Powder blush is an oldie but a goodie. It’s been the traditional blush product for a long time because it’s user-friendly, covers well, and comes in so many shades. Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg told InStyle, “Powder blush is a great option for anyone who prefers a matte finish,” and pointed out these formulas are “typically more heavily pigmented than creams,” meaning that you can achieve a full-coverage look pretty effortlessly.
The secret is in the formula. Powder is generally thicker than a cream or a stain. Plus, it absorbs any excess oil from your face for a non-shiny finish. As long as they are applied correctly, they can outlast cream blushes. Speaking of application, powder blush is buildable, making it hard to apply too much. Simply use a brush (fluffy for subtle color and dense for vivid) to pick up color from your compact, tap off the excess, and sweep it along the cheekbones in an upward motion.
Powder blush is best if you want a matte finish, medium lasting wear, and want to be able to build your color. The only disadvantage is that it isn’t ideal for fresh skin without some sort of foundation already applied. If you put it on a bare face with oily or wet spots, your application may look blotchy.