Clean sweep: Perfecting loose power

The powder room. Who uses that term today? However, it has a quaint appeal. In this day and age when the click of a compact powder case is a fashionable sound effect, powder rooms are probably passé in our lexicon.

And that got me thinking: Hasn't powder come a long way from the time when this expression was coined. Especially so in its form of use! Rather than the compact pressed powder of yesteryears our mandate today is for the trendy loose powder.

A tool that's as free flowing as the creativity it allows us in make-up. Just sweep it over moisturised skin and you can tone down a flushed complexion or add a pop of healthy colour to washed-out skin.

While many women in their late 30s swear by powder since it's primarily an accessory to go with foundation and/or concealer, younger women still feel that wearing this sheer veil may make them look too chalky or cakey.

However, for the benefit of all you young women out there, it's important to clarify that loose powder does offer a whole lot of benefits and can add a dramatic finishing touch to make-up. Observe how make-up artists work and you'll see they always use loose powder when the demand is for a natural, flawless finish.

Pick of the best loose powders

We got well-known Dubai-based beauty consultant Malini Ohri to unravel the mystique surrounding this magic dust. 

Finishing finesse

First of all, the sheer variety in loose powders is a joy to behold. From translucent to shimmery to matte and mineral, they are all wonderful. The popularity of the newest version, the mineral powder, is due to the fact it offers great coverage and also because it is free of common skin irritants, the main reason behind frequent breakouts when using loose powder.

What's more, mineral powders aid in skin care owing to the presence of some essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Just in case you didn't know, bronzers and highlighters actually belong to the same genre.

One of the main pluses of loose powder is that it helps the foundation sit well on your skin, giving it a dramatic matte finish and long-lasting coverage. Women with oily skin should choose an anti-shine loose powder for the same effect.

When worn alone, loose powder helps conceal fine lines and camouflages light blemishes. However, make sure you choose a shade of loose powder that exactly matches your skin tone as well as the foundation shade. And shimmery powder doubles as eyeshadow! 

Do you have too much powder on?

Applying powder in a well-lit area helps you monitor how much of it you are applying. First of all, leave a gap between applying liquid products (primers, moisturiser, foundation, etc) and loose powder.

On a damp surface, the powder will cake. Also if there is excess powder on your brush or puff, shake it off before applying or you may end up looking blotchy. Even if you start the day with the right amount of powder on your face you may need to powder your face again. Blot your face with a tissue before you re-apply. 

Is the shade right for you? A lot of women who use loose powder end up looking too dark or too white because they pick the wrong shade. When buying loose powder, make sure the shop is well lit.

Try it on, see how you feel, go home and look at yourself again. If you are sure of the results, the shade and type of loose powder is right for you. One way of doing away with the shade confusion is to opt for a translucent or an anti-shine powder (this usually comes in a white colour.)