We all know that when it comes being a man in the modeling world, the territory is going to look a whole lot different than any other industry.
One of my most popular blog posts is titled, "Real Men Wear Makeup!" and in the same vein of this theme, I decided to do a post about one of the most important items male models should have in their possession at all times: pressed powder.
If you're the kind of guy who is completely clueless about makeup in general, the good news is that pressed powder is one of the easier items to understand the role of when it comes to modeling.
One of the worst ways to take a photograph is to have a shiny complexion. Whether it's sweat or you have naturally oily skin, shine in front of the camera always results in unusable images. The way to combat that shine is by using pressed powder.
Isn't All Powder the Same?
There are a variety of powders on the market but as long as you focus on the pressed powders, that will narrow down your choices properly. How do you know if an item is pressed powder?
Well, for one thing, the label will clearly say so. Additionally, it's easy to identify because it is literally pressed into a compact (check out the photo associated with this post). You've likely looked at a pressed powder compact countless times without even realizing it (or caring, haha).
Loose powder is something you don't want, at least not for the purposes I'm stating in this post,especially for newbies. Does loose powder also combat shine? Absolutely. BUT for male models that need something easy to use on the go, whether it's for a casting, shoot or otherwise, pressed powder is going to be your go-to-product.
Why Is Pressed Powder So Special?
One, it's super convenient and easy to transport. The compact is small so you can toss it in your back pocket, a bag/backpack or keep it in your car.
Two, it's easy to use. Unlike loose powder, which is known for being extremely messy, pressed powder application only involves dabbing a powder puff (aka the white poofy thing that comes with the compact) into the pressed powder and then patting your face with it--never rub! And you don't need much, either, so a little will go a long way over time.
Where's the Best Place to Get Pressed Powder?
Not all pressed powder is created equal. There are two common places to find this item: your local drugstore or at a makeup counter at any department store.
If you're wondering which route is the best or if one is better than the other, my personal opinion is that it all boils down to price point and your budget. Anything you purchase at a department store makeup counter will be pricier. Obviously, drugstore items will be cheaper but that doesn't mean it won't necessarily be good quality.
Major makeup brands are sold everywhere so it's not like you can't find a recognizable name at a drugstore. The debate over whether to buy from a drugstore or a department store is always going to be split down the middle but ultimately the decision is up to personal preference and maybe some trial and error now and then.
Don't have a female friend, girlfriend/partner, etc who can guide you through the drugstore to select the best pressed powder for you? Then going to the makeup counter at a department store to find out what color/shade would work best is a good place to start.
You don't have to buy anything at the makeup counter if you're not ready. There's also nothing wrong with getting an idea of what product is best and then going to the drugstore to get it at a more affordable price (don't think I haven't done that once or twice!).
One More Thing to Keep In Mind
Not only do you want to make sure you stick to looking at pressed powder, you'll also want to make sure it is translucent. In layman's terms, you want powder that doesn't have any actual color to it.
Remember when I said that there's different types of powder out there? Well, there is such a thing as powder foundation. "Foundation" is the makeup item that has color to it and when applied to your complexion all over, it creates a smoother, uniform appearance.
This is not what you want when it comes to pressed powder. The purpose of pressed powder is to absorb and eliminate shine. You don't want a powder with color in it because when you put it on your complexion, it's going to make it spotty and uneven.
Translucent pressed powder does look like it has some color to it in the compact and it's true that there are shades to consider (i.e. light, medium, dark) but that's just to get it closer to your natural complexion. When you actually apply pressed powder that is translucent, it won't change your skin tone overall. It will only make your skin appear matte and not shiny, which is what you want.
Think you've got it, guys? I hope so because trust me, it's not as complicated as it may seem. Once you get into a drugstore or makeup counter and start getting familiar with what's out there, you'll eventually start to see which products would be a good fit for you.
Add translucent pressed powder into your modeling life and you'll definitely see the difference, both when you look in the mirror as well as when looking at your modeling photos.
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