The Pros and Cons of Powder vs. Liquid Foundation
Applying makeup foundation to your skin can be done in several ways, including using cream, liquid, powder, or gel. We can teach you which method is best for you, whether you are an experienced makeup user or new to the game.
There are two main types of foundation: liquid and powder. Liquid foundation is older, while powder is newer on the scene.
But which one should you use? It all comes down to your skin type and what you need from your foundation. Let’s break down each type by skin type to figure it out once and for all.
The Effect of Skin Type on Foundation Application
Beauty professionals typically categorize skin types into four different classes. Your “skin type” is how your complexion behaves naturally, without any products or treatments.
To determine yours, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and then wait 30 minutes. Take note of your skin’s condition during that time frame.
Normal
Achieving “normal” skin is difficult for most of us because we have skin that tends to be dry, oily, or a combination of both. Normal skin has an overall even texture and tone, feels smooth, and is comfortable to the touch.
Dry
Dry skin can feel tight, stretched, and itchy. It may also peel, flake, and feel chapped. You might experience dry skin seasonally or develop it as you age.
One reason our skin becomes drier as we get older is that our sebaceous glands produce less sebum.
Oily
If your skin feels slick or greasy when you touch it, chances are high that you have oily skin. This type of complexion may always look shiny and can also be more susceptible to breakouts.
The products we typically use to control oiliness, like oil-free cleansers, might actually do more harm than good. When we remove natural moisture from our skin, the sebaceous glands will automatically produce even more oil to make up for what was lost.
Oily skin needs special care, which is why some opt for the oil cleansing method. This technique relies on natural coconut oil to cleanse and dissolve away excess oils without drying out the skin.
Combination
If your face is dry in some areas and oily in others, you have combination skin, the most common type.
People with this condition usually have an oily T-zone with dry patches on their cheeks. However, by using natural ingredients, it’s easy to fix!
What Are the Key Points of Powder Foundation?
Although powder foundation usually consists of finely milled minerals, this does not guarantee that it is natural or good for your skin.
In fact, some of the most popular brands market their products as being full of mineral pigments without any sort of reference to cleanliness or skin-health.
Powdered Foundations for Every Skin Type
Powder foundation can be beneficial for oily skin types, as long as the powder foundation is high quality and contains at least one occlusive ingredient.
This allows the foundation to sit on top of the skin rather than being completely absorbed. A matte finish is ideal for normal and combination skin types, as it provides lightweight coverage that won’t clog pores.
Here Is a Quick Guide on How to Apply Powder Foundation
Powder foundation works best when applied with a brush. Depending on where you’re applying the foundation, you may want to use different brushes.
Use a large wedge-shaped brush, like for even coverage and easy blending so that lines and dark spots are less visible.
Everything You Need to Know About Liquid Foundation
Liquid foundation is a classic way to get high coverage makeup that is buildable and easy to use. Liquid foundation has ingredients that make it slide smoothly onto your skin, evening out skin tone and texture while blurring blemishes.
Liquid Foundation for Every Skin Type
Any skin type can use a liquid foundation; it all comes down to knowing which ingredients to look for. Many liquid foundations, for example, contain silicone. This synthetic ingredient dries out your skin barrier and causes dryness, worsening the condition of already-dry skin.
Mineral oils in liquid foundation can block pores and make oily skin oilier. The best option for all skin types is a silicone-free formula with plant-based oils. These oils work together with your skin to boost radiance and improve skin balance.
Here Is a Quick Guide on How to Apply Liquid Foundation
Have you ever applied too much liquid foundation, only to have it look cakey and create dark lines around your jawline or hair? To achieve a more natural application, professionals use beauty sponges.
The beauty sponge is an excellent choice for those looking for light-to-medium coverage.
Shaped like a fingerprint with a soft texture, this makeup sponge presses foundation into the skin without overdoing it. It also helps prevent the absorption of any product that has already been applied to the face, so no need to waste any valuable makeup!
Formulated with skincare ingredients, this liquid foundation is part skincare and part cosmetic. The 12 hours of water- and sweat-resistant coverage provide an easy blend, support for skin tone and texture, while keeping your skin’s natural moisture level balanced.
How Do Different Types of Foundation Compare?
It’s not that one type of foundation is better than the other, it really depends on your needs.
If You’re Looking For Full Coverage
If you want a full coverage liquid foundation that is buildable, that is the better choice for you. Usually, liquid foundation comes in different weights (medium to full coverage).
Additionally, if there are areas of your skin that need more concealing, you can apply extra layers of foundation without it being cakey.
If You’re Looking for Light Coverage
A powder foundation is much lighter in coverage than a liquid foundation, while still usually providing more coverage than even the most sheerliquid foundations.
Additionally, it’s easier to use powder on your skin because you can very precisely control how much product you’re using.
If You’re Looking for Natural Looks
If you want your makeup to look natural and weightless, go for a liquid foundation instead of powder.
Powder can give a natural finish too, but the more coverage you need, the more matte it will become. A lightweight liquid foundation is best if you’re going for dewy skin.
If You’re Looking For Long-Lasting Wear
Most formulas guarantee long-lasting wear, but it’s hard to find a powder foundation that can do the same.
Liquid foundation seeps into your skin and usually contains elements that help it stay put. If you use a primer in addition to your liquid foundation, you’ll get coverage that lasts even longer.
If you have oily skin, using a powder foundation can be difficult because you may need to reapply it frequently throughout the day. Applying powder on top of other makeup like blush and luminizer can also make touch-ups more challenging.
If You’re Looking For Buildability
The choice between powder and liquid foundation generally comes down to personal preference.
But it’s worth remembering that the more powder you use, the heavier and more matte your makeup will look. If a natural appearance is what you’re after, go with a buildable liquid foundation instead.
If You’re Looking for Easy Application
Powder foundation is a foolproof method to get perfect skin without any fuss; it’s simple to apply and smooths on evenly.
Liquid foundation doesn’t have to be messy or complicated either—check out our step-by-step guide that will show you how to apply liquid foundation like a pro!
Powder Provides Power While Liquid Brings Luxury
When it comes to choosing the best foundation for your skin, there are many factors to consider. But one of the most important things is understanding your skin type and what formula will work best with it.
Whether you prefer powder or liquid foundations (or both! ), there are benefits to each option. And when you find a product that is clean, green, and outperforms traditional cosmetic favorites.
