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When you want to tone down the shine on your skin or keep your makeup foundation in place, face powder is the go-to solution. Yet skin reacts better to loose or pressed powder, depending on your specific situation. Both types of powder have pros and cons, so the secret is to find out which one -- loose or pressed -- will work best for your skin type and lifestyle.
What is Pressed Powder?
Pressed powder is manufactured in a block. It's inserted into a compact for protection from breakage. The particles that make up the powder block are held together by a type of gum or other binding agent. To use, you swipe a powder puff over the pressed powder's surface and then pat it onto your face. Powder puffs should be washed or switched out frequently to keep nasty bacteria levels down.
What is Loose Powder?
Loose face powder doesn't contain any type of binding agents. Instead, the product -- in particle form -- is placed in a container. This type of powder comes in a variety of pigments from light to dark to provide coordinated color matching with foundation. Loose powders come in heavy finishes to give extra coverage or light translucent particles to allow the color of your foundation or skin to shine through. Some loose face powders even contain metallic properties that will give your skin a sparkling sheen that's perfect for evening events. You can dip a brush or a powder puff into a vat of loose powder and sweep the particles onto your face for even coverage.
Pressed Powder Applications
Pressed powders work well for touch-ups to squash the shine from oily skin. With a pat, pat, pat of your powder puff, you can restore your skin to a matte finish and be the envy of all you encounter. Pressed powder does a fab job of spot support, but doesn't fare so well if you need all-over coverage. Plus, avoid sharing your puff and powder with others unless you want to share germs and bacteria, too.
Loose Powder Applications
Loose powder applications include layering on top of foundation for a flawless finish. While translucent face powder can allow your natural skin color to shine, it often has a chalky effect on darker skin, so stick with powders that are brown, bronze or golden. If you're looking for extra coverage, opt for a loose face powder formula that contains titanium dioxide in a color that matches your foundation for stellar results.
