Face Powder

Aveda has struck the ideal balance in face powder amazingness with its Inner Light mineral loose powder ($28). An oldie but goodie, this light-as-air powder gives a decent amount of coverage but in an impressively sheer way. And because it's so feather-soft, this finely milled makeup won't settle into fine lines or clump by day's end. Instead, it lends a subtly luminous, semimatte finish.

A small portion on a large brush is all you need to quell shine and set makeup, but it's also easy to build upon if you want additional coverage. No need to worry about ashiness or orange tones either: this baby's translucent. What's not to love about this powerful powder?

The warmer the weather gets, the more you might be tempted to reach for your compact to ward off shine, but the last thing you want is to create a cake-y mess as a result. Whether you choose pressed or loose powder, CoverGirl celebrity makeup artist Jake Bailey has discovered a foolproof method for maintaining a matte look, even during heatwave temperatures. All you have to do is apply it once — the right way.

• The basics: Bailey recommends using a light formula that matches your skin tone in the morning, concentrating your application on the center of your face. "Most people say put powder in the T-zone, but really it's more like the middle zone," he explains. Sweep product on your forehead, chin, and nose, and don't forget the area around the nose.
• For touch-ups: Carry blotting papers instead of a pressed powder compact to avoid caking on more product during the day.
• Insider tip #1: Putting powder on the cheeks can draw attention away from your laugh lines.
• Insider tip #2: If you are planning to have your picture taken, then powder the entire face. Then use highlighter along your jawline to bring out a subtle shine.
• Insider tip #3: Bailey also likes to put powder on the inner eyes. Just use a clean eye shadow brush to cover lids and help eye makeup last.

Source: Flickr user Jonathan Kos-Read

If you've ever stood in the beauty aisle perplexed about whether to buy loose powder or pressed powder in a compact, this is the article for you. There really is a difference, but it's probably not what you'd expect. So to find out once and for all which one you should pick up, get the facts below.

Ever have days when you feel like you're going nonstop? The kind of days where coffee and/or bathroom breaks are activities for which you can only dream? Forget makeup touchups, because those aren't happening, either. These are the times when you'll want to be sure to have Wet n' Wild Natural Blend Pressed Powder ($5) in your beauty stash. The paraben-free powder, especially when applied with a large fluffy brush in the morning, helps subtly diffuse imperfections and set makeup all day long. And unlike many other drugstore variety powders, the finish is neither too orange nor cakey. It also keeps the t-zone shine-free for hours and hours. So whether time is on your side or it isn't, at least you won't have to worry about your makeup.

Yesterday while signing copies of her new book, All That Is Bitter and Sweet: A Memoir ($14), Ashley Judd experienced a common makeup mishap: visible face powder marks. While many celebrities have also had similar incidences, chalky-looking makeup on your wedding day (or any other day, for that matter) is easy to avoid. Find out five tips for powder perfection when you read more.