What Are the Advantages of Pressed Powder Container？

After spending precious time applying your makeup, you want to make sure that it lasts all day. Setting powder can help ensure that it does, but knowing when to reach for pressed powder vs. loose powder is a must. Though they seem similar, these two types of powders serve different purposes—and swapping one for the other may not yield the same results. As with many things in makeup, the best pick depends on your skin type, preferences, and what end result you’re hoping to achieve. If you want to learn more, keep reading. Ahead, we’ll explain the main differences between loose powder vs. pressed powder and offer tips on when and how to use each in your makeup routine.

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What Is the Difference Between Loose Powder and Pressed Powder?

Loose powder and pressed powder differ in a few key ways, including how they’re packaged, what they’re used for, and how they’re applied.

What is loose powder?

Loose powders are finely milled face powders that typically come housed in a tub or jar. They can be tinted or translucent and are most commonly used to help set liquid makeup, mattify shine, and blur the appearance of skin texture. You can apply loose powder with a powder puff or a brush—in either case, the formula is lightly swept onto the skin to help set makeup without adding much (if any) additional coverage. Loose powders are also used to bake under-eye makeup and help prevent it from smudging, fading, or settling into fine lines.

What is pressed powder?

Pressed powders are face powders that come pressed in a compact (similar to blush or powder bronzer). They often come with an applicator—usually a sponge or a powder puff—and are ideal for on-the-go touch-ups. Because the powder is pressed into the compact, the application process is a bit different than it would be with loose powders. Rather than sweeping the formula onto your skin, you’ll generally use the included applicator to press or swipe the powder onto areas that need coverage. Additionally, pressed powders tend to come in a wider range of shades than loose powders—some are even designed to be used in place of liquid foundation for a full-coverage matte finish.

When To Use Loose Powder

Generally speaking, loose powder should be applied near the end of your makeup routine—or, at the very least, after applying all of your liquid base products (such as foundation, concealer, and liquid blush or contour). While you can technically apply a loose powder onto bare skin, keep in mind that most only provide light coverage, and many provide no coverage at all. As such, these formulas are best suited for setting makeup—you generally wouldn’t use a loose powder in place of traditional base makeup.

What they are good for is minimizing unwanted shine, blurring imperfections, and giving the skin a smooth, matte finish. As mentioned above, loose powders are also what you’d typically want to reach for when “baking” your makeup.

One of our favorite loose powders for a matte yet natural-looking finish is the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Longwear Loose Setting Powder. The airy, lightweight formula helps absorb shine, blurs the appearance of fine lines and pores, and sets makeup in place for up to 24 hours. Plus, the velvety formula has no flashback—so you don’t have to worry about looking cakey in photos (or, for that matter, in real life). Opt for one of the pink shades to set your makeup and subtly brighten your complexion, or use the translucent option for a velvety, your-skin-but-better finish.

When To Use Pressed Powder

There are several instances in which you may want to use a pressed powder. The first is to set your liquid makeup or help mattify shine while you’re out and about. Because they come in a compact (oftentimes with the applicator included), they’re easy to stash in your bag and pat on for shine control throughout the day. You can apply them all over to help mattify your skin and add coverage, or use them selectively to target areas prone to oiliness (such as the nose, forehead, and chin).

Pressed powders can also be a great alternative to traditional liquid or cream foundation, particularly if you have oily skin. In this case, you’d apply your powder to primed skin before applying any other makeup. Keep in mind that if you’re using a powder foundation, you’ll want to stick with powder products for the rest of your routine, too—applying liquid makeup over a powder base could result in patchiness or unevenness. If you’re a diehard liquid blush devotee, loose powder may be a better option for your needs.

How To Apply Loose Powder

Loose powder is easy to apply, but you’ll want to use a light hand to avoid a dry or unnaturally matte finish. Here’s how we recommend using loose powder in your makeup routine.

