The key difference between liquid and powder foundation is that liquid foundation has a thin formula and it gives full coverage, whereas powder foundation has a dry formula and gives less coverage.
Foundations give us a smooth, even skin tone by covering imperfections and blemishes. They come in various forms, including powder and liquid forms. Liquid foundation is suitable for dry skin as it can provide hydration, while powder variety is best for oily skin so that it gets a matte finish. Selecting the best foundation depends on your skin type, the amount of coverage you need, the amount of time you have for the makeup process, and the type of finish you need (matte, glow, or dewy).
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Liquid Foundation
3. What is Powder Foundation
4. Liquid vs Powder Foundation in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Liquid vs Powder Foundation
What is Liquid Foundation?
Liquid foundation is a pigmented liquid mixture used to conceal imperfections. These foundations are either water-based or silicon-based, so they are best for those with dry skin since they can provide hydration. Most liquid foundations also contain other ingredients like SPF, moisturizer, and hyaluronic acid.
Liquid foundations give full coverage, and they are capable of hiding your blemishes and imperfections with a single layer. You can apply this using fingers, a sponge, or a kabuki brush. If you are applying this using fingers, make sure they are clean. If you are using a brush, it is better to use a small buffing brush so that there won’t be any brush marks on your foundation. Make sure to apply it in circular motions. If you are applying liquid foundation using a sponge, it will give you a natural look since it absorbs excess foundation. It also gives your skin a luminous look and does not settle on your wrinkles.
This type of foundation will look great during winter times, but during the summer, this will look greasy and shiny. Sometimes it will settle on your wrinkles, but the wrong primer will separate and look patchy on your skin.
What is Powder Foundation?
Powder foundation is a pigmented, finely milled powder that adds colour to your skin. It is either pressed or loose powder and is lightweight, so it gives a light finish. Powder foundations have breathable and buildable coverage.
Powder foundations made of pigments and minerals are ideal for those people who have oily skin because they have oil-absorbing properties. They are also suitable to apply on acne-prone skin since they do not clog pores. In addition, if you are a person who sweats easily, powder foundation is best for you. This is because it does not melt in a heat or sweaty environment. If you have sensitive skin, this type of foundation suits you better since they have fewer ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals. They give you light to medium coverage and also minimize the pores in your skin, and even out your skin tone.
However, if you do not prep your skin before applying powder foundation, it may look cakey or deposit on the lines of your skin. You can apply powder foundation using a dry sponge or a kabuki brush, and for a more natural look, you can wet your sponge with a face mist before application.
What is the Difference Between Liquid and Powder Foundation?
The key difference between liquid and powder foundation is that liquid foundation has a thin formula and it gives full coverage, while powder foundation has a dry formula and gives less coverage. Moreover, liquid foundation is suitable for dry skin as it can provide hydration, while powder variety is best for oily skin so that it gets a matte finish.
The below infographic presents the differences between liquid and powder foundation in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Liquid vs Powder Foundation
A liquid foundation is a pigmented liquid mixture used to conceal imperfections. It hydrates the skin and is best for dry skin. It gives full coverage and gives you a dewy look. Powder foundation is a pigmented, finely milled powder that adds colour to your skin. It is best for oily skin and gives you light coverage with a matte finish. It is also heat resistant and lasts longer, unlike liquid foundation. Thus, this is the summary of the difference between liquid and powder foundation.
Reference:
1. Shara Strand. “How to Put on Liquid Foundation.” Wiki How.
2. Hannah Madden, Frankie Sanderson. “How to Apply Powder Foundation.” Wiki How.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Foundation make up spilling out of a bottle” By Marco Verch Professional Photography (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Powder foundation.” (CC0) via Pxhere