Face Powder

Face powder can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the look of your makeup. You can wear powder without foundation, depending on your skin type and how much coverage you're trying to get. There are two basic types of face powder--loose and pressed--and each has different advantages. Lancome and Estee Lauder both offer some of the best powders on the market. However, they can be pricey. For a more affordable option, you might look into powder from Mary Kay or Bare Escentuals.

Loose powder is lighter in weight and should be applied with a large soft brush. You can also use it as a base for eye shadow, in which case you'd apply it just on your eyelids with a small brush. Pressed powder is made with what is called an emollient binder--a fancy term for a substance that gives it just a little bit of moisture, making it thicker and better for dry skin. Pressed powder is best applied with a puff.

Pressed powder is typically more portable. You'll rarely see women bringing loose powder with them when they go out, but a compact of pressed powder can be used to touch up oily spots throughout the course of the day or evening. Generally speaking, the dryer your skin, the less powder you should use. The oilier your skin, the more you can use--and you want to get a shade lighter than your foundation, because it will appear darker on oily skin.

If you wear liquid foundation, it will not last very long and will actually redistribute itself on your face unevenly if you don't set it with powder. To set foundation, brush loose powder in a matching shade over your foundation. This will give you a matte finish and keep you from looking glossy or greasy if you have to go outdoors. It will also minimize the appearance of pores. If you're having your picture taken, dust on a little bit of face powder right before for a wonderful matte glow.