Tips & Tricks

Difference Between Loose Powder, Pressed Powder and Two Way Cake

November 29, 2007

Loose Powders come in a jar with a sift and are used mostly to set liquid foundation. Compared to pressed powders and two way cakes, they are more finely milled. Their coverage can range from sheer to medium, and they are available in translucent, flesh tones and correcting colors. Loose powders are also suitable for all types of skin.


To apply loose powder, I like to use a huge powder puff. Dip the puff into the loose powder, squeeze out the excess by rubbing the two sides towards each other then apply onto the face in a light, rolling motion. You can also apply loose powder with a big, fluffy brush.

Pressed Powders, on the other hand, come in a compact with a built-in mirror. They are easy to travel with and are perfect for touch-ups. Coverage-wise, they tend to be on the heavier side with a matte finish. Again, they are available in translucent, flesh-toned and correcting colors. Pressed powders are more suitable for normal to oily skin.



How To Apply: Pressed powders can be applied with a brush or a powder puff. I myself prefer using a brush for a more natural look. Simply swirl your brush over the powder, tap off excess then buff into the skin using a circular motion.

Similar to pressed powders, Two Way Cakes, also known as Wet/Dry Powder Foundations in the West, come in a compact and are the most versatile. They can be used wet and dry as a foundation or for touch-ups. Applying them wet tend to give heavier coverage while applying them dry will give a sheerer effect. Two-way cakes only come in flesh-toned colors to match your skintone. They are also most popular in Asia and are more suitable for those with normal to oily skin.



How To Apply: To apply, wet a sponge and squeeze out the excess water. Dip the sponge into the product then pat directly over the skin. To use it dry, run a big powder brush over the product then buff into the skin.

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14 Comments

  • Reply Anonymous November 29, 2007 at 10:38 am

    ahh thanks =D

  • Reply Anonymous November 29, 2007 at 6:07 pm

    you said you like mac sheer select powder, does that still give med/good coverage or is it too sheer to use alone as foundation?

  • Reply Anonymous November 29, 2007 at 6:40 pm

    speaking of glowing skin…can you do something on BB Cream?

  • Reply Phyllis November 29, 2007 at 11:34 pm

    The MAC Select Sheer powder is *not* a powder foundation. It is too sheer for that and I just use it for touchups. If you want something with more coverage, go for the Studio Fix.

  • Reply Grayburn November 30, 2007 at 3:35 pm

    My personal favorite powder is the Shu Uemura loose powder. Come check out my blog grayburn.blogspot.com 🙂

    Thanks for your great articles!

  • Reply Grayburn November 30, 2007 at 3:36 pm

    My personal favorite powder is the Shu Uemura loose powder. Come check out my blog grayburn.blogspot.com 🙂

    Thanks for your great articles!

  • Reply Karen December 1, 2007 at 2:12 am

    Hey Phylz,

    I am wondering if you use falsies everyday? I am looking for some natural style but yet have a little oomph… Like a tone down version of Ardell 106? I had Ardell 106 but they look a little too dramatic… lol

  • Reply Anonymous December 1, 2007 at 5:20 pm

    what colour do you have the clinque powder in?

  • Reply Miss O. December 1, 2007 at 9:00 pm

    loose powder is so messy! but still fun 🙂

    cool blog, btw. keep it up!

    Beauty 365
    Beauty Every Day

  • Reply Phyllis December 2, 2007 at 5:15 pm

    Karen, for a natural look, try Ardell’s #109 and #110.

  • Reply Phyllis December 2, 2007 at 5:17 pm

    I have the Clinique loose powder in 03 Glow.

  • Reply atul June 29, 2012 at 11:01 pm

    hello..i just want to know, can two way cakes can be used as a pressed powder too? or the purpose of this two way cakes is for foundation only? thanks for answering.. im soooo virgin in this make up stuff… 🙂

    • Reply Phyllis June 30, 2012 at 12:04 am

      You sure can! Using a two-way cake to set foundation will give you heavier coverage.

  • Reply lyra August 26, 2012 at 5:01 am

    Hey whats the brand of that two way cake?thanks much!

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