E.L.F. Powders

It’s up to you whether you want a powder that’s transparent, or whether you want one that matches your skin tone. A transparent one has the advantage of always being in season, while you may need to alternate between differently coloured powders during winter and summer, depending on how much colour you get from the sun.

Even when it comes to the type of powder: loose or firm, it’s often a matter of taste and a question of what you feel comfortable using.

• Loose powder comes in a jar and is, as the name indicates, loose. In other words, it’s not packed into a cake-like texture, but is instead more like opening a jar of flour. The powder is applied using a powder brush or the puff that is sometimes included. The advantage is that the result is sheer and natural, but the disadvantage is that there can be some dusty spillage.

• Compact powder comes packed as a cake in a small jar. Even this is best applied with a powder brush or the puff provided. The advantage of a solid powder is that there is minimal waste. The disadvantage is that it is easier to get a slightly cakey effect, especially if you use it with the sponge that accompanies it.