pressed vs. loose powder

It’s always confusing when you have makeup products that look similar, but you know probably do different things.

I use both products above (Maybelline Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder & Loose Finishing Powder) depending on my makeup look.

If I want a shiny, diamond like finish to my routine, I’ll use my loose powder!!

If I’m in a rush and want more coverage on my face, I’ll finish my makeup routine with pressed powder!

#lemon8partner #settingpowder #sephora #makeup #glow

2025/3/31 Edited to

... Read moreWhen it comes to makeup, understanding the differences between pressed and loose powders is essential for achieving your desired look. Pressed powders offer a convenient way to get more coverage quickly, making them ideal for touch-ups throughout the day or for those in a rush. They provide a mess-free application and often come in a compact, making them travel-friendly. On the other hand, loose powders are perfect for setting makeup, helping to control shine, and creating a radiant finish. Loose powders can give that sought-after, airbrushed look that enhances your natural glow without the heaviness. To apply loose powder effectively, use a fluffy brush to distribute the powder evenly across your face, focusing on areas that tend to get oily. Knowing when to use each type can elevate your makeup routine, allowing you to achieve the perfect balance between coverage and a luminous finish. Whether you prefer a matte look or a dewy glow, each product plays a unique role in your beauty arsenal.

13 comments

Jaz✨'s images
Jaz✨

I use loose powder for my makeup when I’m first doing it then my pressed powder for touch ups through out the day❤️🔥

NrdyLatinQueen's images
NrdyLatinQueen

❤️

See more comments

Related posts

Two powder products, one pressed and one loose, are displayed on a white surface, introducing a comparison between them.
A person with closed eyes is shown, while text explains that loose powder is for setting foundation and concealer, and pressed powder is for midday touch-ups to blot shine.
An open pressed powder compact is shown, with small before-and-after images demonstrating its smoothing and mattifying effect for convenient touch-ups and blotting shine.
Pressed powder vs loose powder
Here’s when I use each: ✨Loose powder = right after foundation/concealer for that soft-set, long-lasting base. ✨ Pressed powder = midday touch-ups when I need to blot shine or freshen up. ✨ Pressed Powder - Maybelline Fit Me Pressed powder is super convenient for touch-ups on the go. It’s c
stephanie tran

stephanie tran

870 likes

A flat lay of various makeup products including powders, blushes, mascaras, lip products, and brushes, arranged on a white fabric background, illustrating a comparison between high-end and affordable options.
Three foundation bottles are displayed on a white fabric background, representing 'splurge' foundation recommendations that offer long-lasting, skin-like coverage.
Two concealer tubes are shown on a white fabric background, highlighted as 'splurge' concealers known for minimal creasing and long-lasting coverage.
high end vs. affordable makeup ✨
i started my makeup journey only using affordable makeup products and only recently have found high end products that i absolutely love! i truly believe in investing in your skin and yourself and some high end products just can’t be substituted 💗 #lemon8partner #highendmakeup #drugstorem
Jess ♡

Jess ♡

1751 likes

how to powder your face correctly
Easy quick steps for people who like simple things⭐️ Products used are listed below elf halo glow $10 juvias place radiance $15nakeup hourglass concealer $36 ckles mango people bronzer $27 fit me pressed powder $10 carslan setting powder $17 duo blush $9 #lemon8partner #makeuptips #m
Stussytai

Stussytai

16.7K likes

oily vs dry skin makeup tips + tricks 💖
I wanted to share some tips & tricks for your makeup routine - 𝙤𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙫𝙨 𝙙𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙣 edition! 🩷 Choosing the right products for your skin type is key to making your makeup not only look good - but to also last all day/ night. ✨️ If you have oily skin, go for products that will help mattify &am
yariibabyy

yariibabyy

1209 likes

loose powder vs. pressed powder
Products mentioned: Kosas cloud setting powder shade candy Hourglass cosmetics vanish airbrushed powder Hourglass translucent loose setting powder Givenchy prisme powder shade voile rose #lemon8partner #translucent powder #setting powder #settingpowder #makeuptips
Kayla

