Face powder

Mattifying powder is one of the key elements of makeup modern woman. Thanks to it, the skin acquires a uniform tone, minor imperfections and oily shine disappear. The benefits also include the setting effect of the powder, which allows makeup to stay on the face longer. It would seem like an ordinary product that is in demand among 80% of women, but how much do we know about it?

What does face powder consist of?

Powder is a homogeneous crumbly (or compressed) mixture, the main function of which is to improve skin color, eliminate minor defects and protect against harmful influences external factors. Its composition may contain mineral or organic components and natural dye(if the manufacturer is conscientious and cares about the quality of its products).

To take a closer look at the composition of modern powder, let's go back several centuries. In those days curvy ladies in luxurious lace dresses and rich nobles (yes, men too) used lead carbonate to mask their own shortcomings. This substance corroded the skin, so by the age of 30 their appearance was significantly removed from the ideal. Later, the matting powder recipe was slightly adjusted, replacing the toxic component with ground wheat and corn starch. But even such a product was not safe enough for delicate female skin, because clogged pores and absorbed necessary moisture. And now, several decades later, they invented perfect recipe powder containing mineral talc, various types dry clay, potato starch and flour, vegetable oils and natural flavors, kaolin and zinc oxide (an alternative to toxic lead). These ingredients are still used to this day in the production of quality products.

What is the difference between mineral powder

Mineral mattifying powder contains powder from ground mineral stones. Unlike regular powder, it is absolutely harmless to female face and is suitable for all skin types.

It is also worth noting that even the dyes in this product are made exclusively from natural hypoallergenic materials (for example, clay). The cost of good mineral powder is much higher than regular powder and you can only buy it in specialized cosmetics stores. This is due to the use of more expensive components such as pearls and mica. Thanks to them, the skin acquires natural freshness and shine.

Why is face powder harmful?

The variety of natural cosmetics on the shelves allows you not to think about the dangers of a particular product. Manufacturers offer us a huge selection of powders that are not only safe for the skin (for example, mineral), but also care for it (antiseptic). If the powder is of high quality, there can be no harm from it (except for clogging the pores, perhaps, but all toning products are guilty of this).

Another thing is cheap powder from an unscrupulous seller. Trying to save money

Women often forget about the benefits of expensive cosmetics. By purchasing natural powder from a trusted manufacturer, you can always be sure that it will not harm the skin. But cheap cosmetics does not give such confidence. Preservatives, toxins, petroleum products - this is not the entire list hazardous substances, which are found in low-quality powders. You shouldn't skimp on the health of your skin.

How to replace face powder

If there is money for good powder no, then don’t despair, because any cosmetic product can be made independently at home. The advantages of homemade powder are not only low cost, but also natural composition. When buying cosmetics in a store, you do not know whether the manufacturer has added anything harmful to it, because... Often such things are not indicated on the packaging (or are written in small print). Another thing - home remedy, made with your own hands.

The main components of homemade powders:

1. rice starch;
2. baby powder;
3. talc;
4. ground oatmeal;
5. white flour.

You cannot use exclusively the above ingredients as powder, because... they will constantly fall off your face and roll off. But if you mix them with other products and apply them to your skin, you get great alternative expensive mattifying agents. Here are some good recipes for homemade powder:

1. Vegetable starch powder

The fastest and easiest version of homemade powder is based on corn or potato starch. There are two recipes for such a remedy. The first one is much easier, but it cannot be called completely natural, because... the composition includes other stale cosmetics. We will need:

1. A quarter cup of corn or potato starch;
2. Remains of unnecessary blush, eye shadow or bronzer;
3. A small bowl and mortar.

Sift the starch through a sieve (you can use any thin material, for example, gauze), remove all the lumps and pour it into a bowl. Next, grind the remaining cosmetics in a mortar and add it to the starch in small portions until it turns out desired shade.

This product perfectly mattifies the skin and evens out the tone. However, you should not expect a long-term effect from it.

