Like many of you, I have been the victim of sales assistants at makeup counters that don’t want to take the time out or simply don’t know enough to explain the use of certain products. When I’ve asked the difference between loose and pressed powder, I’ve been told “oh, it’s just the consistency you prefer and what’s easier for you.” Ladies, this is not the case. Yes, ease of transportation and application is a vital point, but cosmetics companies would not waste time and energy finely milling powder into two different consistencies just because they are nice and want to give us a choice. There is more to the loose versus pressed decision.

Loose Powder:

- Used to initially set your makeup/foundation. Because of the fine particles, the loose version is made to melt into the skin rather than sit on top of it and to give your foundation a finished look.

- Consistency is very finely milled and fluffy like baby powder. Is not portable as most containers tend to leak, is better left at home.

- Because it is finally milled, loose powder looks more natural on the skin rather than the matte look from pressed powder.

- Contrary to popular belief, loose powder offers thicker coverage than pressed, as more amount of product can be picked up by your tools. The great thing about loose powder is that it is very buildable. Use a big, fluffy powder brush for sheer/light coverage, and a powder buff for heavier coverage.

Caution:
-    Some loose powders contain talc for oil control that may be drying for sensitive skins.
-    It is very easy to overdo it with loose powder. Applying more won’t prevent your face from greasing up later in the day if you have oil-prone skin. In this case, pressed powder is a good back up (see below).

LM Recommends:

Department Store: Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder (limited color choice but is translucent rather than colored so goes with many skin tones) $34 and Nars Loose Powder, also $34.

Drugstore: L’Oreal Translucide Naturally Luminous Loose Powder $11.99 and NYC Smooth Skin Loose Powder $2.99

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Pressed Powder:

- Used more for touchups and covering up any shine throughout the day rather than for initially setting makeup. Because the powder is compressed, less product is picked up by puff or brush, resulting in lighter coverage than loose powder.

- Not as finely milled as loose powder so results in a matte look. Great for ladies who are active and prone to shine.

- Very portable due to compressed consistency, usually comes with sponge and attached mirror for ease in application on the go

- If you wish to use pressed powder to set your makeup, it’s best to use a fluffy brush to buff into the skin rather than a sponge or puff that will absorb most of the pressed powder.

- When shine appears, first blot excess oil with a tissue and then apply pressed powder touchup, or result will be cakey.

Caution: Although pressed powder is more portable and generally costs less than loose powder, the product is less finely milled to be pressed into a cake and inserted into plastic packaging. This means oils and bonding ingredients like waxes are used to make the powder compact. Pressed powder, therefore, usually results in more clogged pores than loose powder. Also, most users place their dirty sponge right back into the compact after using it, which means more bacteria and breakouts.

LM Recommends:

Department Store: MAC Pressed Blot Powder $21 and Origins Silk Screen $24.50

Drugstore: Maybelline Dream Matte Powder $8.49 and L’Oreal True Match Powder $10.95

Remember: If you use a cream-to-powder or liquid-to-powder foundation you do not need a separate setting powder, only for touchups. Once you’ve chosen a consistency that’s right for you, make sure to find a color that is very close to your original skin tone or half a shade darker. Never go lighter! Powder isn’t just for setting makeup – foundation can make the skin seem lifeless, and powder can work to add a little warmth back into the face. Just make sure not to go too dark or orange – or you’ll end up looking like Paris Hilton, or worse, Lindsay Lohan. Not cute.