Are you looking for an alternative to foundation? Or maybe you want lighter coverage for the summer? In this blog post, we’ll discuss whether or not you can use pressed powder alone for makeup. We’ll also share some tips on applying it for a smooth, natural finish. Keep reading to learn more!
Can You Use Setting Powder Without Makeup?
Setting powder can be a great option if you have good skin that doesn’t require a lot of coverage. It can be used alone without foundation to even out the skin tone and give you a smooth finish. Just remember that setting powders don’t offer much coverage, so if you have redness or blemishes, you may want to use a powder foundation instead.
Setting powders are available in pressed and loose powder formulas. Pressed powders are often more convenient because they come in a compact, while loose powders can be messy.
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How To Wear Pressed Powder Alone
Follow these tips for applying pressed powder without foundation:
Start With A Clean, Moisturized Face
When using pressed powder instead of foundation, it’s essential to prepare your skin first. Avoid applying the powder on dry skin, as this can lead to a cakey finish. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and moisturize by applying a lightweight moisturizer or face oil if you have dry skin. Avoid using a thick moisturizer, as it can make the powder harder to blend, and it might cause your makeup to look patchy during the day.
Apply A Smoothing Primer (Optional)
Use a smoothing primer if you have texture or large pores. Some powders can settle into big pores, so it’s essential to create a smooth canvas first.
People with oily skin might need a mattifying primer to help control shine and oil throughout the day.
If you are struggling to find a good primer, check our list of the best silicone-based primers.
If your makeup holds up well throughout the day, you can skip primers. However, they can help to create a smoother canvas for the powder.
Related: Setting Powder Vs Primer
Choose The Right Brush
Choosing the right tools to apply the setting powder depends on the coverage you want to achieve. Use a large, fluffy powder brush if you’re looking for very sheer coverage.
Use a big, dense brush like this kabuki brush if you want more coverage. Setting powders are not very pigmented, so applying them with a dense brush gives the skin more coverage.
You can also use a powder puff for heavier coverage.
Choose The Best Pressed Powder For Your Skin Type
Not all pressed powders are created equal. If you have oily skin, look for a mattifying powder containing oil-absorbing ingredients. These powders will help to control shine and oil throughout the day.
If you have dry skin, look for a lightweight powder that contains ingredients like glycerin. These powders will help lock in moisture and prevent the makeup from looking dry or cakey.
Apply The Powder Into The Skin
Dip the brush into the powder and tap off the excess. Apply the powder onto the skin in circular motions. Start from the center of your face and work your way out. Be sure to blend the powder well into your jawline and neck.
If you have oily skin, you might want to focus on areas where you tend to get oily or where your pores are more visible. The setting powder can also help control shine and oil throughout the day.
If you are using a powder puff, press it lightly into the skin instead of sweeping it across your face.
If you need more coverage on specific areas, dip your brush into the powder again and apply more to those areas.
Finish With A Setting Spray (optional)
To set the powder and help it last all day, finish with a light mist of setting spray. This will also help blend the powder into the skin for a natural finish.
I usually don’t use setting spray daily as most of them contain alcohol and can dry the skin. I only keep it for special occasions or when I know, I’ll be out all day and need my makeup to last.
There you have it! These are our tips for using pressed powder without foundation.
Now that you know how to wear pressed powder without foundation, let’s discover the best pressed powders you can use alone.
Best Powder To Use Without Foundation
If you’re looking for a pressed powder to use on its own, we recommend the following:
For Oily Skin: Maybelline Fit me MATTE + PORELESS POWDER
This pressed powder is ideal for oily skin as it mattifies the complexion and controls shine throughout the day. The powder is also very lightweight and buildable, so you can sheer it out or layer it up depending on your desired coverage. It has a lightweight formula that blends easily into the skin and doesn’t accentuate dry patches. It’s also very affordable and easy to find in most drugstores.
The only downside is that it might not be as long-lasting as some high-end powders, but it’s a great option to consider for the price.
For Oily Skin: Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder
This mineral-based powder is long-lasting. It’s slightly pigmented and also buildable, so you can sheer it out or layer it up depending on your desired coverage. It has a smooth formula that gives the skin a beautiful finish. It doesn’t look cakey or heavy, and it helps to control shine throughout the day.
The only downside is that it’s available in 6 shades which might not suit all skin tones.
For Dry Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder
This pressed powder is perfect for dry skin as it contains almond oil to help moisturize the skin. The powder is also very buildable, so you can sheer it out or layer it up depending on the coverage you need. It has some light-reflecting particles to give the skin a healthy glow. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles, and it blurs the skin beautifully. It’s expensive, but it’s 100% worth it. I like to apply it with a beauty blender for an added glow.
For Combination Skin: Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
This powder is perfect for combination skin as it sets makeup without looking cakey and doesn’t accentuate dry patches. The key is to apply a small amount and blend it well into the skin. It has a light-reflecting formula that gives the skin a healthy and natural glow.
The only downside is that it’s available in 4 shades which might not suit all skin tones.
For more suggestions, check out this list of the best drugstore powder foundations.
What Is The Difference Between Pressed Powder And Foundation?
Pressed powder and powder foundation both come in a compact or pan. The main difference between them is that powder foundations are more pigmented and provide more coverage.
Pressed powder is usually used to set makeup or control shine throughout the day. Powder foundation can be used as a light to medium coverage foundation.
When choosing a powder foundation, it’s essential to choose one that is the right shade for your skin tone.
As for setting powders, you can choose one that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone. Since setting powders are applied on top of liquid foundations, they can turn darker during the day, so it’s best to go one shade lighter.
Read More: Liquid Vs Powder Foundations
Do You Apply Setting Powder With Wet Or Dry Sponge?
Sponges are typically used wet as they help to blend the powder into the skin for a natural finish. When the sponge is damp, it helps the product melt into the skin for a natural look.
If you’re using a dry sponge, it might give the skin a more cakey finish.
When using a wet makeup sponge, make sure to squeeze out any excess water before using it on the face.
There are many makeup sponges on the market. The most popular ones are the Beauty Blender and the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge.
The Beauty Blender is an egg-shaped sponge that’s soft and bouncy. It helps to blend the product into the skin for a natural finish.
The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is a more affordable option. It’s slightly less soft than the Beauty Blender, and it also blends the product quickly into the skin for a flawless finish.
Remember that sponges need to be washed after every use to prevent bacteria from building up. They also need to be replaced every few months.
Final Thoughts
Pressed setting powders are usually used to set makeup or control shine throughout the day, and they can also be used as a light foundation.
If you have good skin that doesn’t need a lot of coverage, you can skip foundation and use a setting powder like this lightweight powder instead. Choose one that is the right shade for your skin tone and apply it with a dense brush all over your face to get a smooth finish.
Do you use pressed powder on its own? Let us know in the comments below!
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