The second recipe is a little more complicated, but much more natural. It contains dry green

1. clay that cares for the skin and gives the face natural freshness. We will need:
2. cocoa powder;
3. dry green clay;
4. any starch (preferably corn);
5. several bowls and a mortar;

Sift all the ingredients to remove any lumps. Combine starch and green clay powder in a 1:1 ratio and mix well. Then add cocoa in small portions to achieve the desired shade. You can add a little golden shadow, they will smooth out all the unevenness and give delicate skin a natural shine.

2. Oatmeal powder

Preparing this product takes longer, but its effect lasts longer. We will need:

1. 6 tablespoons of large oatmeal;
2. 1 liter of clean water;
3. glass jars;
4. sieve;
5. gauze and paper towels.

Grind oatmeal and fill them cool water for 30 min. Then mix, waiting for small particles to settle to the bottom, and carefully pour the liquid into the jar. Leave for several hours and drain the liquid again. At the bottom there will be a mixture that, when dried, will turn into powder. It will need to be sifted before use.

The advantage of such products is their long shelf life, because... they contain dry products that do not spoil (unlike expensive powders containing fragrances and liquid flavors).

How to apply mattifying powder to skin

The powder must be applied to the face with special brushes or sponges. They are sold in a set with the product, as well as separately in cosmetic stores. Excellent for loose powder a large one will do an angled kabuki brush, and for a pressed brush, a powder puff or sponge. Some people advise applying powder with your fingers, but you should absolutely not do this, as the tone turns out uneven and looks unnatural.

Powder is a decorative cosmetic product and is an integral part of any cosmetic bag. This is a homogeneous, finely dispersed and flavored mixture.

It is used not only to improve complexion, but also to protect the skin from harmful effects environment. Depending on the composition, powders are divided into organic and mineral.

Modern composition of powder

Previously, the main components of any powder were rice or wheat flour, rice starch and lead. These components had a rather detrimental effect on the health of the facial skin. They absorbed all skin secretions, which led to enlargement and expansion of pores.

Powders of current production have a completely different composition. Thanks to this, they no longer cause such harm to the skin of the face. The basis of any high-quality modern powder is an organic ingredient - talc. It also contains vegetable flour, zinc oxide, kaolin, potassium hydroxide, titanium white, starch, flower oils, and a variety of flavorings.

More expensive powders may additionally include various fortified ingredients and even silk proteins. Lead is no longer added to modern powders; it has been replaced by zinc oxide.

The most common components of powder

Talc, white and brown clay, starch, zinc stearate, kaolin, various fats, alcohols and fragrant components are used as a basis for powder.

In order for the powder to adhere well to the skin and make it silky and velvety, magnesium and zinc stearates are used. But kaolin, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide significantly increase the covering properties of the powder.

They are added a little so that the skin structure does not lose its naturalness. In order for the powder to absorb skin secretions, starch and calcium carbonate are added to it.

Starch also protects the skin from temperature changes, dampness and dust. And at the same time it does not clog pores. But it doesn’t stick well to the skin and crumbles.

To avoid this, it is not used without special additives, such as kaolin and magnesium and zinc stearates, which increase the adherence of the powder.

The best qualities are starch made from rice and maize. Potato starch not suitable because it is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. As a rule, starch in powder is about 10-15%. Talc acts as a filler and takes up half of the entire composition.

If you add more of it, it will have a bad effect on the quality of the powder and it will crumble. Organic and artificial dyes are used as pigments. To obtain the desired shade, pigments of brown, yellow, white and red are mixed.

A variety of perfumes are used as fragrant substances for making powder. They are obtained either from organic essential oils, or from synthetic fragrances. They give the powder a subtle and delicate aroma.

Differences between mineral and regular powder

The main difference between these two types of powders is their composition. Ordinary powder consists of organic and chemical ingredients. While a good mineral powder contains only natural products– mineral stones that are ground into powder.

Even pigments and reflective elements are also made from natural ingredients. Mineral powder It is distinguished by its special whiteness, shimmer and freshness. It owes these qualities to the reflective elements included in its composition.

