more control over each of your makeup looks, ensuring that you create the perfect look with every application.
Apply Pressed Powder with a Sponge
Want to know how to apply pressed powder without a brush? Well, most pressed powder compacts come with a sponge or puff that works well for dabbing on powder, but may be too dense for a light sweep.
Knowing how to apply pressed powder with a sponge will not only allow you to use the tools provided, but it will also help you create looks with different textures and coverage. Try dampening your sponge before you load up your pressed powder to prevent that overdone, cakey look as you evenly apply the powder to your skin. As a result, you can enjoy a natural-looking, sheer coverage, all while setting your makeup in place.
If this look is still too heavy for your tastes, you can use a specific powder brush instead with a light hand for natural and even results.
Reapply Pressed Powder
One of the best things about pressed powder is that it's much better for topping up makeup throughout the day without coating yourself in a dusting of powder. Knowing how to use compact powder on the go will make this process much more manageable.
Before you apply pressed powder with a brush or sponge, it's important to use blotting paper or a tissue to remove excess oil from your face. Otherwise, your powder won't sit evenly.
Reapply your powder as you applied it initially, patting it into oily areas and sweeping over other areas for light distribution.
Knowing how to apply pressed powder is one of the best ways to ensure your makeup looks flawless all day long. Remember to use a light hand and dust only those areas that need powdering for a beautiful final look.
The Best Tools to Apply Pressed Powder with a Brush
Knowing how to apply pressed powder with a brush will help you to create an even finish that you will love every time. Here are some of our recommendations for the best beauty brushes to use for pressed powder:
