Loose powders are a major multi- use product for me. As someone with oily skin, I heavily rely on them for oil absorption, but for a few other steps in my routine as well that I’ll talk about more below. Loose powders are some of the first products I ever tried when I started doing my makeup. I used to love the Covergirl ones, especially the Trublend luminous bronzing powders that are now discontinued. I used to pack that on as foundation in the early years of high school. I’d LOVE to find a replacement for that shimmery loose bronzer, even if just for nostalgic purposes. Anyway, here’s what’s currently in my collection.
RCMA / If I could only pick one, I’d have to go with RCMA. It can set my foundation, carve out contour, bake my under eyes, and matte up my face as a last step. I always use this when I do other people’s makeup because it won’t give flashback and works well for all skin types.
Coty Airspun / A true classic- cheap and works. It can give flashback, so it’s best for everyday wear rather than special occasions where pictures are being taken.
Maybelline Fit Me / Another “everyday” powder rather than one for photography. I use the shade 20 to set my foundation, and 05 to bake my under eyes while I apply bronzer and blush.
Lancome Absolue Golden powder / This was bought after Jaclyn Hill convinced me that I needed it a few years back. (She’s literally such a good salesman!) It’s pretty much a loose highlighter in a pinky peach shade. If you’re really dry it would be gorgeous as a finishing powder. I prefer to use this to set my primer before applying super matte foundations. While I love the staying powder of a matte foundation, I don’t want to look flat. Setting primer is my favorite way of making my foundation even more long lasting, and this shimmering one gives me the perfect amount of glow. Think of it like Mac Strobe cream for wearing under foundation, but in powder form.
Makeup Revolution / I like the lace shade to bake my under eyes with- it’s brightening, but not full coverage. I also have a similar pink one by Ben Nye that I bought it after watching Natalie Halcro’s makeup tutorial.
Too Faced Peach Perfect / I use this powder after I’m completely done with my makeup to pretty much give a blur filter to my face. It makes my undereyes look smoothed out and non- cakey, and my forehead less blotchy or wrinkled.
Fenty Butter / This is actually one that I don’t own, but that I’m yearning to buy ASAP! Just waiting to get my coupon in my inbox before I go out and buy it. Not sure if I mentioned this, but my Sephora status dropped from Rouge that I’ve had the past few years, down to VIB. Shows how much I’ve cut back on high end makeup, switched over to Ulta, and am buying drugstore so often. Only negative to it is not getting that 20% off Rouge coupon! Post publishing update: Bought it, love it!
Urban Decay Velvetizer / If you’re oily, this is a secret weapon for the ultimate mattifying powder.
To apply these, I use the Sephora Collection #49 for under eyes, the Morphe M406 for all over my face, & the Sonia Kashuk sponges damp when I’m baking. I’d love to hear about your favorite loose powders in the comments or on my Instagram.
-Kim
@kimandmakeup IG