Just going to Powder my Nose!

I've been asked a lot about miracle products for keeping shine at bay and setting make up, well look no further than the faithful translucent powder. An under rated but essential part of your make up. You can wear on its own, under mineral foundation or over liquid and cream foundations/concealers.

You normally can find translucent powders as either a pressed compact or loose in a sifter tub. I love it because it is finely milled so feels light and soft on the skin. Unlike other powders it minimizes pores and really sets my liquid or cream make up.

On darker skins, you have to go carefully with translucent powder. It has to be really fine and of a darker colour which is not always available in some cheaper brands but persevere and you will find a tone that suits. Otherwise you will be able to see it and it makes skin look ashen and grey.

So the best way to apply it is with a light dusting using a powder brush and then press it in to the skin with a sponge. Then finally take your powder brush and remove any excess from your face.

Where you apply it is also key, if you have combination skin then use it in the places where you get oily, like round the nose, forehead and chin. If you have drier skin then try a translucent powder which contains moisturising ingredients to make sure that your skin doesn't look flaky.

If you have very oily skin then consider using a gel mattifying primer (like Kryolan or The Body Shop antishine gels).

If you have acne scarring or any bumpy spots, then avoid any sort of face powders with shimmer, which will accentuate rather than downplay any irregular textures.

I generally use e.l.f Mattifying Tranlucent Pressed Powder and Beauty Without Cruelty Loose Tranluscent Powder (also great for catching eye shadow fall out)