Kayla

80 likes

DIY Pressed Powder🤍
#makeup #beauty #beautyfinds #makeuptutorial
Victorialyn

Victorialyn

3354 likes

A hand holds a black compact powder foundation, labeled with a green checkmark and 'BUY'. Overlaid text lists positive attributes: stays on all day, doesn't look cakey, buildable coverage, and matte finish. A social media logo is in the corner.
BUY OR BYE: Powder Foundation! ✅❌
✅ Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder ❌ L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation #buyorbye #lemon8challenge #beautyfinds #makeup #foundation #makeupreview #beauty #beautyreview #MAYBELLINE #lorealparis
Caroline 🫶🏼

Caroline 🫶🏼

496 likes

A flat lay displays various pressed setting powder compacts and a makeup brush. Overlay text introduces the "Top 5 Pressed Setting Powders" for over 40 skin, emphasizing a natural, not completely matte base.
A hand holds an open compact of Hourglass Vanish Pressed Powder with a brush. The text describes it as a most-used powder for under eyes and all-over setting, offering no coverage with a natural matte blurring finish.
Hands hold an open compact of Givenchy Prisme Libre powder, featuring multiple shades. The text describes it as a brightening powder that blurs and looks natural, preferred over its loose powder version.
Top 5 Pressed Setting Powders
Another base product focus after my foundation/skin tint post. The setting powders I love to use to achieve a more natural look that doesn’t look like I’ve used powder. Especially when you’re over 40, it’s hard to find a powder that doesn’t accentuate fine lines and make you completely matte. These
Elizabeta

Elizabeta

125 likes

Putting on loose powder in 2026
Putting on loose powder in 2026 #settingpowder #makeuptutorial
FWI Aurum Beauty

FWI Aurum Beauty

647 likes

Two pink pressed setting powders, one from Tower28 in a lavender compact and one from Kosas in a clear compact, are displayed against a blue plaid bag. The image compares the two powders.
A person's face with makeup, showcasing the effect of the Tower28 pressed setting powder in Palisades Pink. Text highlights its airbrushing, brightening, and lightweight qualities.
A person's face with makeup, demonstrating the Kosas Cloud Baked Setting Powder in Candy. Text describes it as brightening, non-cakey, and blending nicely for an airbrushed look.
Tower28 vs. Kosas Pink Pressed Setting Powders 🎀
I wanted to share a side by side comparison of the two new pink pressed setting powders from tower28 and kosas to see which one I preferred and how each one looks, while I think everyone’s preference is different I loved being able to test how my makeup looks with each product + both of these produ
kaitlyn

kaitlyn

162 likes

A flat lay shows a square loose powder container and a round pressed powder compact on a textured tray, with text asking 'WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?'. The image introduces a comparison between loose and pressed powders.
An open loose powder container is shown with a hand swatching powder on the wrist. Text describes loose powder application, its benefits for baking, oil absorption, blurring pores, and a lightweight, matte, airbrushed finish.
An open pressed powder compact with a mirror is displayed. Text details pressed powder application, its suitability for normal/dry skin and touch-ups, and a natural to satin finish depending on the formula.
loose vs. pressed powder
Loose Powder — When to Use It • When you want your makeup to last all day (events, weddings, long shifts) • During hot/humid days to control shine • While baking under the eyes or carving out cheekbones • For a matte finish when you’re on camera or filming content • If you’re doing a full glam
Karissa O.

Karissa O.

