Beauty Tips - How to Use Face Powder

Over the years I've seen many magazine articles saying that face powder is old looking and not for a fresh, young face. And while it is indeed true that too much powder settling into wrinkles and dry spots magnifies imperfection, nothing else refines a complexion if used properly. Here are some things to keep in mind while you are buying and using face powder:

1) Find the right color powder for your complexion. If your face powder isn't the right shade for your face, it will look like you have dirt smudged on your face. You will likely have some hit or miss in finding the right shade, but in trying to figure out what shade you are, first consider, are you fair, medium, or dark skinned? That will winnow the choices down somewhat. From there, look at the undertone in your skin. Is it pink, peachy, or olive? In any given line of powders, you will probably end up with just two to decide between if you know those two aspects of your skin tone. If you're stumped, a few companies such as La Mer, Philosophy, and BareMineral's RareMinerals come in translucent or clear shades.

2) Find the right consistency. Some powders, such as T. LeClerc (a French brand used by models and makeup artists on actresses) are incredibly finely milled. They go on lightly and don't settle into wrinkles or dry spots. They can also be somewhat more expensive than drugstore varieties, so assess if you prefer a finer powder than what you find in the drugstore for the price differential. A very good mid-price range powder can be found in the MAC makeup line. There are a lot of choices too - there is a powder if you just want to control shine, one if you want to add a slight glow to your skin, mineral powders for more foundation-like coverage, sheer, and translucent powders.

3) Decide if you want to use pressed or loose powder. Pressed is obviously best for popping in your purse, and imparts more coverage. However, if you are looking for a light, refining look, use loose powder. Again, T. LeClerc and MAC offer great options of both kinds.

4) Use a brush instead of a puff. Oil gets trapped in puffs, which can change the consistency on the powder on your face. Brushes handle oil differently (especially natural hair brushes), and while they still need to be washed about once a week, they won't change the consistency or distribution of powder on your face. And a good powder brush (try a Kabuki Brush) gives a more natural appearance. You won't look like you are using powder - which is the point.

5) Use judiciously. You aren't try to look like you have powder on - you are trying to look like your skin is a better, less shiny version of itself. So don't pile it on your face in the first place, don't use it on dry or wrinkled spots (around the eyes, in the nasio-labial folds), and be careful when you are doing touch-ups during the day.

Powder can give your face a refined, pulled-together look. Follow the suggestions above and people will be noticing your great skin - not your powder.