Puffs are growing in popularity thanks to TikTok, but they’ve been in makeup bags for decades. Los Angeles-based professional makeup artist Nikki La Rose-Bonaldi says professional makeup artists have been using puffs for years to smooth and matte makeup without ruining the look. Some makeup artists even prefer puffs over other makeup brush styles. “Most brushes will make the powder look uneven and may ruin the liquid or cream makeup underneath,” explains La Rose-Bonaldi. At the same time, modern puffs tend to produce a smoother, more modified effect – especially under the eyes.
So how exactly do you use a puff to create the perfect look? Here’s everything you need to know about La Rose-Bonaldi and makeup artist Emily Gray.
What Is Powder Puff?
A powder puff is a tool used to apply setting powder to the face. While the term may be reminiscent of those huge, feathery puffs of the early 2000s, modern puffs are often the same size as the palm of your hand and have a velvety texture that is round or triangular in shape that gives your silhouette a puff. Face.
“The puff gently locks in makeup without the need to pull or scratch with a brush, resulting in a flawless overall look,” says La Rose-Bonaldi. She adds that this technique also minimizes the appearance of pores and uneven skin texture. Gray is also a fan of puffs and specializes in setting makeup with them. “The puff gives you more control over where the powder goes, and in my opinion, it creates a spray gun effect,” she says. “I only use makeup brushes when I want to cover my entire face with setting powder. ”
How to Use the Puff
Start with the base makeup
Before setting makeup, make sure the base is complete, Gray says. So, start by applying skincare products, foundation, concealer, tanning makeup, and contouring creams. Then you can move on to setting your makeup with the puff.
Dip the puff into the recipe of your choice
First, dip the puff into the setting powder. (Gray and La Rose-Bonaldi agree that this technique works well with powders or loose powders.) “These include powders, such as Catrice Prime and Fine Mattifying Powder, and loose powders, such as Catrice Loose Banana Powder,” she says. “This banana powder even contains a perfectly sized puff, perfect for touch-ups on the go. I also love the brightening effect it gives to my skin.”
The choice of powder or loose powder is a matter of personal preference. Powders won’t be that messy, and they’re a great option if you’re on the go. However, La Rose-Bonaldi points out that loose powder formulas look the most natural. As for how much powder to use, our experts say it depends on your skin type and the makeup you want. If you have very oily skin, La Rose-Bonaldi recommends using a generous amount of powder to get rid of the shine.
For dry skin, La Rose-Bonaldi says less is more, so use with caution and on important areas. If your skin is generally balanced, tailor your powder application to the look you want to achieve, Gray says. For a matte finish, apply more powder, and use less powder for a dewy look.
Preheat your puff
Once the puff is stained with powder, La Rose-Bonaldi and Gray recommend pat the puff onto the palm of your hand before applying it directly to the skin. This will remove excess product and distribute the powder evenly over the puff, making it easier to achieve the perfect application.
Press, don’t pull
The key, La Rose says, is to gently pat (not rub) the powder against the skin. According to La Rose-Bonaldi and Gray, the best area to apply the product with a puff is the T-zone, where many people get oily all day long and under the eyes for styling and brightening.
Puff and Baking
Using a puff to set makeup is not the same as the “baking” technique (although a puff can also be used for baking makeup). La Rose-Bonaldi says that “baking makeup” refers to adding excess powder, leaving it on for a few minutes, and then dusting off the remaining powder to brighten up the makeup under the eyes. While baked makeup may have been all the rage around 2015, Gray says it’s more suitable for stage makeup than everyday makeup. On the other hand, using a puff can still matte and set makeup, but it won’t look as heavy.
Choose the Right Puff
While there are tons of beautiful puffs on the market, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to add them to your daily routine. La Rose-Bonaldi is a big fan of these triangular velvet puffs, which come in packs of 12 for less than $10. Beautyblender has also launched a triangular puff version, which is very popular with makeup lovers.
Gray, on the other hand, prefers puffs made of velvet materials, such as Laura Mercier’s most popular puff. “These are soft and luxurious to the touch, and they attract great powder,” she says. Size and shape are also important, she adds. “I like smaller shapes, such as round or triangular ones, which can touch up more delicate areas of the face. ”
As with most beauty tools, you should wash your puff regularly. “I recommend using a mild soap to hand wash in warm water,” Laros Bonaldi said. “Then lay them flat on a towel to dry overnight. Do not throw them in the washing machine as this may cause wear and tear and affect staying power.”
That said, puffs aren’t meant to last forever. Gray recommends changing the puff once a week or so, depending on how often you use it. When in doubt, use your best judgment. “Your instincts will know when it’s time to replace your puffs,” Laros Bonaldi said. “Once the material starts rolling up like an old sweater, that’s the time. ”