Pearls and mica are mainly used to make them. But some unscrupulous manufacturers replace these components with bismuth oxychloride. He's quite harmless.

But this significantly reduces the quality of the powder. Therefore, in order not to purchase low-quality products, you should very carefully read the composition of the powder.

Harmful substances in powder

The powder may contain substances that can have negative impact on the skin.

• Liquid lanolin. It has excellent moisturizing qualities, but only if it was obtained naturally. It practically does not cause an allergic reaction. But people with fat type skin it is better to avoid it, because lanolin clogs pores.
• Talc. This organic element may cause lung irritation.
• Mineral oil. It is obtained by refining petroleum products. Therefore, there is no consensus on its usefulness. But it should be noted that mineral oil in small doses it has a positive effect on the skin, as it is an antioxidant. If the proportion of this substance in the powder is large, it can cause clogging of pores.
• Thimerosal. This substance is highly toxic and can cause an allergic reaction or irritation.
• Sodium chloride. This element clogs pores.
• Propylene glycol. This substance is used as a fragrance and moisturizer. May cause irritation to the mucous membranes of the eyes and skin. To prevent this from happening, this element should not be more than 50%.
• Tocopherol acetate. This is an antioxidant. Used to moisturize facial skin. In small quantities it is harmless. But if you exceed the dose, you can get allergies, peeling and itching.
• Benzophenone-3. Used as a means of ultraviolet protection. May cause skin irritation.

The powder may contain substances that can clog pores. Therefore, if your skin tends to acne, then you should first familiarize yourself with the composition of the powder. The list of such harmful components is quite long, some of them are given below:

• carrageenan;
• seaweed extract;
• sodium lauryl sulfate;
• laureth-4;
• isopropyl isostearate;
• isopropyl myristate;
• myristyl myristate.

In benign products, the content of such components is within normal limits. An allergic reaction can only occur in the case of individual intolerance to any of the above components.

Benefits of powder

The main task of powder is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of various atmospheric phenomena (dust, dampness and temperature changes). But main function powder, undoubtedly, is to even out the skin tone and give it a matte appearance.

She also absorbs skin discharge. The powder also has a masking property. With its help, you can hide skin imperfections such as enlarged pores, pimples and small scars.

But besides the positive qualities there is one negative point– the powder dries out the skin a lot. Therefore, those with dry skin should first apply a moisturizer to their face.

For everyday use, it is better to choose loose powder. It is considered the most harmless type of powder. It contains talc and organic pigments that do not have a harmful effect on the skin.

But the ingredients of the compact powder contain esters fatty acids. Therefore, you should not use this powder too often.

Powder can also have healing qualities. Such powders are characterized by a high antiseptic effect. But they are not designed for everyday use.

What is the difference between simply decorative cosmetics and mineral ones, what is included in them and is it harmful to human health? These current issues Let's look at it briefly in our article.

Women have long been looking for ways to emphasize their beauty, change the impression of true age, as well as about the color of your natural tone. It is safe to say that the decorative series of cosmetics appeared a very long time ago and each ancient civilization used it.

Mineral cosmetics consists of natural ingredients:

1. mica
2. metal oxides - titanium, iron, chromium, zinc
3. inorganic compounds - boron nitride, magnesium stearate and ultramarine
4. silk, pearl and rice powders
5. carmine is a naturally occurring bright crimson red pigment that is extracted from beetles in Mexico

Long-term experience in using these components has proven their safety for the human body. All components are inert for the skin, and some are even very useful. If anyone still has doubts about the safety of mineral cosmetics, then it is better not to use anything at all, because more natural makeup simply does not exist.

In industrial decorative cosmetics, synthetic substitutes and fillers are widely used, which are much cheaper, but harmful to humans. Sometimes, using only 5-10% minerals or natural pigments, some manufacturers call such cosmetics mineral, but this is a blatant substitution of concepts. You can only tell the difference by the ingredients listed on the packaging.

