Many confuse face powder with setting powder. While the main purpose of both is to set the foundation and makeup, there is a lot of difference in their texture, look, feel and finish. Pressed face powders are also called compacts or pancakes. They can also be in fine-milled powder form and can be highly pigmented or sheer. Setting powders, on the other hand, are mostly sheer, usually have no colour and come in loose powder form. Face powder price in Pakistan depends on the brand and quantity of the product. 

Best Face Powder Brands in Pakistan

Maybelline, Atiqa Odho, Karaja, Impala, Laura Mercier, Bourjois, Chanel, Loreal, Masarrat Misbah and Mac sell the best face powders in Pakistan. 

Application & Shades

Face powder can be applied with a brush, puff, sponge or beauty blender. For a light finish, use a powder brush or applicator and lightly dust the powder all over the face and neck. For a more formal look, apply the face powder with a puff or makeup blender and buff it into the skin. Powder shade should match your foundation and skin tone and should never be too dark or too light. Some makeup artists like to use a light shade of powder under the eye area to conceal dark circles and at high points of the face to highlight them. Dark face powder shades can be used on the areas of the face to give them definition and depth. Bronzing face powders are used to create a sun-kissed tanned look or to add warmth to the face.

Formulation

Some powders can be used on their own and don't require a foundation to be applied first. They are full coverage and highly pigmented on their own and can be used in place of foundation. Some powders also contain SPF and can protect against the harmful rays of the sun. You may also come across the wet face powder variety that appears as a pressed powder but gives a creamy foundation like finish once applied to the skin with a wet sponge. 

Makeup Setting

The primary purpose of powder is to set your makeup and create a flawless and smooth base. It is usually applied as the second last step in makeup, followed by a makeup setting spray. Some face powders are also used for makeup baking, which means setting the makeup with layers of powder and then dusting off the excess after a while. 

Skin Type

People with dry skin should avoid using face powders. If need be they can use mineral-based powders that don't dry up the skin. Face powder may not be suitable for oily skin too as it can clog the pores and cause an acne breakout. 

Contents

The main ingredient in the making of powders for face is Talc. It is a mineral that contains elements such as silicon, magnesium and oxygen. Powder that contains too much talc has the tendency to make your skin look too washed out or might give it an ashy tone.