I am rabidly defensive of face powder. “Powder is ageing” is one of those enduring beauty cliches that’s not necessarily true – especially now, when powders are often talc-free, softly blurring in finish, and frequently contain moisturising ingredients.
Powder is essential in keeping wet formulations such as foundation on your face, and if the appearance of skin ageing bothers you, then the right pressed powder is your ally.
Shine and greasiness in the wrong places, such as on the chin, nose and under the eyes, is more ageing and a quality powder will not only mattify it, but can simultaneously reflect light and impart greater smoothness.
I’ve recently been enjoying Saie’s new Slip Tint Undetectable Baked Setting Powder (£26). This is a sensible choice if you’ve previously been scared off, since it adds the sheerest veil of airy, very natural-looking powder and takes the edge off shine rather than removing it completely. If you’ve previously loved (the, in my opinion, perfect) MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural powder (£34) but are keen to lose the talc, this gives that same flattering eggshell finish without it.
For dull complexions, I would enthusiastically recommend Fenty’s new brightening shades of their classic pressed powder. Bright Fix Instant Brightening + Blurring Powder (£27) delivers on its name. I particularly love the lavender shade to wake up my undereyes, but as is standard with Fenty, the shade range caters for everyone. It’s incredibly finely textured, noticeably blurs pores, and held up in the recent spell of hot, humid weather.
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Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Finish powder (£39) is wildly popular, and correctly so. It’s easily my own most-used for its versatility and is never far from reach. It sets foundation almost as well as a loose powder, controls shine and reboots hours-old makeup in seconds.
Vieve’s refillable Modern Powder Perfector (£32) lives in the same ballpark, giving a similarly smart and smooth finish, the same smidge of coverage and no chalky dryness.
For oily skins, I’d like to give a shout out to the underrated and often overlooked IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores (£30), which is quietly excellent in blurring the texture of congested skin while lightly brightening and locking down concealer beneath. What appears white in the pan is colourless on the skin, making it suitable for any skin tone (although there are two additional, deeper shades). Elf’s Perfect Finish HD Powder is a decent dupe for just £7.