If you meet:

1. talc
2. dimethicone
3. cyclomethicone
4. paraffin
5. propylene glycol
6. or other components whose purpose is to stabilize the structure and preserve

then this is not mineral cosmetics.

Talc is a natural mineral, but it is what causes dry skin and deteriorates the stability of powder on the face. I wonder what decorative cosmetics without talc, for anyone famous brand, twice as expensive. Here is the understandable root of all evil - the desire to earn more, even at the cost of someone's health.

Titanium dioxide - in a dry state does not cause harm to human skin, is harmful if it gets into respiratory tract. Without titanium dioxide, powder or blush will be transparent on the skin and will not provide coverage. You will need to pour half a jar onto yourself to change your natural complexion to the desired one. To get a shade, you need to add pigments - concentrated colored powders - to the base. Most often they use natural ones, but if you need to get an unnatural loud color, then it’s definitely synthetic. Natural carmine, the most expensive pigment, is very rarely used, so there are many synthetic substitutes. And only the most expensive brands allow themselves to add such valuable components to mineral cosmetics as: silk and pearl powder, silicon microspheres and boron nitride.

The best mineral cosmetics are in a crumbly state, since pressing involves some kind of foreign filler. The best is shea butter, but for the skin it will be like a lard mask and ultra-light mineral cosmetics will lose their weightlessness. Other fillers for pressing are alcohol (unreliable; when powder falls, it cracks and breaks), paraffin, triglycerides and silicones. Preservatives also need to be added to the composition, but even with them, the shelf life is 1-2 years. And the shelf life of all components of loose mineral makeup is unlimited.

Mineral makeup is often used in films and television. And this is not surprising, because only mineral makeup can hide all the unevenness and imperfections of the skin, which become very noticeable on the screen, and at the same time look as if there is no makeup at all. Mineral makeup does not age young people and looks barely noticeable, but it can significantly rejuvenate middle-aged and older people. It all depends on the skill of the makeup artist and tastes in choosing colors. Mineral makeup will never look cheap or tasteless since all components are in the form of microparticles and are easily applied to the skin.

Ingredients of loose mineral makeup

Primer- applied to damp skin day cream skin, before powder or corrector with concealer. Prepares the skin for makeup, is colorless and its task is to care for the skin and ensure better adhesion. Contains the most valuable components of mineral cosmetics: silk and pearl powders. Using a primer reduces powder consumption and is especially recommended for mature skin. Without a primer, it is impossible to feel and see all the benefits and beauty of mineral makeup.

Corrector and concealer- designed to eliminate, by masking, imperfections such as red pimples (corrector) and dark circles under the eyes (concealer). These products act by the method of complementary colors, which results in the mutual elimination of both colors and the formation of a gray achromatic shade. Rashes, acne, rosacea, spider veins, dark circles under the eyes and even freckles - all this is masked with the help of a corrector or concealer.

Concealer - always a light flesh tone - disguises dark circles and pimples with purple tint. Apply using a dotted method with a special brush.

A corrector - green or another color - is applied to acne, cupidosis or other problems with a red tint. Zinc oxide, which is contained in corrector and concealer, dries out rashes and minor irritations.

Blush- complements the already prepared base made with primer and powder. Without blush, the face can look cold with a wall or mask effect. With the help of blush you can visually correct the oval of your face.

Shadows — must-have accessory to highlight your strengths. Here already the most important function plays a mixture of powders that create a shade. Shadows cannot do without such important components as boron nitride and magnesium stearate for better adhesion and glide on the skin. Mineral shadows are also non-crumby and have a matte, natural look. They do not fray or wrinkle. It is best to use 3-4 shades from one related palette.

Highlighter and powder veil- the final components of makeup - highlight the face and give freshness.

The most budget-friendly set that we recommend to you is powder + blush + eye shadow. All other applications are optional, although they will not hurt in your arsenal.

