The fixing powder is used to keep the foundation intact, control the shine, reduce impurities and wrinkles. If you are not sure how to use it to achieve all these results, there are several tricks you can adopt to make the most of the product's benefits.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Choose a face powder
Step 1. Choose a loose powder for total yet light coverage
The fixing powders can be compact or loose powder. The latter contain very fine particles, which tend to be lighter on the skin. If you're going to use the powder to create a light, even setting layer, rather than as a second layer of foundation, get this variation.
Step 2. Choose a compact powder for touch-ups
Compact pressed powders are denser than loose powders. They are therefore excellent for making quick touch-ups during the day. However, you risk finding yourself with the so-called mask effect if you apply too much product. These powders also contain silicones and waxes that can irritate the skin, so better avoid them in case of sensitive skin.
Compact colored powders are an excellent alternative to liquid foundations for those with normal or dry skin
Step 3. Choose a translucent fixing powder to minimize shine
Translucent powders are great for combating the shiny effect caused by excess sebum that builds up on the skin. It is the right product for you if your goal is not to even out the complexion, but to improve the texture of the skin avoiding and decreasing the greasy effect.
This type of face powder is available in both loose and compact form and can be applied on foundation or directly on the skin
Step 4. If you want to even out the complexion, choose a colored fixing powder
Just like translucent powders, colored powders are also available in loose powder or compact versions and can be applied directly to the skin or foundation. In any case, the function of a colored powder is not only to fight the lucidity, but also to illuminate and even out the complexion.
Make sure you choose the right color when purchasing. If you have dry or normal skin, choose a powder that suits your complexion. If it is oily, choose a half tone or a lighter tone, as the powder oxidizes and darkens in contact with the sebum
Step 5. If you have oily skin, choose a powder that contains talc
The fixing powders are studied according to the various types of skin. If you have skin that tends to be oily, look for a product that has talc in the ingredients list. Talc has sebum-absorbing properties, so the powders that contain it are often the most suitable for enhancing and bringing benefits to greasy skin.
Step 6. If you have dry skin, choose a face powder that contains hyaluronic acid
Read the labels of various powders to find out if they have this ingredient. Therefore, opt for a product that contains it if you have a basically dry skin, as hyaluronic acid has moisturizing properties.
Step 7. If you have normal skin, choose a silica-based face powder
If your skin isn't particularly oily or dry, it may be the right product for you. Use silica powder to set makeup in order to achieve smooth, smooth skin. Even dry skin tends to respond well to this product, while it is not recommended in case of oily skin, because it can cause the formation of heaps on the epidermis.
Method 2 of 3: Apply the face powder
Step 1. To begin, apply foundation
If you want to use primer and concealer, or want to contour, be sure to take care of them right now. Blend all products well. Do not apply blush, highlighter, bronzer or eye makeup for now.
- Don't forget to wash your face and apply a moisturizer before you start wearing makeup.
- Once this step is complete, proceed immediately: the powder should be applied as long as the foundation is wet.
Step 2. Apply the powder with a sponge, puff or brush
Choose the applicator according to the desired result. If you want to abound with the setting powder for total coverage, opt for a sponge. If you have oily skin and want a matte and velvety finish, opt for a powder puff. Instead, for soft, glowing skin, apply it with a powder brush.
Step 3. Use an adequate amount of face powder
Your goal should be to apply enough to achieve a velvety finish, but not enough to be visible to the eye. To achieve this, be sure to evenly coat the applicator by dabbing it in the powder and then whipping it to remove excess.
- Apply only a thin layer of powder for a fresh and silky finish.
- Apply a little more if you have oily skin or want a matte finish.
Step 4. Focus on the T-zone as you apply the powder
To achieve a flawless and natural result, avoid the outer edges of the face, while applying most of the product on the T-zone, more precisely on the lower part of the forehead and along the bridge of the nose. This is where sebum tends to accumulate. Apply a light dusting of powder all over your face, then put a little more on the T-zone if necessary.