16 likes

Three open containers of a new loose powder product with red lids and light-colored bases are displayed against a blue background. An overlay states, 'my thoughts on the !!NEW!! Wonder Snatch Powder from NYX Cosmetics'.
A product listing for a setting powder shows a pink container, multiple shade options, a size of 0.2 oz, and a price of $12.00. An overlay suggests the product 'looks great' with 'tons of shades, great claims, affordable'.
A white box highlights the product's size as '0.2 oz' and price as '$12.00'. An overlay questions the value, stating, 'But then you really look at what you're buying .... Something doesnt look quite right'.
NYX WONDER SNATCH LOOSE POWDER
TAKIN YALL TO BEAUTY SCHOOL WITH THIS POWERPOINT PRESENTATION THANKYOU i am flabbergasted at how insanely ridiculous this price per amount is ,,,, what are you literally talking about TRAVEL SIZED POWDERS have more product in them and this product is marketed as a FULL SIZED ITEM absolute
✨Cam✨

✨Cam✨

58 likes

A hand holds two setting powder containers, one black and one dark gray, with text overlay indicating a comparison of most versus least reached for powders.
Three setting powder containers are displayed, including a large orange one labeled 'Most reached' and a small black one described as ideal for travel.
Three setting powder containers are shown, with text indicating they are 'Least reached' and describing one as new and another as having a glowy finish.
Most vs Least reached for setting powder
A setting powder is perfect for my oily skin, it is a must in my daily makeup. Here I show you the ones I use the most and the ones I use the least, it should be noted that they are all very good. #lemon8challenge #lemon8beautycrew #setting powder #lemon8beauty
Roxy H

Roxy H

20 likes

A flat lay of five makeup powders on a white sheet, including Huda Beauty, Maybelline, Charlotte Tilbury, Elf, and Wet n Wild, with text overlaying 'honest review of powders as someone with oily skin'.
A Huda Beauty loose powder container on a white sheet, with text describing it as matte, blurring, oil-controlling, non-cakey, and long-lasting for hot weather.
An Elf Halo Glow setting powder container on a white sheet, with text noting it's not fully matte, has less oil control, emphasizes texture, and is better for dry skin.
powder review for oily skin
my honest opinions on powders as someone with oily skin! huda beauty loose powder - great to set makeup - keeps my under eyes smooth - great for hot weather elf halo glow loose powder - didnt do anything - no oil control - shows texture ct press powder - I LOVEE this powder - keep
haylee

haylee

106 likes

best pressed powders
best pressed powders . . . . #drugstoremakeup #pressed powder #bestpressedpowders #shopmissa #essence #nyxcosmetics #settingpowdersrecommendations #lemon8beautycoupon #lemon8beautycrew #lemon8beauty
glamjazz

glamjazz

133 likes

Loose Powder vs. Pressed Powder!
#beautyhottakes #lemon8challenge Loose powder is only for the makeup purists. Pressed powder does the same — but without the mess. If you’re reaching for a loose formula just to feel “pro,” rethink it. A compact works just as well, and you’ll waste less. @Lemon8 Beauty #po
Warda

Warda

12 likes

A flat lay of four different makeup powders, including compact and loose powders, on a light surface. The image is titled 'Favorite powders for oily skin'.
An open container of loose setting powder with a puff. This powder is described as translucent, instantly smoothing, and mattifying for the skin.
Two containers of loose setting powder, one open with a sifter and the other with a puff. This powder is described as a peach powder that brightens and smoothes under-eyes.
Powder recommendations for oily skin✨
As someone with oily skin these are the powders that I use the most in my collection! Whether I’m doing natural makeup or a full beat, I have a powder for every look that will keep my skin matte🫶🏼 #lemon8partner #makeup #oilyskinmakeup #settingpowder #powder
Melanie

