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Opinion / Powder versus liquid foundation: which is the better make-up for every season?

Does it matter if you use liquid foundation or a powder compact? The experts discuss what is best, depending on your skin and what kind of finish you prefer.
Does it matter if you use liquid foundation or a powder compact? The experts discuss what is best, depending on your skin and what kind of finish you prefer.
Beauty

Are two-way cakes and powder compacts not as good as liquid foundation when it comes to flawlessly applied make-up and achieving a dewy complexion? We ask the experts to weigh in

If you live in a country with four seasons, you might be compelled to switch up your make-up products according to the season’s whims. After all, who can overcome the tragedy of a powdered face drenched in sweat?

So when the mainstream brands began to introduce powder compact foundation back into the market, I couldn’t help but wonder: in this age of HDTV and selfie-obsessed social media personalities, are we actually regressing?

Innovations happen incredibly fast – in fact, we’re looking at Augmented Reality when it comes to the future of beauty, which has grown into a US$532 billion industry today, according to a report by the retail analytics firm Edited.

Dior Forever duo – Foundation (left) and Couture Perfect Cushion
Dior Forever duo – Foundation (left) and Couture Perfect Cushion
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Because if you recall the days of heavily-powdered faces and the matt complexions of the ’90s, you’ll understand my apprehension. When I was growing up in the late noughties, two-way cakes were all the rage for being a cheap, easy and quick fix – but, in my opinion, with dire results. You either ended up looking too brown or grey – both casualties of mismatched skin tones and long-wearing oxidation.

Later, when make-up artistry came into the mainstream, there was suddenly a deluge of foundations in liquid form, while the Korean beauty industry contributed BB cushions for that impeccable glow.
Shu Uemura Unlimited Breathable Lasting Cushion Foundation
Shu Uemura Unlimited Breathable Lasting Cushion Foundation

So, who’s buying powder foundation, or two-way cakes, for that matter?

Ipsa Powder Foundation N
Ipsa Powder Foundation N

Ipsa released a powder foundation this year to address all those issues. I must admit that I tried it as a sceptic, then was impressed by its airiness – you can even contour your face with the darker shade. Three-in-one – that’s a new take on the two-way cake.