Mireille Vaux
Journal
Technique

Why powder is (mostly) killing modern skin

28 Jul 2026 · 4 min read · By Mireille Vaux

Why powder is (mostly) killing modern skin

Ten years ago we powdered everything because the camera forgave it. Today's sensors don't. Powder sits in texture, flattens dimension and reads as grey on deeper skin.

Where it still belongs

  • 01The centre of the forehead under hot studio lights
  • 02Beside the nose before a long wedding ceremony
  • 03Over a cut crease you need to stay sharp
“Shine is information. Remove it only where it lies about the shape of the face.”

What I use instead

Blotting papers, a damp sponge to press product into skin, and thinner layers from the start. The less you put on, the less you need to set.

Next entry

Formulating vermilion: a year of hand-mixed red