When it comes to choosing powders, there are two options: pressed powder and loose powder. Which one is the better choice? The following comparison will help you figure that out. Loose Powder This powder is applied on the skin with a soft, fluffy brush. The cheeks, forehead, and chin are the main areas which should be properly covered. To get the best look, loose powder should always be applied after some base make-up, otherwise it can make the face look unnaturally powdery. Loose powder makeup is the ideal choice for women with oily skin. It can easily absorb the excess oil build up on the skin, thus giving a nice glow. Another advantage of loose powder is that it keeps the base make-up in place for a very long time. However, this powder has some disadvantages too. Women often complain about their face looking very unnatural as it is very difficult to get an even skin tone with this powder. If too much is applied, fine lines and wrinkles become even more noticeable. Another disadvantage is that you cannot carry this powder with you as it can be very inconvenient. Pressed Powder This powder can be carried anywhere as it is compact and fits in a variety of bags and clutches. For those quick touch-ups before an important meeting, between classes, or before an interview, pressed powders are the perfect solution as they are very convenient to carry and apply. The biggest advantage is that this powder gives the same benefits as loose powder for oily skin, i.e. excess oil is removed. Another instance where this powder scores over its loose counterpart is in hiding the imperfections. A foundation of this type can cover all types of blemishes, lines, wrinkles, and spots. The Verdict Although these powders can make your skin look beautiful temporarily, in the long run they can clog the pores and cause skin eruptions, pimples, and acne; especially if you have oily or sensitive skin. To avoid these skin conditions, washing off all the powder and make-up before sleeping is of utmost importance. For natural-looking skin, application of pressed powder is a better choice, especially if you are always on the go. However, if you like that porcelain effect on your skin, go in for loose powder. Along with this beauty product, see to it that you select the right tools of application too. Large fluffy brushes make for better applicators than the powder puffs that often come in the packages. Also, learn how to perfectly apply powder, whether loose or pressed, to get the best results.