Pressed and setting powder are both readily available, and they both have pros and cons. However, because they’re so similar, it leaves most people wondering do you use pressed powder and setting powder? We’ll cover everything you need to know.
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What Is Pressed Powder?
Pressed powder is a finely milled powder that helps your makeup last longer. It is known to control excess sebum production, providing a mattifying finish. Pressed powder can create a slight blurring effect. It is available in white, which allows for a precise application, as well as tinted formulas.
The key difference between pressed and loose powders lies in the formula. Pressed powder contains additional binding agents that keep it together in the compact, which can include various binding ingredients like oils. Over time, these ingredients may break down, resulting in a shorter shelf life when compared to loose powder.
Pros Vs. Cons
Easily Portable
Pressed powder is easy to apply on the go. It usually comes in a compact with a mirror and a lightweight applicator, so you can pat your face to help control sweat while you’re away from home.
Great For Oil Control
Pressed powder first made a splash in the beauty industry to help control shine and oil throughout the day. The finely milled formula can absorb excess oil without caking. Its portability makes it ideal for hot, humid weather.
Creates An Even Look For Your Makeup
Pressed powder can help create an even look, ensuring your makeup doesn’t look patchy as the day progresses. It’s a great way to make a flawless finish before leaving the house.
Blurs Imperfections
Specific formulas are carefully curated to have a slight blurring effect. Powder can help minimize the appearance of pores and things like smile lines. However, it doesn’t compare to the blurring effect of loose powder.
Sets Makeup
Pressed powder can help set makeup to make it last longer. It can also make your makeup transfer-proof, ideal for large concealing jobs, such as covering up tattoos.
Coverage
Pressed powder is excellent as a final step in the makeup process. The tinted formulas provide additional coverage compared to loose powder formulas.
Application
Use a patting method and the provided applicator to apply the powder to your face. The application should be lightweight, leaving room for touch-ups throughout the day.
You can also use a fluffy brush to apply pressed powder only in areas where you need it. This is an excellent application method to ensure you don’t apply too much or waste product. Once you’re done, a significant amount of powder is usually left on the applicator. The brush can sweep away excess powder once you’re finished.
It’s easy to accidentally apply too much pressed powder, especially if used throughout the day. To avoid caking, it’s crucial to always use the least amount possible.
What Is Loose Setting Powder?
Loose powder, or setting powder, is a finely milled powder usually made from other cosmetic ingredients. It can help lock your look in place, control oil, and is available in various shades and tints. Loose setting powder can help blur or conceal imperfections.
Pros Vs. Cons
Durability
Loose setting powder is well-known for being durable and long-lasting. You don’t have to worry about the pwoder cracking when you toss it in your bag. It is also known to have a long shelf life.
Harder Application On The Go
It’s a little too easy to apply too much loose setting powder accidentally. Applying loose powder requires a fluffy brush to wipe away excess powder, which can be challenging.
Sets Makeup
Loose setting powder can help set makeup easily. It’s essential for specific techniques, such as baking makeup, which requires a lot of powder. Like pressed powder, it can make your makeup transfer-proof.
More Colors Available
As loose setting powder has become more popular, more brands have created comprehensive lines of setting powder to provide every color you may need, including pink, purple, translucent, green, banana, and more.
More Diverse Formulas
All setting powder, including loose powder, can help mattify the skin. However, loose setting powder is also available in hydrating formulas to give you the same benefits while working well for dry skin. It has additional ingredients to boost the blurring effect for a soft-focus finish. Many powders contain additional skincare ingredients, such as anti-aging ingredients.
Blurring Effect
The one place where loose setting powder tends to outshine pressed powder is the blurring effect. A few pats of purple setting powder in the right places can make smile lines disappear, especially in front of the camera. You can quickly minimize pores and make imperfections vanish.
Application
There are various ways to apply loose-setting powder. Using a powder puff, gently pat loose-setting powder over the entire face. Then, dust a fluffy brush along the face to remove excess powder.
Baking made waves throughout the beauty industry and remains a popular makeup application method. Apply a generous amount of setting powder to any area you want to illuminate. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then remove excess powder with a fluffy brush.
Loose setting powders can also help cream products grip better. For a lasting look, use loose setting powder after applying foundation and before applying other products like cream blush or bronzer.
Choosing The Right Powder
Anyone can wear pressed or loose setting powder. Both powders are available in formulas for various skin types and can help set makeup. However, several things must be considered to ensure you get the right powder for your look.
Consider Ingredients
People with dry skin should opt for products with hydrating ingredients and hyaluronic acid to keep their skin hydrated. However, those with oily skin should avoid products with oil. Checking ingredient lists on pressed powder is crucial because these products are more likely to have oil in them.
Pressed Powder For Portability
Those who want to take powder with them on the go or need a powder to mattify skin throughout the day should opt for pressed powder. Pressed powder is easier to apply while on the go and can be applied while sitting in a traffic jam without making a mess.
Loose Powder For Blurring
Loose powder is the ideal solution to blur imperfections. It can magically make pores and smile lines vanish for a flawless finish. Tinted formulas can help neutralize uneven skin tones.
Pressed Powder For Coverage
Pressed powder is excellent for coverage. Sometimes, loose setting powder can help you neutralize an uneven skin tone. However, that may not be enough to create a flawless, even complexion. If that sounds familiar, you need a pressed powder that provides more coverage.
Loose Powder For A Luminous Finish
Loose powder tends to achieve a luminous or dewy finish, while pressed powder is better for mattifying. Always consider the look you want to create and select products that help you achieve the desired effect. People who prefer a luminous finish tend to see better results with a loose setting powder.
Should You Wear Them Both
Pressed and loose setting powders set makeup, so you don’t need both. There are several benefits to wearing loose and pressed powder. You can use loose setting powder to blur fine lines and imperfections. Then, utilize pressed powder for coverage or to blot away oil throughout the day.
Many people also use them for different steps in the application process. Loose setting powder can be used after foundation to make it transfer-proof, blur lines, and minimize pores. It also provides a smooth base for further steps, such as blush application. Then, use pressed powder as a finishing powder.
Our Favorites
Your favorite brands all offer pressed or loose setting powder. You’ll discover a world of colors, finishes, and every shade you can imagine available to get the look you want, whether it’s minimizing imperfections or hydrating mature skin.
Filter Finish Radiant Setting Powder
Laura Geller brings you the best of both worlds with this compact. It combines various colors to help create a radiant finish that blurs imperfections for a flawless appearance. Laura Geller makeup is well-known for being formulated to help mature skin, so you don’t have to worry about products settling into fine lines. Instead, they help conceal imperfections. It helps brighten, neutralize, and correct imperfections.
Why You’ll Love It
- Filter finish
- Blurring effect
- Portable compact
- Easy application
Milani Conceal + Perfect Powder
This powder offers everything you love in a pressed setting powder. The tinted formula is buildable, so you don’t have to worry about a white cast if you need touch-ups throughout the day. The mattifying powder helps control shine throughout the day, while nourishing ingredients keep your skin healthy.
Why You’ll Love It
- Buildable
- Inclusive shade range
- Convenient compact
- Nourishing
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