Step 1: Apply your liquid base makeup

As we mentioned earlier, loose powder is most commonly used after you’ve finished applying all of your liquid and cream base makeup. As such, you’ll want to start by applying your foundation to help even out your complexion. For a long-lasting finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation. The buildable formula provides medium-to-full coverage and feels lightweight on the skin. It’s non-comedogenic, breathable, and transfer-proof—and it wears for up to 32 hours. If you notice any areas that need additional coverage, like beneath your eyes, you can go in with a thin layer of the L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer.

Step 2: Swipe on your powder

Next, grab your loose setting powder. With the cap unscrewed but closed, flip the container upside down and pat the bottom of the jar to dispense the powder into the lid. Then, right the jar and carefully remove the cap. Dip a powder brush, beauty sponge, or powder puff into the powder, then lightly dust the formula onto the areas of your face you’d like to set, blur, or mattify. We suggest starting with a very thin, light dusting of powder—you can always add more later if needed. Baking requires a slightly different approach. For a full rundown of the process, we suggest heading over to our article How To Bake Your Makeup for a Long-Lasting Look.

Step 3: Sweep off any excess

After sweeping on your powder, let it sit for a minute or two before touching your face. When you’re ready to get going, use a clean brush to lightly sweep away any excess powder. You can stop here if you want a completely matte look. Otherwise, finish up your routine by misting your face with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist, which boasts a healthy, natural-looking finish.

How To Apply Pressed Powder

Pressed powder can be applied more directly all over the face to help minimize shine and even the complexion. Here’s how.

Step 1: Pick your formula

Unlike loose powders, which are almost always sheer or translucent, pressed powders can offer sheer, medium, or full coverage. You’ll want to select a formula that aligns with your needs and desired end result.

If you’re aiming for a more natural, blurred matte look, we suggest opting for a buildable pressed powder, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Powder. The micro-fine formula boasts a lightweight, soft texture and won’t settle into fine lines or get cakey throughout the day. The shades in the collection align with the rest of the products in our True Match line, so you can use it alone, layer it over foundation, or pair it with your concealer and enjoy a flawless match. (If you need help finding your shade, check out our article How To Find Your Perfect L’Oréal True Match Foundation and Concealer Shades).

The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder, meanwhile, is ideal for those seeking a full-coverage finish. The pigmented formula covers like a liquid and mattifies with no cakey look, ensuring natural-looking matte coverage that wears for up to 24 hours (it’s even sweatproof and waterproof).

Is Loose Or Pressed Powder Better for Oily Skin?

If you’re wondering whether to use loose powder vs. pressed powder for oily skin, the truth is, there isn’t one right answer—it depends on your preferences and how you do your makeup. Loose powder is great for setting makeup (that’s why it’s often referred to as setting powder) and can help mattify unwanted shine. But it doesn’t provide coverage and isn’t well-suited for on-the-go application.

For more information, please visit Pressed Powder Container.

Pressed powder, meanwhile, can be applied (or reapplied) from just about anywhere. It also can help mattify unwanted shine, but it typically adds coverage, too—so if you’re already wearing foundation, you’ll want to use a very light hand to avoid making your skin look too “done.” Ultimately, though, it’s up to you—use whichever formula best aligns with your needs, application preferences, and desired end result. At the end of the day, they’re both powders, and they both work well with oily skin.

Next Up: How To Apply Makeup Like a Pro

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris

Wondering what the differences are between pressed powder vs loose powder? And what does setting spray do? We’ve got you covered with this handy guide as we delve into the different types of setting powders and what setting spray does, all to extend the wear-time of your makeup look. 

“Pressed and loose powders can be used as setting powders, meaning they help mattify skin for shine control throughout the day, plus they help extend the wear-time of your makeup look, keeping it in place for longer,” explains Janeena Rumsey, Glo’s Artistry Lead. “You can also finish your look with a setting spray for longevity and boosted skin nourishment.”

