Fiona Stiles on Foundation Part 4: Powders

Fiona Stiles on Foundation part 4: powders

One of the most daunting makeup categories has to be foundation. No matter how many articles are written about finding just the right foundation, the questions and confusion never seem to stop. In Part 1, I covered Tinted Moisturizers, Luminizing and Dewy Liquid Foundations. In Part 2, I analyzed Full Coverage, Matte, and HD Liquid formulas. In Part 3, I looked at Creams. In this final installment, I'll be analyzing Powders.

Powder is a little tougher to manipulate than liquid, but it makes up for that drawback with its convenience. No worries about your compact being confiscated at the airport, or having it spill in your makeup bag. Plus, it's great for doing touch-ups though out the day. That said, if you have a lot of blemishes or problem areas to cover, this formula can be a little difficult to work with.

Take a deep breath..... and dive on in!

by Fiona Stiles

foundation pressed powder

When using a liquid foundation, using a concealer is easy because a creamy blends seamlessly with a creamy. With a powder foundation it can be a little tricky: you need to conceal first, set those areas with powder, and then apply the powder foundation on top of that. I think powder's an excellent formula for women with great skin already who just want a smooth, natural finish.

Fiona recommends:

1. MAC Studio Fix

2. Aveda Inner Light Mineral Dual Foundation

3. Bobbi Brown Illuminating Finish Powder Compact Foundation

foundation loose powders

I don't have a lot of experience with mineral foundations, but some women swear by them. I find them to have a bit of an ashy sheen, which I'm not crazy about, and I think they can accentuate larger pores. But like I said, the converts are true believers.