Beginner’s Makeup Guide: What’s The Difference Between Pressed Powder (Powder Foundation) and Loose Powder

Here’s the blog post you need to read to understand the difference between pressed powder (also known as powder foundation) and loose powder and the best way to use each one. The reason it’s important to know the difference and how to use each product because it can have an impact on the way your skin and makeup looks and how long it lasts too.

The easiest way to tell the difference is in the name of the product itself. Pressed powders are “pressed” in their packaging whereas loose powder sits “loose”.

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Now let’s get to the nitty gritty.

Pressed powder is also known as powder foundation because it has a colour — just like a liquid foundation — when applied to the face. In theory pressed powders are designed as the powder form of foundation, so the texture of the powder is slightly denser than loose powder to adhere better to the skin. Pressed powder is packaged in a compact and applied using a flat makeup sponge (instead of a brush) because it is better for packing on the product on the skin.

Loose powder is very finely milled compared to pressed powder and packaged in tubs with a sifter. It usually has no — or has a translucent — colour, which means when it is applied to the skin it has no colour so the makeup applied below is visible with an invisible veil of loose powder to hold the makeup in place. The texture is extremely fine because it is used to set cream and liquid makeup without adding any extra colour or thick powdery layers. Loose powder is applied with a large and/or medium — depending on the area of the face — fluffy powder brush to achieve a light, airbrushed effect across the skin.

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In my opinion, the easiest way to see and feel the difference between pressed powder and loose powder is to apply concealer under the eyes and set one side with pressed powder and the other with loose powder. What you will see is the eye with pressed powder will look slightly a bit more “cakey” and the colour of the concealer changes. With loose powder the end result is very light airbrushed looking skin and the colour of the concealer remains the same. That’s why it’s important to know how, when and where to use pressed powder and loose powder on the skin.

I like using pressed powder whenever I am out or on-the-go for touch ups and blotting away oiliness. I find using pressed powder as a foundation doesn’t work in humid climates because it melts off pretty quickly. Of course, for things like running errands and going for walks a powder foundation is also a great option to get even-looking skin instantly. But when I do a full face of makeup I prefer to do my full base — foundation and concealer — with liquid products and then use loose powder with a large fluffy brush to set everything. The great thing about loose powder is that even if you get carried away, you can easily always dust the excess off. It’s designed to be used this way. And then I will go on top with powder bronzer and blush to complete my makeup. I find that my makeup looks fresher and lasts longer by using this method and it works well in warm / humid climates.