Melanie

224 likes

A woman demonstrates the first step of an under-eye powder hack for dry skin, holding a pressed powder compact and a makeup sponge. The text overlay indicates to use pressed powder first.
A woman demonstrates the second step of an under-eye powder hack, holding an open container of loose powder. The text overlay instructs to then go in with a loose powder.
A woman demonstrates a tip for even powder distribution, rubbing a makeup sponge with loose powder on the back of her hand. The text overlay explains this helps with even distribution.
Under Eye Powder Hack: for dry skin
As someone with dry skin we’re more likely to experience creasing under the eye. Since doing this hack I’ve experience virtually no creasing ✨ Skin Type: dry skin approved ✍🏻 Steps: 1. Use a pressed powder under you eyes first 2. Then go in with a loose powder 3. Wipe away excess with a bi
itssjordyyn 🩺🎀

itssjordyyn 🩺🎀

92 likes

A display of heart-shaped compacts of Too Faced Soft Blur Finish Setting Powder in various shades. The display highlights features like 'SET, BLOT & BLUR' and shows before-and-after images of skin with the powder.
A close-up of the 'Light' shade of Too Faced Soft Blur Finish Setting Powder in an open heart-shaped compact. Before-and-after images show the powder's effect on skin, with text indicating 'NEW!' and 'SET, BLOT & BLUR'.
A close-up of the 'Medium' shade of Too Faced Soft Blur Finish Setting Powder in an open heart-shaped compact. Before-and-after images illustrate the powder's effect on skin, alongside text about its blurring properties.
too faced soft blur finish setting powder
too faced soft blur finish setting powder . . . . #toofaced #toofacedsoftblurpowder #lemon8beauty #lemon8beautycrew #lemon8beautycoupon #demuremakeup #settingpowder #toofacedmakeup #pressed powder #newmakeup
glamjazz

glamjazz

327 likes

A pink container of loose setting powder and a black square container of loose setting powder are displayed on a quilted surface, with text indicating a comparison between two cosmetic items.
A pink container of loose setting powder is shown on a quilted surface, with text describing its qualities, including its shade, brightening effect, and smooth finish.
A black square container of loose setting powder is shown on a quilted surface, with text describing its qualities, including its color, beautiful setting, and smooth under-eye effect.
Drug Store vs High End Powder
Which one do you prefer? Wet n Wild vs Huda Beauty. I personally love them both 💕 #beautyfinds #lemon8partner #makeup #unfiltered #beautyfinds
Eliana 💕

Eliana 💕

112 likes

$19 quad setting powder Morphe PR just hit my doorstep… 👀
• LAUNCH DATE 5/14/26 • I’ve been using Morphe for YEARS so getting this in PR just feels full circle 👀 Inside: ✨ •2• $19 Quad setting powder ( 2 different shades ) ✨ $6 Powder puff First impressions: Super smooth, love that it has multiple shades in one… this is going to be so good
Scurtoworld | Shop & PR

Scurtoworld | Shop & PR

101 likes

benefits of using pressed powder
main benefit= SMOOTH BASE ☺️ #lemon8partner #makeuptips #makeuptutorial #easymakeup #makeupforbeginner
Stussytai

Stussytai

237 likes

Huda beauty loose powder
💰Price: 30
Rachel beauty supplier

Rachel beauty supplier

1 like

A young woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing makeup, looking up and to the side, showcasing a cushion foundation/powder makeup look.
A flat lay of various makeup products including setting powder, blush, bronzer, and liquid foundation, arranged on a wooden surface, labeled as makeup products.
A flat lay of beauty tools on a white surface, featuring a powder puff, an airbrush blender brush, and a powder blending brush.
CUSHION FOUNDATION/POWDER
Are you struggling with your makeup looking greasy and oily? Well I have the PERFECT products for you to try!😇 Makeup Products💋: ✨One Size Beauty Setting Powder - Creates a silky-smooth texture - Visibly blurs fine lines and improve the look of textured skin ✨Too Faced Powder Bronzer - Lon
ash💖

ash💖

91 likes

Two closed pressed powder compacts, one light pink and one black, are displayed on a white surface. Overlay text indicates a comparison between the two products.
Kosas vs Pat McGrath Pressed Powder🌸
These two are my favorite powders for my dry skin. I use them with a big fluffy brush to set my face. 💕The Kosas definitely has a bit more of a pink pigment to it, but it’s still subtle. Overall, I like Pat McGrath just a bit more because I feel like it has a bit more of a blurring effect witho
ellen_or_na

ellen_or_na

9 likes

Pressed Powders 😍✨
Maybelline Fit Me Matte+Poreless are a must have for your makeup kits! Apply them after your concealer to provide that blurring effect before applying your loose powder! ⭐️Overall rating: 10 /10 ⭐️
Vibez with Meg

