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CONTOURING AND

HIGHLIGHTING EXPERT

Module 06

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6. Module 06: Skin powder

Table of Contents

6. Module 06: Skin powder ................................................................................................................... 1

6.1 Contouring with Powder ............................................................................................................................ 2

6.2 Benefits of Using Powders ......................................................................................................................... 2

6.3 Powder Types ............................................................................................................................................. 3

6.3.1 Powder Types - Finishes .................................................................................................................... 4

6.4 Pros and Cons to Powders ......................................................................................................................... 5

6.5 Choosing Tools for Powder Contouring ..................................................................................................... 6

6.6 Applying the Powder Contour ................................................................................................................... 7

6.6.1 Applying the Powder Contour – Using Only Powder ........................................................................ 8

6.6.2 Applying the Powder Contour – Overtop of Cream ......................................................................... 8

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6.1 Contouring with Powder

Face powder has been around for centuries, and the technology in making it is continually improving.

Modern products can be lightweight, to provide sheer coverage, or dense and pigmented to create a

beautiful matte appearance. There’s also the option of using pressed or loose powder based on personal

preference and to achieve different looks. Pressed powders contain adhesion ingredients that help it cling

to the skin. Loose powders are great for setting the skin before adding dimension with highlighting and

contouring. Powders can be made with minerals, blurring agents, and sometimes fragrances can be added

for an extra dose of luxury.

Topics in this module:

1. Benefits of using powders

2. Powder types

3. Pros and cons to powders

4. Setting with powder

5. Choosing tools for powder contouring

6. Applying the powder contouring

6.2 Benefits of Using Powders

Powders are best for setting the makeup to ensure longevity in coverage, and to control oil. Blending with powders can be

very easy if you remember to always apply with a soft, gentle brush stroke. Many clients with oily skin prefer to use powders

to prevent breakouts. Because powders tend to sit on the surface of the skin instead of being absorbed into the skin like a

cream product, they may be less likely to cause clogged pores and blemishes. When choosing powders to contour, it’s best

to use a pressed matte formula. Adding a powder shimmering highlighter before setting the skin will create a “dewy” look

to the skin without a wet finish.

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6.3 Powder Types

Both pressed and loose powder can be used in contouring AND highlighting.

Loose Powder: Leaves the skin with a refined texture and soft look. Most loose powders come with a puff,

however, using a brush is most common, as it gives you more control over application. The application is

sheerer, and is therefore ideal to “set” makeup.

Pressed Powder: Convenient for doing touch-ups when you’re on the go, and need more coverage. Most

pressed powders come in a compact and include an application pad. This is your better bet for creating a

dramatic look.

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6.3.1 Powder Types - Finishes

Powders can have multiple characteristics and finishes. It’s best to keep in mind what finish your powders

will provide before applying. Here are the options to choose from:

Matte: Matte finishes create a finely textured, porcelain finish and can be best achieved using pressed

powders.

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Dewy: You can use shimmer powders to achieve a youthful glow. They come in both pressed and loose

powders and should be used sparingly.

Sheer: Loose powders give you a nice, sheer finish that, depending on texture and layering, will let your

natural skin show through.

6.4 Pros and Cons to Powders

PROS:

Provides sheer coverage for a more natural look

Powder absorbs oil

Ideal for warm weather climates

Can be reapplied easily for touch ups

Powders can create a similar look to “airbrush” makeup

CONS:

Some loose powder products can be messy

Can make the skin feel dry if applied heavily

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Takes a little more effort to build for a dramatic look

Highlighters can be hard to blend or remove once applied

May settle into fine lines and wrinkles, or aggregate around dry or damaged skin if used alone

6.5 Choosing Tools for Powder Contouring

Natural brushes are best used for powder products, as they often blend easier than their synthetic

counterparts. Depending on the area of the face you’re working on, you’ll want variation in your tools to get

into small places and densely pack in product as opposed to open areas where you want really smooth

application. It’s a good idea to have a few key brushes in your kit when using powders:

Cheek Contour: This is most often an angled brush, with tapered bristles to apply contour powders directly on

the angle of the cheekbone.

Forehead and Jawline Contour: Not as dense, this brush is often fluffy and should be a medium size to avoid

harsh streaking.

Nose Contour: Must be a smaller size fluffy brush or you can use a larger brush by squeezing the tips of the

hair to make a thinner line

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6.6 Applying the Powder Contour

Even though we’ve said it a hundred times, it really does bear repeating – the key to successful contouring

is blending! While powders are generally easier to blend than creams, harsh lines and unblended areas are

easier to spot with creams, so you can attend to them as you apply. When using powders, you may not notice

spotting or uneven application until you’re under different lighting, or tilt your head a certain angle. Always

remember to blend in small circular motions UPWARD with a fluffy brush to get rid of any harsh lines. We’ll

use the same mapping principles that we covered in Module 1 and 3 for placement of contour, but you’ll

notice as you apply your powders that because the coverage isn’t as pigmented as cream product, you may

have to build the contour slowly.

“If you’re applying powder on top of cream to get a more defined

look, be sure to match your powder shade to the cream shade! In

this case, you’re looking for an exact match, so you don’t change

the undertones of either product.”

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6.6.1 Applying the Powder Contour – Using Only Powder

If you aren’t looking to spend much time on blending contour creams, powder alone will do the trick! Start

the same as you would be using creams, and make sure the skin tone is even by applying corrector, concealer,

and foundation as needed. Then, set your face with a translucent powder – this is an important step to

ensure your powder blends smoothly and lasts throughout the day/night. Now you can start applying your

contour powder and either finish with highlighter, or a light dusting of translucent powder to again set your

makeup

6.6.2 Applying the Powder Contour – Overtop of Cream

For a more dramatic and glamorous look, layer your cream contour with a powder contour color. This is best

for achieving an evening look, especially if you want your makeup to last all day and night! Simply follow the

exact steps you took to apply the cream contour color. Make sure to use soft strokes and gradually build

with the powders.

“Before you apply any powders to the face, dip the brush into the powder

and tap the brush while it’s facing upwards. This is the best way to make

sure you won’t apply too much powder. It will also allow some of the

powder to fall into the bristles and save you from dipping back and forth

into the powders. (NEVER blow onto the brush)”