There is a dilemma that most of us are faced with when you live in a tropical country like India. And I don’t mean the kind about the kind of transportation to take to work etc. I mean of the makeup kind. When you want coverage but don’t want to sweat your foundation off, what do you do? You turn to powder foundations and I am here to make a case for it. Since I got my hands on my first M.A.C Studio Fix Compact (and my four re-purchases after that), I haven’t been able to put this powder foundation down. For the record, I don’t have oily skin. In fact, I have desert-dry skin which drinks up products for hydration. I do get where you’re coming from though because when I pitched this article to my beauty editor, she too looked at me with intrigue.
I get that it is an unpopular opinion. I tend to gravitate towards powder foundations and I am recounting my journey to getting to this point where I am absolutely convinced about the the supremacy of these.
I save my full-coverage liquid foundation for the weekends. For daily use, a sheer liquid foundation tends to exaggerate the appearance of my flaky skin underneath. And after many experiments which involved extreme prep, ice baths and what not, I have now pinned down the routine I need to follow. I prep my skin follow it up with a powder foundation and I have a smooth airbrushed base. To take this conversation forward, I spoke to Shradha Luthra of Doll You Up By S (who was the makeup artist of Alanna Pandey) and Naima Rahimtulla of Maleeha Loves to see what the experts have to say.
Powder Or Liquid Foundation?
When it comes to foundation, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. But when it comes to professionals, powder foundations are not their first choice. “Personally, I don’t tend to reach for it as much because I like to have a natural-looking skin finish, and powder foundations have the tendency to look too powdery or cakey on the skin. Liquid foundations tend to be lighter, provide more coverage, and offer a wider range of shades to choose from, making it easier to find the perfect match for your skin tone,” says Shradha.
She also goes on to explain that the powder formula is known to absorb excess oil and provide a matte finish, making it an excellent option for those with oily skin. “I think powder foundation can be a great option for specific skin types, but for me, I tend to gravitate towards liquid or cream foundations for a more natural-looking finish,” adds Shradha.
Supporting it, Naima says, “Powder foundations are not always my first preference but it’s highly recommended for people with extremely oily skin as they quickly mattify the base avoiding too many layers.” However, she also adds that she prefers using the right amount of compact or setting powder to set the liquid foundation depending on how much coverage is needed.
Skin Prep Before Powder Foundation
For professionals, clearly, liquids are winning. But allow me to make a point. To get powder foundation to work for you, apply a generous amount of moisturiser and a dewy sunscreen. This is what I do. Post which, I go in with my liquid blush. Only then can I expose my now not-so-dry skin to my powder foundation of choice.
I asked Shradha and Naima what their skin prep steps are. “With powder foundations, it is crucial to prep your skin with a heavy-duty moisturiser to ensure your skin is hydrated and nourished. The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream or the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre are some great options for heavy-duty moisturisers. Next, apply a primer that helps create a smooth and even base for your makeup. A good primer is a must as it adds more hydration to your skin, making it look fresh and plump,” says Shradha.
Naima also recommends using a setting spray all over the face to lock in moisture and set your base. “Any kind of skin type requires prep before starting makeup. The 4 most important steps are CTMS- cleanser, toner, moisturiser & sunscreen,” she explains.
Layering Powder Foundation With Other Products
The question on everyone’s minds is about layering liquid products with powder foundations. “When it comes to layering powder foundations with other products, it’s essential to start with a well-prepped and primed base,” says Shradha.
Personally, I find using hydrating primers infused with Hyaluronic Acid before going in with my powder foundation does wonders for my base. Layering a powder foundation on top of cream products gives your skin the hydration it needs along with the powder’s airbrushed finish. “If you’re looking for full coverage, you can start with your liquid foundation, apply your concealer to any areas that need extra coverage, and then set everything with a layer of powder foundation. This technique not only gives you full coverage but also helps your makeup last longer throughout the day,” says Shradha.
If you are looking for options to use that give your the coverage you need, we picked out some options.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Powder Foundation
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This TikTok favourite is also Naima Rahimtulla’s favourite! She says, “My personal favourites are the Fenty beauty pro filter matte powder foundation and it’s dupe, the Lorèal Paris Infallible 25H Fresh Wear Powder Foundation.”
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish
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The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish is Shradha Luthra’s pick. “It is a great option, especially if you’re looking for a powder foundation that gives you a more natural, luminous finish. It is infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, rose wax, and algae extract, which help plump up your skin and give it a youthful glow,” she says. So it’s safe to say that powder foundations and us dry girls needn’t be enemies.
Colorbar 24hrs Wear Weightless Powder Foundation
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Colorbar’s 24Hrs Weightless Powder Foundation is a creamy blurring compact that is available in 16 shades. It is infused with a blend of ester oils and bamboo charcoal, preventing it from ever caking, flaking or fading. It also offers an SPF of 30, making for a great everyday powder foundation.
M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
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And of course, my vote goes to this one. The M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is a cult favourite for a reason. It provides a buildable, matte coverage that stays put all day. It comes in a wide range of shades, so you can find the perfect match for your skin tone.
