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Powder is powder, right? Yes… And no. Powder itself, regardless of the format it comes in, does the same thing in that it sets makeup and stops it from slipping or budging from the face.
It is also extremely beneficial for anyone with oily prone skin, to help keep makeup from sliding all over the place. The overall finish of powder is also the same.
When it comes to loose powders and compact powders, however, there are some differences to take note of if you are looking to buy the right one for you.
But what are the differences and which one, loose or pressed, is best? If you are looking to find out what’s what in the world of powders, then listen up because we’ve got all the essential answers.
The main difference between compact powder and loose powder is the consistency. A compact powder is pressed into a compact holder and infused with oils, which gives it a heavier texture.
Pressed powder is almost like a combination between a very light foundation/concealer and setting powder.
This gives a compact powder a higher coverage than other forms of powders, which allows them to be built up with wear. As such, compact powders also tend to come in more shades than translucent loose powders, which make them perfect for light makeup days- either with foundation or even without.
Compact powders are fantastic for combination to dry skin as the oils help to keep the skin hydrated.
In contrast, loose powder is more of a fine dust in consistency. They also don’t come in various skin shades as they are usually translucent to set makeup in place without any leftover residue.
Loose powders are usually applied with a powder brush and dabbed onto the skin whereby they absorb any oils on the skin to prevent melting makeup. This makes them particularly good for those with oily skin who need shine control.
The translucence of the loose powder makes it especially good for anyone who wants a very natural, matte finish.
With all that in mind, it is clear to see that pressed powder has some versatility in that it can work alongside the foundation to set it in place and help build upon the coverage. For a basic or very natural look, however, the wearer can even swap their foundation out for pressed powder.
This makes pressed powder formulas a great option for anyone who wants slightly more from their powder, beyond just its setting capabilities. They’re also much better for anyone with drier skin.
Loose powder can become drying on the skin, and cause the powder to settle into fine lines. This in turn makes makeup look cracked and dehydrated. Choosing a pressed powder with some sort of oil infused into it can stop this from becoming an issue.
If you do have exceptionally dry skin, it is easy to dab a tiny amount of pressed powder onto the areas that need it most and avoid the areas that don’t. This should keep your skin looking much more even.
If we were to ask whether loose powders or compacts were better for mature skin 50, 60, or 70 years ago, we’d struggle to answer.
Back in the day, powders were pretty much talcum powder-based and were quite drying on the skin, which of course, settled into the fine lines and wrinkles of the skin.
Today, both loose powders and compact powders are great for mature skin, because of developments and the demand to create products that do better for skin of all ages.
A good translucent powder is great for mature skin because it helps to reflect light, giving the person wearing it a more radiant glow. Loose powders are likewise finer, so will not look as heavy on the skin.
When it comes down to deciding which product is better in general, both loose and pressed powders to have their advantages and work for various people in various ways, so ultimately it’s up to you! Trying out different powders can help you make the best decision for yourself.
If you want to make the right decision before spending money on different powders, the best way to decide is to think carefully about what you want from your powder.
Ask yourself, do you want mover coverage? Do you want a light translucent powder that will just set your makeup? If you want a richer finish, then perhaps a compact would be better for you.
Likewise, if you want a light-setting powder to finish off your makeup routine, then a loose powder may be the more appropriate choice.
If you ask us, our personal preference we’d have to say that translucent powders work beautifully on all skin tones and is the perfect accompaniment to have in your makeup bag right now, to give you an air-brushed and seamless finish or seal the deal with your foundation.
Whether you use loose or pressed powder, one thing’s for sure, you’re bound to get better out of your makeup. So if you are yet to add powder to your makeup routine, give it a go today and watch the mastery unfold.
