Dec 20, 2021

Powder vs. Liquid Foundation: Which One You Need To Use

When it comes to foundation, which is better, powder or liquid formulations? The answer isn't always straightforward. These two common foundations both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Your skin type will play a large part in helping you decide which foundation is for you. You also have to determine the level of coverage and finish that you want. In the end, it comes down to personal preference.

We are going to give you some things to consider when choosing between the two. You will understand each of their merits and why some formulations work better for certain people.

Powder Foundation Benefits

Powder foundation is made from pigments and minerals and is a completely dry formulation. You can purchase it in a pressed or loose powder form. You have to buff the powder out over your skin using a powder foundation brush.

This type of foundation is best for achieving light to medium coverage. A thin layer can give you that "your-skin-but-better" look. You can accomplish a full coverage look with powder, but it can take extra work. Before applying, you have to start with dry skin, so remove excess oil and apply a mattifying primer.

Powder foundation works well for people with oily skin since the formula allows it to absorb oil throughout the day. It can keep your skin looking matte if you struggle with shininess. It also won't melt off your face on a hot day, so you don't have to worry if you sweat a little.

A mineral powder foundation can work well for people with sensitive skin. This type of foundation generally has fewer ingredients than a liquid formulation. Fewer chemicals and preservatives mean there is less of a chance the product will irritate the skin.

However, if you have dry skin, you may want to stay away from powder foundation. This formulation can cling to dry patches, plus it doesn't offer any added hydration. It can also look cakey when poorly applied.

Liquid Foundation Benefits

Liquid foundations are the most popular formulations. The base of this product is often water or a water-silicone mixture, which helps provide a streak-free finish. The other main ingredient is pigment, which evens out your skin tone.

You can find some liquid foundations with other ingredients like SPF or added moisturizer. Since it's a liquid, it's easy to mix in a number of different skincare products. Therefore, it's one of the best options when it comes to protecting your skin from the elements.

This foundation is also available in various coverage levels, ranging from sheer to full coverage. A light coverage foundation is comparable to a BB cream or tinted moisturizer in that it only contains a small amount of pigment. A full-coverage foundation is meant to hide all of your flaws. It has a high level of pigment that helps you create an even, blank canvas on which you can build the rest of your makeup look.

Most liquid foundations are buildable, allowing you to layer and customize your coverage as needed. For example, you can apply a thin layer of a medium to full coverage foundation to achieve a lighter coverage. Or you can apply several thin layers to get complete coverage with the same foundation.

This type of foundation can work with any skin type. People with oily skin can even use it. However, foundations that contain oil can cause oily skin types to break out. Therefore, finding an oil-free formulation that won't add more pore-clogging oils to your skin is essential.

HIDE Premium Foundation has an oil-free formula that offers medium to full coverage. It doesn't contain any harsh ingredients, so it works for everyone, even those with sensitive skin. It can cover all of your imperfections and won't slide off your face on a hot day, unlike other liquid foundations.

How To Choose a Foundation

Now that you know what powder and liquid foundation is let's go over the factors to consider when choosing a formulation. There are no strict rules you must follow, but there are a few parameters to keep in mind when looking for your perfect product.

Your Skin Type

We touched on oily and dry skin, but there are more than those two skin types. Combination skin is a mixture of oily and normal skin. You can use a powder foundation since it can help with oil control.

You can also use a combination of a liquid foundation with a powder foundation on top in oily spots. This technique will give you a full coverage appearance. However, if you have wrinkles or mature skin, you may want to avoid powders.

Powder can settle into your fine lines and wrinkles, so you may be better off using just liquid foundation. There are liquid formulations that work with all skin types, like HIDE Premium Foundation.

Think About Your Desired Coverage

While it's possible to achieve a full coverage look with powder and liquid foundations, a liquid formulation is better. It's much easier to build coverage with liquid than it is with powder. You can always sheer out liquid foundations if you want lighter coverage.

You can also use concealer if you need a little extra coverage. HIDE Premium Concealer is a liquid formulation that is highly pigmented. It can cover any imperfection. Plus, it's ultra-lightweight so that you can wear it all day with an undetectable finish.

Consider the Finish

You also need to consider the finish you want when selecting a foundation. Powder foundation can give you a matte to a natural finish. However, if you want a dewy finish, you'll be better off using a liquid foundation.

How To Apply Foundation

There are different techniques to consider when it comes to applying these foundations. You can't use the same process for both powder and liquid formulations. Let's go over how to use these foundations.

How To Apply Powder Foundation

The first step to applying powder foundation is cleansing your face to remove excess dirt or oil on your skin and applying a moisturizer. Allow the moisturizer to absorb into your skin completely. You want to start with a dry surface.

A typical foundation brush is not the best option for powder products. Instead, use a powder brush or even a blush brush to apply the foundation. Swirl the brush in the powder and tap off any excess. Then begin buffing the foundation in circular motions onto your face.

When blending, try to avoid bending the bristles. If you're bending the bristles, you're probably pressing too hard. When you don't use a light hand, you can end up with heavy caking.

How To Apply Liquid Foundation

You want to prep your skin the same way as you do with powder before application. It's not as important that your skin is dry before liquid foundation, but you do want to give your skincare products a minute to settle.

Next, take a liquid foundation brush or a damp makeup sponge and start blending out the makeup. You want to press the foundation gently into your skin if you're using a sponge. Avoid dragging the foundation around, as this will cause streaking and not give you an even finish.

The Foundation for You

The right option for you comes down to preference. You can experiment with both to see which foundation formulation you like best. However, an oil-free liquid foundation is a good place to start since it can work for everyone.