What Is the Difference Between Pressed and Loose Powder?

The main difference between pressed powder and loose powder is their formulas. “Pressed powder is a great option for on-the-go complexion perfection. As it is more densely packed than a loose powder, it tends to provide a bit more coverage, allowing for easy, mess-free touch-ups. Use a translucent, talc-free mineral pressed setting powder like our Perfecting Powder to set and mattify your cream or liquid foundation, to absorb any excess oil, and to blur any remaining imperfections,” says Janeena. “It extends the length of time your makeup will last without smudging or budging.” 

Loose setting powder is finely milled, super lightweight, translucent, and oftentimes tends to be more sheer than pressed powder. “Our Luminous Setting Powder features diamond powder, which helps to blur texture and provide a luminous glowing finish,” adds Janeena. “Loose powder can be used to set any makeup look in place—and can be used as part of the “baking” method in setting your foundation and concealer for all-day wear.” 

Loose setting powder is another great option for shine control and naturally mattifies the skin to create a soft-focus, flawless finish. “If you are generally looking for a lighter or sheer effect, loose powder will be your go-to,” shares Janeena.

Is Pressed Powder the Same As Setting Powder?

Setting powder is an invisible step in your makeup ritual that sets the makeup in place with a translucent powder that keeps everything looking shine-free, flawless, and to enhance the staying power of your makeup look. You apply your setting powder over your mineral makeup as a final step to lock it all in.    

With many types of face powder products available, it can get confusing as to what each powder does. “Pressed powder as a term can be used to refer to pressed setting powder or a pressed powder foundation,” explains Janeena. “A pressed powder foundation like our bestselling Pressed Base can be worn as a base with longwearing buildable coverage, and it can also be layered over any of our other foundations or concealers for a longwearing, flawless complexion.”

“Perfecting Powder on the other hand is a pressed setting powder. It is translucent, mattifying, and specifically designed to perfect the complexion, for a flawless, longwearing finish,” she adds.

Is Pressed or Loose Powder Better For Mature Skin?

“Whether pressed or loose powder is better for mature or aging skin is really all down to the look you want to achieve and your skin type,” explains Janeena. “That said, as skin ages, it tends to be drier, so needs a little radiance boost. This is where loose setting powders with blurring benefits can help. This type of setting powder imparts a lightweight, luminous glow for all day radiance as well as supporting the longevity of your makeup look. 

How To Apply Finishing Powder

“When you’re applying a finishing powder or setting powder, my top tip is to keep it lightweight and natural looking,” says Janeena. “Start off with a minimal amount and build from there. You don’t want to place too much on to begin with as it can look overdone.”

“As the finishing powder is quite literally meant to set your look in place, the trick to applying it, is to be gentle. Lightly sweep on your powder without dragging your skin as this can affect the placement of your foundation, concealer, blush or bronzer.

“Using your preferred powder brush—mine is the Tapered Setting Powder Brush, lightly dip into your powder, tap off any excess, then gently press and sweep across your face, paying particular attention to your T-zone if you’re prone to an oily shine in this area. As a little will go far, be minimal with your setting powder for the most natural look. 

“If you want to “bake” your foundation or concealer, after applying your setting powder, let it sit for a few minutes, then using a large fluffy brush, gently sweep away any excess, to avoid it settling into fine lines.”

What Is Setting Spray and What Does It Do?

“If you really want to ensure your makeup lasts all day, and your skin feels comfortable and nourished, a setting spray is the way to go,” explains Janeena. “A setting spray is essentially a liquid mist infused with nourishing hydrating ingredients that lock your makeup look in place. Our HA-Revive Hyaluronic Mist is powered by hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and botanical extracts to replenish moisture levels of both skin and minerals, and help your makeup stay put without smudging or settling into fine lines.”

And you can spritz your setting spray throughout the day to replenish your complexion and keep any touch-ups in place.

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