Pay attention to the hairline, as it can be difficult to remove powder from this area
Step 5. To keep the foundation intact, make a movement that allows you to press the applicator and turn it on itself
If you use a sponge or puff, resist the temptation to apply the powder by making large, circular movements. Instead, press it gently on your face and turn it on itself to avoid removing the foundation and concealer.
Brushes tend to favor a lighter application, so you shouldn't worry about using this type of applicator
Step 6. Wait for a minute or two before blending and smoothing your face with a soft bristled brush
After applying the powder, let it sit on the skin for a minute or two. This technique is called baking and allows the powder to set better. At this point, pass a brush with soft and thick bristles over the entire face, making circular movements to perfectly blend all the products you have applied.
Step 7. Finish wearing your makeup
Once you get a satisfactory result, you can complete the trick. You could apply blush, bronzer, highlighter, and eye makeup products that you may have decided to make.
You can also try applying some powder on the blush to blend it or tone down the color
Step 8. To make touches throughout the day, use a kabuki brush
Dab the kabuki brush into the pressed powder to touch up your makeup. This procedure should allow you to achieve light coverage, without applying large amounts of powder. Also, the kabuki brush should make it easier to apply the product while you are out and about.
Avoid retouching with the powder puff, as it tends to apply excessive amounts of product and not blend it well
Method 3 of 3: Alternative Uses of Fixing Powder
Step 1. Secure the eyeliner with translucent fixing powder
While liquid eyeliner can last all day, creamy-based pencils tend to run off as the hours go by. To keep it intact, apply a thin layer of translucent fixing powder to the eyeliner line with a thin brush.
If you want to outline the lower lashline, apply translucent setting powder before the eyeliner, then set the line with another layer of powder
Step 2. Use translucent setting powder to make matte lipstick last longer
Apply the lip liner and matte lipstick as usual. Dab it with a tissue to remove excess product and prevent lumps from forming. Dust a thin layer of powder on the lipstick with a special brush with soft bristles.
Avoid applying powder to shiny or glittery lipsticks, as it can cause them to clump or turn off the color
Step 3. Volumize thin lashes with mascara and translucent pressed powder
First apply a coat of mascara, then apply a thin layer of translucent setting powder with an eyeshadow brush. Proceed with a second coat of mascara.
Step 4. To get rid of eye shadow residue under the eyes, apply a thin layer of setting powder
Before using eyeshadow, eyeliner or mascara, apply a generous layer of powder to the area under the eyes and above the cheekbones. Once your eye makeup is complete, brush it off with a clean brush. Any residual eyeshadow fallen on the skin during application will adhere to the fixing powder, so that you can dust them off very easily.
It is usually recommended to use a translucent setting powder for this procedure, but you can also choose a colored one
Step 5. Combat the shiny effect on your eyelids using concealer and translucent face powder
If you have oily eyelids, apply concealer. Then, dust a thin layer of translucent setting powder with an eyeshadow brush. This should absorb excess oil and brighten your eyes.
Step 6. Replace dry shampoo with setting powder
Fixing powders are effective in absorbing excess sebum not only from the skin, but also from the hair. Basically, this is the function of dry shampoo. If you find that your hair is slightly greasy and you have run out of dry shampoo, sprinkle some translucent fixing powder on the roots.
- If you have light hair, use regular powder. If they are dark, use a bronze color to keep them from noticing.
- Comb your hair with your fingers to distribute the powder over the roots.
Step 7. Fight sweat or irritation affecting your hands and feet with translucent face powder
Apply it to the palms or soles of the feet to absorb excess sweat from these areas. If you are going to wear heels, first dust the setting powder on your feet with a brush or puff to prevent possible irritation.
Advice
- Fix the powder under the eyes and around the nose with an eyeshadow brush. You can also use it to fix the concealer on blemishes and pimples.
- Be careful not to confuse the finishing powder with the fixing powder. The first is optional and should be applied after the fixing powder to reduce wrinkles and fill pores.
- The excesses of translucent powder that are not blended well are visible under the camera flashes. When you're done wearing your makeup, take a flash photo to examine your makeup. If you see whitish patches on your face, then you need to blend it.
- Store the powder in a cool, dry place. Do not keep it in the bathroom, otherwise the humidity will cause the particles of the product to clot.
