Some foundations, especially those that are creamy, require a powder finish before makeup is applied. Powder is also great for touch-ups and provides the fastest, easiest way to tone down any shiny areas throughout the day. A good finishing powder will serve to maintain your makeup design for a fresh-looking face all day long. The key to powdering is to go lightly – too much powder will result in a made-up, pasty look. Powders come in both a loose and pressed form. Loose powders are great for normal to oily skin, as they provide a sheerer, lighter application. Pressed powders contain added waxes, binding agents or emollients and tend to be a bit heavier than loose powders, but provide convenience and are generally less messy than a loose powder. Some pressed powders also contain added sun protection. Powders can be applied using a brush, sponge or powder puff; whichever your preference, be sure to apply all powders evenly and lightly, with strokes in the same direction. Some powders contain extra shimmer to give your skin a luminescent glow. These should be applied only to areas you want to highlight, such as the shoulders, neck and décolletage, or the cheeks, chin or forehead.
