everything in your powder

Recently, my girl Justine did my makeup and we got to talking about translucent powder and why we need it in our lives. Personally, I have always been sort of anti-powder. My skin is already dry and not to mention the fact I live for glowing, dewy skin, but the more I learned, the more I liked. So here goes nothing... The obvious use for translucent powder is to "set" your makeup up at end of application, primarily in the "T" zone region. Justine swears that, "a good translucent powder can also buff out any imperfection that light/reflection can enhance" (i.e. if you are having your photo taken and what to look hot, you NEED it). Justine recommends using it on the T zone, jaw line and the under eye area. And it also conceals your pores. Uhm, ok. Fine. Sold. All the deets you need below!

So, why a translucent powder opposed to your regular colored-powder you may ask?

Well Cake Face, colored powders are going to be much heavier than a translucent. Justine confirmed that "you will not get the same result going into your T zone and under your eyes using a colored powder, it's just too heavy. Think of your translucent powder as your magic wand". So for those of you like me, who like to "glow", but don't want to walk the fine line of looking greasy or sweaty, translucent powder is a godsend.

So which form of translucent powder is best? Loose vs. Pressed:

Loose powder is extremely sheer, while a compact or "pressed" powder tends to be more opaque. I go with the loose because I don't need a ton of coverage when it comes to shine, if you do... opt for the pressed.

More questions for Justine.

AIWL: What should we use to apply it? "I like a large fluffy fan brush to apply it, that way you can't get too carried away. Less is more! As far as under eye, you can apply with a blending brush to help the makeup "set" prior to creasing. One stroke should do the trick."

AIWL: What about my oily girls? "You can put translucent on prior to putting your foundation on to help curb your oil. It's a really nice trick. Also, opt for a pressed translucent powder and a thicker brush for application."

AIWL: What about dark skin? "Honestly, if you go with a good brand you shouldn't have a problem with an ashy kick back. The powder should feel like silk and go on very lightly. You are not covering up with this, think of it as your top coat to nail polish.. no polish would ever look as good or last as long without the top coat!"