What is powder for?

Since ancient times, even skin tone has been considered a sign of aristocracy and health. The beauties of Hellas and Ancient Egypt used white lead or flour for this, but now there are more civilized methods of transformation - for example, powder. This is a cosmetic product that is used to even out the relief of the skin, give it a matte finish, and also fix makeup.

So what is powder? It is, as a rule, a powder: loose or pressed. Pressed is usually sold in a compact box, usually with a mirror on one side, and applied with a sponge or brush. Loose - already in a larger box, a kind of homemade version used in tandem with foundation.

One of the biggest advantages of pressed compact powder is its small size and versatility. If you need to quickly clean up, touch up makeup or remove oily sheen - a couple of strokes of the brush, and you look amazing again.

To apply powder, all you need is a brush or sponge, as well as a moisturizer - if desired, foundation, cream or BB-CC cream. It will be great if the powder or cream under it has sun protection - SPF, since the sun's rays do not affect the skin in the most pleasant way.

It is worth remembering that powder is a universal product. It is suitable for a light daytime make-up, and for an evening, so to speak, “to go out”. Primarily used as a finishing touch in makeup, however, it can also act as an inconspicuous accent. In the first case, we are talking about a full-fledged make-up - using foundation, blush, concealers / proofreaders, and even contouring. The situation is as follows - apply a moisturizer to pre-cleansed skin, then, if you need to mask skin imperfections, color concealers (they can be replaced with colored powder), a foundation or BB-CC cream.

To highlight the cheekbones, blush is used, carefully shaded, and only after all this is powder applied. With light patting movements in the case of a sponge or a couple of strokes with a round / beveled brush from the center of the face to the periphery. Such application of it will allow you to keep makeup for one and a half to two hours, prolong its durability, even out the tone and hide the remaining visible imperfections.

It is also worth remembering that a properly selected powder will protect the skin from ultraviolet rays and wind, and will give a matte finish. Using it, you can refresh your make-up at any time - for example, blot the T-zone with matting wipes in order to collect dirt and sebum, and then cover it with a thin layer of powder.

If we are talking about its solo application, then this will hide the uneven tone, enlarged pores and excessive shine. It will give a velvety and matte, powdery finish without excessive clutter of the face with cosmetics.

In ancient times, powder was made from rice or wheat flour, starch and lead, and before that there was whitewash at all. All this, of course, harmed the skin. Fortunately, modern powder is different from that terrible one - harmful components have long been replaced by more gentle ones. Thus, now virtually any powdered powder includes talc and zinc oxide - as a base, starch (from rice and maize, in a percentage of about ten to fifteen percent), useful clays and kaolin, vegetable flour (unlike its predecessors, it does not clog pores), flower oils and fruit extracts, silk proteins. Depending on the type - antibacterial and sunscreen components.

The higher the ingredient in the composition, the greater its content in the product. Thus, it is recommended to choose those powders where talc, kaolin or zinc oxide are in the first place.

Perfumes are made from organic oils or fragrances. As a rule, the smell of the powder is completely unobtrusive, so there are few fragrances in it.

However, in addition to the so-called "good" components, unscrupulous manufacturers can shove in the powder and not very useful ones. When choosing a powder, pay attention to a number of names:

• Liquid lanolin. It clogs pores, which provokes the separation of sebum and the appearance of acne.
• Mineral oil. This is not a vegetable base or essential oil, it is a refined petroleum product. The antioxidant, if used in low doses, however, clogs pores at high concentrations.
• Thimerosal. Allergic and toxic.
• propylene glycol. Leads to irritation of the mucous membrane (at a concentration of more than 50%)
• Benzophenone-3. Causes irritation.

After applying a liquid or cream foundation, professional makeup artists recommend using powder as the finishing touch. But before you buy this tool, you need to know about its varieties - in order to choose the right one. A little higher, we have already touched on the topic of compact and loose powder, let's take a closer look.

Loose powder visually evens out the skin tone and gives it a visible softness, velvety. Due to its size and not very easy to carry form (powder or balls), it is suitable for the home. It differs in that it prolongs makeup for a long time and protects against UV rays.

transparent suitable for those with oily or combination skin types who suffer from excessive sebum production, but do not have skin tone problems as such. It does not cover redness, but it gives a matte finish and helps hide pores. It has a so-called porcelain finish. As a rule, it contains talc or zinc - due to which it mattes.

Mineral powder differs from the usual one in its composition - it consists of a mineral powder. The skin with such a powder shines with a healthy glow, becomes smooth and silky, breathes.The composition of this product includes pearls and mica, but sometimes they are replaced with bismuth oxychloride - it is quite harmless, however, significantly reduces the properties of the powder.

Antibacterial non-pore-clogging powder helps fight obvious problems - acne and traces of them. It dries up inflammation and acts to eliminate them. In this way, an even tone can be obtained at the same time as the treatment. Suitable for people with problem skin and teenagers.