Factors for successful use of mineral makeup

Very important factor The success of using mineral makeup depends on experience and skill. If you have never dealt with brushes or completely loose materials, you will not immediately feel satisfied with mineral makeup. We do not recommend using mineral makeup with incompatible makeup materials: BB or foundation, blush or eyeshadow from another manufacturer, since the result may be unpredictable.

And as for explosives and foundation creams, then we consider such works and inventions of the twentieth century to be completely harmful. The skin literally gets stuck with silicones, plasticizers and preservatives. This causes the pores to expand and the skin to suffocate all day under such a mask. Rashes and allergic reactions appear as the body protects itself.

The benefits of mineral makeup can be expressed in short theses:

1. Does not harm health - inert components on the skin
2. Doesn't dry out the skin
3. Weightlessness and stability on the skin
4. All components (powder, blush, eye shadow, primer) are similar in composition - easily mixed and shaded; it also allows you to use multiple shades of powder or blush at the same time

How to choose the right face powder is what this article will be about. The basis of any beautiful makeup is the right powder. Every girl who wants to look impressive has it in her purse. Powder has a number of advantages over foundation, the main of which is that the pores under it do not clog and the skin breathes.

In addition, the powder makes the skin velvety, smooth, and ideally hides minor defects. The choice of powder should be approached very scrupulously, since it will be a shame if it does not suit. In the end, it turns out that money is thrown away. To avoid this, you should make sure of the quality of the selected powder in the store.

What kind of powder is there?

The consistency of the powder can be loose, or powder, and compact (cream powder). There are no fundamental differences between them, but they are used for different seasons and depending on skin type. The main functions of powder include antiseptic, masking and moisturizing. The advantage of loose powder is that it applies more easily to the skin of the face, and the layer is less dense than when applying compact powder.

How to choose powder depending on skin type

If the skin is dry, then the cream powder will ideally moisturize it and add shine, and if the girl has oily skin, then the best option it will become crumbly powder. It can remove unnecessary, oily shine from the face. If your facial skin is prone to allergic reactions, then it is better to buy powder that has protective properties and avoid using scented powder on your facial skin.

About the composition of the powder

An important factor influencing the quality of powder and its specific properties is its composition. Rice flour, which is often used in the manufacture of this cosmetic product, is a swelling substance, the pores clog underneath it, and the skin does not receive enough oxygen, which leads to. Also, carefully check that the powder does not contain toxic substances, since applying it to the face is dangerous.

Any time of the year...

You should choose powder based on the time of year. For example, in summer you should buy powder that has protective properties and is resistant to ultraviolet rays. As noted above, it perfectly masks excess skin shine and does not clog pores. In winter, it is best to choose cream powder, because thanks to its dense structure and the presence of moisturizing substances in its composition, it will not allow the skin to become dry, it will nourish and moisturize it.

Choosing powder based on skin color

In addition to its protective and antiseptic functions, the powder also performs decorative functions. Therefore, an important factor influencing the choice of powder is complexion and its features. The tone of the selected powder should not differ greatly from the color of the skin, that is, the powder should not be too light or too dark. This will make your makeup look disgusting. It is best to have powder in several shades in your cosmetic bag, for example, in the summer - powder for tanned skin face, and in winter - powder more light shades. You can use more than one shade for makeup, which will allow you to make your makeup look natural.

How do you know if the powder is suitable?

The fact that the powder was not suitable can be judged for several reasons. Firstly, this is the occurrence allergic reaction. In this case, you should stop using the powder and purchase an anti-allergic one. Secondly, if the difference between the color of the face and the color of the neck and décolleté is very striking. Thirdly, as a result of using powder, lumps appear on the face, which indicates its poor quality. In all these cases, the powder should be changed, since makeup should be natural and make the girl charming and unique, hiding all minor defects in the skin of her face, and not cause her a lot of inconvenience.

As already noted, the powder should be applied to the face and lie evenly thin layer, giving the skin a healthy glow and absorbing skin secretions. The choice of powder should be approached responsibly and you should familiarize yourself with its composition in the store. In addition, you need to clarify what the expiration date of the powder is and how long it can be used without harm to the skin.

