A History of Makeup and Face Powder

Categories: BeautyMakeupSkin

In 1920 MaxFactor created the first makeup line and coined the word calling this mew range “Society Makeup”. Although The history of cosmetics spans at least 7,000 years and is present in almost every society on earth. Archeologically evidence shows the Egyptian ladies were dolling themselves up as early as 4000B.C. This was mainly, or at least in good part, to please the gods, as the women felt their appearance was directly related to their spiritual worth. So, the Egyptians created the first cosmetics.

They applied eye makeup using a mixture of copper and lead ore, around their eyes. Green shades went on the lower eyelids; black and dark grey was applied to the lashes and upper eyelids. To complete the ornate, look around the eyes, they added almond shapes of dark-colored powder (later called kohl). Egyptian women put a mixture of red clay or ochre and water or animal fat on their cheeks and lips- the first blush and lipstick- and applied henna to their nails.

Benefits of Make-up

  • Makeup makes you more Confident
  • Will keep your Skin Protected
  • Makeup helps in enhancing your appearance
  • You will have more fun with your day when you wear makeup
  • Makeup makes you look perfect in photos
  • You can get a better complexion when you use makeup
  • Makeup always helps you to look younger
  • face Makeup sequence:
  • 1-primer and corrector 2-foundation
  • 3-Powder 4-Contour/Bronzing Powder 5-Blush & Tint 6-Highlighter
  • 7-lipsticks 8-setting spray
  • We will discuss the 8th step of make-up that’s face powder.

Literature Review

Face Powder

Flesh-tinted cosmetic powder used to improve the appearance of the face by reducing shine, concealing blemishes, reduce the look of fine lines and pores over your base makeup, or even alone sometimes.

Face powders aren’t new to the beauty world in fact, face powder was used during the Victorian times as pale, flawless skins were fashionable so many women resorted to face powders.

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The use of face powder rose steadily towards the end of the nineteenth century but was still viewed by many as ‘injurious’ to the skin as they were thought to contain harmful ingredients like lead. To counteract these misgivings, and the occasional attack by the medical profession, early manufacturers and their cosmetic chemists made numerous pronouncements defending their use and even prescribing face powders in some skin conditions therefore in the nineteenth-century beauty books contained recipes that readers could use to make face powder at home. However, as the century drew to a close, more women chose to purchase face powders from local chemists/druggists then it took a marvelous commercial turn in the twentieth century as in late 1960’s cosmetics chemists began to make the perfect product in weight, shade, and function under all conditions with up-going upgrades till these days.

The Ingredients Of Face Powder

  • The two main ingredients are; Talcum powder and Cornstarch besides the differences between factories and brands that the overall ingredients could be listed:
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Zinc oxide
  • Talc
  • Zinc stearate
  • Prepared chalk or magnesium carbonate
  • Perfume

Types Of Face Powders

Loose Powder

Loose powder has a loose formula and is applied using a powder brush. It can also be applied with a damp sponge. It is used to set the makeup with a luminous glow. Generally, loose powders are used to set, bake or finish off the makeup. It is generally not heavy and does not make the makeup cakey. However, using it can be a bit tricky and it is impossible to carry the product in your bag for touch-ups.

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Pressed Powder

Many compacts come in a pressed powder formula. These are easily applied with a makeup sponge. This powder is used to set makeup, add some coverage and mattify the skin. It is generally available in more shades than most loose powders. This gives a natural finish. The compacts can be carried in the bag easily and are great for quick touch-ups. It is easy to apply the compact to your face to refresh it up quickly before leaving the workplace.

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Translucent

Translucent powders can be compact or loose. These look white in the pan but are nearly invisible on the face. The powder sets the makeup perfectly without adding any colour. So if you are looking for something that sets your makeup without adding any colour, this should be your ideal choice. However, if you do not blend the powder well, it will look like a white cast and horrible in flash photography.

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Foundation Powder

If you have very oily skin and prefer powder products over cream and liquid foundations, you should add powder foundations in your stash. These foundations generally come in a compact formula. However, applied on the skin, it gives coverage like any foundation. These are generally tinted and should match your skin tone. The powder refreshes the skin instantly. Generally, the powder does not melt down due to heat or sweat. It is basically a two-in-one product and is great for quick makeup looks. It sits on the skin and gives more coverage. But when you use a powder foundation base, you should use all powder products for the rest of the makeup. So you will have to skip liquid highlighters and blushes in this case.

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Setting Powder

Setting powders are used to set makeup. It is generally applied to the foundation to prevent shine and make the makeup stay in place. It can be a loose or compact formula, tinted or translucent in color. It reduces the appearance of pores and makes the face matte and shine-free.