Suitable for normal or dry skin moisturizing cream powder. Its main advantage is giving a natural, healthy glow to young skin.

A separate topic is powder for washing. As a rule, they are enzymatic, they belong to varieties of Asian cosmetics. It is a powder that you need to either dilute with water for gentle washing, beat with it in the palms of your hands or with a special mesh for a deeper one. As a scrub, this powder should be applied to wet skin.

For front exits, you can use bronzers or highlighters in powder form. The former have a dark shade and are applied to the protruding parts of the face - the wings of the nose, the contour of the face, the lower part of the cheekbones. Highlighters, like shimmering / shimmering powder, give the tone a radiance - but more pronounced, unacceptable in everyday life.

For skin with pimples, spider veins, bruises or other imperfections, it will come in handy colored powder. Each color neutralizes a specific problem, for example green fights against redness, pink masks dark circles under the eyes, bruises, yellow hides blue and purple skin imperfections (wreaths of the corresponding color, for example), purple is great for masking age spots and freckles. In this case, the powder is applied to the areas that need to be corrected with the driving movements of the brush, and on top they are covered with a layer of transparent or skin-colored powder.

It can also be used in eye or lip makeup. Powder applied to the lips before lipstick will prolong its durability, and if you cover the eyelashes with a thin layer of this product before mascara, they will become lush and long. Sometimes powder is used as a base for shadows or gel eyeliner. It is best to use cosmetics from one company - for example, art deco.

It is used primarily to give the hair instant volume or to fix the hairstyle without gluing. The consistency is similar to the usual friable for the face or dry shampoo, applied from the roots to the middle of the length of the washed and dried curls. Owners of normal or oily hair type can easily use it.

Laying with powder is done five to six hours before the exit - so it will definitely fix itself, will not leave marks on clothes. However, those who have dry curls should remember that they cannot use this powder every day - because it tends to draw moisture from the hair structure. The same applies to brittle hair or those subject to frequent coloring.

There are also several types - fixing, to add volume, for painting or lightening.It is worth talking about the latter separately. Unlike paint, powder changes the color of curls without harming them. Often used at holidays or parties - when, for example, there is a desire to dye a couple of strands in a red or purple hue. It is applied immediately after a shower, and even then the hair is dried with a hair dryer without fail. Requires fixing varnish or spray.

Those who want to go from a burning brunette to a blonde, unfortunately, cannot bypass this remedy. It is the only one of its kind, used in tandem with an oxidizing agent and is able to bring out a yellow tint. You can not lighten up at home, it is better to trust a professional.

It will make you feel fresh, clean and smell good. The main ingredient is talc, which absorbs moisture and sweat well, prevents peeling, relieves itching and soothes any skin irritation. This remedy is ideal for people who are constantly on the move, prone to sweating, or live in hot or humid climates. Most often used by men for legs, armpits, arms, groin area.

Nail powder is used for powder manicure. It happens like this - the nail falls into a jar of colored powder, the excess is brushed off with a brush. Of course, a base coat is first applied to a clean nail plate, and after - top coat. Due to the texture and method of application, the color pigment is directly on the nail, the color looks saturated, and the coating is even and smooth.

Powder, like any skincare product, comes in different shades to match different skin tones. You can find a shade that suits you. This will help make the makeup look more natural—in fact, completely invisible. You may need two different shades of powder for summer and winter - darker for the sunny season (due to sunburn), and lighter for the cold.

In addition, some powders are sold in seemingly completely unnatural shades - pink, green, blue, and so on. This is done in order to hide the nuances of the skin. For example, a greenish tint will minimize redness, while purple will hide freckles and age spots.

There are certain details that you need to consider when choosing a powder. First of all, this is due to the packaging option. Loose powder looks softer and lighter, gives a more natural finish. However, it is not as portable as the pressed one and is more difficult to apply on the go. The pressed powder gives a more "finished" look, a velvety texture and can be a life saver for those who need frequent make-up adjustments throughout the day. Often it is chosen by owners of oily or combination / mixed skin.

For example, for washing. AHA&BHA Fruits Enzyme Powder Wash - Japanese enzyme powder with fruit acids in the composition with the effect of acid peeling.Unlike any other powders, it refers more to caring cosmetics than to decorative ones - as it is responsible for cleansing the skin. In addition, it brightens pigment spots and post-acne marks, blackheads, enhances regeneration and treats inflammation. Removes the stratum corneum. It costs decently - about 1000 rubles.

But it stands out from matting powders Bourjois Healthy Balance. Of the bright advantages, directly matting, smoothing the skin relief, evening out the tone. The tool is completely imperceptible on the skin and is not felt on it. What is rare for matting agents, does not emphasize peeling. The price is democratic - no more than 600 rubles.

