What's the Difference Between Pressed and Loose Powder?
Whether it's matte or glowing, powder is an essential part of a flawless makeup finish. You have two major options: pressed and loose. Let’s go through the benefits of each.
What's the difference?
The main difference between loose and pressed powders is the way the product is packaged. Pressed powders are pressed into a compact, loose powders are often packaged in jars or tubs. So which one is best for you?
Loose Powder
Loose powders are a great option if you’re looking to achieve a luminous, even finish, and their silkier texture means they often work better as setting powders to finish a look.
The coverage provided by loose powders is light, and you are more likely to find mineral makeup in a loose powder rather than pressed.
How to use loose powder:
- Shake some product on to the lid of your loose powder.
- A large powder brush or powder puff are the best tools to use.
- Dip brush or puff into product and tap gently so that the product settles in.
- Start applying the powder in the centre of your face, and then sweep the rest over your face.
- Buff the product in, using any excess product in the brush for the edges of your face.
Some of our favourite loose powders:
Inika Loose Mineral Foundation 8g
Perfect for sensitive skin types. formulated 100% natural and vegan, this loose powder offers flawless coverage and sun protection without clogging pores.
Jane Iredale Amazing Base Loose Minerals SPF20
Another favourite for sensitive skin types, free of oil, talc, FD&C dyes and parabens.
Youngblood Loose Mineral Foundation
A lightweight, silky loose powder made from Youngblood's unique "trade secret" milling process. This powder is available in 16 shades from Pearl to Mahogany!
Pressed Powder
A pressed powder is ideal for a gal on the go or someone who wants a bit more precision and a wider shade range. Pressed powder foundations provide more exact, controllable coverage and are easier to apply if you're new to powder.
Some of our favourite pressed powders
Jane Iredale PurePressed Pressed Minerals Refill
The best-selling Jane Iredale PurePressed Pressed Minerals is a pressed mineral foundation that is so gentle, it can applied directly after plastic or cosmetic surgery. Available in 25 shades, this is a complexion-flattering powder for everyone.
Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish Powder Foundation
A sheer-to-medium coverage finishing powder that guarantees no flashback in photos with its light absorbing technology.
How to use pressed powder (as foundation):
- Use a large powder brush such as
- Swish brush in product and tap gently so that the product settles in.
- Sweep lightly over the face in big strokes.
- Lightly buff the product in to your skin.
How to use pressed powder (as setting powder):
- Use a smaller powder brush such as
- Swish brush in product and tap gently so that the product settles in.
- Focus on applying product to the oilest part of your face and gently sweep over the rest of the face.
- Lightly buff the product in to your skin.
