If
I had to choose between liquid and powder makeup, liquid would win
every time. My application skills are certainly above sub-par, but I
admittedly still struggle with wearing powder formulas that don’t leave
me looking gray or worse: flaky and straight-up ashy.
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It’s especially disheartening as someone who gets shiny at the drop
of a dime and could probably benefit from a powdery finish atop or mixed
in with foundation. So, if you’re struggling like me, ahead are three
expert-approved ways to apply powder makeup without looking too cakey
afterward.
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Mist and Moisturize
Millie Morales,
Garnier Celebrity Beauty Expert, recommends applying ample moisturizing
cream before putting on any type of makeup, regardless of your skin
type.
“When it comes to powder makeup, I always recommend using a little
more moisturizer, as it will help the skin not look so dry,” she says.
“I love applying it with a wet Beautyblender—so that the powder makeup melts with the skin and looks natural.”
She also likes to lock in the powder with a facial mist, like Mist & Fix or Garnier SkinActive Soothing Facial Mist with Rose Water. The latter is also a great option for hydrating the skin in between your moisturizer and foundation.
MORE: How to Wear Makeup Under Reading Glasses
Don’t Apply It Everywhere
Part of mastering powder makeup application is understanding that it
doesn’t need to go all over your face. L’Oreal Paris Celebrity Makeup
Artist Claudia Betancur says that the type of powder you use will depend on the area you’re treating.
“Under the eyes is ideal to use a very light translucent powder, such as L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Translucent Powder
because it has a silky texture that doesn’t absorb into the skin’s
moisture as other powders do,” she says. “This powder will also prevent
wrinkles from showing.”
She also says that the T-zone area is where we can apply a thicker
powder, while colored powders overall are the best choice since you can
match them to your skin tone to cover up veins or redness.
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Dust Before You Apply
Makeup artist Stephanie Flor is
also an advocate for moisturizing the skin beforehand, adding that you
should always dab the excess moisture with a tissue to make sure the
base isn’t overly wet. After that, a skin primer really helps, too,
since it creates another layer that powder can sit on instead of seeping
into pores or fine lines. But what will really prevent powder from
looking too heavy or dry is dusting the formula before it touches your
face.
“Many of us will grab powder directly onto our brushes and apply to
face. I highly suggest dusting off excess before applying. Also stick to
the T-zone for the most powder. Under the eyes should be lightly
dusted,” she said.
And since powder is frequently used in countries with high climate
levels, she emphasizes that it’s actually meant to last and hold makeup
in place…so we should never be afraid to wear it!
“My favorites are the ones like Clinique
that have SPF, which protects the skin while wearing them…The great
thing about powder is that you can touch it up. So using a hydrating
spray helps bring moisture back into the skin instantly.”
