Makeup

Liquid or Powder Foundation?

posted on February 25, 2013 | by Amanda Holstein

It took me years to finally accept the fact that I needed to wear foundation. I was always too afraid of getting that caked on look that some foundations used to create that I avoided it at all costs. I’ve always had very sensitive skin so putting anything new on my face was a struggle. Once bareMinerals came around, I got more comfortable wearing foundation, but still didn’t know exactly how to wear it or which was better, liquid or powder foundation.

Then I learned about Prescriptives, an amazing makeup brand that creates custom foundation for your personal needs and offers one-on-one consultations with their beauty experts via video chat. I love any company that really personalizes their experience and makes it easy and convenient for you. I had a great conversation with my beauty expert at Prescriptives and really got the low-down on how to properly wear foundation.

So the answer to the liquid vs. powder dilemma? Both. Here’s how:

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Step 1: Liquid Foundation

Use your custom liquid foundation first to even out your skin and create a natural layer of coverage. Apply it with a foundation brush so you can alter your coverage on different areas of your skin, depending where you need it most. Make sure to brush in downward strokes to prevent any of those tiny little hairs on your skin from showing.

Step 2: Concealer

The reason concealer comes after the liquid foundation rather than before is because applying liquid foundation after can smudge or remove any concealer you already applied. Plus, you might as well let the foundation do most of the coverage because you may not need to use as much concealer once the foundation is already on. I always put concealer under my eyes and then on any other spots the foundation missed.

Step 3: Powder Foundation

Finally, apply powder to set the liquid foundation and really make the look last all day. I absolutely LOVE my bareMinerals Ready Foundation. You just need the tiniest bit and it creates such a smooth, natural finish. I never got compliments on my skin until I started using this product. This brush is also a life-saver. It has the softest bristles and allows you to apply the makeup evenly for a really natural look.

Add just a touch of blush and/or bronzer, and you’ve got your everyday look.

When it comes to liquid or powder foundation,
do you prefer one over the other or do you use both?

21 Comments

Rachel Says

I use liquid and then use a pressed powder to set it.

Alyssa Says

I never have really used powder, I hate the “cakey” look a lot of people get…but I’m willing to try again!

amanda Says

I think you look great without foundation, but did you use the ‘blur’ tool to finish the ‘after’ picture? If you did, I would suggest masking everything but the skin you want to blur, because the after picture you have looks totally out of focus because your eyes and hair seem like they too were blurred in Photoshop…or maybe the photo is just blurry?

Just a friendly suggestion.

Amanda Says
Post author
Unfortunately, that’s just the photo :) It came out a tad bit blurry. I take the photos myself with a tripod (not ideal but ya gotta do what ya gotta do). Oh the life of a blogger…

Alyssa Says

I used to use powder, but it looked too cakey, no matter how I applied it.

Now I’m using CoverGirlxOlay Tone Rehab foundation. It is amazing and just blends into my skin

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Emily Says

You look stunning without any makeup on! You have amazing skin. I prefer a tinted moisturizer because I am so afraid of having a heavy layer of makeup on. I have used bare minerals before and did like it although I wasn’t entirely sold on it. I am looking for a good natural and free of toxins tinted moisturizer right now if anyone has any suggestions.

-Emily

Josie Says

I use liquid but your post makes me want to consider both. BTW you have great sin… you can totally go without makeup.

eleanor Says

i find that liquid has more coverage so i use that but i’ll usually set it with a powder! :)
xxx
http://eleanorcos.blogspot.com/

Sandra Says

I agree with this

“I absolutely LOVE my bareMinerals Ready Foundation. You just need the tiniest bit and it creates such a smooth, natural finish. I never got compliments on my skin until I started using this product. This brush is also a life-saver. It has the softest bristles and allows you to apply the makeup evenly for a really natural look.”

non comedogenic makeup

Marinda Zaleski Says

I recently discovered your blog and can I just say, also being a twenty something, that it is brilliant?! I have never found a blog that relates so closely to the things I deal with and that covers so many topics! I have also been in the process of trying to figure out what foundation works for me. I haven’t yet found the perfect answer for me but I appreciate this post because I also fear the caked on look.

Penelope Says

Whaat?! I used to LOVE Prescriptives, but then they discontinued the line a few years and I was heartbroken – I had no idea they’d brought it back! This actually just made my day

Amanda Says
Post author
I’m so glad! They certainly are back in action. Check out their site!

Lindsay Says

Looks great! I’ve found that using both is the perfect combination for me as well! I use Revlon Photoready foundation and concealer and finish with BareMinerals loose powder. I don’t ever have problems with it turning out “cakey”.

Franziska Says

I found your blog via bloglovin (it’s on the up and coming list!) and I am seriously hooked. Everything is so well laid out and fun to look at. I’ve been looking for a few changes to my skin routine. I do already do what you have shown here, but I’m going to try out the bare minerals powder as soon as my smashbox powder runs out. thank you for the suggestions!

Amanda Says
Post author
How cool! Thanks for letting me know! This just made my day :)

katie Says

Thank you SO much for this post! What I’ve ben using has been alright…but I figured it could be better. So I went right out and purchased the Bare Minerals Ready Foundation powder you recommended and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome! Seriously. Skin heaven over here.

Amanda Says
Post author
Yay! I’m so glad! It’s seriously THE BEST.

Nerorelpmep Says

I was particularly pleased to uncover this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this great read!! I definitely enjoying each little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post.

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Emily Says

Awesome tips! Especially the one about applying the concealer after the foundation.

Thanks for sharing!

Fashirah Parvin Says

I use only powder foundation. I use a dry sponge to apply it. Mac lightful NC45. This series is only available in Asia.

Alex Parker Says

That’s a pretty good tutorial. I will definitely follow this.

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