Vibez with Meg

308 likes

Huda Beauty - Easy Bake Loose Powder
#verifiedonlemon8 #lemon8contest Get that airbrushed, poreless look with Huda Beauty. If you want your makeup to look completely flawless and crease-free all day long, you have to try Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Powder! It is extremely finely milled, controls shine perfectly, and instantly bri
emilymickel473

emilymickel473

6 likes

Products I used for the VS MAKEUP look🫶
MAKEUP LOOK • refy primer • merit moisturizer • huda beauty easy blur foundation • LYS bronzer stick: shade harmony • rare beauty blush: share joy • Armani concealer + natasha concealer • Givenchy loose powder • charlotte tilbury pressed powder • tarte blush • dior highlighter •
Sophia Tucker

Sophia Tucker

32 likes

Best Affordable Pressed Powder 😍🔌
Affordable pressed powder for makeup application. This is a solid product & step in my makeup routine for flawless, long lasting makeup! 🫶🏽 💄Product: Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder 💰Price Range: $6 - $12 🛍Available at: Ulta, Target, Amazon & mostly all drugstores #makeupproduc
DIDI

DIDI

47 likes

A container of loose mineral powder is centered, with various makeup brushes in a black holder in the background. The image has text overlay stating 'Great Loose Mineral Powder For Aging Skin'.
Great Loose Mineral PowderFor Aging Skin
I was surprised at how much I really like this powder. It is a little thicker coverage and makes my face smooth and glowy even after hours of wearing. It works great for aging skin. It doesn’t look cakey or blotchy. It is definitely going to be a staple in my makeup vanity. 💌 Brand: Physicians Fo
Kim Edwards

Kim Edwards

3 likes

The difference between loose & setting powder
Comment LOOSE or SETTING powder which one do you actually use? #loosepowder #settingpowder #makeuphacks #makeuptip #makeuproutine
Brittney 💖✨💄

Brittney 💖✨💄

87 likes

$3.99 vs. $38.00 Setting Powder :o
Here’s me putting my least expensive setting powder against my most expensive one! I’d rate both a 5/5 because they gave me the finish I liked with minimal creasing and I didn’t mind the finalized color from each With that being said, I was very surprise that my cheapest finished the exact s
itssjordyyn 🩺🎀

itssjordyyn 🩺🎀

86 likes

Dusting and setting powder for oily skin 🍋
These are 2 of my absolute favorite pressed powders‼️ it’s extremely important to dust your baking off with a powder to help not leave the ashy cast in the areas you baked…. Just try it and lmk how you like it 😝🤌🏾 #underratedmakeupproducts #pressedpowdermusthave #oilyskinmakeup #pressedmakeu
Yoitsasapkay

Yoitsasapkay

119 likes

A hand holds a Glamlite Bake & Set Cookie Dough Powder box, featuring a Marshalls price tag of $5.99. The box highlights it's formulated with Vitamin E, sulfate-free, and vegan, promising a flawless finish and sweet vibes.
A hand holds the Glamlite Bake & Set Cookie Dough Powder box, showing a Marshalls price tag. The image emphasizes the powder locks in glam, smells like fresh-baked cookies, and ensures zero cakiness for coziness.
The side of the Glamlite Cookie Dough Powder box is shown, highlighting PETA approval, 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and woman of color-owned. Green checkmarks reinforce these features.
✨🍪 Glamlite Cookie Dough Setting Powder 💋✨
✨ Spotted the Glamlite Bake & Set Cookie Dough Powder at Marshall’s and had to share this gem! 🙌 🍪 Why it’s amazing: ✔️ Sulfate-free (gentle on skin) ✔️ Vegan + enriched with Vitamin E (hello skin-loving formula!) ✔️ Created by a woman of color-owned brand 💕 ✔️ Locks in your makeup witho
Margarita

