Loose Powder Compacts

The Multipurpose Powder

There was a time when loose powder was associated primarily with the theatre. Its ability to set makeup made it a popular and handy product for performers. It even came in useful for actors who were portraying older characters; often the powder was dusted on the hair to "color" it white.

Today, loose powder is just as popular in the mainstream market as it is under the bright lights of Broadway. Almost all cosmetic manufacturers offer this versatile product in their lineups. Loose powder is useful for a wide variety of purposes. Just take a look at what this seemingly innocuous product can do for your face:

• Brighten the complexion
• Provide a bronze glow
• Offer sheer, translucent coverage for foundation and concealer
• Disguise blemishes
• Conceal redness and other discolorations
• Visually minimize pores
• Control the production of oil
• Prolong the wear of makeup
• Protect the skin
• Highlight facial contours
• Minimize fine lines
• Highlight the forehead, nose, chin and décolleté
• Lend skin a velvety, suede-like finish
• Illuminate skin with a natural glow
• Nurture and soothe irritated skin

Of course, not all loose powders provide every single benefit listed here. Some are formulated specifically to impart a bronze glow to the skin, for example, while others are made especially for individuals with exceptionally oily skin. One trait they all share, however, is their ease of use. Virtually all loose powders are applied simply and efficiently with a powder brush or puff.

Some Loose Powder Tips

One wouldn't necessarily expect loose powder application to be rocket science – and it's definitely not. However, a few tips will make your application flawless!

• Release a small amount of powder through the sifter and into the lid. An easy way to do this is to shake the loose powder compact prior to removing the lid. A fair amount of powder will settle into the lid; this is the powder you will use for application.

• Swirl a large brush, like Smashbox's Powder Brush #1, over the powder. Make sure that you collect enough to cover the brush's head.

• Place the bottom of the brush handle on a hard surface, such as a vanity or bathroom counter, and tap down firmly once or twice. This will help the powder settle into the brush.

• Even though you've allowed some powder to settle into the brush, you'll want to get rid of the excess. Do this by tapping the brush head lightly on its side against the lid, or simply blow on it gently. Remember that too much powder will draw attention to fine lines and wrinkles. It is always best to use a bit less.

• Sweep loose powder on in a downward direction. Though it's tempting and probably more natural to dust the powder on in an up and down motion, resist the urge. Going against the grain of your facial hair will allow the powder to "highlight" the hair, essentially making it stand out. Even if it's very subtle, this is not a look most women want!

• Loose powder is a great alternative to foundation. Individuals with oily skin may prefer powder for its ability to soak up and prevent slick spots. Many powders are just as capable of evening out the skin tone and covering up imperfections as liquid foundations are.

Popular Loose Powder Compacts

The sheer number of loose powder compacts available today is mind-boggling. Here are a few of the most innovative versions currently on the market.

• Guerlain Meteorites Powder for the Face: It may not look like the traditional, finely milled loose powder that most people are familiar with, but its function is at least partially the same. Inside the eye-catching packaging is a collection of multicolored powder pearls, formulated to brighten and even the skin tone.
• MAC Cosmetics Blot Powder: One of the makeup industry's all-time favorites, MAC's Blot Powder is a must-have for anyone with a serious case of oiliness. This silky powder quickly diminishes oil and leaves behind a sheer, matte and completely natural finish.
• Estee Lauder Lucidity Translucent Loose Powder: Individuals with fine lines and wrinkles will benefit greatly from this sheer, airy powder. Special light-diffusing ingredients create a lit-from-within glow; this lends the skin a visibly smoother, more even look.