Powder vs Liquid Foundation What's The Difference

Powder vs Liquid Foundation: What’s The Difference?

There are many people who will argue that powder foundation is better than liquid. However, there are many reasons why liquid foundation is the best choice for some people. Liquid foundations can run a little more expensive, but they last longer and don’t cake in creases like powder does.

Since it’s water-based, liquid makeup is also easier to apply and blends into skin with less effort than its counterpart does.

Read on to find out what the main differences are between powder vs liquid foundation.

What is powder foundation?

Powder foundation is a powdered makeup that you apply with a brush or powder puff. It comes either as a pressed powder in a compact, or as loose powder that you sprinkle into your hand and then apply to facial features.

Powder foundations can be used for sheer coverage over liquid foundation for a more finished look, but they aren’t commonly applied on their own for a full look.

Powder foundations include pressed, loose powders and mineral powder foundations that can offer more coverage than your typical powder foundation. However, they still don’t have the smooth consistency of liquid foundation.

Some people swear by powder foundations, but many makeup artists will tell you that they aren’t as popular as they used to be.

What is liquid foundation?

Liquid makeup comes in a tube or bottle and is applied with your fingers or a sponge, and blended on your skin with either the applicator that came with the product, or a brush.

Like powder foundations, there are sheer and medium to full coverage products available. Liquid foundations can also come in matte or dewy finishes.

What is the difference between powder foundation and liquid foundation?

Powder foundations are in a compact and they usually require a sponge or brush for application. You can use them on top of liquid foundation, but it’s difficult to build up full coverage with powders alone. Liquid foundations come in tubes and bottles and can be used with fingers or a damp sponge.

Why is liquid foundation more popular than powder?

Liquid foundations are the most popular choice for most people because they are easier to blend onto your skin, and they last longer without caking up in creases or pores. They also offer sheer coverage on their own, not requiring heavy layering of powder all over your face.

Why is powder foundation better than liquid foundation?

Powder foundations are often preferred by makeup artists and professionals because they can be applied more quickly and with less effort. Since it’s a pressed product, you don’t need water or a damp sponge to apply powder foundation. It also usually has more coverage than liquid and blends better than liquids.

What is the best type of foundation?

It’s really about personal preference, but many people find that liquid foundations are easier to apply and blend than powder. For sheer coverage over liquid, you can use a light layer of powder foundation, but beyond that it can be difficult to achieve full coverage with powders alone.

Liquid foundations have a liquid consistency and are applied with a sponge or fingertips that blend into skin easily. If you have dry or sensitive skin, liquid foundations will be the best choice for you because powder can emphasize those features.

How do liquid foundations work?

Liquid foundations work by offering a thin layer of makeup on top of your skin. It sits on top and creates a solid base for you to add other types of cosmetics such as blush, eyeliner, and lipstick.

Liquid foundations provide sheer coverage like powder foundation, but because it’s water based it tends to blend into the skin with less effort.

Powder vs Liquid Foundation What's The Difference

Tips on how to apply both powders and liquids properly

Before applying any makeup, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. Do not scrub! It can damage skin and create more oil that you don’t need to apply additional makeup. Next, prep your skin for the foundation by moisturizing or priming it if necessary. This will help ensure that the foundation doesn’t settle in dry areas, making them stand out.

Apply foundation to the center of your face first, because that’s where your skin is usually palest. Use a brush or damp sponge to stipple foundation onto the cheeks, forehead and chin in small circular movements that blend into the skin rather than wipe off what you already applied.

Blend one area before moving on the next. Liquid foundations are easy to blend, but if you’re using a powder foundation use light pressure and barely any product, then go back with a damp sponge to finish blending it into the skin.

When applying liquid foundation over hair line, neck and chest, watch out for your natural eyebrows because they will be darker than your foundation.

For a powder foundation, use a dry brush or puff over the face in circular motions until all of the skin is covered. Check your jawline and cheeks to make sure there are no areas that need more coverage. Blend any pigment on the forehead with your fingers so it’s seamless with the rest of your face.

If you have darker features, like your eyebrows, you can use foundation to blend them into the skin.

First, use a little bit of powder foundation on your eyebrow brush or sponge and press lightly onto the brows in small circular motions to lock them in place.

Then, take some more product on the same tool and apply it to your eyelid, blending it out so it disappears into the skin.

Conclusion

There are a variety of different types of foundation out there, and it’s up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, liquid foundations will be the best choice for you because powder can emphasize those features.

Liquid foundations work by offering a thin layer of makeup on top of your skin. It sits on top and creates a solid base for you to add other types of cosmetics such as blush, eyeliner, and lipstick.

Liquid foundations provide sheer coverage like powder foundation but because it’s water-based it tends to blend into the skin with less effort than powders do.