Margarita

69 likes

Powder Guide For Beginners ✨
Hey Gorgeous Gang 🧡✨! Let’s break down the powder game, shall we? Whether you’re a makeup newbie or just looking to brush up your skills, here’s the lowdown: ✨ LOOSE POWDER ✨ - Got oily skin? This one’s your BFF. - Perfect for that baking magic or just setting your look. - Smooth as silk f
Ashley | Self Taught Beauty

Ashley | Self Taught Beauty

14 likes

powder blushes that are definitely worth your $$$
powder blushes that are definitely worth your $$$ . . . . #lemon8beautycrew #worthyourmoney #powderblushes #rembeautyblush #rarebeautyblush #maccosmeticsblush #onesizebeautyblush #benefitcosmeticsblush #givenchyblush #pinkblush
glamjazz

glamjazz

73 likes

A flat lay of three setting powders: Elf Halo Glow, Milk Makeup, and Huda Beauty Easy Bake and Snatch, with text 'Setting Powder FAVORITES' and 'SWIPE'.
An open Elf Halo Glow Setting Powder with its lid, highlighting its features: 100% cruelty free, soft glow without shine, for oily skin, and talc free.
An open Milk Makeup setting powder with its lid, noting its cruelty free, 100% vegan, matte finish, and long-wearing properties.
Setting Powder Musthaves 🫶
if you are looking for the best Setting powders so you can stay matte all summer don’t look any further!✨ ⭐️Elf Cosmetics Halo Glow Setting Powder ⭐️Milk Make-up Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Powder ⭐️Huda Beauty Easy Bake and Snatch Pressed Powder #lemon8partner #settingpowder #elf halo
Yourgirlsfinds

Yourgirlsfinds

52 likes

Four cosmetic compacts are displayed on a grey furry surface. They include a light beige rectangular case, a round gold case with a central logo, a light beige square case with an interlocking logo, and a black square case with an interlocking logo.
Top Fav High-End Pressed Powders
1st place: Hourglass 2nd place: Chanel Ultra le Teint 3rd place: Charlotte Tillbury 4th place: Chanel Les Beiges #Chanelbeauty #hourglass #charlottetilbury #pressedpowder #highendmakeup
Melanie💄

Melanie💄

7 likes

What pressed powder is everyone using???
I’m in need of a new powder🤷‍♀️ What is everyone’s recs??? 🥥🤎👜🐶 #makeup #recommendations #sephora #ultahaul #makeuptips
McKenzie🤎

McKenzie🤎

83 likes

A hand holds a black makeup compact with text on its lid, against a blurred background of beauty items. Overlay text highlights it as a "MUST HAVE Setting Powder."
A hand holds a black makeup compact with text on its lid, positioned on a vanity with a floral makeup bag and brushes in the background.
A hand holds a black makeup compact, slightly open to reveal the light-colored pressed powder inside. Overlay text identifies it as "Setting Powder."
MUST HAVE SETTING POWDER
One of my new favorite products! This setting powder matches my skin so perfect and doesn’t leave my feeling caky! It is the perfect finish for dewy makeup looks and pairs so well with halo glow as a base. It’s also awesome for touch-ups on the go. It gives you the same long-lasting, shine-free
AR👸🏼

AR👸🏼

11 likes

6$ loose setting powder 🥰
#makeup #wetnwildmakeup #wetnwildbeauty #wetnwildmusthaves #fy
olgao

olgao

30 likes

Diamond Glow Loose Setting Powder
A setting powder that glows and has shimmer! 😍 Let's try Beeige Beauty Diamond Glow Loose Setting Powder Perfect for 24 hr shine control All day wear and waterproof No flashback #fyp #settingpowder #makeup #beauty #makeupmusthaves
Jordy Ka'oir 🎀

Jordy Ka'oir 🎀

5 likes

See more