Powder vs Cream: How Redheads Can Decide Which Is Best For Them

You’re browsing through a makeup store, or the makeup section online and you see tons of products that look similar, but some are powder and some are cream/liquid. Which one do you pick for your redhead skin? The formula of your makeup can make a huge difference in how it looks, how it wears, and how your skin reacts. Here’s how to decide if powder or cream/liquid products are a better fit for your skin: 

Powder vs Cream/Liquid: Picking the Right One

Choosing powder or cream/liquid products depends on a couple of factors. First up, let’s talk skin type. If you have oily skin, you may want to opt for powder products to help reduce the appearance of oils. If your skin is more on the dry side, you probably want to opt for more cream/liquid products to help the skin appear more glowy and hydrated. If you have combination skin you might mix and match formulas depending on the product. 

Another factor to consider is pigment. Different products will be more pigmented in cream/liquid form, while others may be more pigmented in powder form. You also want to think about where in your routine a product falls. The typical rule of thumb is to apply all your cream/liquid products before your powder products since alternating between the two can cause separation, uneven texture, and patchiness.

The products you will usually see in both powder and cream/liquid form are foundation, eyeshadow, bronzer/contour, blush, and highlight. Now let’s talk about how the powder and the cream/liquid versions of each of these products may differ. 

Powder Foundation vs Cream/Liquid Foundation

Powder foundation isn’t nearly as popular as it used to be, but it’s still around. If you have extremely oily skin, you may want to consider using a powder foundation, but otherwise cream/liquid is the way to go. If you have oily skin, look for a formula that’s intended for your skin type, and set your foundation with a setting powder. 

Powder Eyeshadow vs Cream/Liquid Eyeshadow

Most eyeshadow you’re used to is probably in powder form. Cream/liquid eyeshadow often comes in the form of an eyeshadow stick, or a small pot of cream shadow. Cream/liquid shadow is great for anyone with dry eyelids, or for creating a light, simple look. Powder shadows are better for creating complex looks, blending, and overall getting a more pigmented eyeshadow.

Powder Bronzer vs Cream/Liquid Bronzer

Bronzing and contouring your face can be done with either powder or cream/liquid products. This choice comes down to personal preference but is one product where considering your skin type (oily or dry) and the order of your routine are important. You can also layer your bronzing and contouring products. Apply a cream/liquid product after your foundation and concealer, then after you apply your setting powder, apply a powder bronzer on top to add more color and dimension. 

Powder Blush vs Cream/Liquid Blush

Similar to bronzer, powder, and cream both work extremely well for blush, but you’ll want to consider your skin type (oily or dry) and the placement in your routine. Cream/liquid blushes can have really good pigment at first, but sometimes fade into the skin over the course of the day. If you want your blush to stay vibrant, try pairing it with a powder blush (similar to the bronzer) to set it in place and add more pigment. 

Powder Highlight vs Cream/Liquid Highlight

Since highlight is usually one of the last steps in your routine, this one really depends on your skin type (oily or dry) and if you’re wearing powder products underneath. If you are, they may not react well to a cream/liquid highlight, but they might be fine, so this one is a personal choice on what you like.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

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