Makeup that Lasts All Day? Yes Please! Discover the Magic of HD Setting Powders
Let’s deep dive into the world of HD setting powders, a makeup artist's secret weapon for flawless, long-lasting looks and an essential touch up medium for most any bride. But before we get into the nitty-gritty of its hero ingredient silica, we will start with the basics.
What is an HD Powder?
An HD powder, short for high-definition powder, is a type of finishing powder that creates a soft-focus effect on the skin. This means it blurs imperfections like pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, making your skin look smoother and more radiant. It's often used by makeup artists in film and television because it creates a flawless finish that looks great on camera.
Why Use HD Powder?
Whether you're on camera or not, HD powder is a great tool for perfecting your makeup look. It helps to set your makeup, so it lasts longer throughout the day, and it reduces shine, so your skin looks matte and fresh. It can also be used as a touch-up medium throughout the day to absorb excess oil and keep your makeup looking fresh. The beauty of an HD powder over a traditional translucent or setting powder is that it won’t lift your makeup or make it look cakey or textured when used properly.
What is HD Powder Made Of?
Most HD powders contain silica, a mineral that absorbs oil and moisture. Silica is what gives the powder its mattifying effect and blurs imperfections on the skin. Some HD powders also contain other ingredients like mica, which adds a subtle shimmer to the skin, or talc, which helps the powder to adhere to the skin.
When Shouldn't You Use HD Powder?
While HD powder is a great tool for perfecting your makeup look, it's not for everyone. If you have dry or mature skin, HD powder may accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin look drier and more aged. It's also important to use HD powder sparingly, as too much can make your skin look cakey or powdery. It can also create “flash back” in photos when the application is too heavy.
Now that we've covered the basics, let's take a look at some of my favorite HD setting powders on the market.
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Setting Powder
Make Up For Ever is a brand that's well-known in the makeup industry for creating high-quality, long-lasting products. Their Ultra HD Setting Powder is no exception. This silky powder contains silica to absorb oil and blurs imperfections, leaving your skin looking flawless and smooth. It's available in both translucent and tinted shades, so you can find the perfect match for your skin tone.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Laura Mercier is another brand that's known for creating high-quality, long-lasting makeup. Their Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a cult favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike. This powder contains silica to absorb oil and blur imperfections, and it sets your makeup in place for up to 12 hours. It's also available in a glow version, which adds a subtle shimmer to the skin.
Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder
This one is a regular in my professional kit. If you're looking for a vegan and cruelty-free option, look no further than Cover FX. Their Perfect Setting Powder contains silica to absorb oil and blur imperfections, and it's available in both translucent and tinted shades. It's also free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.
HD setting powders are a must-have in any makeup or bridal touch up kit, as they provide a flawless finish that looks great on camera and lasts all day long. They contain silica, which absorbs oil and moisture, blurs imperfections, and mattifies the skin. I hope this has provided you with some valuable information and helped you to choose the right HD powder for your skin type. Remember to use HD powder sparingly as a little really does go a long way!
Rachel Pivetta is a Multi-Award Winning Sunshine Coast Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist, Beauty Therapist and Educator passionate about guiding Brides with expert advice, and helping upcoming makeup artists and stylists navigate the world of bridal.