Liquid Makeup vs. Powders

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There is a cream and a powder for everyone.

— Lori Taylor, pro lead makeup artist at Smashbox Cosmetics

The Base

When weeding through options for foundations, “It always comes down to skin type and the finish you want,” said Lori Taylor, the pro lead makeup artist at Smashbox Cosmetics.

Choosing the wrong foundation will wreck any makeup job. “Powders are amazing for oily skin types. Creams offer maximum hydration, so they are best suited for drier skin but have a tendency to plump fine lines and wrinkles,” said Jeffrey English, a Sephora pro artist.

Taylor believes those with oily skin can be taught to use cream products successfully with some practice, whereas a person with normal to dry skin can try almost anything. Taylor suggests a primer for all skin types, which she describes as “the bridge between skin care and color.”

Next, be clear about the type of finish you’re after. Do you want a matte, shimmer or sheer finish? Are you after a flawless look for evening? Powders look more natural because they provide less coverage and have less pigment, making them great for those with genetically superior skin. Cream formulations tend to have tons of pigment and more coverage, but tend not to last as long as powders (making them a great choice for evenings out, but not always the best option for a long day). “Powders generally have a matte finish, unless they have illuminators built in,” English said. “Creams can mimic the sheen of the skin's natural radiance, leaving your skin looking fresh and quenched.”

Another consideration is the ease of application. Cream formulas can be applied and blended with fingers, whereas powders are more portable but need to be applied with a brush. “Powders are great for touch-ups, soaking up oil, are amazing for setting the makeup design and have a tendency to wear a bit longer than cream varieties,” English said.

Even with all of these things considered, making the choice between a cream or powder product doesn’t have to be so cut and dry. Thanks to the technological advances in the beauty industry, many cream formulas are now oil free, making them great for oily or acne-prone skin. And some powders, especially the mineral ones, can work for drier skin types. Overall, said Taylor, "There is a cream and a powder for everyone."

When building your look, remember that cream and powder formulas can be used together and, according to English, it’s typically best to do so. “I think using multiple formulas is always best. There is definitely a delicate balance between moisture and dryness. Too many hydrators in one product can cause your product to move, so using a powder to 'set' the makeup is best,” English said. “I also really like the way makeup looks when cream formulas are applied under powders, because it provides that natural glow that everyone covets. A great tip is to apply cream blushes under a powder foundation. This creates the look of blood flushing the cheeks naturally.”

Weather is a factor, as well. A good idea is to change your foundation formula based on the climate in which you live and the season. A creamier foundation might make sense for a New York winter, and a powder or a lightweight tinted moisturizer would suit an Arizona summer. As with any new beauty routine, ask for samples and test before committing.

Bronzer

The most common type of bronzer comes in a powder formulation and can be easily applied with a brush to add contours to the face. Liquid-based bronzers have recently emerged. While they add an overall glow to the skin, they are harder to apply. Cream or liquid bronzers are more pigmented than powder ones but can be mixed with your foundation or moisturizer to add a nice overall color to the face. You can also apply liquid bronzers with a sponge or your fingertips, but they are typically more difficult to blend than powder formulas.

Blush

Cream blushes are more pigmented and are great layered underneath a powder blush to add more intensity. As with the other types of makeup, choosing a powder or cream blush comes down to the finish you want and your skin type. If you are acne prone, layering on too many creamy products could overwhelm your skin. If you're trying out the statement blush trend, a cream formula gives a nice glow. If you want to increase the intensity, layer a powder blush and blend.

Eye Shadow

Cream eye shadows have emerged in recent years, yet the most common complaint is that they crease and fade quickly. The easy fix is a primer, which preps the skin, allowing the color to act more like a powder. Cream-to-powder formulations, English said, “Start out fluid and amorphous but dry down to set themselves,” so you get both the pigment and longevity. Some cream eye shadows come in a stick and can be applied directly to the eyelid and blended with your fingers. Powder eye shadows can be applied with a brush or your fingertips and are especially good for creating a smoky eye.

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