Mattifying and fixing, the powder is an essential part of our make-up rituals, especially in summer, where it is ideal for making make-up hold all day. Oily or dry skin, universal or colored, it is suitable for all skin types, as long as you choose the one suited to our problem. To help you find yours, check out the editorial staff's top 5 favorite face powders and our tips for using it well.
Compact or loose, which powder to trust?
The compact powder comes in a flat case, and is ideally applied with a sponge. If the latter is not provided in the box, rest assured, you will find it at a very reasonable price in perfumeries and even in supermarkets, among makeup accessories. It is also possible to apply it with a brush, where the effect will be lighter, but the powder consumption greater.
The compact powder is ideal for touch-ups during the day (it slips very easily into a bag), and adapts to all types of skin, even dry. If it sometimes has active care, there is very little fatty substance, because incompatible with the powder.
Loose powder is more volatile, but it does not mattify less. Thanks to the talc (or other absorbent active ingredient such as kaolin, silica, corn starch or mica) it contains, it has a greater mattifying power than the compact version. This is why it is preferred by oily skin types. It is sometimes sold with a powder puff, but among the range of application accessories available, the wide brush with natural bristles is ideal.
Compact or free, there are many powder enthusiasts. The transparent and nude side of the universal versions seduces even the man who seeks to tame the shine of his skin. Whatever your choice, there is no need to stock it, the product lasts a very long time and is not easily expired since it contains little water.
All you can do with a mattifying powder
Extend makeup hold
Free or compact, the powders fix makeup on the skin. They can be placed on top of foundation, concealer or corrector, tinted cream … to avoid too much loss of pigments over the hours. It can even help maintain a creamy blush, which will quickly trickle into the small streaks of the skin. Be careful during application not to be too generous, if you want to maintain a natural result.
Avoid shine
Foundation powders often contain very absorbent mineral powders such as talc or other materials such as kaolin, a clay that traps moisture (it is found for this reason in natural deodorants). It is thanks to these active ingredients that the foundation powder has a strong mattifying power on the skin. Also, it is practical in summer when the sun is strong and the skin tends to shine. You can apply it just after your moisturizer on skin without makeup, or on makeup. Depending on the nature of the skin, it is applied to the entire face, only to the T zone or even to the neckline if there are shine. If the skin is very oily, do not hesitate to use the sponge to make the powder mattify more. Some powders contain zinc. This trace element not only reduces shine, but also limits imperfections thanks to its purifying and healing power. It is sometimes necessary to make touch-ups during the day.
Hide visible pores
The powders have a very fine texture and form a very light film. They smooth the skin texture and hide raised imperfections such as pores or fine lines, which the sun tends to emphasize. Very soft, you can easily put powder near the eyes to set the concealer. On skin with fine lines, we favor formulas with moisturizing active ingredients. By smoothing the skin, the material will migrate less in the folds and the sun will reflect better on the face.
Matifying a lipstick
This is the little trick to transforming your iridescent lipstick into a matte version. After applying your classic rouge, place a fine paper tissue over your mouth to absorb the excess, then lightly tap the powder with a small flexible brush (for the eyes, for example). For an ultra natural finish, choose a colorless powder, which will adapt to any color of red and will not demarcate the skin.
Cleaner oily hair
This is the ultimate System D trick! If your hair is not very clean and you don't have a dry shampoo handy, apply some powder at the roots with your brush and let sit for a few minutes. Brush off the powder residue by brushing your hair, the excess sebum will be gone!
Editor's 5 favorite mattifying and transparent powders.
1. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Compact Powder
Our opinion: It was designed to be used on TV sets where the lighting does not forgive if the skin is blemished or the makeup is too intense. Fragrance-free, it is eye-catching with its unstoppable nude finish. The secret ? Instead of talc, the brand chose silica, which is more transparent and thin. There is also silky mica and silicone powders perfect for blurring imperfections, wrinkles or fine lines. It exists in 3 completely nude shades on the skin: white (for fair skin), banana and peach (for dark skin).
Ultra HD Compact Powder, Make Up For Ever.
2. Sephora Beauty Amplifier Smoothing Powder
Our opinion: This powder combines skincare and makeup effect brilliantly. It contains talc which mattifies the complexion and zinc which corrects imperfections. It smooths out irregularities in the complexion thanks to the presence of silicone. In short, it is perfect for oily skin. As a result, the skin of the face gains in luminosity, while neutralizing the shine. It is available in two colorless shades for light or darker skin.
Beauty Amplifier Smoothing Powder, Sephora.
3. Laura Mercier Translucent Power powder
Our opinion: Composed of the finest French talc possible and pearly pigments, this powder has a very luminous effect on the skin, despite its mattifying power. His secret boot? Corn starch. This ingredient absorbs water and oil on the skin. The very fine texture is incredibly soft to the touch and to the skin. The brand claims a 4:00 pm outfit on the skin and is invisible in the photos. This powder is available in 3 shades.
Translucent Loose Setting Powder, Laura Mercier.
4. Bourjois Java Rice Powder
Our opinion: This is the oldest product of the brand, but the formula has been updated to suit our daily needs. It gives a real pep to the skin thanks to the mica it contains, a mineral powder that brings light to the face. Rich in talc, it will particularly satisfy oily skin. Do you like powders with scents? You will be conquered by the scent of this powder which envelops the face in softness.
Java Rice powder, Bourjois.
5. Absolution Christophe Danchaud powder
Our opinion: With 99% of natural origin and composed of 40% organic ingredients, the brand offers here an ultra natural formula. True two in one, it is both makeup and skincare. In addition to silica, there is corn starch which mattifies and soothes irritation in its recipe. The powder is very comfortable thanks to the hydrating hyaluronic acid (good for dehydrated skin) and a mineral oil. Another skincare active ingredient, honokiol (from magnolia) guarantees antioxidant protection.
La Poudre Christophe Danchaud, Absolution.