Pressed Powder: What It Is & How to Choose the Best Pressed Powder
No matter the makeup look you’re going for, it’s probably safe to say you don’t want your makeup to budge or worse, to completely disappear, right? (We’ll assume your answer is “yes.”) Now that we have that settled, we’re going to introduce you to the miracle product that’s going to make sure that your makeup stays locked in place all day: pressed powder. Before you shoot it down because you have dry skin or prefer a dewy finish, allow us to introduce you to some stellar Maybelline New York products and pro application techniques that will win you over as a powder-wearer for life.
What is Pressed Powder & What Is it Used For?
Pressed powder is solid pigment or translucent powder that can be used to set makeup, helps to control shine, evens out discoloration, and more. Unlike loose powder, pressed powder typically comes in compact form and tends to be more pigmented, although there are all kinds of pressed powders to choose from. So if you prefer light, medium, or full coverage, there are plenty of options for you. The same goes for skin type– despite what you may have heard, all skin types can benefit from using a pressed powder.
If you’re accustomed to using mostly liquid products, don’t let that keep you from incorporating a pressed powder into your routine. Pressed powder is perfect for using on top of your liquid formulations in order to set and keep them in place.
If you’re accustomed to using mostly liquid products, don’t let that keep you from incorporating a pressed powder into your routine. Pressed powder is perfect for using on top of your liquid formulations in order to set and keep them in place.
Best Pressed Powder for Oily Skin
Most pressed powders are going to work well for someone with oily skin as powder is naturally absorbent, meaning it will sop up any excess oil. The Fit Me Matte + Poreless Powder, in particular, goes the extra mile and is formulated specifically for oily skin types. It packs blurring micro-powders to give the skin a poreless, matte finish that lasts all day, even on the greasiest skin.
Best Pressed Powder for Dry Skin
Using a pressed powder on dry skin may sound counterintuitive– and if you have dry skin, it’s likely you’ve been trained to avoid powder at all costs. However, not all pressed powders are the same. Case in point: this hybrid formula actually performs like a liquid, but feels like a lightweight powder, giving you the best of both worlds. Bonus: it’s sweat-, transfer-, and water-resistant and promises 24-hour wear, so you don’t have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day.
Best Pressed Powder for Mature Skin
Mature skin tends to be on the drier side, so the smooth powder formula of Super Stay Hybrid Foundation is going to be ideal for gliding over skin without pulling or tugging. And it leaves behind an even-toned complexion. Because it performs like a liquid, it will be more forgiving, won’t settle into fine lines or cake on more mature skin types.
Pressed Powder FAQs
If you prefer a dewier look, it’s going to be important to concentrate powder only in the areas where you don’t want any shine. The t-zone is still a great place to powder in this instance, but you’ll likely want to avoid the tops of the cheekbones so that that area can still reflect light in a natural way. If you don’t get super oily, but are using powder more to keep things in place, the under eyes are a good area to powder after using concealer to keep them from creasing.