Beauty Q&A: Should I Use Loose or Pressed Powder?

The Difference Between Loose Powder and Pressed Powder

Loose Powder

What it is: A loose powder is typically finely milled powder you apply with a brush, can absorb oil over the course of the day, and provides extended wear. It will set foundation, concealer, and cream-color products with ease and will work over the course of the day to absorb oil as it appears, keeping your look flawless for longer.

Our favorite loose powder: If you’re into full glam makeup, we recommend L'Oreal Paris Infallible Blur-Fection Loose Setting Powder because it's got a long-lasting, brightening finish that will help lock in your makeup for up to 24 hours. We love how the lightweight, finely milled powder controls shine without caking. To help match different complexions, it comes in four different shades: Brightening Light Pink, Brightening Deep Pink, Translucent Medium Deep, and Translucent Light.

Best for: Oily skin, baking makeup, soft finish, controlling shine, extending your makeup look, full-glam makeup.

Clean beauty highlights: Oil-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, cruelty-free.

The Difference Between Loose Powder and Pressed Powder

Pressed Powder

What it is: Pressed powder is compacted into the container (i.e., not loose!) and is better for low maintenance looks. Think of it as a great multitasker, as it can set your makeup with a soft, natural finish, but can also be used for on-the-go touch-ups, which allows for targeted treatment of combination skin. Another pro of pressed powders is that they usually come in a wider range of shades than loose powders.

Pro makeup artist pick: Cervantes recommends the NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won't Stop Mattifying Powder. “It’s great for smoothing texture and adding light coverage,” says Cervantes. The non-drying formula is infused with oil-absorbing rice powder, which helps us achieve a flawless finish without cakiness or ashiness. We love that there are 12 shades to choose from, so that complexions of every color can find the right match.

Best for: Low-maintenance looks, on-the-go touch-ups, more precise color matching.

Clean beauty highlights: Vegan, cruelty-free.

The Best Powder for Your Skin Type

Oily to combination skin: “If you tend to become shiny throughout the day, reach for a translucent loose powder to mattify without disturbing the shade and coverage of your foundation,” Cervantes says.

Normal to dry skin: Pressed powder is generally more suitable for normal to dry skin types as it can be applied more sparingly or in a more targeted way.

How to Apply Loose Powder vs. Pressed Powder

Whether you’re applying loose or pressed powder, how you apply it depends on the look you’re going for.

Loose powder is best applied with a large, firm brush or kabuki brush. For baking, let it rest on the skin for at least two minutes. This allows the powder to absorb and balance all the oil and moisture on the skin for optimal wear. Once your two minutes are up, just dust off the excess for lasting coverage. If you’re not baking, try using a fluffy powder brush to set your whole face and an eyeshadow blending brush to target specific areas, such as the T-zone or under eyes.

For pressed powder, a soft large powder brush will work best for large areas.  Try swirling the brush over your powder and then press it onto the skin in sections like a powder puff. This will prevent you from removing coverage as you apply your powder.