Whats the difference between pressed powder and setting powder

Because the answer depends on so many factors, it's pretty much impossible to give a blanket statement about which kind of powder is better for everyone. And actually, what's best for you will probably change with the day. Let's start with loose powder and outline the situations that could make it the best choice.

Loose powder generally isn't used on its own -- you apply it after foundation, to set the makeup on your skin and make it last longer. It's finer than pressed powder, so it tends to settle into fine lines and wrinkles more easily than pressed powder does. Because it's finer, it contains less oil than pressed powder, so it's definitely the best choice for oily skin. For a sheer look, you apply it with a big, fluffy Kabuki brush; for more coverage, wrap a powder puff around your finger and press it into your skin, always paying more attention to your forehead, cheeks and chin.

Now, for pressed powder. One of its greatest advantages is portability -- even if you use loose powder over foundation, you don't want to carry it in your purse all day. A small compact of pressed powder is perfect for touchups during the day. It goes on heavier and has more oils than loose powder, which makes it easier to conceal blemishes and attain an even skin tone. For this reason it can get a little cakey on oily skin. And for a natural (but still made-up) look, you can't do better than pressed powder over liquid foundation.

So, here's our final, extremely noncommittal statement on the battle of loose vs. pressed: Go out and buy both! Unless you wear absolutely no face makeup, there will certainly come a time when you're in need of powder. If you get some of both, you're sure to be covered (pun intended) in any situation the cosmetics gods throw at you.

Check out the links below for more information about makeup.

  • Is natural mineral makeup better for your skin?
  • 5 Easy Ways to Coordinate Makeup Colors
  • How to Organize Makeup
  • 5 Steps to Applying Leg Makeup

Sources

  • Dogra, Aastha. "Pressed Powder vs. Loose Powder." Buzzle. Dec. 14, 2010. (Sept. 2, 2012) http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pressed-powder-vs-loose-powder.html
  • McEvoy, Trish. "What's Better: Loose or Pressed Powder?" Fitness. (Sept. 2, 2012) http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/beauty/makeup/foundation/whats-better-loose-or-pressed-powder/
  • Rivera, Jessica. "Loose Powder vs. Pressed Powder." Makeup by Rivera. Nov. 9, 2011. (Sept.2, 2012) http://www.makeupbyrivera.com/2011/11/loose-powder-vs-pressed-powder.html

Pressed powder versus loose powder…is there truly a difference? Is it a personal preference, or should you adhere to one over the other if you have a certain skin type? I broke down the pros and cons for both pressed and loose powder in the hopes that you can find the best method that works for you.

Pressed Powder:

Primarily used to set liquid foundation/concealer so that the makeup lasts longer and does not move around, or rub off of your skin.

Pressed powders can also be formed into foundations and used as a base for your entire makeup routine, or added to liquid foundation to build up coverage.

Most dry skin types prefer to use pressed powder over loose powder because pressed powders have more oils in them and can look “cakey” when applied on very oily skin types.

A little goes a long way with pressed powder, and you’ll achieve the best results by pressing the powder into your skin.

Loose Powder:

Also used to set liquid foundation/concealer so that makeup lasts longer and does not move around, or rub off of your skin. Typically used in the “baking” method of setting your foundation.

Loose powder is also used to help define contour lines - or create a “chiseled” makeup look. Loose powders can also be used to set heavy makeup looks, for these types of looks loose powder is applies with a powder puff.

Loose powders are more finely milled so they contain less oils, and are typically used on oily skin types to control the oil your face develops throughout the day.

Loose powder needs to be swept away after it has set on your skin - sweeping away extra product will help your foundation not look “powdery” or “cakey”.

The definitions above make it seem really easy to determine which powder type works best for you - you just determine your skin type and go from there. It’s that simple, right!? Wrong. There are many more factors that you need to consider when choosing if you would be better choosing loose powder over pressed powder:

How you apply powder:

How you apply powder can make or break your makeup look. More often than not, your makeup will look cakey if you apply too much powder, regardless of your skin type . If you prefer to apply your foundation with a sponge, you can definitely apply your powder with a sponge - just keep in mind that you need to gently press your powder into your skin, and not drag or rub the powder on your face. Rubbing or dragging powder on your face will only take away your foundation, and leave your complexion looking patchy and textured. If you prefer to apply your powder with a brush, make sure you dip your brush into powder, tap off the excess, or press the brush into pressed powder and tap away the excess and use the brush to press the powder into your skin. A little goes a long way with powder. A popular method of applying powder uses both a sponge and a brush. You dip your sponge into the powder, and begin pressing the powder into your face. Some people let the powder sit - this technique is called, “baking”. Essentially you are letting the powder seal your foundation so that the foundation doesn’t settle into any fine lines, smile lines or wrinkles. After applying the powder with the sponge and letting it sit, or “bake” on your skin, you would take a large fluffy brush and gently sweep away any excess product.

Whats the difference between pressed powder and setting powder

Personally, when I am applying powder to both myself and my clients, the brand makes a huge difference. Not all powders are created equal. It really depends on the artist when choosing powders - because what works for one person, may not work for another. My favorite powders are shown here; Laura Mercier Loose Powder, the Sephora MicroSmooth Pressed Powders, and the MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation pressed powder. Why is the brand so important? How finely milled the powder is, and what level of quality ingredients are used can really change how your makeup turns out. Typically, the more finely milled the powder is, the more natural it will look on your face - so I try to keep that in mind when choosing powders that work for me.

Whats the difference between pressed powder and setting powder

Sephora Microsmooth Pressed Powder - my FAVE pressed powder

Best Brushes for Powder Application

Brushes are another personal preference for most artists when applying powder. Due to sanitation requirements when applying makeup to other people, you need to have a separate set of brushes for each client. Why is this? Brushes can spread bacteria from one person to another. In my makeup kit for clients, I use loose powder that is placed on a freshly picked tissue. I do this so that my entire case of powder is not being compromised with bacteria, and then used on another client. You should never let a makeup artist apply makeup on your skin with previously used brushes. My favorite powder brushes differ depending on what product I am using. See my favorite brushes below:

Whats the difference between pressed powder and setting powder

Whats the difference between pressed powder and setting powder

Whats the difference between pressed powder and setting powder

MAC Cosmetics - 127 - Synthetic Split Fiber Face Brush - Loose Powder Brush - $35.00

Whats the difference between pressed powder and setting powder

Okay, so to wrap it up - here’s the deal. You need to limit the amount of powder you apply with your face because it can make your makeup look cakey, and no one wants that. Try out different powders, both loose and pressed to see which powders work best with your foundation/skin type. Have a favorite powder not mentioned here? Let us know below:

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Can Pressed Powder be used as setting powder?

Pressed powder can be used either over the foundation toset 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!

What is the point of pressed powder?

"It can set your makeup with a soft, natural finish, but can also be an on-the-go touch-up that allows for targeted treatment of combination skin.” Another pro of pressed powder is that it usually comes in a wide range of shades, while many loose powders are translucent.

What is the difference between powder and setting powder?

"It is often translucent and is used to blur pores, soften texture, and even give an overall glow to the skin." Basically, finishing powder is for looks, whereas setting powder helps you get more hours out of your concealer, foundation, and other face makeup.

Is setting powder and compact powder the same?

On the surface, they both seem pretty similar but they are definitely different... - Compact powder sit directly on the skin, therefore you have to be careful about how much you apply. Whereas setting powders melts into your skin, locking in your makeup.