How to not wear face powder

[Charliesangel2009]

I have worn the standard foundation (well, tinted moisturiser) with loose powder, and possibly a bit of bronzer, combo for at least 15 years. I'm now 41 and I know that the powder is making me look, well, powdery. And old.

But I don't know how to not do this. If I just put on the tinted moisturiser sans powder, I feel like I'm not 'done'. Do I just have to get over this feeling?

But more importantly, if I don't put powder on my eye area, my eyeshadow just goes blotchy on top of the foundation. And my eyeliner smudges.

Please help! I'd love to look more dewy and, ahem, modern (gosh, I sound like my mother) and certainly less powdery and wrinkly.

I use a little bit but not all over using a foundation brush rather than big powder brush.

So I put a bit on my nose to stop shine and around my eyes but not on cheeks so still have that dewy glow round cheeks (that's the idea anyway!)

Why do you put foundation on your eyes? Surely that's what the eyeshadow is for, isn't it?

That makes sense. I guess I just need to stop being so heavy handed with the powder. Do you use tinted moisturiser or 'proper' foundation.

Thanks for the tips

Ilovemydog, I've always used tinted moisturiser so just rubbed it all over, including my eye area. But even if I don't wear it, eyeshadow doesn't sit right on my lids without powder first

Possibly worth switching to a different powder. Some have light reflecting or illuminating particles (or whatever) that are supposed to be kinder to older skin. I quite like benefit dandelion which sets makeup but also makes me look healthier.

You could try a BB cream, and maybe an eye base. I think tesco do one. It stops the shadow sliding off but is less heavy than foundation.

I find a primer helps give a better base and means I can wear lighter makeup.

On top of that I use a light foundation just here and there to even up the tone and a mineral powder dusted on top.

I think the trick is to use less and NOT powder all over. This small brush is excellent for powdering because it's small and you can't load too much on it. I would powder lightly round the eyes (underneath only to set concealer), eyelids then nose, chin and middle of forehead if you get shine there. Leave the rest un-powdered. Or if you think you've over done it, a spritz of setting spray or a fine facial mist gets rid of that chalky look and makes face look dewy again.

I also recommend this high definition powder - sets makeup without that old lady powdery look.

I use loose powder just on my nose and chin, nowhere else. I use a Bare Minerals eye primer on my eyelids, no foundation there at all, seems to work. Definitely agree with keeping the cheeks dewy

Yes, using a small fluffy brush, like MooMin says, is good for just powdering where you need it. Just a little around the eyes and T-Zone and edges of the lips so your lipstick doesn't bleed is fine if you don't want a matte look all over.

Ilovemydog, when people ask why their eyeshadow doesn't stay on long the answer is usually because they don't use foundation/powder underneath it! Or at the very least, an eye primer. The clue is in the name - whether you call it foundation, or base.

Benefit 'one hot minute' and Barbara Daly Light Illusion powder both good.

By terry hyalaronic powder applied with a foundation brush. Don't put foundation & powder on your eyes,invest in an eye primer. I'd recommend Laura Mercier eye basics.

My tips! < I'm 41, have no lines or wrinkles yet and use face powder.. >

Try and use the best foundation you can afford. Chanel or By Terry are the best, but Bourjois Healthy mix is fab too.

The best face powder < and i have tried them all > is Corn Silk. Boots sell it and they do a matte version and a satin version - I use the Satin.. Apply with a large brush but crucially, avoid getting it anywhere near your eyes or round your mouth. This is where is will settle in lines or accentuate any wrinkles.

Oh yes Corn Silk is fab, I've been using it since I was a teenager but have only ever known one other person who used it. It can be quite hard to find in Boots, it's often shelved in bizarre places not particularly close to the other makeup

Thanks everyone! On Boots.com right now...

Oh I wonder round for ages until i find it by the foot care stuff and tampons or some such place.

I currently use Chanel... Corn Silk is better.