Guide

Cream vs powder - what's the difference?

Natalie Hemengül
16.6.2020
Translation: machine translated

Creamy make-up products for the complexion are on the rise. But what distinguishes them from the tried-and-tested powder format?

What Rihanna does, everyone imitates. It's a law of nature. The singer recently launched a range of creamy bronzers and blushes with her make-up brand "Fenty Beauty" (and I'm sure highlighters will follow soon). The reviews? Predominantly euphoric. Sure, the idea is not new. Cream products have been around longer than Rihanna's "Fenty". However, their successful launch suggests that other brands will soon follow suit and launch more creamy products on the market, whereas the focus in recent years has been on powder textures.

But what is it that makes cream products so popular?

But what is the difference and when does one make more sense than the other?

Powder - quick and easy

Powders are classics and more intuitive to use than cream products. To apply them, use a brush. If you have oily skin, the product "swallows" the oil over the course of the day and your skin stays matte for longer. Even on warm summer days when you sweat a lot, a powder can quickly counteract shiny skin. If you have dehydrated skin, on the other hand, it can even emphasise dry patches and flaky skin.

Maybelline New York Face Studio City (300 Deep Cool, Bronzer, 8 g)
Highlighter + Bronzer
Quantity discount
CHF8.55 per piece for 3 units CHF1187.50/1kg

Maybelline New York Face Studio City

300 Deep Cool, Bronzer, 8 g

L'Oréal Paris True Match Le Blush (165 Rosy Cheeks)
Blusher
Quantity discount
CHF13.10 per piece for 2 units CHF2740.–/1kg

L'Oréal Paris True Match Le Blush

165 Rosy Cheeks

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer (Beige)
Eyeshadow
CHF21.70 CHF2552.94/1kg

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

Beige

Maybelline New York Face Studio City (300 Deep Cool, Bronzer, 8 g)
Quantity discount
CHF8.55 per piece for 3 units CHF1187.50/1kg

Maybelline New York Face Studio City

L'Oréal Paris True Match Le Blush (165 Rosy Cheeks)
Quantity discount
CHF13.10 per piece for 2 units CHF2740.–/1kg

L'Oréal Paris True Match Le Blush

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer (Beige)
CHF21.70 CHF2552.94/1kg

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

Cream - so everything runs like clockwork

You can apply creamy or even liquid bronzers, blushes and highlighters with different tools: brush, damp sponge or fingers. However, I would only use the latter for small areas. So for the blush on the cheek or the highlighter on the high points of the face. For the bronzer, which you use on large areas, it is best to use a sponge or brush to save time and avoid a blotchy result. Compared to a powder, it takes a little more effort to blend the product evenly.

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks (Fresh Melon)
Blusher
CHF40.05 CHF10 824.32/1kg

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks

Fresh Melon

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks (Fresh Melon)
CHF40.05 CHF10 824.32/1kg

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks

The advantage of this texture is that it is easier to work into the skin and literally melts into it with the warmth of your fingers or face. This makes the product look very natural. Cream products are a good alternative to powder, especially for dry skin - also seasonally due to the cold winter months. They moisturise the skin. If you tend to have very oily skin, it's better to steer clear of them. Otherwise, your complexion will be shinier than usual after a few hours.

Beware of "cream-to-powder" textures. Although they start out creamy, they take on a powdery finish during application.

Which texture is right for you is of course also a question of preference, apart from the recommendations above. 😚

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As a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions. 


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