A compact powder is a pressed powder that controls excess shine and sets your makeup, giving your skin an even toned and smooth appearance. But as is the case with any makeup product, one of the biggest challenges that people face is finding the correct shade. If you decide to go for a shade that is too dark then it does not blend into your skin well and on the other hand if you pick a shade that is too light then it can make your skin look green or ashy. So, how does one go about picking out the perfect compact powder shade? Keep reading and in this blog, we at Moira Beauty will tell you everything you need to know about compact powder and how to pick one for yourself.

Why Choosing the Correct Shade is Important?

Compact powder is not just about setting your makeup but about selecting the right shade that compliments your overall look. It can add a lot to whether your makeup looks natural or not which is why it is important to use a shade that does not change the color of your skin but in fact makes it look more uniform and even toned. 

Understanding Your Undertone & Skin Tone

Before selecting a compact powder, it is essential to understand what your undertone, as well as your skin tone as it is these two factors together which will determine which compact powder shade suits you the best. 

What is your Skin tone?

• Fair: Light colored skin tones that can burn easily but tans rarely. 

• Medium: A balanced skin tone that can tan but may also burn.

• Olive: A neutral or slightly greenish tone with an easy ability to tan.

• Deep: Dark skin that rarely burns and tans easily.

Identifying Your Undertone

Undertones are classified as:

• Cool: Hints of pink, red, or blue. Veins on the wrist appear bluish.

• Warm: Hints of yellow, golden, or peach. Veins on the wrist appear greenish.

• Neutral: A mix of cool and warm undertones together. Veins appear bluish-green.

How to Find Your Undertone?

• Jewelry Test: If gold jewelry complements your skin better, you likely have a warm undertone. If silver looks better, you have a cool undertone. If both look good, you have a neutral undertone.

• White vs. Cream Test: Hold a white and cream fabric near your face. If white makes your skin glow, you likely have cool undertones, while cream complements warm undertones.

How to Choose the Correct Compact Powder Shade?

Now that you have understood about your undertone and skin tone, let’s help you understand how to find the best compact powder shade for you.

1. Match It to Your Foundation

Compact powder should be the same shade as your foundation, granted you already use a foundation that compliments your skin tone well. Many brands step in and make shade matching very easy for their clients as they offer compact powders in the same shades as their foundation range, making it easier to find an exact match for your skin tone. 

2. Test in Natural Light

Always ensure you check natural light, and then swatch the powder on your wrist or your jawline. Please remember that store lighting can be misleading due to shadows and it is always better to step outside in natural light and see how a particular shade looks on your skin tone before making the purchase. 

3. What is your skin type?

• Oily Skin: Use a mattifying compact powder to control excess oil on the skin 

• Dry Skin: Use a hydrating powder that does not cling to dryness.

• Combination Skin: Use an oil-free powder that provides balanced coverage 

4. Don’t go for a shade that does not match your skin tone

It's important to stay close to your natural skin color. Going a shade lighter can make your skin look ashy or gray, while a shade too dark may make your complexion look unnatural. 

5. Our skin tone has variations during season change

Our skin color and tone can change slightly with the seasons. This slight change can also bring a big difference in our overall makeup look. 

How to Apply Compact Powder for the Best Results

Even with the right shade, proper application is key to achieving a flawless look. Here’s how to get the best results:

1. Prep Your Skin

Ensure your skin is clean and well moisturised. Compact powder is usually applied after foundation and concealer. It is important to remember to allow your makeup to settle before layering it with compact powder. 

2. Use the Correct Tool

Use a powder puff  or a beauty blender or to press the compact powder into your skin for more coverage. 

3. Focus on Key Areas

If you have dry or combination skin, it is advisable to apply compact powder mainly to your T zone (forehead, chin and nose which is likely to get oily and shiny.) Avoid over applying your compact powder as it can make your makeup very dry and patchy. 

4. Blend Well

Ensure that the compact powder blends seamlessly into your skin. Take special care along your jawline and near your ears to avoid a contrast that might be noticeable. 

5. Reapply as Needed

To touch up throughout the day, carry your compact powder if you have oily skin. Rather than  piling on the product, just tap it on shiny areas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Compact Powder

• Not doing the Undertone Check: Using a powder with the wrong undertone will make  your face look fake.

• Using It on Hand and Not on Face: Your hand has a different tone  from your face, so you can’t tell the match.  

• Using Too Much Product: Avoiding  cakey and heavy feeling skin, powder can often be too much to wear. 

• Not Considering Skin  Type: Using a mattifying powder on oily skin or a hydrating powder on dry skin is not very  effective. 

Final Thoughts

Finding the right compact powder shade for your skin tone is not as complicated as it seems & with our set of tips and tricks it can be very easy to find a shade that compliments your makeup looks! Check out Moira Beauty’s range of compact powders and when you are next buying compact powder, use these tips and have an easy and personal makeup  routine.

FAQ

1. How do I find my correct shade?

If you want to find your correct shade, it is important to identify your skin tone and undertone correctly and pick a shade that compliments your skin. 

2. What compact powder shade is best for Indian Skin?

Most Indian skin tones have a warm undertone so usually shades with gold or yellow undertones suit Indian skin the best.

3. Should your foundation and compact powder shade be the same?

Yes, your foundation and compact powder should be of the same tone so that your makeup looks seamless and natural. 

4. How to identify my skin tone correctly?

To identify your skin tone correctly, you need to identify your undertone by looking at your veins and checking how your skin reacts to being out in the sun.