How to choose face powder

If you are choosing powder for the first time and are not sure whether your skin is prone to an allergic reaction to certain substances, then it is best to consult a doctor or sales consultant and under no circumstances choose powder on your own, this is very risky.

It doesn’t matter how much time it takes you to find good quality powder, the main thing is to make right choice, only then will you be satisfied. Best to do natural makeup and don't be like Christmas tree than choosing the first powder you come across and looking unnatural. And makeup should always be attractive - regardless of the time of year or skin type.

Every girl wants to look perfect, and an even and smooth appearance plays a special role in this. beautiful tone faces. Achieving this goal is quite simple, because in the arsenal modern fashionistas There are a lot of cosmetics available. Helps make your skin smoother and more beautiful foundation and powder. However, many girls are interested in which remedy is better.

Benefits of foundation

By using quality cream You can easily even out the tone and make the surface of the skin more beautiful. Thanks to the use of this product, it will be possible to cope with pigmentation, redness, scars and acne marks.

Foundation can be an excellent alternative to concealer. Of course, it will not be able to completely hide inflamed acne, but it is quite capable of making them less noticeable. Thanks to this technique, you can get more even tone skin.

A quality cream does not change appearance, if the face sweats, and therefore manages to avoid greasy shine on the forehead, chin, nose. This excellent remedy for creating evening compositions.

Besides this, foundation is an excellent skin protectant. IN winter time it helps prevent the negative effects of cold and dry air. In summer the cream reliably protects skin from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

What is the best way to use powder?

The powder delicately evens out skin tone and makes it more velvety. Today there are quite a few varieties of powder, and they all differ in color scheme and texture. An ordinary crumbly product fits well on the skin, but it is more convenient to use at home.

To touch up your make-up in any conditions, you can use compact powder. Thanks to its excellent composition, it can be chosen by women with dry skin.

Cream powder combines positive qualities foundation and powder. However this remedy Contraindicated for women with combination or oily skin.

Disadvantages of powder and foundation

Since foundation completely covers the skin and sebum, it can lead to clogged pores. Because of this, the air exchange of the skin suffers and its condition is disrupted. This may result in problems, excessive dryness or sensitivity.

Problems with the fat balance of the skin also often arise. Therefore, long-term use of foundation can lead to the transformation of small pimples into large ulcers.

The disadvantages of foundation include: wrong choice shade. Because of this, there is a risk of getting too unnatural make-up.

As for the disadvantages of powder, you need to take into account the type of this cosmetic product. So, loose powders usually require brush application, which can be difficult for a beginner.

If you need to reapply your makeup during the day, it is important to be careful as the product may flake and look very unsightly on your clothes. Powder can also get into wrinkle lines or accumulate in areas of damaged skin.

The use of this product may result in uneven distribution of pigment. This threat exists in girls with combination skin.

What is more harmful: powder or foundation?

It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally. In order not to harm your skin, you need to consider its type when choosing cosmetics. Yes, to the owners normal skin Both methods work equally well.

Women with dry skin types should pay attention to cream powder. If you decide to use ordinary powder, you should apply a moisturizer before using it. To the owners oily skin Powder is ideal, which will cope with excess shine and make the skin matte.

If we talk about foundation, it should be used extremely sparingly. It is important to choose the right shade. Apply with light movements.

Maybe: foundation with a powder effect?

This product helps hide all skin imperfections and does not require you to powder your face throughout the day. If you don’t want to constantly adjust your makeup, you can choose just such cosmetics.

It is very important to consider your skin type. Owners of fatty or combined type It is better to choose cream powder with silicone. It applies evenly to the skin and prevents oily shine.

It is better to give preference to mature women liquid product. It has nutritional properties and prevents dehydration. For those with enlarged pores, it is better to avoid using this product. A foundation with a dense texture and shimmering powder are much more suitable.

Each girl should independently choose one or another product for skin correction, since this choice to a large extent influence individual characteristics. The color scheme and accuracy of application of the product are also important.