Mommy Makeup Monday: Pressed Powder Foundations

On Mondays, I share a tip, product or tutorial that will help you look polished and put-together quickly and with minimal effort.  You definitely don't have to be a rushed mom to benefit from these posts...anyone who needs to be out-the-door fast (and who doesn't?!) can appreciate Mommy Makeup Mondays!

Today's topic is a quick and easy way to hide imperfections, discoloration, and even out your skintone.  For years, I have sworn by powder foundations as the secret to making your skin look nice in less than a minute.  I'm not talking about the good old "buff swirl tap" ...whatever... that bareMinerals claims will change your world.  (Personally, I'm not a fan.  I don't get enough coverage, it takes too long, and it makes a giant mess of my vanity.)  I have always used pressed powder foundations, not loose powders.

It is important to know that powder generally looks and works best with oily/combination skin, as it helps keep shine at bay.  If you have dry skin, I would recommend a BB or CC cream or a tinted moisturizer instead of a powder foundation.  (My picks: Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, or Garnier Skin Perfecter BB Cream.  More to come in future posts!)

The pressed powder that has been my Holy Grail quick and easy foundation for close to 10 years is the Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation ($27.00).  It comes with a cosmetic sponge, but I have always applied mine with a kabuki-style brush.  I am currently using the Sigma F45 buffer brush, which I think is a steal at $24.00.  (The comparable Mac 182 buffer brush is $53.00!)  I swirl my brush around the compact and buff the powder into my skin using circular motions.  I apply more to my T-zone, which gets oily faster, and just blend into my cheeks without using more product.  It takes mess less than 1 minute to perfect my skin.  This foundation gives great coverage with a matte finish.  Bonus: it comes in 40 shades!  

     

(I hit pan on mine a long time ago!)

Recently, I have been using Burberry's Sheer Luminous Compact Foundation ($55.00).  This has replaced my Mac Studio Fix for now, but at the price point, I can't say I would repurchase, especially given that it is about half the size of Mac's foundation.  (In full disclosure, the Burberry foundation was gifted to me from my sister.)  The coverage is slightly more sheer (which you would expect given the name) but can be built up to leave your skin looking absolutely flawless.  It is scented; Mac's is not.  It also has a matte finish, and on me, will last longer than Mac's foundation before I need to reapply.  The Burberry packaging absolutely emphasizes that this is a luxury foundation.  It is mirrored metal with the classic Burberry check print, heavy, and has a magnetic closure.  If you're due to receive a gift or just want to treat yourself, definitely try this one out!

  

(I've hit pan on this one, too!)

While these two are definitely my picks for powder foundation, there are plenty of other options on the market, as well.  bareMinerals' Ready Foundation ($29.00) is much better than their loose foundation, in my opinion.  Their shade range is more limited than Mac (20 shades, compared to Mac's 40), but the product is good.  Benefit Hello Flawless ($34.00) is also a great product, but only comes in 9 shades, and is half the size of Mac's foundation.  Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder ($59.00) is the most expensive, but also the largest product.  It only comes in 6 shades.

If you're shopping at the drugstore, Cover Girl makes TRUblend Pressed Powder ($8.99), which would be a good way to try this type of product without the high price point.  This powder is more sheer though, and more comparable to Mac's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural.  

If you find yourself rushing your makeup application or leaving the house with none on because you don't have time, I definitely recommend trying a pressed powder foundation.  They provide excellent coverage quickly and easily.  

Have you found any other methods of perfecting your skin that take mere minutes?  I'd love to hear your suggestions!  Have you tried pressed powder foundations?   Do you love or hate them?

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you enjoyed :)

As always, everything in this post is my honest personal opinion.  No affiliate links were used.  I have not accepted any consideration for sharing these items with you.  Unless indicated otherwise, all products were purchased by me with my own money.