Nail Gel Powder by SNS unique in its kind. Firstly, in addition to chemicals, calcium and vitamin E are included in the composition, secondly, a UV lamp is not needed to use this coating (although the durability is excellent - from four to six weeks), and thirdly, a huge palette of colors. The tool is also completely non-allergic and suitable for allergy sufferers and pregnant women. When using gel powder, you need to follow only a few important rules, the first is that your hands must be dry. The second is that the finger is dipped into a jar of gel powder only after degreasing and applying a base coat. If necessary, you can apply a second layer. Then a top coat is applied.

Powder Gehwol Med Foot powder refers to powders for the body, more precisely - for the legs. It allows you to keep your heels dry and soft, tender for a long time, which is especially important for ladies with an active lifestyle.In order to get rid of such a problem, all you need to do is rub a pinch of this miracle remedy on your feet in the morning. The result will not keep you waiting, and by the end of the summer you will be convinced that you have not rubbed yourself a single callus. It costs, taking into account the small consumption, quite normal - 1000 rubles per 100 grams.

To Max Factor Creme Puff it is worth taking a closer look at white-skinned beauties - thanks to a huge palette of colors, they will definitely find something to their liking. You should not pass by both dark-skinned women and owners of a peach hue. Has a sponge puff in the set. There is a blur effect - a natural glow of healthy skin. This is especially true for girls with dry or normal skin.

L'Oreal Alliance Perfect Highlighting Powder natural radiance was invented specifically for the strobing makeup technique. Strobing is a make-up technique opposite to contouring, which is based on highlighting areas of the face to give them volume. As a rule, these are the bridge of the nose, the bridge of the nose, cupid's bow (the dimple above the upper lip), the area under the eyebrows, the upper part of the cheekbones and the chin. Due to this, the skin looks more vibrant.

Highlighter from L'oreal is a box with three shades that can be combined with each other - one basic, the color of the skin, it is the most, the other is lighter, shiny, and the third, respectively, is darker and almost without sparkles. If desired, you can apply each shade to different zones - depending on what effect you want to achieve. You can use only the first - basic, or you can mix them all.

In any case, highlighter powder from L'Oreal Alliance Perfect resistant and does not slip off the face, gives it a delicate glow. However, the brush that comes with it in the kit is too hard - it is better to apply with your own or even your fingers. The cost is about 600 rubles.

Compact Flavored The Saem Saemmul Perfume BB Pact SPF25 PA++ - another representative of Korean cosmetics, ideal for snow whites. Available in two shades: 21 Pink Beige (pink undertone) and 23 Cover Beige (neutral). You can buy in Asian online stores within 800-1000 rubles. As already mentioned, flavored powder has a pleasant sweet and sour aroma, which, however, lasts on the skin for only about ten minutes at most.

Vivienne sabo Ideal Sublime - the very case when price does not mean quality. Powder from the mass market, which does an excellent job with enlarged pores and inflammation - due to tea tree ether. Also protects from the sun - SPF-15. Mattifies and does not clog into pores and wrinkles. It costs only something in the range of 200-400 rubles.

baked powder Pupa Luminys Baked Face Powder ideal for problematic skin, as it has amazing covering abilities - it covers acne marks and acne itself. Mattifies - about two to three hours, which may not be entirely suitable for oily skin. Boxes of 9 grams are enough for a year - it costs about 900 rubles.It is imperceptible on the skin, and the effect of a good foundation or BB cream is a real Photoshop for the skin.

Korean Loose Powder The Saem Saemmul Perfect Pore Powder. Very inexpensive - no more than 600 rubles in Korean MI. The composition includes birch sap, tea tree oil and extracts of green tea and camellia. The powder is loose so it is better to apply it with a brush.

Customers separately distinguish Korean and Japanese washing powders. They put them in the same place with Asian foams - and those, as you know, have amazing cleansing properties. The powder does not dry the skin, cleans "to a squeak", makes the skin soft and smooth. However, it is noted that it is impossible to use them daily - three times a week will be enough.

Thanks to such tools, it becomes possible to extend the durability of makeup up to two to three hours. However, before reapplying the powder, it is worth using matting wipes.

A shimmery, shimmering powder or powder highlighter is a substitute for heavy foundations with a shimmering effect for many girls, and some even use them instead of eyeshadow.

Manicure powder is an excellent alternative to shellac and gel polish, and even surpasses both of these options in durability. The girls note that even washing the dishes without gloves, they kept their manicure for three to four weeks without chips and cracks. The color is bright and saturated, the cost, of course, bites - in the cabin about 2000 rubles. But the durability and quality is worth the money.

Body powders allow you to prolong the feeling of freshness - they work much better than antiperspirants, they are completely imperceptible on the skin, and do not allow the skin to sweat. Indispensable in the summer.

You can learn how to choose your own powder tone from the video.