Everything You Need To Know About Loose Translucent Powder, Powder Foundation, and Finishing Powder
Powder can make or break your makeup. So, here’s everything you need to know about loose translucent powder, pressed powder, and finishing powder and how to use each type of powder in a makeup routine.
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What is loose translucent powder?
Loose powder aka translucent powder is finely milled powder, which is loose. It has a translucent quality when applied, meaning it will blend into makeup seamlessly and add no other color. The main function of loose powder is to set makeup in place, control shine, and extend the wear time of makeup. The texture of loose powder is extremely fine to set cream and liquid makeup products without being cakey.
It’s important to note that translucent powders are available in different hues such as yellow, pink, and brown, for specific skin tones and uses.
- Translucent: light yellow hue for setting all over the face, suitable for light to medium skin tones
- Yellow Translucent Powder: used for medium to deep skin tones
- Pink / Purple Translucent Powder: used to brighten under the eyes (pink for light to medium skin and purple for medium to deep)
- Brown Translucent Powder: used for deep and dark skin tones
How to use loose translucent powder in a makeup routine
(Shade: Translucent)
After applying all liquid and cream products such as foundation, concealer, liquid blush, bronzer, or highlight, apply translucent loose powder all over the face with a large loose powder brush for an airbrushed finish. Follow with other powder products.
Tip: My favorite translucent powder is Laura Mercier Loose Powder in Translucent. It works amazingly on light to medium skin tones. It also performs very well in hot and humid climates. If you have deep or dark skin tones, try the Honey or Medium Deep shades.
What is powder foundation?
It is a foundation in powder form. Powder foundation is a type of pressed powder because it is pressed in solid form in a compact. The texture of the powder is thick with high pigmentation for effective coverage. Since it is used instead of a liquid foundation, you will notice that powder foundation has a wide shade range covering light, fair, medium, deep, and dark skin tones, while loose powder only has a few shades, as mentioned.
How to use powder foundation in a makeup routine
After concealer, apply powder foundation with a makeup sponge or loose powder brush for basic coverage and follow with other powder products such as blush, bronzer, etc.
What is finishing powder?
Finishing powder is the final step of makeup application to give the skin a smooth, airbrushed look. Some finishing powders also have light-reflecting properties for a subtle glow. If you’ve heard the term “soft-focus effect”, it refers to the effect of lightly dusting a finishing powder across the face. It can be in pressed or loose format.
Do I need all three?
Good news: Unless you’re a pro makeup artist, then no, you don’t need all three powders. I recommend having a powder foundation and a loose translucent powder in your makeup collection.
Powder foundation is great for doing makeup or touch-ups on the go or while traveling. It’s also a great way to speed up makeup routines. Liquid foundation requires setting with a powder, and you skip that step completely with powder foundation.
That said, translucent loose powder is necessary for setting liquid /cream foundations. Don’t use a powder foundation to do this- your makeup will look very cakey. Loose powder will also elevate your makeup application, help with shine control, and make it last longer. Tip: Most translucent loose powders can double up as finishing powders if you want to use them that way.
Tutorial: How to use powder foundation and loose powder in everyday makeup
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