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Finishing Powder

A finishing powder acts like a finishing spray that needs to be applied to complete the entire makeup. It helps the makeup to stay in place and look fresh for a longer period of time. It is usually dusted with a blending brush. It is much finer than setting or foundation powders and is generally loose or translucent. It is great for matured skin as it helps to hide fine lines and wrinkles that at times get prominent with makeup application. Overall, it is a great product for adding a luminous glow to the skin at the end of makeup.

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Mineral Powder

Mineral powders are rich in minerals and have lesser harmful chemicals. They are non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic and suit all skin types. Dermatologists specially refer these powders to women with oily and acne-prone skin. It often has antioxidants too and adds a luminous glow to ageing skin. These powders are lightweight and do not give heavy coverage.

Application of Face Powders

Applying Powder on Oily Skin

You oily-skinned folks may have an impulse to coat your face until you look like a doughnut in order to soak up all that shine. Resist that urge. Focus your powder application on oily areas, but don’t cake it on. Use a brush and a light dabbing motion. Choose a powder brush on the smaller side of the spectrum: still generously bristled, but not the size of a chipmunk. A tighter brush gives you more controlled application, and you won't lose half the powder on the brush to your eyebrows, hairline, and dressing table. Focus this more precise application on your T-zone. Drier areas benefit from a light sweep. Any sort of powder will work, but a matte loose powder is your best bet.

Applying Powder on Normal/Combination Skin

Fairly smooth, regular skin benefits most from a light sweeping application to the whole face. You should still focus on the areas that produce the most oil: forehead, nose, and chin. Apply your chosen product with either a classic medium-sized powder brush or a powder puff. If you’re going for a luminous look, a pressed powder with light-reflecting pigments, will give you a beautiful glow. For a matte look, a matte loose powder such as Youngblood Loose Mineral Foundation works best.

Applying Powder on Dry Skin

If your skin lacks moisture, you may be avoiding powder out of fear of calling attention to drier areas, but there’s no need to skip this makeup step. The best way to get an even application of powder on dry skin actually begins with the steps before your makeup: your skincare.

Ensure your skin is properly prepped for your foundation by layering either a hydrating serum or a light, dry facial oil beneath your moisturizer to ensure maximum hydration. A solid hydrating primer also helps achieve an even, long-lasting look.

If your skin is properly hydrated, the powder is totally allowed! However, you still want to avoid heavy, matte powders and stick to light-reflecting powders for a dewy look.

Apply your powder with a large brush. Focus more on the T-zone, where oil is likely to appear at some point, regardless of how dry your skin is in general. Use a light hand in areas that never get shiny or actually look flaky.

Applying Your Loose Powder

To avoid spilling your loose powder everywhere, gently shake some product into the lid and work from the lid as opposed to the actual container itself. This way, you can control exactly how much product you use without getting it everywhere.

When applying loose powder, ensure the product isn't sitting on top of the kabuki brush but has made its way into the bristles. Either tap excess product back into the lid or hold the brush vertically and tap the handle on a hard surface to move the powder into the bristles. This is a great way to avoid wasting products.

The pressed powder has a heavier consistency than loose powder. If you try to buff pressed powder into your skin, it will only disturb the makeup underneath and settle in lines. However, loose powder is finely milled and should be buffed into the skin for an airbrushed finish.

Concentrate on the center of your face, especially if you have an oily T-zone. Use the product that's left in your brush to powder the edges of your face towards the hairline; don't add more powder. Buff it all in until there are no lines or patches and you have a velvety finish.

Homemade translucent face powder:

Ingredients

• 1/2 Tablespoon Cornstarch

• 1 Teaspoon Baby Powder (talc)

• 1/8 Teaspoon Powder Foundation ( if you want to add a touch of color)

Directions

Stir all ingredients together and store in a used (and washed) powder container or a mint tin. Apply with a powder brush.

Summary

Make up is the new age essential for women as everyday wear and it comes in all forms and with lots of technics that differ from one person to another.

Face powder is one of the oldest make up materials that sticks around till now and can be used everyday-make-up or with full glam looks and differ in uses and prices from drug store powder to high-end luxurious powder.

Every skin type or skin shade has its own techniques and the way of application of the powder or the look will be dewy and flaky.

There are 6 types of face powder:

  1. Loose powder
  2. Translucent powder
  3. Foundation powder
  4. Finishing powder
  5. Mineral powder
  6. Setting powder
Updated: Mar 05, 2021
Cite this page

A History of Makeup and Face Powder. (2021, Mar 05). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/a-history-of-makeup-and-face-powder-essay

A History of Makeup and Face Powder essay
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