HD Powders vs Camera Flash

HD powders when used with a damp sponge or brush will greatly reduce flashback. HD powders hate dry skin, and will cling and flashback - they aren't so problematic on oily skin, but it can still happen. Its still highly suggested to not use a HD powder if you're being photographed.

Foundation flashback is the problem that happens when you've applied your makeup and then had pictures taken with a flash and suddenly you have a face that is either white or far, far lighter than your actually skin colour/body.

This happens mainly when SPF is used in Foundation. And also when an SPF is used under foundation.

NOW - SPF is very very important, and i'm not stating otherwise. Its one of the best things you can do to protect your skin from future damage. So here are some things to think about to prevent foundation flashback.

1. Don't use a foundation that contains SPF if you know you're going to be photographed with a flash.

2. Don't use a SPF and a SPF foundation if you know you're going to be photographed.

3. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are mainly responsible for foundation flashback - but only when they are active ingredients (meaning in high concentrations).

4. If you're using a SPF foundation then use a setting powder that has a colour to it (ie - make up for ever super matte loose - or any other colour powder). This will help shield you from the flashback.

5. If you're a makeup artist doing bridal NO SPF what-so-ever unless its really really necessary.

6. HD powder that are 100% silica are a NO NO when using flash. They are the worst of the worst. Using a very light hand is fine, but if you apply with even the faintest of a heavy hand - well, you can see from the picture that i took.

7. Mineral makeup which contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide doesn't pose the same problems as much as liquid foundations do BUT caution is still advised. NOTE: I use mineral makeup when filming and when i'm going out. I had a photo shoot a few years back and i used a mineral foundation. While there was not flashback i was constantly having to "blot" the skin because the flash makes the skin look very very shiny.

8. When in doubt, test your foundation yourself first, to make sure :)