Question of the day: Why should I use a setting powder?

I was recently asked by a client what the point of a setting powder was and why she should use one so I thought I would give my opinion on the topic here.

First of all let me start by saying there are 2 popular forms of setting powders. Loose and pressed.


You can buy translucent powder or powder with color depending on what you are looking for.

They are generally used to set makeup, help with prolonged wear, decrease oil and shine, provide a matte finish and in some cases provide a smooth finish to skin which helps to slightly conceal fine lines.

I like to apply it right after foundation but there are no rules with makeup, I also know people that apply it at the very end of their makeup application.
I tend to use the loose setting powder at home with a big fluffy brush and the pressed setting powder with a sponge for on the go and travel as its less messy.

Setting powders aren't a must for everyday wear but for some girls like me its a step I add in daily to help set my foundation and keep me shine free..... that being said I really have to get better at remembering to take my pressed setting powder with me when I change purses especially during the summer months!

I hope this has helped answer some of your questions on setting powders ;)

What do you use your setting powder for most?
Which do you prefer? loose or pressed?

Your Questions About Beauty Answered

I often get emails, facebook messages or in person questions about beauty and since I'm sure many people have similar questions I thought I would post them on here. This way not only can I share my personal advice but also discuss and hear from all of my readers thoughts on the topic.

Q: I'm not a makeup artist but love using a brush to apply my foundation what kind of foundation brush do you suggest for someone like me?

A: I have tested out a few different foundation bushes during the past year in search of one that not only feels comfortable to use but that actually gets the job done and isn't a pain to clean. The foundation brush I kept going back to believe or not was the one from the Joe Fresh Beauty line.
It costs $12 cdn and is easily available at most Loblaws and Superstores here in Canada. (I believe Joe Fresh is only available in Canada sorry my American friends).
I find the clear short handle not only sleek but super comfy for my small hands, the brush is thick and soft and in my opinion would do a fab job for makeup artist or beauty lovers alike!

You can see here im a fan of most Joe Fresh products and although I haven't tried any other their other brushes the foundation brush is one of my favs :)


Q: Ive been using Mac Foundations for a while now and they just seem so heavy on my face and come off when I touch my face, can you suggest any other foundations that don't feel heavy for me?

A: I'm really not a fan of Mac foundations to be honest. I find they tend to clog pores, sit heavy on your face and come off on the jackets of the men we hug! Also I find they don't photograph as nice as other foundations do. I no longer carry any Mac foundations in my kit or have any for personal use for these vary reasons.

If you have been reading my blog you know I'm a huge fan of Face Atelier's ultra pro foundations. They feel super light on your skin, are buildable and actually stays on your face! They are available online at FaceAtelier.com but if you are looking for something more easily available I would suggest Makeup Forever's Face & Body foundations (available at Sephora) for ladies with pink undertones and Vasanti's Liquid Cover up/foundation (see website for locations) for us ladies with yellow undertones.



I love getting questions from my readers and friends so keep them coming :) Feel free to email me at facesbyfarah@gmail.com and Ill do my best to get you the answers you need.

Why should I use toner?

Why should we tone after cleansing? What does it do? Why is it good?

Well here is your answer....

Toning is important for both men and women as it is the protective step after gentle, but thorough cleansing of the skin as it keeps pores clean and skin healthy. For men, the need for toners may be significantly more than women since they have about fifteen percent oilier skin and considerably larger pores than women.

Toners are especially useful in keeping away environmental debris and pollutants that can be detrimental to your skin's health and this simple act of daily cleansing and toning helps keep the skin clear and firm.

As your skin ages, it loses its elasticity and this lack of suppleness makes you appear older than your years; here is where the prudent use of a good toner comes in.

Toners help remove all traces of oil, dirt and makeup and revitalize your face by closing the pores when patted on gently with cotton pads. Toning helps refresh and improve blood circulation to add that lost glow of youth to your skin.

Also a good skin toner will also help prevent winkles. If that's not reason enough I don't know what it ;)

* Remember its always best to get a gentle alcohol- free toner.

Q & A : Dry cracked lips

Q: My lips are constantly dry and sometimes even crack during the winter months what can I do to solve this?

A: This is a common problem for many during the cold dry months so you're not alone. First of all do NOT pick at them as this tends to only aggravate the problem. Instead, try putting some Vaseline on them and with a soft toothbrush gently scrub your lips until the dry patches are gone then before bed each day coat lips with Vaseline and keep lips coated throughout the day with a moisturizing chapstick or gloss. That should do the trick... :)