Face powder has been part of beauty rituals, treatments and routines for centuries. The ancient Egyptians, known for their love of make-up, already used powders made from crushed minerals to give their skin a smooth and even surface. Over the years the composition and application of face powder have evolved, but its primary purpose – bringing out the skin and setting make-up – has remained unchanged.
Face powders - types
Face powders are made in different formulations according to the purpose they are meant to serve. Whether you are looking for a natural glow, a matte finish or something in between, choosing the right type of powder for your skin type and the look you want is key. There are a great many powders on the market today and it can be hard to find your way among them. That is why we bring you a brief overview of the types of powder below, to make things easier for you.
Loose face powder
Loose powder is finely milled and usually comes in a jar with a sifter. It is used mainly to set liquid foundation and concealer, which gives make-up longer wear. Loose powder offers a natural, soft and matte look. It is ideal for use at home, because applying it on the go can be a little tricky. It is exactly the powder you may know from old films.
Pressed face powder
Pressed face powder is a more compact version of loose powder. It comes in solid form and is easier to carry with you for touch-ups during the day. This type of powder is suitable for keeping shine in check and evening out skin tone, and it gives more coverage than loose powder. Pressed powder is wonderful especially if you prefer a more convenient application during the day, wherever you happen to be.
Mineral powder
Mineral powder is a natural alternative to traditional face powders. It is made from finely milled minerals, contains no harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances, and that makes it a lovely choice for sensitive skin. Mineral powders offer light to medium coverage and can be used as a base or a finishing powder. Our Silky mineral powder, available in light, medium and warm shades, gives a velvety texture and keeps the skin hydrated throughout the day, leaving a natural, even surface behind.
Translucent face powder
Translucent powder is – as its name suggests – a colourless and light powder. It is used to set make-up without adding coverage. It is wonderful for every skin tone and works well to reduce shine, especially in the T-zone. Our Transparent mattifying powder is an ultra-fine powder that gives the skin a flawless matte finish while keeping oil under control. It is ideal for setting make-up, or even eyeshadows and lipsticks, so that they do not smudge.
Why use face powder
Face powder offers a whole range of benefits. Below we list some of the key ones that make powder a product which should certainly not be missing from your beauty cabinet:
Keeping oil in check
One of the main benefits of using face powder is its ability to keep excess sebum and shine in check, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). Whether you choose a translucent or a mattifying powder, it helps to absorb sebum and keep a matte look all day long. If you need to, you can also touch your powder up during the day. You may know this moment from films too, when women go to "powder their nose". Besides touching up and topping up their powder, that phrase was also used for a visit to the powder room or a little gossip.
Setting make-up and smoothing the skin
Face powder creates a base layer, thanks to which make-up stays in place for hours. By locking the base in, it keeps make-up from smudging or fading and gives a long-lasting look. Powder also helps to create a smooth and even surface, minimising the visibility of pores, fine lines and spots. Powders with light-diffusing qualities can give your skin a soft-focus effect and blur imperfections for a flawless look.
PANAKEIA natural face powders
At PANAKEIA we make high-quality natural cosmetics that are gentle to the skin and bring lovely results. Our face powders contain natural ingredients that improve the look of your complexion.
PANAKEIA Silky mineral powder
Silky mineral powder offers a velvety texture that creates a smooth and natural look. It is available in light, medium or warm shades and hydrates throughout the day without feeling heavy. This powder is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, and it gives a flawless, even surface while nourishing the skin with its natural composition.
Transparent mattifying powder
The Transparent mattifying powder from PANAKEIA is an ultra-fine powder that gives a flawless matte finish. It gently removes unwanted shine, which makes it the perfect last step in your make-up routine. Not only does it set make-up in place, it also works well for setting eyeshadow and lipstick so that they do not smudge. Its light and translucent formulation suits every skin tone and ensures beautiful results.
Face powder - frequently asked questions
Which face powder is best for oily skin?
A mattifying powder is ideal for oily skin. Look for powders that are oil-free and made to keep shine in check, such as our Transparent mattifying powder. These powders help to absorb excess sebum and keep your skin fresh all day.
Can I use face powder without a foundation base?
Yes, face powder can also be used on its own for light coverage. Mineral or pressed powders are a lovely choice if you want to even out your skin tone without needing foundation. Our Silky mineral powder can be used on its own to give a natural, even complexion while hydrating the skin.
How is face powder applied?
You will get the best results if you dust your face gently with a fluffy powder brush. Focus on the areas prone to shine, such as the T-zone. For touch-ups during the day, a compact pressed or mineral powder is a wonderful and practical solution.
What is the difference between setting powder and finishing powder?
Setting powder is used to lock in the foundation base and concealer, so that make-up lasts all day. Finishing powder, on the other hand, is usually applied at the end of the make-up routine to blur imperfections and give the skin a smooth look. Both types of powder can be used together for a perfect look.
Is face powder suitable for all skin types?
Yes, there are face powders for every skin type. If you have dry skin, choose a hydrating mineral or silky powder such as our Silky mineral powder, which will not dry the skin out. For oily or combination skin, a mattifying powder is ideal for keeping shine in check and reducing excess sebum.
Interesting facts about powders
- In ancient Egypt, face powder was made from crushed minerals such as malachite and galena, to give the skin a smooth and even tone.
- Wearing white face powder in the 18th century was a symbol of high social standing among European aristocrats. It was worn by women and men alike.
- Translucent powder belongs in every make-up artist's essential kit, because it works on all skin tones without changing the colour of the foundation. It is often used in TV studios, for example.
- Mineral powder became popular in the 1990s as a natural alternative to traditional face powders, giving light coverage without harsh chemicals.
- Face powder was one of the first mass-produced cosmetic products and has been a staple of beauty bags for more than a century.