Why powder foundation is making a comeback

One of the most frequently asked questions we get on the Telegraph Beauty desk is, 'what type of foundation should I be wearing - liquid, cushion, mineral, loose or pressed?' The main difference is that powdered mineral foundations are actually good for your skin. Yes, really. Particularly if you are prone to acne, they can help combat a slew of skin problems. Whilst it's kind to sensitive skin-types, it also has an added benefit in that it is non-comodegenic which means it doesn’t clog pores, which naturally results in better skin quality.

However, there has long been a negative stigma associated with with loose-powdered foundations. Aren't they old-fashioned and dated? We've always thought that if you wanted a youthful, dewy glow, liquid foundations were your only option. But with consumers becoming more ingredient-savvy, reports by Soil Association's Organic Beauty & Wellbeing Market Report show that there has been a 40 percent increase in women looking to more natural ingredients when it comes to their skincare and make-up. Mineral foundations now stand the test against a liquid. 

The mineral movement has also seen many celebrities and make-up artists endorse a more natural and sustainable approach to beauty. So much so, supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has recently signed as the new face of leading natural mineral beauty brand, Bare Minerals. "People, including me, are so much more conscious about what they are using," she told The Telegraph last month. "Before, it was all about what you put into your body and now its about what you put on your body."

What is mineral powdered foundation? 

Mineral powder foundation is made with pure, crushed minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide. They are crushed and micronised into tiny particles which make up the loose powder. These natural ingredients provide some natural sun protection and anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin. Once buffed into the skin they settle on the surface and reflect light and even the tone of the skin. 

How to wear mineral foundation 

"Mineral make up is easy to apply and free of many fillers, waxes and preservatives that can induce break outs or flare ups," says  make-up artist Mary Greenwell. "Mineral make up is suited to women that want an easy-to-apply base. You just swirl on with a dense kabuki brush for instant coverage that lasts." Try Sigma Flat Kabuki Brush, ￡16.50.

Women over 40 need to be careful with any powder make-up as traditional powders will absorb moisture from the skin, and the matte finish can exaggerate lines. However, today we are seeing new powders come into play that not only set makeup, but also give the skin a lasting natural luminosity, whilst blurring fine lines. 

How should you apply powder foundation?

"If you are mature and want to try a powder-based foundation, a good hack is to use a dewy tinted moisturiser first," advises Greenwell. This will even the skin into a really soft flattering sheer coverage that won’t emphasise uneven textures like fine lines and wrinkles. "Then apply a light dusting of mineral make up over the top to increase your coverage and help set your look," says Greenwell. 

For light coverage buff a dusting of mineral powder over freshly primed skin, using circular motions and a short dense kabuki or face blending brush are ideal. "Be sure to use a light hand and always tap or bang off any excess product from the brush first," says Greenwell. For medium coverage, build in light layers - remember, the more you buff the more glowy your skin will appear. Bingo!

Best loose-powdered foundations

Loose Setting Glow Powder, ￡29

Bare Minerals Loose Powder Foundation, ￡27

 Charlotte Tilbury Genius Magic Powder, ￡33 

Long Time No Shine Loose Foundation Powder, ￡32