Pressed Powder or Loose Powder: Which Should You Choose?

Would you like a smooth, even complexion that looks soft and natural? To give your skin a flawless glow with a minimum of work, a powder is a good solution. Whether you wear it alone to reduce shine or wear it on top of your base make-up to cover small imperfections, powder is a must-have beauty accessory. When it comes time to select a powder, you have two main choices. Which one is better pressed powder or loose powder?

Why wear powder in the first place? Is it really necessary? If you have shiny, oily skin, some type of powder is important to reduce shine which can detract from an otherwise pretty complexion. If you have dry skin with fine lines and wrinkles, a light coat of powder can help to soften the effects of aging and give you a smoother, more even complexion. Plus, powder is so easy to apply. It’s a make-up product that can cover those less than attractive flaws you may not feel like showing the world.

The Advantages of Loose Powder

Loose powder is a great option to keep in your make-up drawer at home. Use a large, fluffy brush to put on a light layer after you apply your base make-up in the morning. Use the brush to gently remove any excess powder that lingers on your face before heading out the door. Loose powder is ideal for oily skin since it contains oil absorbing ingredients that can offset stubborn shine. If you want a more natural look, apply loose powder to the oilier t-zone only. Be sure to choose a loose powder that’s oil free to avoid problems with breakouts. If you want the illusion of glowing, younger-looking skin, look for loose powder formulations with mica to reflect the light beautifully. The biggest disadvantage to loose powder is the fact that it can be quite messy. This is not one you want to carry in your make-up case or purse.

The Advantages of Pressed Powder

While loose powder gives a smooth, even look to the skin and covers minor imperfections nicely, it tends to be messy. For this reason, it pays to invest in a good pressed powder you can use for touch-ups throughout the day. A pressed powder compact is easy to carry around without fear of destroying your pocketbook or spilling the powder all over your brand new outfit. If you have oily skin, a quick sweep with the pressed powder can quickly remove the telltale shine. For a softer, more natural look, apply pressed powder with a large, natural brush rather than the sponge that’s provided in the compact.

As you can see, there’s a place for both pressed powder and loose powder in your make-up collection. Working together, they give you a quick and convenient way to subtly enhance your complexion.