Powder is one of the most popular beauty care product used by men and women including infant to keep the skin dry, to suppress the bad (sweat) odor and to feel fresh. Face powder is a cosmetic powder, that is used to add a matte or nonshiny finish to the face. It helps to absorb excess oil and minimizes the shine of oily skin. It is used to set the foundation, making it easier to apply other powder, such as blush.

A good face powder should produce a smooth finish to the facial skin, masking visible imperfections of the face and shine due to moisture or grease from perspiration or secretion of sebaceous and sweat glands or from preparations used on the skin. The powder must produce a lasting effect, so that frequent application is unnecessary. The preparation should make the face pleasant to look and touch. The degree of opacity can vary from opaque, in case of clown make-up, to almost transparent.

It must adhere to the skin and be reasonably resistant to the mixed secretions of the skin. they must be sufficient slip to enable the powder to spread on the skin by the puff without producing a blotchy effect. Lastly it should be skin- friendly and free from harmful chemicals with long shelf life.

References

1. Andre O. Barel; P. Marc; Howard I. Maibach; Handbook of cosmetic sciences and technology; USA, 2001; ISBN: 0-8247-0292-1

2. B.M. MITHAL; R.N. SAHA; A Handbook of Cosmetics, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, PILANI, India; First Edition 2000; ISBN 81-85731-22-5

3. Milady's Standard Cosmetology Textbook, facial makeup, 1^st Ed, 2012, Chap:24