Powder 101

It's time to continue my Makeup 101 Series! Basically, it does exactly as it says on the tin - I share my own personal tips, tricks and advice makeup-wise, with each post dedicated to each step of your makeup routine! As we've established already I'm going chronologically (if you were doing your Face first, not your Eyes) and so, it's time to talk all things Powder...

• Loose VS Pressed... Before getting properly started on the whole powder thang, it's time to determine whether you need/want a pressed or loose variation. Pressed are typically a little quicker and easier to use, whilst loose powders can be a little more fiddly (though I kinda feel like with practice, they can be equally as quick and easy to employ). Pressed powders are usually used to generally set the face all over, whilst the loose variety is more seen in regards to 'baking' - which we'll touch on more a little later. Basically they're slightly different and so, you need to determine just what you want a powder for - and then you should have a better idea of which to opt for.
• Colour/Coverage? The next thing you need to consider is the actual formulation of the powder itself. Both loose and pressed powders come in a variety of shades and set-ups. You can get your typical Translucent (which is always my personal preference across the board, powder-wise) but then you can usually find a tonne of other, 'proper' colours too. Something more pink or yellow-toned (depending on your skin tone) will really help to brighten if using under the eyes to set or 'bake', a fully white powder will be a fairest of fair's best friend, whilst something a little deeper and richer will of course be a perfect match for all you deeper guys and gals out there!
• Application. Typically, you'll find it best to apply a pressed powder with a brush - whether that be a larger one for a general dusting all-over the face, or a smaller one for more detailed setting of specific areas or places you want a more dense application. However, I have sometimes in the past taken a smaller dry sponge into my pressed powder and used that for smaller areas too and find that method to work pretty well too. I'd just suggest you perhaps use a smaller sponge and make sure your sponge is completely dry aswell!
• Let's talk baking... Ah - baking, baking, baking! The technique I only heard of a few years ago and instantly tried out for myself. And you know what? I've been a bit of a convert ever since. I still love a pressed powder for overall setting my face (and on my quick or  more 'simple' makeup days, I still rely on that only) but most of the time - I'll likely do a bit of baking! I have touched on this method a few times in other posts, but basically, 'baking' is where you'll apply a layer of loose powder using a slightly dampened sponge, leave it to 'bake' for a minute or so, swipe off the excess and you're done! Baking is great for brightening, so is particularly good for the under-eye area; or for really locking areas into place so they remain crease-free all day or night long - again great for that sometimes-stubborn under eye area that can crease up, even when you've set them 'normally'. The way it really sets things down also makes it great for areas such as smile lines  - another personal favourite of mine for this technique - that can still poke through after a while when just set as normal. Baking can even be used as a kind of makeup 'eraser' - using the powder on the angled edge of your sponge to clean up the outer edge of your eyeshadow can be a godsend for if you've already got your base on and can't properly clean things up. Simply leave it to work its magic and swipe away and you should be all good again!
• Flashback! Finally, one thing I do want to 'warn' you all of - the dreaded flashback. I think a lot of people are aware of this issue by now, but if you're not - be careful! Mainly for if you're using loose powders, always test them out before going out - especially if it's to a special event, occasion and even more so if there's going to be flash photography! Test out the powder beforehand and take a quick flash photo on your phone to see if it creates 'flashback' - a.k.a. a white cast that will appear on your face, mainly in the areas you've used the offending powder. Usually, if a powder contains light-reflecting ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide - the powder will create flashback. Of course this is mostly an issue when there's flash photography involved so I'd suggest perhaps either avoid powders containing certain ingredients for those occasions - and always make sure your test it out before you use it for an important event!